Evelise Archer's Blog

In the small town of Wishing Tree, Vermont, Wesley has broken free from the golden cage of his wealthy family’s expectations. Now, he’s hiding away in his beloved bookstore, a cozy haven filled with stories that warm the soul. But his greatest joy? Showing the grumpy coffee shop owner next door that life doesn’t have to be so serious—especially at Christmas.

Hunter never planned to trade lectures on history for steaming lattes and frothy cappuccinos. But when a sudden twist of fate lands him in Vermont, running a coffee shop he inherited, he buries himself in the daily grind, determined to avoid messy emotions—and the annoyingly cheerful bookstore owner who seems intent on dragging him out of his shell.

Wesley’s relentless charm and holiday spirit clash with Hunter’s stubborn pragmatism, sparking irritation, banter, and undeniable chemistry. Underneath the tension, stolen kisses and quiet moments reveal a connection that feels like the season’s magic.

But just as their love begins to bloom, a twist of fate threatens to pull them apart. With Christmas fast approaching, can Wesley and Hunter overcome the odds and find their happily ever after? Or will their story end before the final snowflake falls?

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

MsScott delivereda sweet yet not too sappy Christmas story that left a smile on my face and myheart. 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 ofthe beautiful town were people accept and wishes come true was just the doseneeded as we approach the holiday season.

DefiniteS.E.X.

A fivehandcuff review

~~~~~

2025 ©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.

Success isn’t measured in goals or stats; it’s a rough draft waiting to be rewritten.

Walker Hannan was supposed to be the next big thing in the NHL. But instead of carving out a legendary career, he's been sent down to the minors to fix his game—and his attitude. The rink used to be his sanctuary, but now it feels like his prison. Angry, frustrated, and desperate to claw his way back, the last thing Walker needs is a distraction.

Enter Finn Carter—elementary school art teacher, eternal optimist, and the human equivalent of sunshine. With his paint-stained hands and infectious smile, Finn is everything Walker isn’ open, warm, and willing to see the beauty in the mess. He knows life isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. And somehow, against all odds, he starts to chip away at the walls Walker has spent years building.

But just when Walker begins to believe there’s more to life than hockey, he gets the call he’s been waiting for—his shot at the NHL, his second chance.

Now, with his career on the line and his heart tangled in something real, Walker has to Can he fight for his place on the ice without losing the one person who taught him how to live beyond it?

Rough Draft is a heartfelt opposites-attract, grumpy/sunshine, MM hockey romance about love, ambition, and finding a home where you least expect it.

The Games We Play - Season 2 is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!

Rough Draft by Scott and Locey was part of amulti author hockey series, The Games We Play Season 2. Angst, humor,and love all found its way into the book.

Walker was a hockey player sent down due to anger issues,told to work on his life both on and out of the rink. Finn was an art teacher wholed an interesting group of hockey players who needed to find an inner calmnessand learn to deal with their issues.

Walker and Finn were attracted to each other from the startbut walked a thin line. Their chemistry radiated throughout and once theyacknowledged their attraction, things moved progressively fast.

Scott and Locey wrote about sensitive topics withoutsugar coating anything. They also infused humor into each character whiletaking nothing away from their personalities. I always enjoy the pairing of thetwo authors as their synergy is as seamless as their characters.

Sexy & Sizzling

A four handcuff review

~~~~~
2025 ©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.

Hunted by killers. Protected by a monster.

Lyric Thornwood is on the run, his name stamped on a kill order flooding the dark web. Someone inside the system wants him erased—and Marcus Kessler, the billionaire who twisted Lyric’s stolen code into the murderous AI LyricNight, is hunting him like prey.

Desperate and alone, Lyric follows a ghost contact to a rundown LA garage. What he finds there isn’t safety—it’s Rio Villareal. Rio doesn’t care about code, firewalls, or ghost signals. He knows fists, loyalty, and the kind of violence that keeps his found family alive. When Lyric crashes into his world, Rio should walk away. Instead, he claims the stranger as his responsibility—and maybe something more.

Rio is a dark, explosive story of found family and recovery scarred by violence. With a hunted hacker, a fighter built for blood, and an AI hell-bent on revenge, survival comes at a cost—and only obsession might be enough to keep them alive.

This reader absolutely enjoyed Rio, Redcars 3 by RJScott. Rio was a larger than life and protective character in the first twobooks; one who piqued my interest and did not disappoint.

A fighter, not necessarily by choice or nature, Rio and hisfriends became involved further into the underbelly of trafficking and murderwhen Lyric, a man from Jamie’s past showed up at Redcars, nearly dead and inneed of help.

