The Price of Uncreation (The Faceless Chronicles Book 4) by Grant Pierce
Description
When the Lightbringer unleashed the power of Uncreation, the heavens shuddered and answered with a storm of Celestial Fire.
From the ashes, the shapeshifter Valko emerged, unshackled and bent on summoning The Thousand Legion, a force composed of the most powerful greater fiends of the Abyss. Their destructive potential is unimaginable.
Valko seeks to spread the Scarlet Plague and ignite a war that will consume the hybrid races. Amid the carnage of countless vanquished souls, he will seize the power of Creation and Uncreation. No prophecy foretells salvation from his mad machinations.
Standing against him are the gorgon sisters, Azzlya and Nyssa. They must rally an unlikely band of a lich, a flesh golem, a mute skeleton warrior, a half-orc mercenary, and a human rogue. Together, they must unmask Valko, distribute the plagueโs cure, and prevent a genocidal war.
The Legion is coming. Valko is its herald.
Publication Date 1/9/2026
The Price of Uncreation (The Faceless Chronicles Book 4) by Grant Pierce
My Review
The Price of Uncreation is a dark fantasy that delivers a strong blend of apocalyptic stakes, unusual characters, and relentless danger.
The threat posed by Valko and the Thousand Legion feels genuinely overwhelming, while the Scarlet Plague adds an unsettling sense of urgency to the story.
I especially enjoyed the unlikely group of heroes. A lich, a flesh golem, a mute skeleton warrior, a half orc mercenary, and a human rogue make for an intriguing party, and their differences create plenty of potential for tension and unexpected loyalty. Azzlya and Nyssa also stand out as compelling figures as they struggle to unite this fractured group against an enemy who seems almost impossible to stop.
The story has a vivid, brutal atmosphere, with celestial fire, fiends, shapeshifters, and the dangerous forces of Creation and Uncreation adding a grand mythological scale.
At times, the large cast and complex mythology can feel overwhelming, but they also give the story a distinctive identity and makes the world feel much larger than the immediate conflict.
Overall, The Price of Uncreation is an entertaining dark fantasy adventure filled with monsters, magic, war, and desperate heroes.
It should appeal to those who enjoy grim fantasy, morally complicated characters, and stories where survival depends on enemies learning to fight together.
Not my usual read, but this author writes some really good stories (and itโs good to change my reading pattern once in a while.)
Iโd seen these done on facebook/instagram and TikTok. I didnโt think Iโd ever do one. But Iโm going to give it a go. And at the end of September, Iโll show you how many I did ๐
I. Selfie
2. View
3. Random Photo
4. Reflection
5. Shadow
6. Fruit
7. A Sign
8. Best Part Of The Day
9. Bold Colors
10. Flower
11. In My Bag
12. What am I doing today?
13. Me With 13 Things
14. Must Do
15. On my bookshelf
16. Clouds
17. Today I Love
18. Comfort Food
19. Beauty
20. Must Have
21. The Weather
22. A Doodle
23. Significant Other
24. Animal
25. Favorite Colour
26. Leaves
27. What I’m watching
28. Something I made
29. Baked Goods
30. Today’s Small Pleasure
Have you ever done a 30 days photo challenge? If so, what was it? Did you finish it? Would you do one again?
๐ฆ
I probably wonโt post on here as I tend to forget! But Iโll try to post on my Instagram/Facebook book page and TikTok.
OWNED: An Obsessive Stalker Dark Hockey Romance (Dark Ice) by Daphne Sinclair
Description
I donโt want to be loved. I want to be the lock on her door, the eyes in her hallway, and the last thing standing between her and the world.
Maren Aldrich just inherited a billion-dollar NHL hockey team and a craving she can’t admit out loud: the possessive captain whose contract she owns. She tells herself it’s just a photo. Just a private moment. Just a line a boss should never cross with a player.
Then she crosses itโand hands him exactly what he’s been waiting for.
Beckett Vaughn has spent his career being the man everyone watches. What no one knows is who he watches back. Driven by an obsessive need, he turned her own surveillance against herโlearning the exact rhythm of her days, the layout of her shadows, and the sound of her breathing in the dark. He knows he should stop. He isn’t going to.
