Tag Archives: LGBTQ

Picture Perfect (Isle of Kala) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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Picture Perfect (Isle of Kala) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 8, 2026

One look and I know – he’s going to be mine!

He walks into my boudoir studio and everything else fades away. For a long moment, it’s just the two of us frozen in time. But when I come back to the present, I realize he’s not alone. He’s here for a couple’s session.

After he returns solo and asks for a bondage shoot, I make one very important realization – that man is mine. I’ll stop at nothing to have him.

••••••

REVIEW:Picture Perfect is a steamy MM romance novella by Crea Reitan, set in the paradise of the Isle of Kala, a luxurious LGBTQIA+ resort island that’s become a favorite backdrop in the author’s interconnected worlds (previously glimpsed in her popular For Puck’s Sake hockey series).

This short standalone follows a boudoir photographer who experiences instant, overwhelming attraction when a handsome client walks into his studio.

What starts as a couple’s session quickly evolves into something far more personal when the man returns alone, requesting a bondage themed shoot. 😜

From there, it’s full speed ahead into possessive, intense romance.

“One look and I know he’s going to be mine!” I did squeal reading the blurb 😂

The story centers on Larson (the determined photographer) and Dylan, delivering exactly what you’d expect from one of my favourite authors, high heat, obsessive chemistry, and unapologetic passion.

One thing that almost had me not picking up the book, is the fact that one of the characters is in a relationship (I don’t like cheaters!) But give it a chance, as all us not as it seems 😜

I know not everyone is a fan of instalust or instalove, but I am. The intense chemistry between Larson and Dylan is the standout here. It’s electric from that very first frozen moment in the studio, building into something all consuming.

The Isle of Kala itself feels like a character, sunny, accepting, and the perfect escape for swoony island romance.

I love revisiting the island, we’ve met characters from previous books, but also islanders themselves.

It’s a novella, so don’t expect deep world building or complex subplots, this is pure focused romance with plenty of spice.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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THE ROOM I PAID FOR by Crea Reitan-review tour

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THE ROOM I PAID FOR by Crea Reitan-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 25 , 2025

Can he somehow bring magic back to Christmas?

Gabe

Pining after a man and stood up by another, I leave for a holiday retreat for two alone. Maybe solitude will drown away my sorrows. The storm raging outside matches my dreary mood. However, I’m somehow sharing my cabin in the blizzard-covered mountain with a stranger.

Edries

I’ve been making headlines as an eccentric billionaire for as long as I can remember. I’m not used to making headlines because my wife announces she wants a divorce, that she never loved me, and she’s taking our kids for the holidays. My first holiday alone will be on a beautiful mountain, to which I make it just in time to beat the storm.

But someone is already inside the room I paid for and now I’m stormed in with a stranger.

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

•••••••

REVIEW: If you’re in the mood for a quick, steamy, low angst holiday novella that leans hard into the “stranded together” trope with a side of “grumpy billionaire meets sunshine artist,” this one checks all the boxes.

Gabe books a romantic Christmas cabin getaway for two, only to be dumped right before the trip.

He decides to go solo anyway, lick his wounds, and drink questionable amounts of hot chocolate.

Meanwhile, billionaire Edries is fleeing tabloid hell after his wife very publicly announces she never loved him and is taking the kids for the holidays. (Don’t like his wife from that moment on!)

A double booking mix up lands both men at the same secluded mountain cabin just as the mother of all snowstorms hits! Yup, you guessed it…. One cabin…. One bed (of course).

These two heartbroken strangers (who by the way, have insane chemistry from basically the first glare across the room) now have to navigate what could be a disaster (or maybe a blessing.)

Instant attraction done right.

The tension between Gabe and Edries is electric from their awkward “who the hell are you?” meet/cute onward.

Crea Reitan doesn’t waste time, these two go from wary to “tear each other’s clothes off by the fireplace” at exactly the pace you want in a novella.

Edries is peak “emotionally constipated billionaire with a heart of gold.” He’s been in a loveless/sexless marriage for years, so watching him discover genuine desire (and that he’s very much into men) is delicious.

Gabe is perfect for Edries, openly bi, a little chaotic, artistic, and completely unafraid to call Edries on his brooding nonsense. Their banter is sharp and flirty and had me chuckling most of the time.

