If you're a fan of the emotional depth and rich character development found in works by authors like Nicholas Sparks or Jojo Moyes, you're going to love this latest installment in The Fearless Heart series. Janice Jarrell has a knack for weaving together the lives of Colin, Josh, Nate, and David in a way that feels both intimate and epic.
This book, like the best of Sparks and Moyes, dives deep into the complexities of relationships. Nate’s big New York play opening brings out a whirlwind of emotions, much like the stirring events in Sparks’ "The Notebook" or Moyes’ "Me Before You." The way Jarrell handles the intricate feelings and dynamics among the four friends is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, reminiscent of these beloved authors' ability to make readers laugh, cry, and swoon.
Colin and Josh’s effort to create a program for veterans is so vividly described, it echoes the realistic and poignant style of Jodi Picoult. The detail and authenticity in Jarrell’s writing might make you believe these initiatives exist, much like Picoult’s talent for making complex social issues accessible and compelling.
When the story takes the friends to Ireland, you can feel the magic in the air, similar to how Maeve Binchy transports readers to Ireland with her descriptive and heartfelt storytelling. The romantic and emotional moments between Josh and Colin are beautifully crafted, much like Binchy’s tender and evocative scenes.
For those who appreciate the exploration of deep friendships and personal growth seen in works by Kristin Hannah, you’ll find a lot to love here. The bonds between Colin, Josh, Nate, and David are tested and strengthened in ways that feel real and meaningful, similar to Hannah's exploration of human relationships in "The Nightingale."
Even if you accidentally stumbled upon this book without reading the previous ones, it’s still a captivating read. But like any good series, starting from the beginning adds layers of understanding and appreciation for the characters’ journeys.
So, if you enjoy the heartfelt, emotionally rich storytelling of Sparks, Moyes, Picoult, Binchy, and Hannah, you’ll find Janice Jarrell’s latest book a worthy addition to your bookshelf.
This book is an absolute gem.
Ms Jarell has a genuine emotional connection to and admiration for her characters and their journeys. Touching and relevant. This commitment to her characters and their stories, infuse each scene with authenticity and emotion. Her ability to create vivid, lifelike moments speaks to the dedication to her craft. This passion for storytelling not only captivated me but also left me with a lasting impression and a strong desire to revisit the characters’ world time and again.
Bravo! - Lee Quail (Dip.English Grammar and Literature. Allison)
Any story by Janice Jarrell is guaranteed to compell and leave the reader begging for more, short story or novel. This one rocks!
The way Janice captures the characters’ relationships is awesome. Colin’s playful nature and Joshua’s initial shyness are a perfect recipe. And the way the adults and kids interact? Super sweet and real. Colin’s jokes are hilarious. It’s like you’re right there with them.There’s a lot of humor here, and it really works for me. From Colin’s antics to Joshua’s grumpy Superman, it’s all really entertaining. Plus, it’s balanced with some deeper feels, which is what I looked for. Speaking of deeper feels, Joshua’s struggle with his past and learning to let loose adds a nice emotional touch. It makes the characters feel more real and their journey more meaningful. The story is a delightful mix of humor and heart. It’s a feel-good Halloween story that captures the fun and the emotional side of things. Great job! Ms. Jarell knows how to craft her characters in everything she offers. - Lee Quail
Well, well, well, looks like we've got some superhero shenanigans going on here. Kid Quasar seems to be having a rough time, what with his smelly seaweed hair and all. And don't even get me started on wearing a superhero costume to bed, that's just asking for trouble. But you know what they say, "when it rains, it pours" and it seems like Kid Quasar is in the middle of a thunderstorm but he only wants to find love. He looks in all the wrong places.
But hey, at least we know Kid Quasar is relatable, right? I mean, who hasn't had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad period in their lives? And to top it all off, he's got a mom giving him the business, student debt, and superhero duties to juggle. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. Then there's Tiffany who is like a well eaten bubblegum that sticks to his shoes.
His lighthearted banter with his enemy, Professor Nightmare is entertaining and different.
And then he meets Rick? Now, that's what I call a plot twist.
The story is engaging and well-written, with a good mix of humor and tension. The character of Kid Quasar is likable. The author also does a good job of setting up the world of superheroes and talent agents, without resorting to too much exposition.
Additionally, some readers might find the ending of the story a bit abrupt or unsatisfying, as it doesn't provide much closure or resolution.