But Beckett isn’t the only stalker watching Maren.
Her ex never raised his voice, but his quiet control was physically abusive, and he never truly let her go. Maren thinks sheโs finally safe, but the threat is closer than her cameras can see. When danger forces them into a brutal, claustrophobic proximity, a lethal game begins. As a predator turns into her ultimate morally grey protector, Beckett must decide how far heโll go to shield the woman he claims as his.
Owned is a tense, scorching dark hockey romance featuring an owner-player forbidden dynamic.
Tropes & Vibe:
๐ Obsessive Stalker Hero
๐ค Morally Grey MMC
๐ Forbidden Owner-Player
๐ค Billionaire Heroine
๐ Surveillance & Voyeurism
๐ค Touch-Her-and-Die
๐ Dual POV
๐ถ๏ธ Spicy
Publication Date 31/8/2026
OWNED: An Obsessive Stalker Dark Hockey Romance (Dark Ice) by Daphne Sinclair
My Review
I have to admit, when I first read the back cover for OWNED by Daphne Sinclair, I couldnโt wait to dive in.
Dark romance is already a slippery slope for me, and throwing in an obsessive stalker hockey captain whose contract is owned by the woman heโs been secretly watching? Sign me up ๐
The tension, the forbidden owner/player dynamic, and the promise of a morally grey protector who doesnโt just claim Maren Aldrich, he becomes the lock on her door.
From the opening, the story leans hard into that possessive intensity. Maren has just inherited a billion dollar NHL team and finds herself drawn to Beckett Vaughn in ways she knows she shouldnโt. ๐
The power imbalance is written into every interactionโฆ. she holds his future in her hands, and he has already mapped out the rhythm of her days, the layout of her shadows, and the sound of her breathing.
What starts as her quiet, private craving for him quickly becomes mutual in the most dangerous way possible. Beckett doesnโt just watch herโฆ. he turns her own surveillance against her, and the book never pretends this is healthy or soft.
Itโs obsessive, itโs calculated, and itโs written with a kind of dark heat that makes you keep turning pages even when you know you should look away.
What makes the story beyond pure voyeuristic fantasy is the external threat. ๐ฎ
Marenโs ex isnโt the villain you might expect. His control was quiet and physical, and the fact that he never truly let her go adds a layer of dread that feels more intimate and realistic than many darker romances manage.
When that danger forces Maren and Beckett into claustrophobic proximity, the relationship shifts. Beckettโs obsession becomes protection, and the line between predator and savior blurs in a way that is both unsettling and strangely compelling.
The book doesnโt shy away from the moral greynessโฆ. it sits in it, lets it breathe, and then someโฆ.
The hockey setting grounds the obsession in something tangible. The rink, the contracts, the public scrutiny of an NHL captain all of it raises the stakes.
Every boundary crossed carries the risk of exposure, career destruction, and scandal. That forbidden element gives the chemistry that forbidden touch.
Marenโs struggle between what she should want and what she actually craves is felt on the page, and Beckettโs unwavering claim on her is written with enough intensity that you understand why she eventually stops fighting it.
This is not a gentle romance. Itโs tense, scorching, and unapologetically dark. The possessive language, the surveillance, the way Beckett positions himself as both threat and shield, these elements will either pull you in completely or push you out.
For us who enjoy morally grey antiheroes who would burn the world down for the woman they claim, OWNED delivers.
I finished it feeling slightly unsettled but satisfied, which, for this particular subgenre, is exactly the point.
Bring Them Home: A totally gripping and unputdownable crime thriller (Detective Amanda Steele Book 16) by Carolyn Arnold
Description
Sheโd never been this terrified but she refused to let it show, to give her captors more power. As she was led out of the van with her parents, she stifled a cry. Ahead of her was an old farm, surrounded by fields. There was no one for miles around. No one to hear the screams that would inevitably come.