If you like your Christmas romance with explicit scenes in practically every possible cabin location (couch, shower, kitchen counter, against the window while snow falls…😜) you will be well looked after in this story.

And I loved how the power dynamic flips back and forth in fun ways.

Zero third act breakup. This is pure hurt/comfort, strangers to lovers, “we’re snowed in so let’s fix each other with holiday magic (and orgasms).” Very low stakes, very high warmth.

This is Crea Reitan doing what she does best…. delivering a sugary, filthy, feel good queer holiday romance that doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is. If you want a cup of cocoa with a shot of cinnamon/ whiskey level spice and a guaranteed HEA,

The Room I Paid For is perfect for a single sitting read on a cold night.

For anyone who wants their Christmas romance to come with a body count… of orgasms. 😜

The Room I Paid For is pure cozy/spicy escapism wrapped in twinkly Christmas lights and a raging blizzard.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for a fast, festive palate cleanser.

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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Just For Christmas (Longwood U) by Crea Reitan -review tour

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💜Just For Christmas (Longwood U) by Crea Reitan -review tour💜

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 11, 2025

It’s only temporary holiday magic

Brent

Life has taught me not to get attached to anyone because they’ll only let you down but I can’t stop myself from falling in love with my roommate and frat brother the moment we meet. It’s been three years and not only do I secretly pine for him, but now he’s also my very best friend. My first real friend.

Nothing can possibly go wrong when I agree to be his fake boyfriend for the holidays, right? I know I’m putting my heart on the line but it’ll just be a bit of hand-holding. My heart can survive that…

Rafe

I know my mother will get off my back about settling down if I bring home a partner so I recruit my best friend into becoming my fake boyfriend. It’ll be fun, easy, and a great holiday without all the subtle hints from my parents.

One kiss under the mistletoe changes everything and the childhood make believe suddenly morphs into so much more.

There’s only one problem – this arrangement is only for Christmas and then we’re back to being only friends when we return to school.

I didn’t plan to fall in love with Brent Mitchell… I don’t know what to do now that he’s acting like I don’t exist.

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

•••••••

REVIEW: Brent and Rafe have been frat brothers and secret best friends (with insane chemistry) for three years.

Brent is head over heels, painfully pining, and convinced Rafe is straight.

Rafe is clueless (or so we think) and just wants his meddling, high society parents off his back about finding “a nice partner” over Christmas break.

Solution? Drag his sweet, golden retriever roommate home as a fake boyfriend for the holidays.

What could possibly go wrong?

Everything apparently 😜

The PINING…. Brent’s quiet, aching longing is written so tenderly you’ll want to reach into the book and shake Rafe yourself.

The author nails the “I’ll take whatever scraps of affection I can get” energy without ever making Brent feel pathetic.

And Rafe’s awakening is perfection. He’s not in denial, he’s just never thought about it until one mistletoe kiss rewires his entire brain.

Watching Mr. “I’m straight, I guess?” realize he’s demisexual/Brent-sexual is chef’s kiss levels of satisfying.

Fake dating done RIGHT, forced proximity in Rafe’s fancy family mansion, one bed (naturally), dancing at the holiday gala, meeting the parents, the works. Every trope is here and executed with glee.

Spice that builds beautifully. It starts with sweet, tentative kisses and escalates to “we’re defiling every room in this house while the parents are downstairs” in the most delicious way. 😜

Third act conflict that actually hurts. There I was tissues/blanket and clucking my kindle sobbing. No ridiculous miscommunication, just two scared boys who agreed to an expiration date on something that turned terrifyingly real. The grovel is top tier.

Just For Christmas is peak comfort romance with a side of angst sharp enough to make the HEA taste like hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.

It’s warm, sexy, heartbreaking in the best way, and then puts you back together with one of the sweetest endings of the year.

If you love the “we were roommates” micro trope, mutual pining that finally explodes, and Christmas lights reflecting off bare skin, this is your book.

Clear your schedule, grab a blanket, and let Brent and Rafe ruin you for all future fake dating tropes.

Read it with tissues and maybe a locked door. You’ve been warned.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Rumor Has it
Wicked Confessions
Project FU
Dirty Wrong Love

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie🦋

 

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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Malin (Van Doren 4) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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Malin (Van Doren 4) by Crea Reitan-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 27, 2025

I’m haunted by a childhood of abuse.

