REVIEW: SANTINO HASSELL ✮ DOWN BY CONTACT

DOWN BY CONTACT

The Barons #2

by

SANTINO HASSELL

✮✮✮ 4.5 STARS ✮✮✮

Two rival football players begin a game with higher stakes than the Super Bowl in this steamy romance from the author of Illegal Contact. 

Simeon Boudreaux, the New York Barons’ golden-armed quarterback, is blessed with irresistible New Orleans charm and a face to melt your mama’s heart. He’s universally adored by fans and the media. Coming out as gay in solidarity with his teammate hasn’t harmed his reputation in the least—except for some social media taunting from rival linebacker Adrián Bravo.

Though they were once teammates, Adrián views Simeon as a traitor and the number-one name on the New Jersey Predators’ shit list. When animosity between the two NFL players reaches a boiling point on the field, culminating in a dirty fist fight, they’re both benched for six games and sentenced to joint community service teaching sullen, Brooklyn teens how to play ball.

At first, they can barely stand to be in the same room, but running the camp forces them to shape up. With no choice but to work together, Simeon realizes Adrián is more than his alpha-jerk persona, and Adrián begins to question why he’s always had such strong feelings for the gorgeous QB…

Homophobia is vile, there is no whitewashing it. It attacks a person's choice of who they love and that in itself is evil. Most of the MM books make it a theme one way or another but Santino Hassell  always puts his own stamp on it. Just take the setting of the book: two players in one of the most hypermasculine sports and let them butt heads on a football field.

On one side there is Adrián Bravo, who slams homophobic comments towards Simeon Boudreaux, who is the guy playing for the other team, in more than one sense - Simeon is Adrian's rival on the football field. After an altercation between the former-friends-turned-enemies that turned violent they are forced together, working at a Community Center for the length of their suspension.

Simeon is out and proud and completely unapologetic about his sexuality. His charm and easy-going, laid-back manners make him a favorite of the press, and me. Simeon is kind, affectionate and totally lovable. He's also very observant and calls Adrián out when he messes up but that mostly comes from a good place. I fell in love with him in the first book in this series and nothing has changed. Especially thesweet affectionate little gestures which he bestowed on Adrián made me break out in a smile repeatedly. He is an endearing, sweet character with his heart in the right place.

“I need you to tell me I won’t ruin your career by being in your life. Because no matter how hard I try to be discreet, I know somehow . . . I’ll screw it up. ’Cause that’s me, boo. I’m a mess. A loveable mess, but still a goddamn mess.”

Adrián seems shallow in the beginning. His behavior toward Simeon is more the one of a grade school boy pulling pigtails, seemingly unrepentant about his actions. It takes a while until he can admit to himself where his hostility towards Simeon stems from and until then he acts a lot like a brat.

From the moment he has his come-to-Jesus-moment Adrián pulls out all the stops to make it up to Simeon. I loved how he fought for their relationship, how once he realized that he was falling in love he was all in. Adrián is a complex character, adorkable, hilarious, with a too-smart-for-his-own-good mouth, but his devil-may-care attitude is only for show. Underneath there is an insecurity, a vulnerability and a sensitive soul that surfaces the more time he spends with Simeon.

Simeon touched my hand, fingers so tentative and so light it broke my heart. He shouldn’t be afraid to touch me.

I adored them together. They are playful, cheeky, their dynamic is sizzling and totally engrossing because both of them are dominant characters but with Simeon being the more relaxed one of the duo they find common ground. He lets Adrián set the pace of their developing relationship. When they get dirty it's downright combustible, their chemistry is insane.

That Santino Hassell chose people of color doesn't go unappreciated. It's s rare to find in MF books, even less in MM. The way the two main characters talk feels entirely natural, authentic, which made their interaction even better. The dialogues are full of wit and banter and their exchanges made the book lighter than I thought it would be.

“Motherfucker, I do not have no small dick.”

“If you say so, partner. No judgment here in the land of seven inches.”

“And ain’t no need to front over here in the land of eight.”

Adrián leaned farther across the table. “Wanna check?”

This enemy-to-lovers story is powerful, has enough grit to make it not too sweet and has an important message. The writing is top-notch, gripping and keeps you invested in Adrian and Simeon's journey. Santino Hassell is quickly becoming a favorite. I am super curious who the next book will be about. I'll definitely pick it up!