When a seemingly ordinary family goes missing in plain sight, Detective Amanda Steele is called in to find them before itโs too late. The only evidence left behind is the motherโs abandoned car in a mall parking lotโher phone and purse on the front seat. But why would anyone target a loving mother, a dedicated father and elementary schoolteacher, and a teenage girl?
Amanda and Trent speak with friends and family but canโt unearth any reason the family would disappear on their own. Their darker suspicion is confirmed when they find CCTV footage of the mother and daughter being bundled into an unmarked black van, driven away at speed. They are looking at an abduction.
Soon human remains are discovered in a field outside of town, and Amanda uncovers a lead that could blow the investigation wide open. If sheโs right, this case is linked to a woman who went missing ten years agoโand closer still, to someone within the police department. But can Amanda and Trent put all the pieces together in time to stop a twisted killer before more lives are lost?
Publication Date 27/8/2026
Bring Them Home: A totally gripping and unputdownable crime thriller (Detective Amanda Steele Book 16) by Carolyn Arnold
My Review
I picked up Bring Them Home expecting another solid entry in Carolyn Arnoldโs Detective Amanda Steele series, and it delivered exactly the kind of tense crime thriller Iโve come to like from her.
From the opening pages the sense of dread is immediate and personalโฆ. an ordinary family vanishes in broad daylight, leaving behind little more than a motherโs abandoned car in a mall parking lot with her phone and purse still insideโฆ.. That simple, chilling image sets the tone for everything that follows.
Amanda and her partner Trent dig into the lives of the missing parents and their teenage daughter, only to confirm what their instincts already suggested, this was no voluntary disappearance!
CCTV catches the mother and daughter being forced into a black van, and the investigation shifts into higher gear.
When human remains turn up in a remote field, the case deepens and darkens, connecting to a decade old disappearance and, most unsettling of all, pointing toward someone inside the police department itself.
What I liked most was how the author keeps the focus tight on the procedural work without sacrificing the emotional weight of the familyโs situation.
Amandaโs determination feels genuine, you sense the pressure she and Trent are under as the clock ticks and the possibility of more victims looms.
The farmhouse setting, isolated and surrounded by empty fields, becomes a recurring image that heightens the isolation and helplessness of the captives. The twists land with satisfying force, especially the way the older case folds into the present one, and the internal threat within the department adds a layer of paranoia that keeps the tension high right through the final pages.
This is the sixteenth book in the series, yet it stands comfortably on its own. (Iโve only read a couple of this series, and at some point Iโm definitely going back.)
The pacing is relentless in the best way, once the abduction is confirmed I found myself reading far later than I intended, ๐ unwilling to put the book down until the pieces clicked into place.
If you enjoy police procedurals that balance solid investigative detail with genuine emotional stakes and the occasional gut punch twist, Bring Them Home is a great addition to the Amanda Steele series.
Miss Wylde and the Wynd (The Wynd Brothers Book 2) by Jane Charles
Description
A wayward spinster. A gentleman determined to set things right. An attraction too tempting to ignore.
Lord Damian Wynd had control of his world and his life. As the second born, it was his responsibility to manage the family import business, Trade Wynd. His days were spent on the docks overseeing the unloading of ships or in his offices not far away, which left Damian with little else in his life. An emptiness gnawed at him, but he had no time to determine the cause, let alone fill it. Nor was it as important as keeping order of all he supervised. However, his carefully balanced world is soon overturned when he spies a young woman sneaking away from one of their newly arrived ships.
Miss Georgiana Wylde had always had an adventurous soul, though limited in what she could pursue, grounded, intelligent, and knew what was expected of her. However, when her sister disappears in pursuit of an English rogue, Georgie must go after her before all is ruined, although she fears that it may be too late.
Damianโs first intention is to send Georgie back from whence she came, but her determination and fear for her sister pulls at something deep in his chest that might very well be his heart.
Georgiana had not expected that the most difficult and pragmatic gentleman in all of England would come to her aid. Further, she does not even like him, nor does he care for her. Yet, as their search takes them from the docks in Southampton throughout England and beyond, she finds herself coming to care, even love, the one gentleman who should be completely wrong for her.