Ten years ago, the Van Dorens rescued me from a megachurch cult where the leader kept me as his. I’ve spent a decade trying to escape my past.

But that past refuses to let me go. The cult leader’s voice lingers in my mind and his figure is always there in my peripheral vision. He reminds me that I’m his, I’m filled with sin, and I’m going to hell if I don’t join him in death like I should have when he was murdered.

The day Gracen fills my office with phone books, I discover that his presence silences the voice incessantly filling my head. As we get closer, the voice gets louder until one day, Gracen realizes that the cult leader isn’t in my head at all. He’s haunting me—tormenting me—even in death.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

••••••••

REVIEW: Crea Reitan’s Malin, is an emotionally charged story that takes us to the dark corners of trauma and recovery. ❤️‍🩹

The story follows Malin, who has spent the last ten years escaping the demons of his past after being rescued from a megachurch cult. This sad story sets the stage for a gripping tale that dives deep into the struggles faced by this survivor of abuse.

He was raised by two of the Van Doren triplets after rescuing him from the cult he was held prisoner in. It’s not necessary to read that book, as most of the information is given to you in this one, but it does give you insight into the twins (taboo) relationship and their love for Malin (they treat him as a son.)

From the very first page, the author drags us into Malin’s world. His haunting memories of the cult leader and the dark nature of psychological abuse are so sad. I liked how the author uses the cult leader’s voice as a character, for me it just amplifies the horror of unresolved trauma, creating a tension throughout the story. I had tissues ready 🤧

Malin’s journey of healing is written with raw honesty. His struggle to reclaim his identity while dealing with the shadow of his abuser is heartbreaking. Malin has to be one of my favourite characters, he’s, written with flaws and strengths that made him feel real. I found myself rooting for him as he confronts his fears and seeks freedom from his tormentor’s influence.

Gracen adds a refreshing dynamic to the story. His quirky approach, symbolized by the phone books he floods into Malin’s office, serves as an unexpected lifeline for him. I did chuckle when I first read that moment.

Gracen’s character brings warmth and humor to the story, easing the heavy themes with moments of levity. The chemistry between Malin and Gracen develops gradually, and I’m glad it did, I don’t think it would have suited the story if it had been and instalove moment.

The romance blossoms amidst the trauma, showing us how love can be both a sanctuary and a catalyst for healing.

The relationship between Malin and Gracen is not just about attraction, but about understanding and support, making it one of my favourite reads of the author.

Malin (Van Doren)” is a must read. But be prepared to cry 😢

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Loren
Noaz
Imry
Avory / Ellory
Oxley/

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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WHEN WE BREATHE (Blackwells of Montana 4.5)by Kristen Proby

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WHEN WE BREATHE (Blackwells of Montana 4.5 )by Kristen Proby

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Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 6, 2025

Alex

I met Adam and Gabe the old-fashioned way: in a bar. That is, if old-fashioned means that I met a couple of men already in a committed, loving relationship, and they took me home for a night of debauchery and fun, then yeah. That.

It’s just supposed to be one night. I don’t want to be the third wheel or put any kind of a wrench in their love story. These two guys are perfect together. Gabe is the laid-back, easygoing auto mechanic with muscles for freaking days. Adam isn’t lacking in the muscle department either, honestly, but he’s more intense, a little more bruised from a shaky past.

Like me.

I find myself craving their attention all the time. And they don’t seem to want to let me go. What started as one night has turned into something so much … more. I’m a girl who thought she wasn’t lovable, and instead, these two men are proving to me that the three of us could have something really special.

But it’s hard for me to trust, and letting go of the last of my independence may be where I draw the line. Will these men let me walk away, or will they fight for us?

•••••

REVIEW: WHEN WE BREATHE by Kristen Proby is a contemporary, adult, why-choose novella found in the author’s THE BLACKWELLS OF MONTANA erotic, romance series. This is reporter Alex Lexington, mechanic Gabe Blackwell, and financial advisor Adam Cavanaugh’s story line. WHEN WE BREATHE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from three first person perspectives (Alex, Gabe, Adam) WHEN WE BREATHE focuses on the insta-love relationship between reporter Alex Lexington, mechanic Gabe Blackwell, and financial advisor Adam Cavanaugh. Adam and Gabe are in a committed relationship but one look at reporter Aelx Lexington both men know she is the only woman they would ever want but Alex’s demons run dangerous and dark, and in this, our heroine struggles to trust, fearing a broken heart and too much damage to ever be normal.