Overall, however, the story is well-executed and entertaining, with a clever twist on the concept of superhero representation. But you know what? I can't wait to read more. This Kid Quasar guy is a hoot. He's like a mix between Superman and Charlie Brown. I mean, he can bench press a tank but he can't get his own ass off the ground. And he's got all these problems that are so relatable. He's just like us, except he can fly and has super strength.
Blurb
It’s not easy being invulnerable.
Back in high school, Josh was secretly the famous superhero KID QUASAR! But he was so busy saving the world that he never had a chance to make any friends. Let alone a boyfriend.
So now Josh is living in his mom’s basement, struggling to get his first real job after nearly failing out of college. Because it’s hard to be an A-student when alien arms dealers decide to attack Cleveland in the middle of your sociology final. And as his mom keeps pointing out, being a superhero doesn’t actually pay anything.
Worse, Josh isn’t even a big-name superhero anymore. Some showoff named Comet Boy came along, rescued a few celebrities, and became a social media darling. And suddenly, nobody cares about Kid Quasar.
Like so many young guys, Josh is feeling lost. He can’t be the person that he was back in high school. But he can’t figure out what comes next. And even though he has this one amazing thing that makes him special, there’s no way for him to make a living at it. He’s a misfit who can’t find a place for himself in the world.
And then Josh meets Rick, the guy who might change everything. There’s just one BIG problem . . .
Eighteen-year-old Tobias Gavin is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. For many years, the what-ifs of coming out have swirled around his head, so he has chosen to live a lie to keep from disrupting the “normal” life he has created with his family and friends.
That is until he meets Gareth David on the day he enrolls for his first semester as a college student. He feels an immediate connection with Gareth…a connection that pushes Tobias to question the way he has been living his life. When Gareth coincidentally becomes Tobias’s History professor, Tobias is forced to confront his feelings and confront the universe.
Tobias must come to terms with his depression, anxiety, heartbreak, and his sexuality before he can even begin to heal his wounds. He believes that everything happens for a reason, but he learns that some experiences are meant to teach even if they cause heartbreak. Once he comes to terms with himself, he might find his knight in shining armor.
Tobias must learn to trust himself and those around him if he wants to find happiness.
About the Author
Scott E. Garrison is a debut author who wants to share new, queer stories with the world. He currently lives in the Oklahoma City, OK area. Alongside writing, he has a Masters in Library and Information Studies and works as a Librarian for an Oklahoma-based library system.
He spends his free time reading, baking, watching movies and TV shows with his husband, and cuddling with his dogs, Jarvis and F.R.I.D.A.Y.
Worth the Fight by Denver Shaw centers around the relationship between MMA fighter Caden and social worker Noah, and their journey to overcome their differences and find love. The chemistry between the two main characters is compelling, and their love story is sweet and passionate. Caden's rough exterior hides a soft heart, and Noah's compassion and sincerity shines through. The characters captured my heart like a hot fudge sundae. But hey, that's just me.
The concept of an MMA fighter and a social worker falling in love is like a classic romantic comedy, and these two opposites attract each other like magnets. Caden is a fighter, and not just in the ring; he's fighting for his brother's life, while Noah is fighting to make the world a better place.
Despite their differences, they're drawn to each other, and their chemistry is hotter than a jalapeño pepper. The plot is compelling with all the MMA fighting, social work, family drama, and past issues. But there's enough romance and sexy time to balance it out, and that added whipped cream to my coffee.
Compared to other books in the sports and contemporary romance genre, Worth the Fight stands out for its focus on the MMA world and Noah's occupation. I loved Denver Shaw's writing style in a story low on angst and highly enjoyable. I thought the story interesting and Shaw provided enough deepening to the characters and the MMA world to make the story compelling. While some secondary characters could have been fleshed out more, Caden and Noah's relationship is the highlight of the book. And rightly so. The push and pull between the two is magnetic, and the slow burn worked for their relationship.
The secondary characters, Sampson and Pax, are like two peas in a pod, and I wished they could punch some sense into each other. But the main characters, Caden and Noah carried the story and rightly so, and made it worth reading.
The ending for me is like finally solving the Rubik's cube. Satisfying. The HEA was well-deserved and made me smile like a Cheshire cat. I wanted more Caden and Noah time, like a second cup of coffee. This book is like taking a dip in a warm pool on a sunny day.
A work in the same genre is "Against the Cage" by Sidney Halston, which centers around the relationship between an MMA fighter and a makeup artist. While the gender roles are reversed compared to "Worth the Fight," the book still features a similar theme of a fighter falling in love with someone outside of the fighting world. However, "Against the Cage" centers around the fight and not so much the romance and this is where I must dip my hat to Denver Shaw for exploring a compelling romance.