Tropes you’ll enjoy:
Forced Proximity
Unconventional Heroine
Fake marriage
Broody hero
Enemies to Lovers
Protective Hero
Regency Road Trip
Slow Burn
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
The Wynd Brothers
Book 1 – Mistress for Wyndview
Book 2 – Miss Wylde and the Wynd
Book 3 – Whispers in the Wynd
Book 4 – Chasing the Wynd
Book 5 – The Lady and the Wynd
Publication Date 22/8/2026
Miss Wylde and the Wynd (The Wynd Brothers Book 2) by Jane Charles
My Review
Miss Wylde and the Wynd is the second book in Jane Charlesโs The Wynd Brothers series, competent, slightly prickly people who would rather solve a practical problem than examine their feelings, until the practical problem forces them to do both.
Lord Damian Wynd is the second son who has made order his life. He runs the family import business with a focus that leaves little room for anything softer, and the emptiness he feels is something he simply schedules around rather than confronts.
When he spots Miss Georgiana Wylde slipping away from one of his newly arrived ships in Southampton, his first instinct is pure irritation.
She is chaos in a sensible gown, determined to chase after her sister who has run off with an English rogue, and she has no intention of being sent home quietly.
Damianโs carefully controlled world collides with Georgieโs stubborn sense of duty, and what begins as an attempt to remove an inconvenient woman from his docks turns into a joint search that carries them across England and beyondโฆ..
I loved how the author lets their mutual dislike do the early work. Georgie finds Damian rigid and exasperating, he finds her reckless and far too willing to put herself in danger. Neither is wrong, and neither is entirely right. Their banter has an edge that never tips into cruelty, and the slow shift from reluctant allies to something warmer had me smiling.
Georgieโs adventurous spirit is constrained by the realities of her situation, she is a spinster with limited options and a sister whose reputation hangs in the balance, yet she never becomes passive. Damianโs pragmatism is tested by the very real fear and loyalty she carries, and watching that controlled exterior crack is one of the quieter pleasures of the book.
The journey itself keeps the story moving. There is travel, uncertainty, and the constant awareness that they may already be too late to save Georgieโs sister from ruin.
The stakes remain personal and grounded. Along the way the attraction neither of them wants becomes harder to ignore, and the emotional payoff lands because both characters have been forced to see past their first impressions.
What i liked was the sense that these two people are genuinely wrong for each other on paper and somehow right in practice. Damianโs need for order softens without disappearing, Georgieโs independence gains a partner rather than a handler. Their eventual understanding feels like the natural result of shared purpose and hard won respect rather than destiny or convenient coincidence.
If you enjoy Regency romances that favor character over grand spectacle, that let competent people be both flawed and capable, and that build affection out of friction instead of instant sparks, this one satisfies.
It stands well on its own while clearly belonging to a larger family of stories, and it left me curious about the rest of the Wynd brothers.
A solid, engaging read that shows both its heroineโs determination and its heroโs carefully maintained walls.
Heartless As Puck (Chicago Chaos Hockey Duology Book 1) by A. Rivers
Description
Everyone in Chicago calls him Heartless Harris. Nobody has ever needed a reason.
I’m the assistant who runs his schedule, cooks his dinners, and lives in the studio above his garage. Six months of that, and I could tell you exactly how long Austin Harris will hold a door without once looking at me.
Then the Chaos put the captaincy up for grabs, and his agent decided the only thing standing between Austin and the job was a girlfriend. His agent also decided that girlfriend should be me.
Fake, obviously. Public, photographed, and over by the end of the season.
I said no. Twice.
There are two reasons for that. I stammer when I’m frightened, and a relationship on camera means a camera pointed at my face. And I’ve spent my whole life being useful to men because of my last name. I wasn’t going to be useful for a headline too.
So when Austin asked again, I wrote ten rules of my own, handed them over, and waited for him to argue.
He agreed to all ten before he had read a single one.
Nobody warns you about the coldest man in the league. That he notices everything. That he puts himself between you and the room. That the moment he decides you matter, he is the one who falls, and he falls like a man who has never done it before and has no intention of surviving it.
