Never Hollowed By The Stare

boys love manga | MM romance | indie music | giveaways and more

Never Hollowed By The Stare
  • Home
  • REVIEWS+RECS
    • MANGA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • SOUNDTRACK
    • QUOTE
    • TRAILER
    • DESERT ISLAND CASTAWAYS
    • BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
    • Reviews A-Z
    • MINI MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MEMES+TAGS
    • MUSIC MONDAY
    • LAST YEAR I WAS READING
    • FLICKer FADE SUNDAY
    • TAGS
    • MISC POSTS
    • PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
    • FIRST LINES FRIDAY 56
  • TOURS & BLITZES
    • COVER REVEAL
    • GIVEAWAYS
  • About + Ratings
    • ABOUT + RATINGS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • Policy + Contact
  • Home
  • REVIEWS+RECS
    • MANGA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • SOUNDTRACK
    • QUOTE
    • TRAILER
    • DESERT ISLAND CASTAWAYS
    • BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
    • Reviews A-Z
    • MINI MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MEMES+TAGS
    • MUSIC MONDAY
    • LAST YEAR I WAS READING
    • FLICKer FADE SUNDAY
    • TAGS
    • MISC POSTS
    • PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
    • FIRST LINES FRIDAY 56
  • TOURS & BLITZES
    • COVER REVEAL
    • GIVEAWAYS
  • About + Ratings
    • ABOUT + RATINGS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • Policy + Contact

Archives

  • July 2025 (40)
  • June 2025 (82)
  • May 2025 (84)
  • April 2025 (71)
  • March 2025 (83)
  • February 2025 (72)
  • January 2025 (75)
  • December 2024 (90)
  • November 2024 (82)
  • October 2024 (96)
  • September 2024 (71)
  • August 2024 (99)
  • July 2024 (96)
  • June 2024 (94)
  • May 2024 (94)
  • April 2024 (93)
  • March 2024 (100)
  • February 2024 (94)
  • January 2024 (85)
  • December 2023 (85)
  • November 2023 (84)
  • October 2023 (97)
  • September 2023 (93)
  • August 2023 (100)
  • July 2023 (100)
  • June 2023 (97)
  • May 2023 (100)
  • April 2023 (76)
  • March 2023 (106)
  • February 2023 (104)
  • January 2023 (109)
  • December 2022 (118)
  • November 2022 (128)
  • October 2022 (122)
  • September 2022 (107)
  • August 2022 (118)
  • July 2022 (104)
  • June 2022 (112)
  • May 2022 (114)
  • April 2022 (61)
  • March 2022 (115)
  • February 2022 (88)
  • January 2022 (92)
  • December 2021 (90)
  • November 2021 (114)
  • October 2021 (118)
  • September 2021 (127)
  • August 2021 (84)
  • July 2021 (114)
  • June 2021 (113)
  • May 2021 (119)
  • April 2021 (112)
  • March 2021 (122)
  • February 2021 (101)
  • January 2021 (90)
  • December 2020 (121)
  • November 2020 (127)
  • October 2020 (129)
  • September 2020 (120)
  • August 2020 (131)
  • July 2020 (131)
  • June 2020 (138)
  • May 2020 (118)
  • April 2020 (109)
  • March 2020 (105)
  • February 2020 (99)
  • January 2020 (111)
  • December 2019 (112)
  • November 2019 (94)
  • October 2019 (74)
  • September 2019 (54)
  • August 2019 (51)
  • July 2019 (54)
  • June 2019 (47)
  • May 2019 (43)
  • April 2019 (53)
  • March 2019 (41)
  • February 2019 (41)
  • January 2019 (47)
  • December 2018 (52)
  • November 2018 (51)
  • October 2018 (56)
  • September 2018 (61)
  • August 2018 (55)
  • July 2018 (59)
  • June 2018 (90)
  • May 2018 (60)
  • April 2018 (60)
  • March 2018 (57)
  • February 2018 (51)
  • January 2018 (50)
  • December 2017 (45)
  • November 2017 (50)
  • October 2017 (52)
  • September 2017 (35)
  • August 2017 (50)
  • July 2017 (12)
  • June 2017 (12)
  • May 2017 (21)
  • April 2017 (87)
  • March 2017 (16)
  • January 2017 (5)
  • December 2016 (4)
  • November 2016 (25)
  • October 2014 (67)
  • September 2014 (109)
  • July 2011 (7)
  • June 2011 (14)
  • May 2011 (77)
  • April 2011 (25)
  • March 2011 (5)
  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Covenant by Cora Rose & Lark Taylor

    May 31, 2025 / 1 Comment

    The Firm: Covenant – Cora Rose & Lark Taylor

    The Firm can make any wish come true.
    Money. A job promotion. Murder.
    Whatever you desire can be yours—for a price.

