Draw by V.L. Locey Release Blitz

They say first loves never last. Jackie Blue Kalinski was about to show them—whoever they are—that the word never is not in his vocabulary.

From the time Jack Kalinski was a preschooler he had a good sense of who he was and where he wanted to go in life. His childhood was spent drawing beautiful dresses for pretty people, male and female alike. Growing up with two dads who played hockey wasn’t exactly conducive to late night talks about tulle or tailor’s chalk, but he never let that stop his dreams of becoming a fashion designer or expressing the genderqueer heart that beat in his chest. His family’s love and support helped him through some painful losses that shaped him into the strong, vivacious, and charismatic college student he is today. Life hasn’t been a smooth ride, but Jack has persevered and is about to take the fashion world by storm.

Little does he suspect that his tidy life is about to be scorched by a chance meeting with one of the men playing hockey on the gay team his father coaches. Martin McKittrick not only catches Jack’s eye, but the much older man wins his heart. The passionate affair with the captain of the Marine Unit of the BFD burns red hot until the new couple run into a few snags that might dampen the inferno: Jack’s ascent into the fashion world, Martin’s job and the inherent dangers that come with it, and the fact that the well-kept secret romance has just been exposed to the world in a rather big way.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Overtime series!
For book one, Rebound, click HERE.
For book two, Final Shot, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

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iTunes  ~  Kobo

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in this series, but it does tie in with the Cayuga Cougars hockey series – which I absolutely recommend to you! Anyone who is a fan will remember Jackie Blue as a child who was going to grow up being the very most interesting character, and Locey has definitely achieved that in this lovely story.

Jack always danced to a unique tune, accompanied by styles most individual, and this is a fabulous celebration of his strength of character and insistence that the drum beat he hears is his own. What is amazing is that Martin, the man he falls for, is absolutely in love with him too and that they forge a path together. In many ways a truly unlikely one, but is that not the way of the world?

I refuse to say anymore, as you need to get a copy and enjoy it all for yourself – but I will say two more things: V.L. Locey manages to use the poetry of Shakespeare's plays to such fabulous effect in this book (I absolutely loved that connection that the men had), and she also recognised that Juki make the absolute best sewing machines in the world (with which I completely agree)!

Read, love, repeat!

 

 

USA Today bestselling author V.L. LOCEY – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Doctor Who, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.

Connect with V.L.

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Vicki’s Vixens Facebook Group

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Draw (Overtime #3) by V.L. Locey to read and review for this tour.

Four by Tia Fielding

When unlikely attraction blossoms between a twentysomething genderqueer tattoo artist and an older, small-town veterinarian, both are forced to face their pasts for a chance at a loving future.

Four years ago Padraig Donovan lost his husband, the only man he’d ever been with. Now his life consists of the work he loves, a big empty house, and the possibility of a lonely future.

Kaos’s experiments with makeup landed him in the hospital at the hands of his disapproving ex. With nowhere else to turn, he flees to Acker, Wisconsin… and runs into a sexy widower and the kindest man he’s ever met.

Padraig and Kaos know there’s something worth exploring between them, and as they raise a puppy and deal with the ups and downs of their respective jobs, they fit into each other’s lives in ways they never expected. Being with Kaos—who is so different than the guys he’s always been attracted to—opens up an exciting new world for Padraig. But can he convince Kaos to trust another man with his body… let alone his heart?

Book 2
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is the story of the unlikely romance that develops between a young tattoo artist and a much older veterinarian in a small town. It is also a story about grief, loss, and fresh starts.

Genderqueer Kaos is a tattoo artist and an ex-con on the run from his abusive ex. Padraig is a small town vet who has become increasingly isolated since losing his husband of more than twenty years. Neither Kaos or Padraig expects the flash of attraction between them and there’s a whole lot of baggage (and a twenty-year age gap) to overcome before the attraction could ever become something more.