I wrote those rules to keep myself safe.
I’m the one who keeps wanting to break them.
Heartless As Puck is a steamy hockey romance featuring fake dating with a contract, a grumpy NHL captain, the assistant who lives above his garage, and a hero who falls first and falls hardest. Book one of the Chicago Chaos duology. Guaranteed HEA, no cheating, no cliffhanger.
Publication Date 27/8/2026
Heartless As Puck (Chicago Chaos Hockey Duology Book 1) by A. Rivers
My Review
Heartless As Puck pulls you in with a premise that feels familiar at first glanceโฆ fake dating, hockey romance, the grumpy captain and his overlooked assistant, but itโs executes with a quiet intensity that makes the emotional stakes feel freshly sharp.
The Chicago Chaos need a new captain, and Austin โHeartlessโ Harris is the obvious choice on paper, except his agent decides the missing piece is a public girlfriend to soften his ice cold image.
The agentโs solution is Jane, the woman who already lives above his garage, manages his life, and has spent six months carefully staying invisible in his orbit.
She refuses twiceโฆ.. When he asks a third time, she answers with ten non negotiable rules and fully expects him to push back. He doesnโt. He agrees before reading a single one.
What follows is less a whirlwind of public appearances and more a slow, careful dismantling of the walls both of them have built.
Janeโs stammer and her lifelong pattern of being useful because of her last name give her real reasons to protect herself from cameras and headlines. Austinโs reputation as the leagueโs coldest man is not just branding, it is armor, and the author lets us watch it crack in increments so small you almost miss them until the weight of his attention becomes unmistakableโฆ..
He notices everything. He positions himself between her and the room. When he finally decides she matters, the fall is absolute raw, inexperienced, and completely without an exit strategy. And I LOVED IT ๐ฅฐ
The forced proximity of their living situation and the public performance of a relationship create constant low grade tension, but the real heat comes from the private moments when the rules start to feel like obstacles instead of protection.
Janeโs determination to stay safe collides with her growing desire to break every boundary she set, and Austinโs transformation from distant employer to someone who cannot look away is handled with restraint that makes it more powerful.
This is the kind of sports romance that prioritizes emotional honesty over spectacle. The hockey world exists as pressure and backdrop rather than endless game recaps, and the secondary characters orbit without crowding the central relationship.
By the time the season winds down and the original end date of the arrangement approaches, the question is no longer whether the fake will turn real, it is whether either of them can survive the honesty that has already taken root.
Iโm now wanting the next book in the duology, not because of unfinished plot threads, but because these two people have become too interesting to leave behind. ๐
Hide Little Traitor: A Dark Why Choose Mafia Romance (Lombardi Legacy Book 2) by Montana Fyre
Description
The gilded cage I grew up in was nothing more than a pretty cell, and now I find myself in another one, torn from the life I built myself by a ghost from my past.
Kingston may have held me through the worst moments of my life, but when he steals me away in the dead of night and offers me the life I thought I wanted, I canโt help but think of the men I left behind.
But the complicated feelings for four men that hate each other are the least of my worries as our enemies circle.
Can they put their differences aside for long enough to escape those that want us dead or will their contempt for one another be our downfall?
Content Warning: This book contains dark themes and readers discretion should be applied. For a full list of TW’s, please see authors website.
Publication Date 23/8/2026
Hide Little Traitor: A Dark Why Choose Mafia Romance (Lombardi Legacy Book 2) by Montana Fyre
My Review
Hide Little Traitor picks up the moment the first book in the Lombardi Legacy left off, and Montana Fyre does not ease us back in.
Chloe is once again pulled from the life she tried to build for herself, this time by Kingston, the man who once held her through the darkest moments of her past and has spent a decade watching over her from the shadows. He offers her the safety and the future she once thought she wanted, yet her thoughts keep drifting to the three other men she was forced to leave behind. That push/pull sits at the heart of the story and gives the book its restless energy.