4.5 STARS ✮ CHARLEE JAMES ✮ THE BOOKWORM AND THE BEAST

THE BOOKWORM AND

THE BEAST

by

Charlee James

✮✮✮ 4.5 STARS ✮✮✮

When quiet, bookish Izzy Simon accepts a two-week assignment as an assistant for an author of children’s books, it seems like the perfect way for her to make some much-needed extra money, but the grumpy author claims he doesn’t want or need her services. He might be as handsome as a storybook prince, but his prickly personality and resistance to all things Christmas are sure to make for a chilly holiday season.

Derek Croft never agreed to the cheery temp his staff arranges for him while they’re on vacation. Izzy is his polar opposite, but Derek soon realizes she could be the perfect solution to his interfering family…if he can get her to agree to pretend to be his live-in girlfriend. Before long Izzy’s sweet disposition and unflappable optimism has him decorating a tree and looking forward to late night hot cocoa, but he’s all too aware their time together can’t last.

I love a fairytale retelling. They’re a guilty pleasure and this was pretty much all I could have wished for as Charlee James has created a story filled with Christmas sparkle, romance and feeling.

A worm and a porcupine. We make quite a pair.”

I fell head over heels for these characters within pages. From the moment sweet, stubborn librarian Izzy knocks on reclusive author Derek’s door having being employed by his meddling staff as his temporary PA over the holidays, I was hooked. And it’s no secret that a brooding arse of a man, and one who loves his dog at that, can render me a puddle on the floor. 

People weren’t always what they seemed, including the ones you loved most.”

Characters like Derek are proof that I don’t need my literary men to be a brute in the bedroom to steal my heart because he stole mine without displaying an ab or an appendage: it was his brain, his words and his actions which totally stole my heart. And when you mix that with a heroine who brings fun, fight and light, then you won’t go far wrong with me. 

I’m not ready for this to be over.”

This would have been a solid 5 for me had the ending not felt rushed, but nevertheless, Charlee James has created an enchanting modern day fairytale perfect for this time of year. And with a lovely writing style, I can’t wait to read more from her in the future. 

Happily-ever-afters certainly existed.”

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4.5 STARS ✮ CARRIE ELKS ✮ A WINTER'S TALE

A WINTER'S TALE

The Shakespeare Sisters #2

by

Carrie Elks

✮✮✮ 4.5 STARS ✮✮✮

Struggling film student Kitty Shakespeare is as bad at interviews as she is talented at making films. She's given herself until the end of the year to score an internship in LA, otherwise it'll be back to London with her tail between her legs. Unfortunately the only job offer on the table is as nanny to major producer Everett Klein's son, Jonas. It's not exactly the career she'd hoped for, but if she can get this right, then surely he'll take a moment to look at her work. However, what Kitty hasn't allowed for is Everett's sexy-as-hell brother, Adam - and love at first sight this is not.

Adam Klein may be sexy, but he's also gruff, rude and completely impossible. All he wants to do hole up in his cabin and hide from the brother who destroyed his life. If only he could find it easier to ignore the way Kitty makes his heart race...

As Christmas approaches, Kitty and Adam realise that although the course of true love never does run smooth, just maybe, it's more interesting that way...

I have to admit I was a little nervous going into A Winter’s Tale as its predecessor and opening book in The Shakespeare Sisters series saw me clash somewhat with the characters. But there’s no finer feeling than realising a couple of chapters in that you’re well on the way to being taken to your happy place.

Welcome to Cutler’s Gap. Home of Dead Deer and Sexy Bearded Assholes.”

This book is the reason I love Carrie Elks’ writing: a couple to fall in love with, a magical romance, humour, a smattering of angst and those moments which leave a lump in your throat. I adored Kitty, empathising with her fears and loving her gentler nature, quiet determination and soft heart, but I’d be a liar if I said it wasn’t Adam that stole this book for me, because I have a particular affinity to brooding grumpy men.

All the best fairy tales have bad guys, after all.”

Adam’s ongoing feud with his brother created just the right amount of tension and drama, but I loved how it never took the shine off the romance or the magical Christmas atmosphere, and as Kitty worked her way into his heart smoothing his harsher edges, the romantic in me sighed—they were wonderful together.

I might be an asshole, but I’m not afraid to say when I’m wrong. And this time I’m definitely wrong.”