This isn’t a light or easy read. Padraig’s grief is overwhelming, and his emotions become even more complicated when he starts to reflect more honestly on his marriage. Kaos is still exploring his gender identity and he’s internalised some of the negative beliefs of his abusive ex. Neither Padraig nor Kaos is great with communication and there are times it’s left to their friends to help them understand each other’s perspectives. This also isn’t a sexy read. The relationship that develops between Kaos and Padraig is painfully slow and focuses much more on emotional intimacy than sexual intimacy.

The characters around Kaos and Padraig keep the story from becoming too dark. I’ve not read the previous book in the series but Makai and Emil from the first book provide huge support for Kaos. Similarly, Padraig’s best friend Francis (probably book three) adds humour and emotional support for Padraig. I love Padraig and Kaos’ dog (I’ve been googling Pitskys since I finished the story). I really enjoyed Acker as a town and I’m looking forward to seeing more of some of the characters.

Also Available in the Love by Numbers Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Dreamspinner Press

For reviews & more info, check out our Ten post.

TIA FIELDING is a thirtysomething Scandinavian who is a lover of witty people, words, cats, sarcasm, autumn, and the tiny beautiful things in life. Tia struggles with stubborn muses and depression, but both are things she has learned to live with.

Tia identifies as genderqueer, but isn’t strict about pronouns. Why? Because luckily, in her native language there aren’t gender-specific pronouns. Being a reclusive author living with her fur-babies is another fact of life for Tia, among the need to write that seems to be a part of her psyche by now.

In 2013 one of Tia’s novels was recognized by the industry’s Rainbow Awards in the Best LGBT Erotic Romance (Bobby Michaels Award) category..

Connect with Tia

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Four (Love by Numbers #2) by Tia Fielding to read and review.

Kink Aware by Morticia Knight

Cruella can’t wait to show Ray the ropes…

Working at Rogue Ink is a dream job for Cruella, especially being around the hunky co-owner, Ray. Even though the money isn’t great, the eye candy and Ray’s caring heart make it all worthwhile. When Cruella risks rejection by inviting Ray to be their partner for a shibari class at Kiss of Leather, they’re thrilled when Ray accepts.

Cruella’s invitation both excites and terrifies Ray. He wants Cruella, but does he also want to become more kink aware? Still, he could kick himself for not already making a move on the sweet and beautiful Cruella, so maybe this is his chance. His protective instincts have gotten him into serious trouble before, so he’ll be sure not to make the same mistake with Cruella. They’ve made it clear they can take care of themself.

Cruella fears that Ray won’t accept their genderqueer identity and Ray aches to be the strong man Cruella needs. However, when Cruella’s dark past intrudes on their blissful present, Ray’s definition of strength might turn out to be harsher than Cruella is willing to accept.

Reader advisory: This book contains a brief scene of violence, references to eating disorders and the mention of a past abusive relationship..

Publisher's Note: This book is best read in sequence, as part of a series.

Book 9
Buy Links

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Pride Publishing

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the ninth book in the series, and whilst this could be read as a standalone, there are references to events in previous books, and one very important event which involves the couple from the very first book, when Kiss of Leather hadn't even opened.

We soon learn that Cruella is getting back on track after leaving a toxic relationship. Mindful of this, their boss Ray has not pushed for the date that he so wants with them. But finally the stars align, and maybe, just maybe they will both get exactly what they want – even if they are not able to be open with each other about their desires. Luckily a shibari class that Cruella is taking means they need a partner, and Ray is the man they ask to join them. Here starts a voyage of discovery for them both, both in everyday life and when behind closed doors.

This was a good mix of a new relationship and a great opportunity to catch up with many previous ones.

Also Available in the Kiss of Leather Series

Click on the banner above for reviews & more info.

M/M Erotic Romance author Morticia Knight enjoys hot stories of men loving men forever after. They can be men in uniform, Doms and subs, rock stars or bikers - but they're all searching for the one (or two!) who was meant only for them.

