S.E.X. Review~ Wishing Tree, Vermont Box Set by RJ Scott

Welcome to the Wishing Tree collection. Where the snow always falls on cue, the lights never go dark, and second chances wait under every tree.

Three full-length MM Christmas romance novels, plus a free bonus short story, all set in the same small town where love keeps finding the people who've stopped looking for it.

The Wishing Tree — All Bailey wants for Christmas is the one man he can't his brother's best friend. Retired hockey star Kai is back to make amends and claim the love he's always wanted, but Bailey is hiding secrets that could send Kai running before they even get started.

A Christmas for Holly — Former hockey captain Holly arrives in Wishing Tree running from a crumbling career and a kiss he can't forget. Guarded gift-shop owner Lucas wants nothing to do with him, until a snowstorm traps them together and neither has anywhere left to hide.

The Magic of Midnight — Bookstore owner Wesley is determined to drag his broody new neighbor into the holiday spirit whether Hunter likes it or not. Just as their love takes root, fate threatens to pull it apart.

Slow burns, snowy nights, and small-town hearts learning to trust again. Once you find Wishing Tree, you won't want to leave.

The Wishing Tree

This reader is an RJ Scott junkie, and read everything she puts out, but The Wishing Tree was not my favorite book. While I enjoyed the premise of the storyline- make a wish and hope it comes true- lots of characters who meddle, and mean well, a town full of cheer that would bring a smile to anyone’s face. Yes, just my cup of coffee. Unfortunately, Kai and Bailey were not the men for me.

I did not understand Bailey’s pining for Kai after a painful rejection nor Kai coming to his senses some time later. I thought there were a lot of excuses on both their parts which led le to not like them. In fact, I liked the secondary characters more. Bailey and Kai had an air of immaturity which never grew.

Now, having said that…..a testament to Ms. Scott and her ability to write characters that get me so riled up, I’m writing a review praising her. Ms. Scott is a wonderful writer who sucks you in, good, bad, or indifferent-exactly what happened as I read the book.

Never will I not read an RJ Scott, because whether you like the book or not, there is always an emotional response.

A Christmas for Holly

I enjoyed by RJ Scott. A lovely hurt/comfort trope that ended well in a wintery wonder town in Vermont.

Lucas and Holly had a past that ended before it was able to start. Fast forward a year and Holly found himself out of hockey, anxiety ridden, and in need of a fresh start. Lucas always had feelings for Holly, but as always, misunderstandings hampered the way for two souls to unite.

I loved the care and patience Lucas exhibited with Holly. Although this was an HEA/Christmas story, Ms Scott gave credence to those with anxiety and did not sugarcoat the trials Holly faced, or the care Lucas gave.

The Magic of Midnight

I was so glad I decided to reread the first two books in The Wishing Tree series before reading and reviewing The Magic of Midnight. What a beautiful series and a beautiful book. I adored the grumpy/happy trope within the magic of Wishing Tree, Vermont. Wesley and Hunter were perfect for each other even if I had to read a few pages for them to figure it out.

Ms Scott delivered a sweet yet not too sappy Christmas story that left a smile on my face and my heart. I also appreciated that realistic expectations were formulated by each character, and they found a way to bring it all together and make it work. The thought of the beautiful town were people accept and wishes come true was just the dose needed as we approach the holiday season.

~~~~~

2026 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Boston Rebels Box Set 2 by Scott & Locey

Three hockey players. Three extraordinary love stories. One collection filled with passion, heart, and impossible choices.

Life on the ice may be complicated, but love has a way of making everything even harder.

An NHL star finds himself falling for a prince whose duty to crown and country threatens everything they want together. A devastating accident forces a hockey player to rebuild his life with the help of an autistic inventor who has spent years keeping the world at arm's length. And a veteran player discovers that one unforgettable night with a stranger could cost both of them the careers they've worked their entire lives to build.

From royal palaces and billionaire laboratories to packed arenas and NHL locker rooms, the men of the Boston Rebels are about to discover that love doesn't follow rules, respect boundaries, or wait for the perfect moment.

Featuring royalty, forbidden romance, hurt/comfort, opposites attract, autism representation, found family, second chances, emotional journeys, and all the hockey action readers love, this collection includes books four through six in the bestselling Boston Rebels series Royal Lines, Blade, and Rental

Three complete novels. Three unforgettable couples. One collection packed with romance, emotion, and hard-earned happily ever afters.

Royal Lines

Could there be any two men more different yet so similar? Marquis and Kaleb fit the bill in Scott and Locey’s newest Boston Rebels- Royal Lines.

Marquis, hockey player and heir to the plumbing throne was sent to the kingdom of Norstoe to secure a plumbing contract in the royal castle. There he met Kaleb, youngest child of the queen and go to man for the renovation. Sparks immediately flew for the two men, who were known to be playboys with love ‘‘em and leave ‘‘em attitudes.

I loved the synergy of the two men. Their differences made them similar, and their natures meshed. The authors delivered a well rounded to story that focused on the budding relationship with some hockey thrown in. Out and proud, suave and stylish; neither man hid behind facades.

Blade

Usually, when a book is about a sport, I expect lots and lots of sports action. I’ve said this before. I now stand corrected in saying that when it came to Blade, Boston Rebels by Scott & Locey, for this reader, by far the best book in the series!

Moral and Cooper had an unconventional pairing. One a pro hockey player attempting to recovery from catastrophic injury, the other the man who would help heal him- mind, body, and spirit.

I adored both these characters. Scott & Locey delivered everything I would expect with sensitivity, style, and grace. Their understanding of each other without actively seeking it was a refreshing nuance and left me smiling as I turned each page.

Even though the romance was quick, I did not feel as if it was out of place. Both consenting adults trying to make sense of their respective places in the world. The authors navigated their story in proper fashion allowing the characters to speak to them.

Rental

I loved Scott and Locey’s newest addition to the Boston Rebel series, Rental. Webber and Logan are probably top five couple amongst all the author’s hockey series.

Logan, a hockey rental landed at the Boston Rebels barn to hopefully lead them win Lord Stanley’s main prize. Webber was a hockey referee, second generation and at the top of his career. The two men may have started out as a quickie in a bathroom bar, but they soon realized they couldn’t get enough of each other.

The hockey was exciting, the drama surrounding Webber and Logan was exciting, and the romance was exciting, not to mention hot! Scott and Locey know how to write a great book, staying true to their world and characters.

A five handcuff review

 