Another book, "In the Ring" by Rie Warren is another gay MMA romance novel. The book centers around a former Marine who becomes an MMA fighter and the relationship he develops with his coach. The book features plenty of steamy romance and a focus on the intense physical and emotional tolls of MMA fighting. However, there are so many books that develop romantic relationships between fighter and coach, and Denver Shaw breaks that chain quite admirably.
Keep in mind there aren't many gay MMA romance novels as there are heterosexual ones.
Denver Shaw is a new-to-me author, and I'm excited to read more of their work because this one ticked all the boxes for me.
Length: 56 600 words
It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.
Buy Links
Goodreads Buy Links -Available in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon US | Amazon UK A bad boy who lives outside the law. A compassionate soul focused on helping others. Sometimes rules are meant to be broken... for love.
Blurb
Caden
Helping my brother was my focus. He got into trouble and I’ve been using my skills in the ring to prevent loan sharks from breaking his kneecaps... or worse.
Until I met Noah.
He’s a good man who makes me want to be better. A man who doesn't lace up his gloves and step into underground rings. But I have one last fight coming. This time the stakes are higher than ever. What I have to do to save my brother could cost me the man I’m falling for.
Noah
I should have walked away and never looked back when I first met the MMA fighter with honey-gold eyes. Yet Caden’s charms are too appealing to ignore. As a social worker it's important for me to keep my nose clean.
And Caden is a red flag in every way.
Still, he’s hot as sin and I can't seem to stay away. I’m taking a risk by opening myself up to him, but I'm convinced beneath that bad boy exterior beats the heart of a good man who is worth the fight.
Excerpt
I texted Austin that I was here and that he needed to get his skinny butt to the entrance.
I got back what looked like a seat assignment from him, but this place was a maze. There was a man nearby who looked like he knew his way around, or was someone that worked here. Even if he didn’t, he might know where the seats were. But my breath caught in my throat as I surveyed him: black pants, white shirt; tall, muscled; short, blackberry-colored hair and honey-gold eyes. On their own, his features were possessed by dozens, perhaps hundreds of other men, but there was a certain something about this particular man. He exuded an easy confidence, a sex appeal that drew me in. It had been years since I’d been in a serious relationship, months since I’d had sex, and looking at this guy made me seriously think, albeit fleetingly, that maybe I should put myself back out there and at least consider dating again.
I shook myself from the temporary brain paralysis the man had reduced me to.
“Pardon me, sir,” I said, “I haven’t been here in a long time; I’m trying to figure out where seat F3J is. Do you have any idea?”
He smiled down at me. I felt the caress of his gaze roaming over me, but not lingering too long in one spot, which took him out of the ‘creep’ category and put him into the ‘typical male’ category that he probably couldn’t help being in anyway. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I did have on my burgundy suit, which perfectly molded to my body.
Was he gay, or at least bisexual?
“F3J,” he repeated, smirking about something. “F3J…well, I might be able to help you hunt it down. Are you…here with someone?”
“I am,” I said. “Young guy, skinny, mixed.”
“Anything serious?” the man asked, casually—too casually.
I laughed. “Um…no, he’s my nephew.”
“Oh!” He wiped imaginary sweat off his forehead. “I see. That’s good.”
“Is it, now?”
“Well, see,” he said, “I figured there was no way I was lucky enough to meet a single guy in a place like this. I mean, what are the chances a man like you is unattached?”
Well, he answered my question. He was definitely gay or bisexual.
I pursed my lips and gave him the look I gave the kids that tried to bullshit me at work. “Oh, you’re a little slick. What, just because I’m here without a guy, I must be unattached?”
He shrugged. “Are you?”
“Here without a guy?”
“No, unattached.”
I made him wait a second. “Maybe I am.”
“Here’s the thing,” he said, leaning in a little bit. He smelled like a minty aftershave and sweat, the clean sweat of a man straight after a workout. “I figured any man who was with you wouldn’t stay behind if you left the house looking like that. I know I wouldn’t.”
“What, so he’d own me?” I wanted to be righteously angry, but it was hard. Those eyes…
“No,” the man said. “But he’d never miss a chance to be with you. I think you’d probably own him.”
“Oh, okay. Okay.” I nodded slowly, smiling now. “You’re slick and smooth at the same time. Listen, can you help me find my seat or not?”
“Is that an interview question?”
“I’m not taking applications.”