When not indulging in her passion for books, she loves the outdoors, film and music. Once upon a time she was the singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She is currently working on more installments of Sin City Uniforms, The Hampton Road Club, as well as the follow-up to Bryan and Aubrey's story from Rockin' the Alternative and Dylan and Zero from Biking Bad.

Connect with Morticia

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Kink Aware (Kiss of Leather #9) by Morticia Knight to read and review.

Mud & Lace by Jay Northcote Blog Tour

When Wicksy falls for drag queen Charlie, they discover that both sexuality and gender can be fluid.

Simon Wicks—Wicksy to his rugby teammates—has only ever been interested in women. But when he sets eyes on Lady Gogo, a drag queen who performs at Rainbow Place, he can’t stop thinking about her. He knows there’s a guy behind the fishnets and make-up, but he’s ready to explore his fantasies, and Lady Gogo is game for making them come true.

Charlie adores performing in drag. It allows him to indulge in his love of cross-dressing while earning some extra cash. Fooling around with a mostly straight guy in secret seems like a fun diversion, and gives him the chance to explore his feminine side. He feels safe wearing the mask of his confident alter ego, because the real Charlie is hidden from view.

When Wicksy sees more of the guy behind the make-up and glitter, his attraction to Charlie persists, and he realises he’s bisexual. In turn, Charlie begins to understand and accept his gender fluidity. As their mutual journey of self-discovery brings them closer, the secrecy becomes increasingly hard to deal with. If they’re going to have a future together, they both need to find the courage to show people who they really are.

Although this book is part of a linked series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

Book 4
Buy Links

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~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order, as the community is building and it is much the richer for understanding the background to Rainbow Place and its people.

I have enjoyed all the books in the series so far, but this one is the most lovely yet. I stayed up last night until I finished it, as I had to know how they both managed to reconcile their new reality with their preconceptions. Both men are on a voyage of discovery, both are nervous of the impact on those around them, and yet... Charlie is further along the road than Simon, but even he is learning about himself and making small adjustments to test out his nerve. I love that Simon realises that it is Charlie who is important to him, not his gender, but at the same time he is not sure others will get that too.

The fragility of a relationship started under such unusual circumstances is so beautifully expressed in this book. The importance of how each feels, how each behaves, how patience can be rewarded, how supportive friends and family give one a chance to test out ideas. Charlie may be the smaller, feminine man, but he is the strong one for Simon, the burly rugby player.

I am so looking forward to the next book and catching up with these two gorgeous characters. Thank you, Jay Northcote for a beautiful love story.

Also Available in the Rainbow Place Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Rainbow Place Blog Tour.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Safe Place Blog Tour.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Better Place Blog Tour.

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. He has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.

Connect with Jay

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Jay’s Playground Facebook Group


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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Mud & Lace (Rainbow Place #4) by Jay Northcote to read and review for this tour.

Lost in Indigo by V.L. Locey Blog Tour

Mathieu Beresford was so close to seeing his dream come true.

The thirty-eight-year-old captain of the Buffalo Surge had led his team to the final round of the playoffs with his aggressive defensive play and leadership. During the first game of the championship series, he was taken down, and his leg snapped upon impact with the boards. From his hospital bed, Mathieu watched his team go on to win it all.

Adrift in anger, resentment, and the new direction of his life, he returns to his mansion along the St. Lawrence River. Alone and sulking, Mathieu is not prepared for Indigo Neu to enter his life. The genderflux twenty-year-old botany major signs on to play nursemaid, confidant, and groundskeeper over the summer and slowly leads Mathieu out of his confusion––one tender smile and touch at a time.

The deeper Mathieu falls, the more he wonders if being lost might not be so bad after all.

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a new series – and I am looking forward to future installments.

The story of a closeted hockey player is not unheard of, but we do get some interesting issues being raised about how far Mat can cope with homophobia when it is not addressed directly at him – and it would seem that he has no ability to defend the very man he cares about the most. Something which may just cost him a happy future.