~~~~~

2026 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Christmas Collection 3 Set by RJ Scott

A jilted groom and the best friend who never stopped loving him are trapped together by an avalanche over Christmas. Two rival bakers discover that competition isn't the only thing heating up in a snowy mountain hotel. And in New York, two men separated for seven years are given an unexpected second chance at the love they left behind.

From Colorado mountains and festive baking competitions to the sparkling streets of New York, these three MM Christmas romances are packed with best friends to lovers, second chances, rivals to lovers, forced proximity, only one room, unrequited love, hurt/comfort, snowed in, Christmas weddings, festive baking, found family, old feelings, new beginnings, and holiday magic.

Stop the Wedding

One desperate phone call sends Patrick racing across the country to stop his best friend from marrying the wrong man. He arrives too late, but when an avalanche traps him in a mountain hotel with a heartbroken Declan, Christmas might finally give them the chance to confront the kiss, the rejection, and the love neither of them ever managed to forget.

Cupcakes and Christmas

Celebrity baker Brody is rebuilding his life after the collapse of his marriage. Justin knows all about starting over, but protecting the stable life he's fought to create means protecting his heart too. Thrown together for a Christmas baking competition in snowy Alberta, the two rivals discover that gingerbread battles, frosty nights, and unexpected attraction might be the perfect recipe for love.

New York Christmas

Seven years after Christian walked away from Daniel, he's broke, jobless, and facing Christmas in New York with his life in pieces. Then Daniel walks back into it. Old feelings haven't disappeared, and amid winter in the city, Chris has one more chance to admit the truth he's hidden for years and discover whether their goodbye was really the end.

Sweet and sappy, Stop the Wedding was an enjoyable read of a familiar trope during the holiday times. On the brink of making the worse mistake of his life, Declan evaded his nuptials to a man he truly didn’t love. Patrick, his one-time best friend, and the man which held Declan’s heart was on a mission to intercept the groom before he proclaimed his I do’s. Lucky for Patrick the wedding never took place and then a convenient avalanche by Mother Nature trapped the men in an inn.

Not an overly sexual book, but a sensual one, StW played more on feelings and renewals. A stunted friendship and heartbreaks led to confessions of true love in an idyllic setting of a mountain retreat.

Christmas and Cupcakes was a sweet story of two men in the baking-reality show world and how they found love on the World’s Best Baking Show. Brody and Justin each had their own issues. Former champions in their own seasons- brought together for the championship of champions- they secretly admired and lusted for each other.

New York Christmas brought characters world apart, looking for an HEA. Chris and Daniel found each other and eventually got their HEA.