    The Firm has ruled St. Dismas for generations. To most, they’re just a myth.
    But in truth, they are the last resort of the desperate.

    I never understood why anyone would go to The Firm. There’s always a price to pay—a price you won’t discover until your request has been granted.
    It was a path I swore I’d never walk.
    Or so I thought.

    When my brother is gravely injured, everything changes.
    I have no choice but to go to The Firm.
    I don’t know what they’ll ask of me, but I’ll give anything to save Jackson.
    He has his whole life ahead of him, and I’ll make sure he gets to live it.

    But when my price comes due, it’s nothing like I expected.
    Not drug smuggling or murder. Not the darkness I braced myself for.
    No, this is worse.

    My price is to fulfill someone else’s request.
    To give them what they asked for.

    A marriage.

    For anyone else, it may seem simple. But not for me.
    Because the man I must marry is my worst enemy.
    My rival.
    The man I once trusted above all others—until he shattered that trust and threw it back in my face.

    The idea of pretending to be Matthias’s doting husband for a year is my worst nightmare.
    But I won’t do it for me.
    I’ll do it for Jackson.
    For my brother, I’ll pay the price.

    Even if it means condemning myself.


    The Firm is a very, very promising new series by authors Cora Rose and Lark Taylor, giving us another lovable band of brothers. The Buckingham brothers are billionaires, gorgeous, memorable, and neck-deep in secrets and danger. Insta-faves!

    Covenant opens the series with a second chance, arranged marriage romance between childhood friends-turned-enemies-to-lovers.

    Wyatt Malone came from the trailer park and managed to build himself up as a top lawyer at a prestigious firm, only for everything to come crashing down when his brother, Jackson, was in a near-fatal accident. Barely affording food, much less physical therapy for Jackson, who lost a leg, he was forced to go to The Firm in a desperate bid to provide for his brother.

    The Firm, the secret society ruling St. Dismas, grants requests for a price. They are more urban legend than reality for Wyatt, until that fateful day he made a request and they accepted it in exchange for marrying Matthias Buckingham who needs a husband to claim his inheritance.

    Wyatt and Matthias were childhood friends looking forward to spending college together when a betrayal almost cost Wyatt his dream of becoming a lawyer. He never forgave Matt and never saw him again until 10 years later, when Matthias brought the firm Wyatt was working for.

    The story is in Wyatt’s POV, with a few chapters in Matthias’s. I don’t encounter many stories where the POV is from the person experiencing bisexual awakening and is the top, so it’s a treat to read Wyatt’s thoughts. His internal dialogues were repetitive at some points, but the writing kept me hooked from start to finish.

    As much as I enjoyed the story, I have to admit but as it progressed, we see Wyatt being spectacularly naive and whiney and Matthias’s remarkable selflessness. I low-key thought Wyatt doesn’t deserve Matthias.

    The miscommunication trope was somewhat annoying as Matthias clearly wanted to explain his side of the story several times but Wyatt wasn’t ready to listen. I get he hates Matthias for what he thought his childhood friend had done, and being forced to be his husband is a punishment. But is it really?

    Meanwhile, our boy Matthias is feeding the underfed Wyatt the most delicious food his chef concocts, housing him in the most sumptuous room, whisking him to a tropical island paradise, a.k.a. spoiling the heck out of the bratty Wyatt, and didn’t even require him to consummate the marriage. Just pretend to be a doting husband for a year.

    My low-key thoughts became high-key annoyance at Wyatt when I learned that’s not all Matt was doing for him. Since the beginning, Matt was deeply in love with the oblivious Wyatt and had quietly taken care of him, even sacrificing his soul to the devil, a.k.a. his evil dad, to save his friend, who again had no clue. So I was incredibly pissed at the third arc break-up scene where Wyatt demanded Matt fight harder for them.