The rapidly building relationship between Alex, Gabe and Adam is one of insta-lust to love. An introduction at a bar, one weekend together, and Adam and Gabe know they want to spend the rest of their life worshipping our story line heroine but Alex continues to struggle with the demons from her past, demons that refuse to let go. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include Alex’s siblings including Holden, Dani and Darby, as well as a few of the Blackwell clan Billie and Bridger.

WHEN WE BREATHE is a story of abuse and healing, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is entertaining and heart breaking-the conflict focuses on Alex’s past trauma; the romance is seductive and energetic; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and previous reviews
When We Burn
Where We Break
When We Bloom
When You Blush

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen lives in Montana with her husband and their four pets, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

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Before We Break Again by Claudia Burgoa-review

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Before We Break Again by Claudia Burgoa-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 29, 2025

We were inseparable once.

Three hearts tangled in a small town no one escapes, bound by secrets, sorrow, and something that always felt like fate.

We were always meant to find each other.

Even if the world tried to break us apart.

Even if love arrived far too soon.

We were just kids trying to make it through.

But together, we made something sacred.

Until the day it all shattered.

Now we’re adults with scarred hearts and fractured trust.

The love we shared wasn’t big—It was everything.

And if we dare to rebuild it . . .

We risk destroying ourselves all over again.

•••••

REVIEW:   🏒 Hockey Why Choose 🏒

Before We Break Again by the ever talented Claudia Burgoa has finally arrived. This slow burn, hockey, why choose romance will thrill the hockey loving readers and spark their minds. If you’re not into why choose, this book won’t be for you. No major trigger warnings.

Santos, Dustin and Halsey were once scared children clinging to each other, best friends who found love in one another. But as the world likes to remind us, bad things always happen and they are forced apart by their parents. Santos and Dustin are able to remain together, but Halsey is left with no one hole in her heart, but two. Now years later they are together again. Santos now down from a horrible injury, threatening his hockey career turns Dustin who acts as a band-aid, but does all he can to bring Dr. Halsey to assist Santos in the healing process. Dustin too is dealing with his own troubles and isn’t the same carefree boy he once was.

Wow! What a heckin ‘journey this one was. It’s not all gooey love scenes, it’s raw emotion and brutal truth, three people that found each other young and had the world telling them it was wrong. Santos, Dustin and Halsey have been through the ringer, and it’s not done with them yet. After Santos’ injury, and Halsey’s return, there is much to unpack with all three of them and that really gets to the meat of the story. Santos is healing, but Dustin is also dealing with his addiction, not to mention Halsey coming to terms with seeing them both again. There is angst, there is spice, there is drama, there is passion, there is character growth and there is love. I really hope to see more from this world!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

FOLLOW:Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Amazon Author / Instagram

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author.

She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breaths away. Her books are the perfect blend of steamy and heartfelt, filled with emotional characters and explosive chemistry. Her writing takes readers to new heights, providing a variety of tears, laughs, and shocking moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats.

She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, her youngest two children, and three fluffy dogs.

When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family. At nights, she likes to binge watch shows or movies with her equally geeky husband.

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Eriva (Silent World 1) by Crea Reitan -review tour

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Eriva (Silent World 1) by Crea Reitan -review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date OCTOBER 30, 2025

Mama said monsters will kill you.

My Mama taught me everything she knew right up until the day that monsters killed her and my family, while leaving me and my young cousins alive. The beasts will kill you on sight. Monsters will do far worse.

Yet, when a beast gets the best of me and I’m succumbing to its poison, it’s a group of monsters that save my life. They show me that maybe Mama didn’t know everything and there might be a different narrative to the hostile world around me.

Now these monsters want something from me. Something I’m not sure I’m brave enough to give them.

•••••

REVIEW: Crea Reitan’s “ERIVA (Silent World)” is a dive into a world fraught with danger, deception, and unexpected alliances.

With a gripping storyline that blends elements of fantasy and survival.

