I received an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

Gretchen McNeil presents They Fear Not Men in the Woods, a modern horror novel set in the forests of rural Washington state. Readers follow Jen Monroe as she is called home from college to attend her father's funeral. Her father was a ranger passionate about protecting the forests until one day he walked into the woods and never came back out. He has been missing for years, but Jen is still surprised to learn his remains were found. Jen is determined to learn what happened to her father only to discover deadly secrets and ancient power in the trees.

This is an interesting take on the trope that it is. I hesitate to say since such a big part of this book is the reader learning alongside Jen what is happening in the woods. The gradual reveals are paced well and I was surprised that the author chose to proceed down the path that I, admittedly, really hoped for. The unfortunate part of this novel is that none of the characters are particularly worth rooting for, in my opinion. Maybe Jen? But I found her to be a bit annoying at best.

This book turned out to be a cool combination of thriller and horror genre spaces with a big nod to environmental protection. I liked this one and would recommend it, but can definitely see other readers connecting more strongly than I did.

I am part of Cara Dee's ARC team and received an eARC through BookSprout.

Actual rating: 3.5

Originally published in an anthology, I'll Tell You What You Are has been expanded to small novella length. Readers follow the dual perspectives of best friends Max and Reid as they shut the doors on Old Town, a kink community they have run together for the past eleven years. Max has been seeking identity for the whole time that they have been in operation, but the one thing he has never explored is the possibility of more with Reid. Their annual vacation offers the perfect opportunity for Reid to make sure Max knows that they have belonged together all along.

The story ties in to the pre-existing Cara Dee series called The Game, but can be read as a standalone. There may be a few out of context "spoilers" for that series, but mostly centered on romantic dynamics that could be read in the synopses. I would not personally suggest this novella as a starting point for getting into Cara Dee's work as it works better, in my opinion, as a spin-off story from The Game. The starting novella for The Game (Top Priority) is a better place to dip your toes in if you want to sample this author's writing as it takes more time to establish the setting and character dynamics.

This novella is only slightly over 100 pages, so it is difficult to fully discuss. Cara Dee excels at balancing heavy spice content with emotional depth and support between her characters. She builds families both blood and chosen with careful consideration of the unique needs of each character.

I'll Tell You What You Are fits right in among Cara Dee's oeuvre and is a quick read with equal parts sweet and spice. Happily recommend as a story not to miss for Cara fans.

I received an electronic ARC from Gay Romance Reviews.

Fae Quin returns to Belleville with another contemporary Christmas romance. Readers follow Jason, the grocer in Belleville who is hiding his secret wealth. He has learned that having money makes people think of him differently, so he pretends to be just like anyone else while finding quiet ways to help those in need. No accolades for him. Just making a difference where it counts. Enter Joe who has just bought the apple orchard and is struggling to find his footing. His new home needs renovations badly and he doesn't have connections in town to establish the business of the orchard. And he's allergic to help. Jason comes up with the Santa fund charity to support Joe, only to discover that perhaps he has more interest in Joe than just helping or friendship.

Though characters from the Christmas Daddies series and Cloudy make cameo appearances, this story is self-contained. You will have a full and complete understanding of this story without having read any of those, though you will, of course, enjoy the Easter eggs if you have read them. I, personally, have not yet read Cloudy, and don't feel my enjoyment was hampered by that.

Fae Quin has a way of making sugary sweet stories with enough spice to balance the mix and avoid completely rotting your teeth. She tackles potentially sensitive topics with care. Jason is having his bi-awakening in his 40s and Joe is only just learning what demisexual is and how that might apply to him. There is an age gap between our MMCs and a socioeconomic gap as well, but Quin manages to prioritize consent and comfort in a way that only adds to the foundation of the building relationship. Her writing is consistently character-first with a vague, trope-y supporting plot that works so long as you enjoy the characters themselves.

Overall, this is Fae Quin absolutely doing her thing. If you liked Christmas Daddies, welcome to your 2025 installation. If you're after a sweet and spicy Christmas romance, feel free to start here and then you have a backlist to enjoy.