    The way Matthias’s POV comes in flashbacks makes his connection to Wyatt even more compelling and heightens the mysterious way they fell apart and Matt’s return to Wyatt’s life. Matt’s perspective is angsty and heartbreaking, his loyalty to Wyatt unbreakable, and it made me root so hard for him!

    Matt gave Wyatt everything he could, but I think it’s Matt who deserved the world.

    Meh at Wyatt aside, his chemistry with Matt is undeniable. From the beginning, their interactions were positively electric, and watching them fall in love was a joy. It even made me forget there was a shoe waiting to drop. When it did, it exploded like a bomb!

    The last chapters whiplashed from one shocking reveal after another. Keeping details to a minimum because finding out is the most fun part. That and the tear-jerking groveling from Wyatt tied everything into one hell of an emotional rollercoaster conclusion and the hard-earned happy ending the boys deserve.

    Overall, Covenant is a poignant story of friendship, sacrifice, second chances, and awakening, beautifully weaving beloved tropes into a moving narrative, that even with a flawed MC, it’s worth the price!

    Rating:
    4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits

    Soundtrack: Dare
    Artist: The Mary Onettes
    Album: Islands

    P.S.

    Oooh, the Buckinghams! These boys made my day!

    Wylder – the eldest and so very serious. He talked the least and intrigued me the most

    Cade – the psychopath. His book is next and the epilogue in Covenant teases us with his pretty twink love interest.

    Samson -the grump so I’d love to see him get soft for a sunshiney love interest

    Matthias – arrogant, also serious, but really a self-sacrificing cinnamon roll

    Dalton – klepto and pervy. He’s a fun character who loves pushing Matty’s buttons

    Harley – the spoiled and coddled youngest who’s thirsting after Matty’s chef


    If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of Convenant. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

    COVENANT: Kindle | Audiobook

    If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi or PayPal. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BOOK BLITZ & GIVEAWAY: Frog Legs and Goose Feathers by Charlie Richards

    December 11, 2019

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Dragon Detective by Mell Eight (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    August 25, 2020

    BLOG TOUR: Naughty By Nature: A Gay Erotica Anthology (Giveaway + Q&A with Shane K. Morton)

    July 4, 2022
  • Uncategorized

    AUDIO RELEASE: Just Winging It by Crea Reitan

    May 6, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: Khonsu by Romilly King (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    July 25, 2021

    BLOG TOUR: Romeo X Julien by Mary Dumas & Bettina Kurkoski (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    September 23, 2020

    RELEASE BLITZ: Higher Demon by Louisa Masters

    April 11, 2024
  • Uncategorized

    PROMO BLITZ: Accidentally Joining His Cult by Lexi Amber

    April 28, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    BOOK BLAST: The Bastard Prince of Versailles by Will Bashor (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    October 5, 2023

    MY TOP 10 READS OF 2021

    December 31, 2021

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Missing In Somerville by A.J. Raven (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    September 21, 2020
  • Uncategorized

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: The Lost Selkie by Eule Grey (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    April 26, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    BOOK BLAST: The Hidden Heart by Patrick Bryce Wright (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    June 15, 2025

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Destined Prey by Bailey Bradford (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    March 6, 2021

    RELEASE BLITZ: Love Of The Hunter by V.L. Locey (Giveaway)

    April 15, 2021
  • Uncategorized

    COVER REVEAL: Cloudy With A Chance Of Bad Decisions by Fae Quin

    April 10, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    MUSIC MONDAY: Weird Goodbyes by The National feat. Bon Iver

    September 12, 2022

    RELEASE BLITZ: The Lucky Cat by L.M. Somerton (Excerpt)

    September 1, 2020

    BLOG TOUR: Heartless by Robin Knight (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    August 15, 2023
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE TOUR: My Not So Purrfect Angel by Colette Davison (Excerpt)

    April 3, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    MUSIC MONDAY: Intruder by Gary Numan

    January 25, 2021

    BLOG TOUR: Home for a Cowboy by Amy Aislin (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    June 9, 2020

    RELEASE BLITZ: Something Wicked by Lily Morton (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    January 4, 2024
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: For the Show by Katie Van Brunt