This series may have had a shakier start for me, but all that didn’t work in Cesca’s story was righted by Kitty’s and I’m looking forward to seeing how Lucy and Juliet’s happy ever afters play out in 2018.

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4.5 STARS ✮ SAWYER BENNETT ✮ VAN

VAN

Cold Fury #9

by

Sawyer Bennett

✮ ✮ ✮ 4.5 STARS ✮ ✮ ✮

Score one for the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team as a stone-cold badass melts for a woman who makes his blood run hot.

As one of the league’s toughest enforcers, Van Turner is ruthless on the ice. He plays hard because it’s the only way to channel the rage boiling inside, and a reputation as an A-hole is better than everyone knowing the truth. Van has spent his entire life running from a secret that’s kept him from getting involved in relationships—or accepting lucrative deals with East Coast teams. Then the Carolina Cold Fury makes him an offer he can’t refuse . . . and Van meets a woman he can’t resist.

Simone Fournier is the stubborn one in her family—and that’s saying something, considering her brothers are two of the Cold Fury’s biggest stars. Simone gets what she wants, and what she wants is Van. Still, there’s a part of him Simone can’t reach, no matter how hard she tries. In private, he’s all fire and passion. In public, he freezes her out. Van may want to push her away, but Simone won’t let him go that easily. Because this time, she’s playing for keeps.

The Cold Fury series keeps getting better! I loved most of them, three of them were outstanding for me, those being Alex, Max and *drum roll*, now VAN! Yes. I would even argue that this new installment in the series is the best of yet.

I had crazy fun with the main characters of the book. We met Van and Simone in Lucas, which was Simone and Max Fournier's brother. It was obvious that there was something going on between the vivacious Simone and the taciturn Van.

Simone was a hoot. She is sexually very forward, has no issue saying what she wants and is relentless in pursuing it. She has a thick skin and doesn't take it personally when Van keeps saying no to her, no, it spurs her on. Simone isn't a doormat or easy, when she draws a line she won't cross it. As stubborn as she is in her pursuit of Van, she doesn't let him walk all over her. And then we get the side of her with the big heart, the depth that shows the love for her family, the compassion she feels for Van's past, her sorrow for having disappointed her family and her own confusion about her future.

Van?” I whisper. “Am I still shiny?”
He chuckles, pulls me in tighter, and squeezes the breath out of me.
“Yes, Simone. So fucking shiny you make everything else in the world seem a little dull by comparison.”

Van is one cranky dude. His walls are miles high and in the beginning Simone is nothing else but a pebble in his shoe. She annoys the hell out of him but the girl has a way of getting under  his skin and soon he finds himself doing and thinking uncharacteristic things. Simone comes into his life with a wrecking ball and tears down his walls. Little by little he lets her in. Van isn't easy to love in the beginning but gradually with each comical exchange between those two and his obvious confusion about Simone you can't help but fall in love with him.

He gives a ragged moan that sounds fulfilled and defeated all at the same time.

There is a fine line when it comes to cranky alphaholes. It's hard to not overdo the crankiness and a-holery and make the hero redeemable, even lovable. Sawyer Bennett's Van is perfection. She really nailed him. Even when Simone has his love he is still himself. He isn't a soft and sweet pussycat, at least not for everyone else but Simone in the end.

And can I say that they were really hot in bed? I know that this author writes some of the hottest sexy times but damn. DAMN!
Simone's sass is a special kind, it's the self-assured one we usually see in cocky heroes. She was hilarious!

Van’s lips press tight and anger flashes in his eyes. He enunciates his words clearly, leaning slightly toward me. “I’m. Not. Interested. In. You. Simone.”
I wrinkle my nose and shake my head. “Nah . . . you see, that wasn’t really convincing. But I do love the way my name sounds coming out of your mouth. Try it again, though, if you want.” For a brief moment, I’m afraid Van might stroke out.

I loved Van's background story, it was unusual and captivating and a little bit heartbreaking. I also love that Sawyer Bennett never drags out the angst, the drama is never over the top and quickly resolved.

Well, you were my first everything, Simone. My first love. First devotion. My first heartbreak. My one and only relationship with a woman. You were my first confidant and companion. Simone . . . you were my first friend ever. My first . . . everything.”

Swoon!

Sawyer Bennett knocked Van out of the park and of all the Cold Fury books VAN has become my favorite in the series. Next up is REED and you bet your ass that I'll be reading it.