What works especially well is the way the four men refuse to settle into easy harmony. Damon remains the brooding presence who cannot decide whether loyalty to the family or loyalty to Chloe will win. Ryker seems determined to needle everyone around him just for the entertainment value. Ronan brings his own brand of intensity, and Kingston, the oldest and most possessive of the group, struggles openly with the idea of sharing the woman he has claimed for so long. Their mutual dislike is not softened or resolved too quickly, it simmers, flares, and occasionally turns into reluctant cooperation when danger closes in.
The tension between them was electric and I loved the why choose setup. And I cheered as Chloeโs growing confidence allows her to demand what she needs from all of them without shrinking.
The spice is frequent and unapologetic, matching the dark, possessive tone of the series. Scenes between Chloe and the men crackle with jealousy and raw chemistry, and the group dynamics never feel like simple add ons.
Outside the bedroom the plot keeps moving at a steady clip. Old enemies circle, secrets about Chloeโs past surface, and the sense of being hunted never fully lifts.
External threats with quieter moments of character work, particularly around Chloeโs physical health and the long term effects of the life she has been forced to live. (The endometriosis representation is handled with care and becomes part of who she is rather than a plot device.)
By the final pages the story has deepened every relationship while leaving enough unresolved that the next installment feels necessary rather than optional.
The cliffhanger lands hard, exactly as the first bookโs ending did. I so wanted to read what happens next.
The writing is sharp and immersive, the dialogue sharp enough to cut, and the found family friction among the men is one of the bookโs strongest assets.
Hide Little Traitor delivers on the promise of its predecessor and leaves the Lombardi world wider and more dangerous than before.
Seraphine Austen, raised by the Ravellian rebels, has spent her life below, hidden in the shadows after a ruthless regime drove magic wielders and Nulls into hiding below ground. Above, Whitefall, a projected idealistic society, keeps peace and order by practicing law over lore. Gifted with dangerous power, Seraphine has never known independence, instead fiercely protected by her father, the Ravellian leader. Tired of hiding and burning with anger at the injustices above, sheโs ready to step into the light and prove herself.
He carries the truth that could change everything.
Tark Lowell is the son of the regime itself. As the Commander of Whitefallโs military forces, he enforces order without mercy and is loyal without question. Burdened by duty and the weight of those heโs sworn to protect, the pressure of it all threatens to expose him.
When Tark captures Seraphine after a mission gone wrong, their meeting creates a chain of events neither anticipated. Ugly truths are exposed, and loyalties fracture, blurring the line between enemy and ally.
Surrounded by deception, Seraphine and Tark must decide whether trusting each other is the greatest risk or their only chance at survivalโbecause how do you trust someone whoโs betrayed the only world youโve ever known?
Weโre all traitors in the end.
Publication Date 20/8/2026
Traitors by Willa Hollis
My Review
Traitors arrives with a description that immediately pulls you into a world of shadows and carefully maintained illusions.
The setup is classic dystopian fantasy, on the surface magic users and Nulls driven underground by a polished, law obsessed society called Whitefall that projects an image of perfect order.
Seraphine Austen has spent her entire life protected, hidden, and essentially caged by her fatherโs protectiveness and the rebel cause that raised her. That simmering frustration, the hunger to step into the light and claim some agency of her own, is vey apparent. You can feel the weight of being the protected daughter of a revolutionary leader, gifted with power that makes her both valuable and dangerous, and still never fully free.
On the other side stands Tark Lowell, the Commander who enforces the very regime that keeps people like Seraphine in the dark. He is the loyal son of the system, carrying the burden of duty and the quiet knowledge that the peace he protects may be built on lies.
When their paths collide after a mission goes wrong, the story promises the kind of forced proximity and uneasy alliance that can either destroy both characters or remake them.
The blurbโs insistence that ugly truths will fracture loyalties and blur the line between enemy and ally is what makes the book feel promising rather than predictable. It is not simply โenemies to loversโ for the sake of tension, it is about two people who have been shaped by opposing myths of the same broken world, forced to decide whether the person standing in front of them is the greater threat or the only one who can see the truth.
What I liked and stays with me is the final lineโฆ.. โWeโre all traitors in the end.โ It reframes the entire premise. Loyalty, in this world, is never pure. Everyone is betraying somethingโฆ. a parent, a regime, a carefully constructed identity, or the version of history they were raised to believe. That moral grayness is the bookโs real strength.