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

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

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

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

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

~~~~~

2025 ©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.

Cole “Trick” Harrington III has made a career out of pretending he doesn’t care. Not about his past, his name, or the father who built a megachurch empire off judgment and control. Trick torched every bridge back to Atlanta, deliberately wrecked his career, and buried his truth so deep even he started to forget it. Now traded to the Harrisburg Railers, he's skating on thin ice, with a reputation for arrogance and a career teetering on the edge. The last thing he needs is a PR stunt tying him to a squeaky-clean football star, particularly one who is sexy, strong, and always freaking happy. As Trick is forced to confront his growing attraction and deal with the past he’s spent years ignoring—including the younger sister he never knew existed—he realizes that the most brutal battles aren’t fought on the ice. They’re fought in the heart. And this time, he has to stop running.

Tom Fulkowski has led a charmed life. Starting with a typical middle-class childhood in Philly, his skill at catching quarterbacks has propelled him to the heights of pro football. He’s got the rings, he’s got the cash, and he’s got the cars. He’s also got a bad back, achy knees, and a yearning to move on. With one final season to play with the Philadelphia Pumas before retirement, Tom looks forward to that next phase of his life. He’s just not sure what the next phase is exactly. Then, out of the blue, he meets a wild-eyed hockey player with a chip the size of the Liberty Bell on his shoulder. As he and Cole grow closer, he finds a depth to the younger man that resonates deeply. If only Cole would slow down and let Tom catch up to him, they might win it all.

Blitz is an MM romance featuring a bad-boy hockey player with a past he can’t outrun, a football legend on the verge of retirement, a forced PR stunt that might turn into something real, and a game-changing journey to their happy-ever-after.

Blitz, Railers Legacyby Scott and Locey was a wonderful addition to their fantastic spin offseries. Troubled and closeted hockey player met closeted golden boy football player,and the sparks flew. Trick had baggage a mile long; urges he attempted to suppress,a preacher father who controlled his every move, and a guilt-ridden psyche. Tomwas a closeted gay football player, on the brink of retirement and desired loveand a relationship. Luckily, the men were thrown together for a photo campaignand soon realized all their desires could come true.

What I loved about the writing style of RJScott & VL Locey was they never forget their true nature of the story,warts and all. There was never any sugar coating; hard ache occurred and sensitivetopics discussed, but the light was found at the end of the tunnel.

Both Trick and Tom were super likeablecharacters, with their own flaws yet tons of charisma. From troubled, self-sabotaginghockey player to sunshine football player, both Trick and Tom were able to makethe relationship work. Good friends along the way helped pave their true courseand Blitz was a nice continuation of characters from Speed.

Sexy & Sizzling

A four handcuff review

~~~~~

2025 ©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.

Burning is control. Craving Killian’s touch is surrender. 

Jamie Maddox doesn’t pretend to be good. He’s a former hacker, a convicted arsonist, and an ex-con who once burned his world just to survive it. Fire calms the storm in his head. Chaos makes sense. But when the man who tortured someone he considers family gives up a name before dying in flames, Jamie knows it’s only the beginning. Behind that name is a network of monsters. Rich. Protected. Untouchable. And Jamie will burn every last one of them down.

Enter Killian McKendrick. Lawyer. With a silver tongue, a steel-trap mind, and a secret life built on dismantling predators from the inside out, Killian is everything Jamie doesn’t trust. And everything he can’t stop wanting.

Because when Killian’s voice drops, when his hands steady Jamie’s shaking and he calls him “Pretty,” when the heat in his gaze meets the wildfire in Jamie’s soul, something shifts. The storm quiets. And for a moment, Jamie can breathe.

They’re not partners. They’re a threat to each other’s sanity.

But they want the same thing. Vengeance. Justice. And maybe… something more.

Jamie is a dark, obsessive MM romantic suspense featuring a man who found silence in fire and hope in unexpected touch, combustible attraction, found family, a lawyer with a secret identity who hunts monsters from the shadows, and two men who refuse to let each other self-destruct.

Trigger warnings for past abuse, murder by fire, intense obsession, dark revenge.