Teasers courtesy of the author

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4.5 STARS ✮ BJ HARVEY ✮ ONE SHOT

ONE SHOT

Chances #1

by

BJ Harvey

✮ ✮ ✮ 4.5 STARS ✮ ✮ ✮ 

Boy meets girl, boy wins girl, boy nails girl -- boy’s gone by morning.

I think for sure it must've been a dream because there’s no way a guy could look like that, touch me like that and be so in tune with me on every known level, and disappear, leaving me with nothing but a good story to tell my friends.

When he walks into my bar three months later, everything I thought I knew and what we’d had disappears in the blink of an eye and the blinding light of the three-carat diamond on his fiancée's hand.

It seems what I thought was a dream is now my most complicated reality, and I've got absolutely no idea how to fix it - or if I even want to. 

Awkward, meet Mortifying. Also, here are Shame, Embarrassment, Anger, Disgust, and over in the corner there is Complete and Utter Confusion and her friend I’m Going to Have to Move States and Join a Women-Only Commune with Cats and Unlimited Batteries.

Can you imagine how you would feel if you met the man of your dreams, the mirror of your own soul, the puzzle piece that falls into place effortlessly? And now imagine him being ripped away from you only having to face him after three months, engaged to another...

“Love isn’t perfect,” he says gently. “It’s how you work through it all that’s important. The hard stuff, the obstacles, the highs, the lows, the triumphs, and the tragedies. It’s a beautiful pain that’s always worth it if you’re both willing to work to make things right.” - Kenzie's dad

Kenzie Sharp is one of those heroines I can't get enough of. She lives by pretty simple rules and one of her most important one: no lies. Ever. Honesty isn't just a word to her, she lives it, daily. Kenzie's last name is pretty suitable because she's sharp as a tack, funny and a straight shooter. She will have you question your own moral compass because the things she does in this story go against everything she ever believed in, and probably against everything you as a reader believe in. Yet, it is easy to judge when you haven't walked in the other person's shoes. So I found myself understanding what she went through, why she acted the way she did, because in all the things wrong in her situation, she never lost sight of herself in it.


Her puzzle piece is Millen Ross, heir to the Ross empire. He is endearing. Stubborn, with an iron will, fiercely loyal, caring, cocky and sweet. He lost his shine a bit when he returned into Kenzie's life but I worked through those feelings because I did have an inkling that not everything was as it appeared so soon Millen was back in my good graces. I loved how easy-going he could be but also determined when he set his mind on something, and that's what he needed with Kenzie because she sure challenged him at every corner.

“You completely and utterly intoxicate me. You just have to breathe and I’m reeled back in.” - Millen

Millen's and Kenzie's connection was palpable and credible. Their banter was super-entertaining, especially in the beginning and I found myself smiling a lot as they got to know each other. And their chemistry? Off the charts!

“Do you realize that apart from the two times I’ve been in your car, we usually have a giant piece of wood between us?” I say, opening the menu in front of me despite always ordering the same thing every time I come here.
When Millen doesn’t say anything, I look up to be met by a huge smirk and a raised brow. “Huge?”

After closing this book I feel completely sore and spent, emotionally, BJ Harvey hit where it hurt most with this story. There were times when I thought the angst was too much. It was physically painful. The minute one setback was in the past the next one was already waiting to strike and I felt a little bit put through the wringer. The last chapter and the epilogue really made up for it. There is no couple who deserved their HEA more.

“When we’re apart I’m broken. When we’re together I’m whole.” - Kenzie

No, this book isn't safe but despite all the roller coaster rides it's real. It makes you feel, most certainly uncomfortable too and gives you food for thought. I definitely found myself asking myself what would I do. It's easy to judge if you have never experienced a love like this or yours was an easy transition.

...there’s a lot to be said for never giving up and fighting for your own happiness. Because when you find that person you’re bound to be with, one thing I’ve learned is to hold on and never let go. - Millen

Go into this book with an open mind, remember that things aren't often what they seem and keep going even if the main characters' actions go against the grain. BJ Harvey has some major talent. I loved how she sprinkled humor into the story. Her words have a very pleasant flow, which gabbed me right from the start and kept me invested.

With so many authors out there it's hard to pin down one favorite but BJ Harvey definitely has proven to be a new addiction. I'll be coming back for more and definitely for the next in this series.

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