“Give me your phone number, and I’ll take you straight there.” He winked at me.
I almost did. It was fun, and it had been a long, long time since I’d been flirted with by anybody that wasn’t an inappropriately forward client. That happened plenty. This, though, was a bona fide stranger who didn’t know me from Adam, and seemed like he thought I was looking cute.
But, let’s be honest here; the little fantasy I had a few moments ago about putting myself out there was just that, a fantasy. I ate takeout every night for dinner. I ate most of my lunches at the office. I had heard about days off, and I vaguely remembered having them…or maybe I only dreamed about that once. That stack of case files on my desk? It hung around the back of my head like it had astral projected itself to follow me around the world outside my office.
It was a nice thought, but no, sir; the next date I had time to go on would be the one day off I would get between the day my office burned down and the day they relocated me to another one and printed out all my files again—thank God for the cloud.
“It’s not that easy,” I said with my own wink. “But good try. You’ve got real skills. I applaud your smoothness.” I stepped away from him. “I’ve got no time for guys who hit on guys for sport.”
He feigned a wound to the chest, but he was still smiling. “Fair enough,” he said. “I’ll keep that in mind, then. I’ll at least give you a hint, though.” He pointed toward the ring. “F stands for ‘floor’—your seat’s near the ring. Enjoy the fight!”
Yeah, I felt a little bad about being so hard on him, but you’ve got to shut all that down hard if you’re gonna shut it down at all. A man like that, yeah, okay, probably he’d be good for a short-term thing. I could admit that. All that muscle and sweat…
About the Author
Denver Shaw is a girl who enjoys the simple things in life: the first sip of coffee in the morning, the changing colors of sunset, and clothes fresh out of the dryer- although she doesn’t enjoy folding them. When she isn’t reading romance stories, she spends her time plotting and writing them.
Eric Tinsley, the unexpected new Lord Gossett, has inherited a mess. He was never meant to be Lord of the manor, since he was the ‘spare’, but is forced into the role upon the deaths of his father and brother. Little does he know that the title comes with a mound of debt that he cannot afford to pay. Enter Robert Bennett, American Billionaire. Robert has tried multiple ways to move up in society, but even his billions can’t crack the royal elite. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and Robert finds that way with Eric, Lord Gossett. Married under a ten-year contract that outlines every aspect of their relationship, they soon find themselves questioning everything.
“Filled with humor, heart, and some old fashioned drama, this story takes you on a rollercoaster ride to Eric and Robert’s HEA.”
Review
The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, much like the maze of hedges in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Eric and Robert's ten-year contract is filled with business deals, family crises, infidelity, and the surprise development of a twin. Honestly, I should have been born into these pages because I certainly wouldn't mind being worshipped by uber-handsome twins! It's a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but one that's worth taking, especially if you like your romance novels with a side of suspense.
Compared to another similar book, 'The Royal We' by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, 'Royally Indebted' is like a shot of tequila in a fancy cocktail. Both books explore the challenges of marrying into the royal family and the pressure of public scrutiny, but 'Royally Indebted' takes things up a notch with taboo topics. It's like 'The Crown' meets 'Fifty Shades of Grey,' but with better writing and character development.
It's like the real-life version of Bridgerton, except with more money and less scandalous behavior and unresolved questions lurking in the background. But what sets this book apart is its focus on the nitty-gritty details of running a family estate and a business empire. It's like Downton Abbey meets Wall Street.
It's a well-crafted and entertaining read. And who knows, maybe it will inspire some real-life billionaires to seek out their own aristocratic spouses. I can already see the headlines: "Jeff Bezos marries Earl of Wessex in lavish ceremony, saves English estate from bankruptcy." Stranger things have happened, right?
Overall, 'Royally Indebted' is a fun (and it says so in the blurb - Filled with humor, heart, and some old fashioned drama), an addictive read that will leave you wanting more, like a plate of scones at a high tea party. M J Calabrese has crafted a story that's both escapist and engaging, with characters you'll root for. So, grab a cuppa and settle in for a wild ride through the royal halls of power and passion.
I highly recommend this book; it's a five-star read: The characters are well developed and certainly not stereotype. The plot is beautifully worked out. The setting is amazing. The dialogue and worldbuilding is more than adequate and develops the characters beautifully. The deepening of each character is worthy of applause and descriptions are believable with a page turning pace.
