Tag: Books to Read

Josh Gray has made bad decisions and regretted them all, but it's the rock 'n roll lifestyle, so no problem, right? However, karma is a bitch.

Mistake one…sleeping with the then boyfriend of the lead singer of one of the top bands, Social Sinners, which leads to Josh being fired as Ryder Hampton's backup guitarist.

Mistake two…signing on with Nicholas Shane Management, who promises a new band that's the perfect fit. It turns out Nick is dealing dirty, and his company collapses when he's sent to prison.

Josh's world is in ruins and starting over is next to impossible. Word gets around that he's screwed over rock 'n roll's poster children, and he can't get an audition. The future is now an endless stream of empty whiskey bottles, and a surly server that no matter how hard Josh tries, refuses to sleep with him.

If you've read the Social Sinners or Maiden Voyage series, you'll understand the tough road that lies ahead for Josh. Is redemption possible, or should he just throw in the towel and walk away once and for all?

This is book one in the Chaotic Abyss rockstar romance series featuring hurt/comfort, second chances, and a bartender who just wants to be left alone.

Strike a Chord

Josh Gray is far from perfect, but that's what makes him easy to connect with. He's made plenty of mistakes, and as I read, I hoped he'd find his way out of the latest mess. The rock and roll setting didn't sugar-coat the consequences of his past.

Even if you haven't checked out previous series like Social Sinners or Maiden Voyage, this story stands solid on its own. I enjoyed the dynamics with the bartender who kept shutting Josh down—it added humor and reality to the character interactions. The slow buildup of their relationship made the romantic payoff feel earned.

The writing is smooth, the characters relatable, and the romance believable. It's an enjoyable read that left me wanting more from the Chaotic Abyss series.

Available from Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

Jacob Ellington

I've been bred for success.

As the CFO of my father's wealth management firm, I know exactly what's expected of me and the image I must uphold. To the outside world, my long-term girlfriend and I are beautiful, powerful, successful…and rich.

However, the suit I wear hides more than my cut physique. Living a lie has been the norm since I was a teenager. Although not ideal, I have a great woman by my side and a promising future. Everything is as it should be.

Until I cross paths with Dylan Ryder.

One look and everything I've worked so hard to conceal comes rushing to the surface.

One taste and I'm ready to burn my life as I know it to the ground.

Dylan Ryder

I'm used to being judged.

My Mexican-American heritage earns me some looks, my tattoos earn me others, and of course being on a date with another man ensures whoever wasn't staring because of the first two things, definitely is now.

But I haven't been on a date in a while.

With my family's automotive shop under attack from vandals I'm working longer hours to try and make ends meet as business keeps waning.

So, when I crumple the front-end of a Maserati at the grocery store, I really don't have the time or money to deal with it. But knowing it's the right thing to do, I offer to fix it anyway.

Wholly unprepared for the onslaught of lust as Jacob Ellington enters my life, I struggle to maintain control. However, as our paths continue to cross, I become unsure if I even want control anymore.

And when our mouths inevitably collide, he lights my world on fire. Literally.

Burn It Down

This lovely book features both the struggle for identity and handling desire. The story revolves around Jacob, a successful CFO, and Dylan, a tattooed mechanic navigating the complexities of life.

Jacob, trapped in a façade, finds himself drawn to Dylan, whose bold personality contrasts Jacob's hidden issues. Their connection grows from an unexpected encounter, bringing Jacob face to face with the truth about himself.

Wray captures the tension between society's expectations and personal happiness. The chemistry between Jacob and Dylan is tangible, inviting readers to root for their blossoming relationship. The contrasts in their backgrounds add richness to the themes of acceptance and self-discovery.

The writing flows like silk, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the characters' relationships without distractions. Wray builds a world where love transcends societal norms and personal insecurities. The emotional stakes are high, but the journey to self-acceptance unfolds naturally.

I found myself invested in Jacob and Dylan's story, eager to see how their paths unfold. This novel makes you believe in the transformative power of love and the absolute importance of living truthfully. I rarely read first person narratives, but this one captured my attention from the first sentence. Well written and highly recommended.

Available from Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

Burke Williams wasn't planning on a vacation, but when his well-meaning sister lures him to the airport and hands him a plane ticket and a packed suitcase the day after he finishes a high-pressure programming project, he decides to hop on the plane and go.

Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine a place like Cockatoo, a clothing-optional gay beach resort. For a guy more at home with a hard drive than happy hour, he feels like a fish out of water on the Caribbean island.

Only one other guy at the place seems to be enjoying it less than Burke: a handsome guy more interested in looking through his binoculars at the woods surrounding the resort than at the array of available Speedo-clad men laid out in rows of beach chairs, a veritable Smorgasbord of willing partners.

Stafford Nelson didn't come to Cocaktoo to find a temporary bedmate, but he finds geeky Burke sweet and charming, and they hit it off immediately. But when Burke discovers what Staff is really after, it might shipwreck their blossoming connection.

Sands of Thyme

A wonderful book with a charming tale of unexpected romance set against the backdrop of a clothing-optional resort. Burke Williams, a reserved programmer, finds himself transported to a vibrant Caribbean island by his sister's well-meaning intervention. The contrast between his structured life and the carefree atmosphere of Cockatoo is both amusing and endearing.

The interaction between Burke and Stafford Nelson, another guest who seems equally out of place, forms the heart of the story. Their initial connection is both sweet and genuine, drawing readers into their evolving relationship. Stafford's withdrawn conduct and Burke's awkwardness create an enjoyable and relatable dynamic.

As the two navigate their feelings in this odd setting, Sands of Thyme reveals an unfolding story of discovering love where it's least expected. The lighthearted search for identity and connection, set in a lively resort, adds a layer of warmth to the plot. Lynley's writing invites readers to celebrate the joy of new experiences and the power of connection.

Sands of Thyme offers a refreshing take on love at first sight in a unique and engaging environment, making it a delightful read for those who love playful romances.

Available Amazon and Barnes and Noble