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

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

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

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

~~~~~
2025 ©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.

Love wasn’t on Sam Caldwell’s agenda until a city boy with haunted eyes and no coat crashed into his world.

As a fourth-generation maple farmer in Caldwell Crossing, New Hampshire, Sam is rooted in tradition, family, and a quiet life filled with woodsmoke, laughter, and loyal friends. But everything changes when he finds Ben Marshall half-frozen on the side of the road. Ben is sharp, guarded, and running from his past—yet there’s a pull between them that Sam can’t ignore.

Ben never expected to end up in a snowy New Hampshire town, especially not after losing everything in Boston. Forced to leave his career and reputation behind, he retreats to the one safe place left—his great-aunt Harriet’s home in Caldwell Crossing. But safety doesn’t mean peace, and the last thing he needs is to catch feelings for the grumpy, gentle farmer who rescued him.

As winter thaws and maple flows, so does something deeper between Sam and Ben—trust, laughter, and the terrifying possibility of love. But when Ben’s past threatens to drag him back under, can two men who’ve built walls around their hearts find the courage to create something together?

Love Story features a city boy starting over, a maple farmer rooted in tradition, found family, best friends, early mornings that turn into something more, and the kind of love that feels like coming home.

LoveStory by RJScott was a lovely story set in Harmony Lake, New Hampshire and part of amulti- author series.

Sam,part of a family of maple farmers, loved his family, friends and town. Theearth a part of his essence and some place he never sought to leave. Enter Ben,a city boy, with a city job who needed respite from the trials and tribulationsof work, and whose great aunt happened to reside in Harmony Lake.

The twomen hit if off and soon found romance amongst the maple trees. Nosy familymembers and nosy best friends added to appeal of the storyline.

Asweet burn with low key angst, Love Story just simply made you feelgood.

Sexy& Sizzling

A fourhandcuff review

~~~~~

2025 ©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.

He’s hurt. Hunted. Barely holding on. But Enzo will kill to keep him safe.

Enzo has already found his place at Redcars—a garage turned sanctuary for men with dangerous pasts and loyal hearts. He’s built a life of purpose, surrounded by a chosen family who knows exactly what it means to survive.

Then a bloodied, barefoot stranger collapses at their gate.

Terrified, half-starved, and hunted for the key to millions, Robbie has nowhere left to run. But Enzo sees him. Not just the bruises or the shadows of his past—but the man underneath, all sharp edges and shattered trust. And something in Enzo refuses to let go.

Redcars isn’t just a place to hide. It’s a promise. And when the past comes calling, Enzo will do whatever it takes to protect what’s his.

Enzo is a gritty MM romantic suspense featuring high stakes, found family, and an ex-con willing to cross the line for love. Expect drama, danger, “I would die for you” devotion, and the kind of love that doesn’t ask permission to stay.

Gritand grime are not usually words I associated with an RJ Scott novel, butEnzo, 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 conEnzo and a nefarious group of men lived and breathed Red Cars- given a secondchance at life after committing heinous crimes. They protect their own nomatter the means.

Robbiefell into their laps after escaping unimaginable horrors, basically left fordead.

Thedynamics between Enzo and Robbie was slow burning as Robbie learned to trusthis new protector while Enzo learned to accept goodness could fall into hislap.

MsScott delivereda new form of writing that immediately transferred from vengeance to underdogto cheering for protagonist with an edge. After getting over the initial shockof the author’s new writing venture, this reader opened her mind and absorbedthe characterization; looking past their flaws and embracing these new unlikelyheroes.

DefiniteS.E.X.

A fivehandcuff review

~~~~~

2025 ©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.

Speed - Railers Legacy 1

Hard ice. Fast cars. Fierce love. And a race against fate. 

Hockey is as natural as breathing for Noah Gunnarsson. Growing up with two famous hockey stars as his dads, Noah has always aspired to join the Railers to continue the Lyamin-Gunnarsson legacy. With his degree done, it’s time to live that dream, and the first step is being drafted by the team his hall-of-fame dad played for. The second step is to pull on that dusky blue-gray sweater and make his fathers proud. His rookie year is bound to be a season of incredible highs and lows, but one of the biggest highlights is meeting Brody Vance at a fundraiser. Brody is the living epitome of a bad boy hiding his pain behind a devil-may-care attitude. As Noah struggles to keep one eye on the puck and not on Brody, it’s only a matter of time before both loves collide in a chaotic splash of media attention. 

Bad boy racing driver Brody Vance has spent his life chasing speed and glory and is only points away from his first world championship when a devastating crash ends his season. Determined to make a triumphant comeback, Brody is blindsided by a diagnosis that forces him off the track for good. With his world flipped upside down and family and fans questioning why he left, Brody hides his pain by pushing the limits and refusing to let anyone see the cracks. But after a chance meeting with a sweet, sexy hockey player turns into an unforgettable one-night stand, fate keeps putting Noah in his path. With his heart on the line and his body racing against time, Brody must decide if he’s willing to risk it all for love—or if he’ll let fear and pride leave him in the dust.

Speed is a steamy M/M romance with a hockey rookie living his family legacy, a bad-boy racing driver with secrets, media attention that would break even the strongest of men, an unforgettable one-night stand, a love that means risking it all, and a hard-won happily ever after.

https://gayromance.co.uk/series/railers-legacy

As Istarted to read Speed, the first book in RJ Scott & VL Locey’snew series, I must admit I thought it was going to disappoint me. A huge fan ofthe two women, I am an avid auto reader.

Brodycompletely rubbed me the wrong way; narcissistic and selfish, I instantly assumedhe took advantage of Noah and the gleam in Noah’s eyes.

Noahon the other hand was likeable and approachable- the little rabbit who grew upwith famous fathers and yet still fully grounded.

I canonly hold my ire up to the talent of Scott and Locey, who drew me intothe storyline and immediately felt something for the characters.

Thebook was well written and gave readers a further look into the RailersLegacy series. Once Brody got out of his own way friendship and loveblossomed between him and Noah.

Wonderfulto revisit the loving marriage of Erik and Stan. I laughed through all of the Stan-ismsas he still navigated his Russian-English dialogue “eloquently”.

 A great start to a even more delightfulseries.

Sexy& Sizzling

A fourhandcuff review