A four handcuff review

~~~~~

2026 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Boston Rebels Box Set by Scott & Locey

Four hockey players. Four unforgettable love stories. One collection packed with heart, heat, and happy endings.

Welcome to the Boston Rebels.

A rookie hockey player discovers that falling in love can be every bit as life-changing as being drafted into the NHL. A summer fling between a hockey star and his best friend's brother turns into something neither man can walk away from. A surprise child brings two men together in the middle of a heartbreaking custody battle. And as Christmas approaches, a second chance at first love collides with danger, secrets, and a snowstorm that changes everything.

From the bright lights of professional hockey to small-town cabins buried in snow, the men of the Boston Rebels are about to learn that love rarely follows the rules.

Featuring found family, first love, second chances, best friends to lovers, best friend's brother, single parent romance, emotional journeys, unforgettable characters, and all the hockey action readers love, this collection includes the first four books in the bestselling Boston Rebels series:

Top Shelf was a wonderful start to authors RJ Scott & V.L. Locey’s newest hockey series, Boston Rebels. What I loved most about the collaboration of these two lovely ladies, was they never forget the crossing of other books in their series and always pay close attention to details.

Xander, a hockey player for the Rebels, finally came out as bi. Mason was brother to Eli, Xander’s best friend and teammate. Once the news came to light, Mason decided to take charge of his unrequited love for Xander and move things along.

I loved the banter between oh so serious Xander and his teammates. All a little bit quirky, each man added a nuance that enhanced the storyline. Finally able to be himself, Xander was unrepentant once he allowed his feelings for Mason to come forth. Together the men made a striking couple.

At first, I thought Mason would be whiny and needy, but I was so happy to find that I adored him from the start, as he truly loved Xander from afar, and when the opportunity arose to explore his feelings, he did so with maturity. Don’t get me wrong, there were very funny laugh out loud parts to the story, which kept this reader intrigued and amused.

Back Check by Scott and Locey was an experience in love and life. Isaac raised his toddler niece from the time her mother- his sister- passed away shortly after giving birth. A wild child, Sophie’s mother never named the father, leaving Isaac to shoulder the load of raising a sick child.

Enter Joachim, hockey player who happened to be Sophie’s paternal unit and a life saving match for the bone marrow needed for Sophie to survive her illness and lead a happy and fruitful life.

While the hockey was not an integral part of the overall story, it kept with the arching theme of the series. But the bad-boy, struggling hockey player theme was well done and enhanced the characters. While Joachim struggled with his addiction, his desire to be a father never wavered. In fact, he was relentless which sometimes came out as over the top, yet the author’s characterization kept his overzealousness in check. Isaac’s handling of Sophie was endearing and his love for her radiated throughout. Once he and Joachim got their act together the two men created a new family and bond which transformed the story.

I must admit that when I read a Scott & Locey book about hockey, I’m hoping for more hockey. Snowed did not give a lot of hockey but delivered drama. Kyle, goalie for the Rebels was hurt in an unfortunate accident- sidelined- he headed back to Canada to the small town he grew up in and the man he left behind. Christian loved Kyle and hockey, but his life kept him in Canada until Kyle showed up on doorstep in the middle of a snowstorm.

Snowed was an interesting read and kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the drama and intrigue, but I think I would have like the book even more if it wasn’t part of a hockey series. It was more of a drama.

Did I love the book? Yes!

Did I want more hockey? Yes, if it is in a hockey trope.

But again, did I love the drama? Yes!

Definte S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

~~~~~

2026 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Omega Hunted by RJ Scott

A bond torn apart by grief. An omega hunted by his own blood. A child worth a fortune to the wrong people. And an alpha who’d rather die than watch history repeat itself.

Soren was born into a world that had already decided what he was worth.

Not a person. An investment. A rare omega bloodline with documentation going back twelve generations, and a body that made him valuable the moment he presented. When his family forced a breeding arrangement that cost another man his mate, his life, and any say in what came next, Soren was locked away to give birth in secret.

Alpha wolf Cassian has been alone on his mountain for three years, with a shattered bond and no intention of getting involved in anyone else’s problems. His bonded mate died, and what’s left of Cassian runs the fence line at night and waits to be ready. He doesn’t take in strangers. He doesn’t get involved.

When his camera picks up a small shape crawling up the snowbank on the county road with one arm braced under a pregnant belly, he tells himself twice that this isn’t his problem.

Snowed in on a mountain with no way out, Cassian has weeks to keep a frightened omega and his unborn daughter alive — and no idea that keeping them safe will mean learning how to live again. But the family Soren ran from isn’t done, and the brother who wants his niece more than he ever wanted his sibling is coming to collect what he believes is his.

Omega Hunted is an MM omegaverse romantic suspense featuring a grieving alpha wolf, a pregnant omega on the run, a broken bond healing into something neither man expected, a desperate crime family, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, and genuine darkness.

Omega Hunted by RJ Scott was a wonderful start to a new series. A scared and tormented omega and a scarred alpha was the backdrop that put Ms Scott into a new realm of writing. As a fan of her work and one of my favorite authors, she never ceases to amaze me with not only her writing ability but the uncanny ability to create new nuances.