As the author throws tests at him, in the form of both his agent, and most definitely his nurse, it is the lying to a very loyal friend which made me sit up and really question his moral code and just how deep this cave is that he created for himself. It is sad, and yet, I am sure based on fact, as perceptions are going to take still longer to adjust.

I wish that Indigo had been able to give us his viewpoint, as I have no doubt he had some interesting thoughts at times, which may have swayed our view of why he was so patient and forgiving.

There is no doubt, a loving romance here, but behind a door which Mat needed to be opened much sooner. I hope that we get to see how life progresses for them in the future.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

I think I may have hit saturation point this year with m/m hockey romances. And this was another story I could quite easily play tired trope bingo with. Aging NHL player. Tick. Handsome and wealthy. Tick. Closeted and unhappy. Tick. Career threatening injury. Tick. Honestly, there isn’t much that separates Mat and Indigo’s book from so many others.

Told entirely from Mathieu’s perspective, this is the story of an aging hockey player falling for a much younger man as he recovers from a potentially career ending injury. If Mat is a hockey cliché, Indigo is at least a more original character. The genderfluid young man is fascinating, honest, and real. I kept wishing for a dual narrative where we heard his voice because I did grow tired of Mat’s self-pity after a while.

Off the ice, Mat is a broody and reflective introvert. There are moments when this is charming, but especially after he starts to recover, there are too many moments where he just needed to get over himself.

This is an entertaining read but as it focuses on Mat’s off-season recovery, some of the banter and playfulness I usually enjoy in sports romance is missing. This story stays serious and there are times it does get a little bit sentimental and soppy.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, Doctor Who, Torchwood, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, two Jersey steers and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.

When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand.

Connect with V.L.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram
Vicki`s Vixens Facebook Group

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Lost in Indigo (Colors of Love #1) by V.L. Locey to read and review for this tour.

Get Up by Reece Pine

Recently dumped (again) for being cold, Guy gladly accepts his publisher friend’s request to go to a remote hut in wintry Nunavut to find out whether aspiring novelist Cam Campbell is a plagiarist. By agreeing also to help the eccentric ecologist survey wildlife for a month, Guy buys time to assess Cam’s innocence and hear stories about Cam’s late father–Guy’s favorite fantasy writer and the man whose book Cam is accused of stealing.

Guy’s investigation is soon biased by his attraction to Cam and the growing concern about Cam’s odd behavior. At times, Cam dissociates and is icier than Guy could ever be, yet he’s the only one who’s ever recognized, at a glance, the emotions burning beneath Guy’s surface. Guy knows he’s the best person to help Cam abandon the dangerous wilds outside and address those in Cam’s head, but he also knows that he’ll lose the chance if he comes clean about his ulterior motives for getting close to Cam. How can he convince Cam to come in from the cold… and why are they both really out there anyway?

Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
NineStar Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆
Part psychological thriller and part romance, this story of a secretive novelist and the man his publisher sends all the way to Nunavut to find him is full of surprising twists.

Neither Guy nor Cam is quite what he first appears. Guy is immediately attracted to the beautiful young author but finds himself wary of Cam’s unconventional and unpredictable behaviour. Cam is wary of publishers and guards himself carefully against Guy from the start.

At times, the relationship that builds between Guy and Cam feels more like a strategy game than a friendship, romance, or professional relationship. Both men keep secrets and Guy’s objective is to untangle Cam’s secrets. As Guy pulls at the threads of Cam’s life, he exposes dark secrets.

I’m conflicted about this book. I like the suspense element of the book and the departure from most traditional romance tropes, but I feel like the story needed more of a clear structure and more careful editing to make the suspense sharper and to make parts of Cam and Guy’s backstories more clear. I read an ARC and I’m assuming that the many copy editing issues will be resolved before publication – but they did throw me off at times. I didn’t connect emotionally to either Cam or Guy at the start and it was only at the very end of the story that Cam and Guy started to feel real to me. Ultimately, the story felt like a rough draft with the potential to be a great read and I would have liked to have read a more polished finished product.