~~~~~

2025 ©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.

In the frostbitten heart of Chicago, a scarred and solitary soldier finds a second chance at love with the man who broke his heart.

Twenty years at war have left Sergeant Jasper "Jazz" Brookes battered, scarred, and haunted. His marriage is wrecked, his daughter barely speaks to him, and the world he fought for has moved on without him. Homeless by choice, Jazz manages until the brutal Chicago winter forces him to seek help from a shelter he doesn’t want to need.

The weathered building in Humboldt Park offers veterans a place to rebuild, but Jazz doesn’t expect to find Alex Richardson there—his first love, the boy who chose money over him, the one he left behind. Seeing Alex again cracks open old wounds and stirs feelings Jazz buried long ago.

For Alex, the sight of Jazz reminds him of everything he’s tried to forget. But neither man has moved on. As they grapple with their past and confront the scars they’ve carried for years, they’re forced to decide if the connection between them is strong enough to survive the pain.

This time, it’s all or nothing.

Always You by RJ Scott gutted this reader. Sufferingfrom PTSD and homeless by choice, Jasper Brookes found himself at the doorstepof Guardian Hall, run by Alex Richardson, his first love.

Turmoiled and lost, Jazzdecided to give Guardian Hall a try to better himself for his daughter, whilehopefully healing himself as well.

The synergy between Jazzand Alex was slow and steady, as Jazz didn’t trust the process nor the man.

Ms Scott delivered a poignant tale of veteranhomelessness, the despair felt, and the will to survive. Too many times, ourcountry’s heroes are forgotten and left by the wayside with little knowledge ofavailable resources. Ms Scott did not sugarcoat the trauma nor madelight of first loves reunited. The road paved was and will be trying anddifficult for Jazz and Alex, but under this author’s tutelage, I see nothingmore than better times for the pair.

Definite S.E.X.

A five star review

~~~~~

2025 ©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.

In small-town Wyoming, a tough sheriff and a former Navy SEAL are thrown together by circumstance. Their fiery chemistry leads to constant clashes, but as they work to solve a mystery, they can't ignore the growing feelings between them.

Sheriff Neil Windham has one mission: to protect Whisper Ridge. But when human remains surface at the Lennox Ranch, the town’s past comes back to haunt it. As Neil dives deeper into the investigation, he’s torn between his duty, his father’s declining health, and the fire ignited by the relentless, unpredictable former Navy SEAL, Connor Mason.

Connor didn’t come to Whisper Ridge looking for trouble—or a future. He never intended to fall in love, least of all with someone like Neil. But with every heated encounter, Neil and Connor’s attraction escalates into something undeniable, a force of nature they can’t resist. Now, with an offer to rejoin his old team, Connor must choose between a future in Whisper Ridge or leaving behind the only man who’s ever made him feel like he belongs.

Into the Fall is an opposites-attract, enemies-to-lovers M/M romance featuring a battle-hardened former SEAL and a dedicated sheriff. Duty and desire collide, old ranch secrets come to light, and a hard-earned happily-ever-after awaits.

Into the Fall by RJ Scott was a great additionto the Whispering Ridge, Wyoming series. I loved this series from thefirst book and book 4 did not disappoint.

Neil and Connor, string men with definitive personalities- whatcould happen? Only sexy desire and steaminess! Both men knew their mind andwould not be deterred to protect those they loved. They were destined to betogether.

As I find refreshing in all Ms Scott’s series, shenever forgets the characters in her other books in the series and makes them anintegral part of each book.

Sometimes oil and vinegar are a great combination, as MsScott proved in Into the Fall.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

~~~~~

2024 ©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.