I know this is only the first book in the series, but it may become my favorite.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming, Omega Hunted will leave you on the edge of your seat and completely satisfied.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

~~~~~

2026 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Redcars Box Set by RJ Scott

Three broken men. Three dangerous love stories. One found family worth killing for.

Redcars isn't just a garage in the heart of Los Angeles. It's a sanctuary for men with blood on their hands, scars on their souls, and nowhere else to go.

When a hunted survivor crashes through their gates, Enzo will do whatever it takes to keep him safe.

When old enemies resurface, Jamie and Killian find themselves caught between revenge and a need neither man can control.

And when a hacker marked for death brings a billionaire's deadly secrets to their door, Rio discovers just how far he'll go to protect the man he's claimed as his own.

Together, these three dark MM romantic suspense novels deliver high-stakes danger, found family, fierce loyalty, damaged heroes, obsessive devotion, and hard-won happy endings.

The Redcars Box Set includes ENZO, JAMIE, and RIO—three interconnected stories of survival, vengeance, healing, and the kind of love that refuses to let go.

Previously read and reviewed, Redcars Boxset was not for the faint of heart and heed all warnings. But, in true RJ Scott fashion, the stories are worth the read and will capture you in ways you did not think possible.

Enzo

Grit and grime are not usually words I associated with an RJ Scott novel, but Enzo, Red Cars 1 was exactly that. No warm fuzzies. No sweet platitudes. Hard men with newfound purposes and just enough humanity to find love.

Ex con Enzo and a nefarious group of men lived and breathed Red Cars- given a second chance at life after committing heinous crimes. They protect their own no matter the means.

Robbie fell into their laps after escaping unimaginable horrors, basically left for dead.

The dynamics between Enzo and Robbie was slow burning as Robbie learned to trust his new protector while Enzo learned to accept goodness could fall into his lap.

Ms Scott delivered a new form of writing that immediately transferred from vengeance to underdog to cheering for protagonist with an edge. After getting over the initial shock of the author’s new writing venture, this reader opened her mind and absorbed the characterization; looking past their flaws and embracing these new unlikely heroes.

Jamie

Jamie by RJ Scott was dark with morally gray characters. Jamie led a tumultuous life, allowing fire to not only fuel him but keep the spirits at bay. Killian, defense attorney and former Redcars recipient, not only worked in his profession, but also with a group of people who charged forward to take down the corrupt from the inside out.

Although the characters in the book did nefarious things to accomplish specific illegalities, (yes, trigger warnings were given with the book), Ms Scott developed her characters into tangible people who you could not help but cheer for. Sometimes with all the ugly in the world the only way to fight corruption was with fire (no pun intended).

I liked all the men in the book, and much like Robbie in the first book, Enzo, Jamie tugged at my heartstrings. Killian was the calm in his storm, and they made it work. I look forward to learning more about this rag tag group in the next book and falling more between the lines of black and white.

Rio

This reader absolutely enjoyed Rio.  Rio was a larger than life and protective character in the first two books; one who piqued my interest and did not disappoint.

A fighter, not necessarily by choice or nature, Rio and his friends became involved further into the underbelly of trafficking and murder when Lyric, a man from Jamie’s past showed up at Redcars, nearly dead and in need of help.

The overall arc of the three stories is well developed and well written. Ms Scott took careful planning and engaged the reader in all characters from the first book and throughout.

As much as these characters are morally grey, I cannot help but feel for them and cheer for them to succeed in their mission of survival.

Getting a better understanding of Rio only endeared me to him more than I originally thought. He and Lyric walked a thin line of trust and eventually love which brough out a softer side to Rio towards the end of the book.

A series worth reading, Ms Scott’s venture into the darker side has sure hit the mark.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

~~~~~

2026 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ MM First Hockey Romances by RJ Scott & VL Locey

Three hockey romances. Three unforgettable first loves. One collection full of heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters.

A rising hockey star falls for his older coach... and his brother's best friend.

A veteran player finally gives in to years of forbidden attraction when one unforgettable summer changes everything.

A Hollywood actor desperate to land the role of a lifetime needs a hockey superstar to teach him the game, but the chemistry between them quickly goes off script.

Filled with swoony romance, sizzling chemistry, best friend's brother, age gap, fake dating, celebrity glamour, and the passion of professional hockey, the Hockey Romance Firsts Collection brings together three fan-favorite M/M romances where taking the biggest risk can lead to the greatest love story.

MM Romance Firsts by RJ Scott & VL Locey was a wonderful start to three collections of hockey romance books. Setting the stage for their series, the three bools gave in insight to the characterization and world building to come.

Each book focused on specific characters with drama and taste. As each story unfolded, the men were able to grow, mature, and find common ground in all their endeavors.

As always, for this reader, MM AND hockey…..right up my alley.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

~~~~~

2026 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.