So, move over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, we have a richer royal romance in town, and it's hotter than a freshly brewed cup of tea! 'Royally Indebted' by M J Calabrese is a steamy tale of two men, Eric and Robert, who enter into a marriage-of-convenience that's as complicated as Brexit negotiations. Eric is a bisexual duke (leaning male side) who's inherited a bankrupt estate, while Robert is a self-made American billionaire who wants to break into the English upper elite. It's a classic tale of two halves of a puzzle coming together, but with added drama, passion, and a dash of kink. And believe me I loved the kink; made a difference to my otherwise humdrum life.
I look forward to the next instalment.
About The Author
My mother now regrets her fateful words she offered the day I came home from our small town library in Palm Springs, California (yes, I’m a Cali girl) complaining that there were no more books to read. “Then why don’t you write some.”
My father never saw his old Remington portable until I entered college and they gifted me an IBM Selectric. By then I had produced at least two dozen unpublishable novels which make me cringe when I read them today. I found inspiration in innumerable odd jobs (from migrant work as a Date palm pollinator to the person who cleans the washing machines at the launderette to professional Dominatrix) for stories. After a stint in Rehab for Alcohol and Heroin abuse (so when I write those scenes, I know what I’m talking about), I cleaned up and have stayed that way for 29 years. (Me and Sir Elton, LOL).
My gypsy lifestyle gave me a unique perspective on the different people who inhabited the Washington, Oregon, Arizona, California, and New Mexico areas where I have lived.
After 3 very bad marriages to men, I finally figured out what was wrong and fell in love with a woman when I lived in Portland, OR 23 years ago. We’ve been married since 2008 (yes it was legal in California at that time). We now live in Asheville, NC and love the people in this liberal and accepting corner of the mountains of North Carolina.
To learn all about my upcoming releases, news, and specials, please follow or like me at any of the following links!
Back to Center by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood is one of those books that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon all at once. It's a story of redemption, self-discovery, and unexpected love, with enough steamy romance to call for a fan or even an air-conditioning unit.
Eckie and Jack are two damaged men who find solace in each other's company. Eckie, a former college hockey player, has hit rock bottom, with a history of emotional and physical abuse by his parents, a failed attempt at professional hockey, and a stint in rehab. Jack, his assistant coach, has his own set of emotional scars, but he is a rock for Eckie, offering him a place to stay and a shoulder to lean on.
Their relationship starts out as a tentative friendship, but it quickly becomes much more than that. They both have obstacles to overcome, including their age difference and Jack's position as Eckie's coach, but their love for each other is too strong to ignore.
The authors have done an excellent job of creating complex, likable characters that you can't help but root for. Eckie is flawed and broken, but he is also resilient and determined. Jack is kind, patient, and loving, the perfect partner for Eckie's journey of self-discovery.
The story is also a celebration of found family, with a cast of supporting characters who are just as endearing as the main characters. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Eckie and his son, Levi. It was heartwarming to see Eckie learn to be a father and watch his bond with his son grow stronger.
Overall, Back to Center is a beautifully written, heartfelt, and funny book that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves MM romance, sports, and stories about redemption and healing. This book is a must-read, and I can't wait to see what Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood come up with next.
Back to Center adds value to at least two other books I have read that explore the theme of being gay in the sports world. "The Locker Room" by Amy Lane, and "Open Net" by V.L. Locey
Both of these books, like "Back to Center," explore themes of self-discovery, overcoming obstacles, and finding love and acceptance in unexpected places. They also delve into the challenges faced by LGBTQ athletes in a sports world that can often be hostile to their identities.
Back to Center is not a cheap thrill. I place this work high on the same literary chart as "The Front Runner" by Patricia Nel Warren. Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood simply excel at their skill; writing novels that defy the skill itself and by so doing, their works should be included in mandatory university reading at thesis level for master degrees.
This book gets 10 yelping stars out of 5 from me.
About the Authors
Joshua Harwood and his husband and co-author, Ryan Taylor, write gay romance with heat and heart. With twelve books and seven audiobooks to their credit, they have earned high praise for their exciting, sweet, steamy, and (mostly) low-angst stories. The BETHESDA BARRACUDAS HOCKEY series is a hit with readers and listeners, and their most recent series, MOHEGAN U HOCKEY, has been even more popular. The books are emotional reads, sweet and steamy with a little more angst.
Ryan and Josh began writing to celebrate their own romance and are passionate about telling authentic stories about other gay men who fall wildly in love and find their own “happily ever afters.” You can find their website at https://www.ryanandjoshth.com/. Find links to all their social media at https://linktr.ee/ryan.josh.