    March 1, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    BLOG TOUR: The Harder We Fall by Rebecca Raine (Excerpt & Giveaway + Q&A with Author)

    April 2, 2021

    MUSIC MONDAY: Trouble by Coldplay

    February 24, 2020

    THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BOOK BLITZ & GIVEAWAY: Bells and Whistles by Liza Kay

    December 13, 2019
  • Uncategorized

    AUDIO BLITZ: Paper Roses by Lily Morton

    March 1, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: Never Have I Ever: Had A Bromance With A Teammate by Willow Dixon (Giveaway)

    March 9, 2023

    THE CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE BOOK TAG

    November 22, 2022

    BLOG TOUR: Grayality by Carey PW (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    July 29, 2022
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: The Embrace of Evergreen by Rayne Hawthorne

    February 20, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: The Ghost of Hillcomb Hall by Joshua Ian (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    September 27, 2020

    ABC BOOK CHALLENGE – A

    February 18, 2019

    PREORDER BLITZ: Imposing Saint by Jess Bryant (Excerpt)

    August 18, 2021
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE TOUR: Paper Roses by Lily Morton (Excerpt)

    February 17, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: Sexted By Santa by D.J. Jamison (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    November 21, 2021

    RELEASE BLITZ: Red Haze by Lark Taylor

    March 21, 2024

    BLOG TOUR: To Target The Heart by Aldrea Alien (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    April 16, 2020
Load More

You can never have too much MM romance or indie music. Welcome and enjoy your stay!

FOLLOW NEVER HOLLOWED BY THE STARE

Follow Never Hollowed By The Stare on WordPress.com

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow Me

July 2025
M T W T F S S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  
« Jun    

If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links to get a copy of your favorite MM romance & yaoi manga. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

As a more ethical alternative, you can also use Bookshop.org to buy paperbacks and MP3 CD audiobooks and help support independent bookstores.

Rakuten Kobo UK
Alibris: Books, Music, & Movies

DISCLAIMER

Book images and promotional materials are from Goodreads or media kits provided for blog tours, cover reveals and release blitzes. Manga covers and other images are sourced through Google image search. The two dorks in the header image is from a manga by TogaQ & Kikuchi Neko. The cat logo is my own design. Reviews and other writings found in the blog are mine unless otherwise stated. All Buy Links to Amazon and Bookshop in my posts contain affiliate links.

Support This Site

If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!

Never Hollowed By The Stare Follow

🌈boy's love manga | MM romance | music | giveaways and more 🐾

neverhollowed
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
16 Jul

Sometimes what happens anonymously in a dingy, pay by the hour motel room shows up a month later to reveal himself as your new coach…

RELEASE TOUR: Pucked Up by E.M. Lindsey (Excerpt)



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/07/16/release-tour-pucked-up-by-e-m-lindsey-excerpt/

Reply on Twitter 1945570538266513841 Retweet on Twitter 1945570538266513841 Like on Twitter 1945570538266513841 Twitter 1945570538266513841
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
16 Jul

The Gravity Series is an unforgettable whirlwind romance chronicling the love of two men over three decades.

RELEASE BLITZ: Gravity: The Complete Series by Kindle Alexander



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/07/16/release-blitz-gravity-the-complete-series-by-kindle-alexander/

Reply on Twitter 1945570131964231754 Retweet on Twitter 1945570131964231754 Like on Twitter 1945570131964231754 Twitter 1945570131964231754
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
16 Jul

PREORDER BLITZ: Black Leather Night and Other Tales by Will Okati (Excerpt)



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/07/16/preorder-blitz-black-leather-night-and-other-tales-by-will-okati-excerpt/

Reply on Twitter 1945569590987157790 Retweet on Twitter 1945569590987157790 Like on Twitter 1945569590987157790 Twitter 1945569590987157790
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
15 Jul

How to Date a Prince by Hayden Stone is finally here! Sneak a peek and enter to win!

Reply on Twitter 1945196245611405349 Retweet on Twitter 1945196245611405349 Like on Twitter 1945196245611405349 Twitter 1945196245611405349
Load More
Rakuten Kobo UK
SEARCH NOW:
by title
by author
2025©Never Hollowed By The Stare