Reece is a human pinball who’s moved a lot. By day she translates, and off-the-clock she enjoys genre-jumping when writing and reading, and seeing diverse characters appear everywhere, as in real life. Although she’s a big fan of twists and drama, good representation of genders, sexualities, and disabilities remains as important to her as ensuring all of her stories end well, because we all deserve a happy ending.

Connect with Reece

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Get Up by Reece Pine to read and review.

Mad & Marvelous by Elizabeth Varlet

Hop Lovette isn’t afraid to take risks. Being the bastard son of New York royalty has never given him anything but heartache. So when the Sassy Boyz land a contract at club Switch, he knows it’s only a matter of time before his marvelous world is turned on its head: the owner is his childhood rival.

Rafe Marson owes Hop’s father everything, and he’s on a mission to repay his debts. Nothing will stand in his way—not even a wild, beautiful, maddening blast from his past. Not even when Hop stirs up feelings better left dormant. Not even when Hop begs to be taken.

When opportunity knocks, Hop is the one who needs to step up and help Rafe. But working together without being together is harder than they thought—and when everything they’ve been working toward is threatened, Rafe will need to prove that true love is one in a million.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you're looking for with an HEA/HFN. It's a promise!

Book 4
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Carina Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series, and whilst I would recommend that you read them in order, you could still enjoy this as a first entry into the world of these talented dancers.

Hop is a fairly new member of the team and doesn't think he is as good as the rest, so works extra hard at being good enough. We soon learn that he has a mixed up past (which is fairly normal for these guys!) and that his past and his present are colliding in a way which affects him more than he would like.

Rafe used to be Hop's minder, until he chose to stop the cycle which was destroying them both. Sadly, so much misunderstanding exists between them that the crushing chemistry is confusing. However, the exhilaration cannot be denied – Rafe's dominance is just what Hop didn't know he needed.

Tied up in Rafe's business Switch, and the Sassy Boyz’ contract to perform, Hop and Rafe have a difficult line to follow. It is a fascinating one for us as readers though, and I really enjoyed their growing closeness and how revelations about the past made the present and the future so much brighter!

Another excellent addition to the series. Thank you, Ms. Varlet.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
I love this series! The fourth Sassy Boyz story returns us to a world of glamour and angst. Hop’s story adds family drama and a little bit of kink as the Sassy Boyz become even more successful.

As always, I loved the dance, the costumes, and the beautiful boyz. The relationships between the boys are wonderful and I enjoyed seeing their careers progress. Hop’s past is full of secrets that threaten his dancing and his future. Rafe isn’t quite what he first seems but it took me much of the story to warm to him.

The heat between Rafe and Hop is fabulous and the D/s kink they enjoy together is very sexy.

For me, at times there was a little bit too much drama. The first scenes between Hop and Rafe feel like something out of a teen soap and the secrecy and poor communication doesn’t always work for me. The plot was complicated and I’m still not sure I understand all of Rafe and Hop’s pasts. Ultimately, this is a fun, sexy read full of angst and passion.

Also Available in the Sassy Boyz Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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For reviews & more info, check out our Fierce & Fabulous post.

Book 2
Buy Links

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For reviews & more info, check out our Dark & Dazzling post.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Carina Press

For reviews & more info, check out our Brave & Beautiful post.

Elizabeth Varlet is a thirtysomething newly married world-traveler who devours books like they were candy. A nerd at heart, she spends way too many hours bingeing on episodes of her favorite television shows and dreaming of the day she can adopt a dog—whom she’s already named.

She started writing stories in high school and hasn’t stopped. Now her characters like to get frisky under the covers. Or the stars, or in a car, or up against the wall—they’re not picky.

Elizabeth believes in love of all shapes and sizes and wants nothing more than to share the beauty in the form of stories.

Connect with Elizabeth

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Mad & Marvelous (Sassy Boyz #4) by Elizabeth Varlet to read and review.