The story centers around Rainier grappling with loss and the harsh realities of his environment.

This story is set in a familiar world, but 100 years in the future…. If you’ve read the Harem Project then you’ll know all what happened. But if you’re new to this world, then don’t stress, there is enough information for you to know what happened.

The novel begins in a haunting setting….A world plagued by monsters that have shattered Rainier’s family. The story immediately draws us in with a sense of urgency and fear, as Rainier reflects on the warnings of his mother. Throughout the book, these early lessons linger, creating a tension between what Rainier has been taught and the reality he encounters.

As the story unfolds, the monsters emerge as complex beings rather than mere antagonists. Not all want to kill/maim and eat the remaining humans!

The pacing of the book is well balanced, alternating between heart pounding moments of danger and quieter, scenes that allow Rainier’s internal struggles to show. The writing is vivid, and the author immerses us in the world she has created, filled with detailed descriptions and savage imagery.

I did find this totally different from her Harem Series, it’s completely original from anything else the author has written. It’s dark, it’s a little unsettling (if we go on the way we are, this could be the world we leave for future generations!)

This group I found a little hard to like to be honest, they argue, they are petty and they don’t seem to gel at all well. I do hope we see this group in future books (and I hope they get on better)

Overall, “ERIVA (Silent World)” is a compelling start to what promises to be an engaging series. It expertly blends elements of fantasy with deep emotional undertones, challenging us to consider our definitions of monsters and heroes.

For those who enjoy fantasy that digests dark realities and moral complexities, “ERIVA” is a must read. The vivid world building and character development has me eagerly anticipating the next installment in this brave but terrifying new world!

There is a prequel you can read, you can sign up to the author’s website for it.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B

 

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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Cadence (Rainbow Dorset University 3) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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Cadence (Rainbow Dorset University 3) by Crea Reitan-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 9, 2025

Love can sneak up on you at the most inconvenient time.

I’ve sacrificed everything to build Rainbow Dorset University into the beacon of safety and excellence that it’s become. While my university thrives, all I have to show for my personal life are three grown kids who barely speak to me and an ex-wife who screams at me every chance she can get.

Almost ex-wife. She’s been stalling on signing our divorce papers for the past six months.

That’s fine. I have a new program to kick off with a small group of student ambassadors and staff heading to Iceland. Imagine my surprise when the person who fills me with a purpose to rival that of my dedication to RDU is among the students.

This time, everything is different. I won’t give up my heart if the Board of Trustees can’t find it in them to support my relationship. Not this time.

•••••

REVIEW:“Cadence” by Crea Reitan is a story of love and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of Rainbow Dorset University (RDU).

The story revolves around a university leader, who has dedicated his life to making Rainbow Dorset University a safe haven for students. His relentless commitment to this mission, however, has resulted in a strained personal life with his nearly ex-wife and distant children.

We’ve met Kendrick through different books in this Creaverse (Crea’s Universe) and although surprised he got a book, I fell in love with the characters. (But then with most of her books I’ve loved the characters 😝)

Kendrick’s conflict between his professional responsibilities and his feelings for a student ambassador were just spot on. Knowing what you should do and doing it was tying the poor man in knots!!

The tension this sets off adds to the story, as Kendrick grapples with his duty to the university, the expectations of the Board of Trustees, and the genuine connection he feels towards Brevan

Brevan has put his heart and soul into his chosen career. It’s his last year here at the University, and fingers crossed he gets a call telling him he’s off to play pro football in the NFL.

So, not only is he surprised to find out he’s been chosen as an ambassador for the Uni to go to Iceland. (He didn’t think he was smart enough to apply) He’s taken aback at the attention he’s receiving from Kendrick.

The author’s writing as always is engaging and vivid, capturing the picturesque setting of Iceland, where a pivotal program unfolds.

The tension of “forbidden love” is spot on, and i found myself rooting for this surprising romance.

Will Kendrick prioritize the potential of new love while attempting to disentangle himself from his past? Or will he make the same mistakes?

For those who appreciate stories that balance romance with challenges and growth, this book is a worthwhile addition to any reading list.

I love how this world continues to grow, More characters are added, and most will get a story at some point. Trying to work out who gets one next is part of the fun.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Reading Cafe
Volley

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

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