Seraphineโs rage at injustice and Tarkโs quiet cracking under the weight of what he has sworn to uphold suggest characters who will not remain static. Their relationship, is less about easy romance and more about the dangerous act of choosing to trust someone who has already been trained to destroy everything the other person has ever known.
The tropes are there (prisoner and guard, forced proximity, the weight of family legacy).
Traitors has the potential to be one of those rare dystopian fantasies that lingers.
Checking Out with the Gargoyles: A steamy why choose monster hotel romance by Aura Frost
Description
Whatโs a girl to do when two hunky gargoyles are literally fighting over her?
Marielle is a half-human, half-gorgon just trying to get by. When her gorgon mother insists Marielle take a job at the monster hotel chain she co-manages, Marielle doesnโt have much choice but to agree. Next thing she knows, sheโs assigned to mediate two rival gargoyle leaders to prevent further destruction to the hotelโand to stop a repeat of the bloodshed from the previous gargoyle summit fifty years ago.
Her assignments? Runelian, the stubborn grouch with a dominant streak. And Goliath, the jolly giant with over-eager puppy dog energy.
None of them expects to find their fated mate at the conference, but when Marielle has to physically separate the two before they rip each other to shreds, the bond between them snaps into place.
Now she has even more incentive to convince them to work together, if only their families didnโt have generations of vitriol behind them. Can Runelian and Goliath overcome their hate, or will they both lose the mate theyโve waited over a hundred years for?
CHECKING IN? WELCOME TO THE MONSTER HOTEL!
This monster hotel story has been brought to you by World Tree Resortsโฆ
Whether our clients are fanged, furred, or looking to frolic, World Tree Resorts is here to provide sssservice with a ssssmile! Be sure to visit any one of our multi-universal locations to find your next Monster Hotel Adventure!*
*WTR is not responsible for any sudden obsession with monsters, though our staff is happy to provide you with a list of our extended service menus, should the need arise.
Checking Out with the Gargoyles is a standalone queer polyam / why choose gargoyle romance intended for mature readers as part of the World Tree Resorts shared world series. It’s full of banter, bursting with sweet and spicy moments, and features plenty of tail, horn, and wing action! Everyone is with everyone – HEA guaranteed
Publication Date 20/8/2026
Checking Out with the Gargoyles: A steamy why choose monster hotel romance by Aura Frost
My Review
I just finished reading Checking Out with the Gargoyles by Aura Frost, and I have to say this steamy why choose monster hotel romance completely pulled me in from the first page.
The premise alone had me hookedโฆ Marielle, a half human, half gorgon just trying to keep her head down, gets strong armed by her gorgon mother into working at the family run World Tree Resorts monster hotel chain.
Next thing she knows, sheโs stuck mediating between two rival gargoyle clan leaders who clearly want to tear each other apart, and the hotel along with them, while also trying to stop history from repeating the bloody disaster of their last summit fifty years ago.
What hooked me in was how quickly the tension between the three of them turns electric. Runelian is exactly the kind of stubborn, dominant grouch I love to hate (and then fall for), while Goliath brings this big, sunny, over eager energy that somehow makes the whole situation both funnier and hotter.
When Marielle has to physically get between them and the fated mate bond snaps into place for all three, the story shifts from โplease donโt destroy the hotelโ to โhow the hell do we make this work when their families have been at each otherโs throats for generations?โ
That push/pull of old hatred versus new, irresistible connection is handled with just the right mix of heat, humor, and genuine emotional stakes.
The monster hotel setting was just great, World Tree Resorts feels lived in and delightfully chaotic, with enough world building details to make the place feel real without ever slowing down the romance.
The scenes between Marielle and her two gargoyles are intense and never feeling tacked on. I also appreciated that Marielle isnโt just a passive prize. Sheโs practical, a little reluctant, and has her own identity and agency even as the mate bond rearranges everyoneโs priorities.
By the end I was fully invested in whether these three could actually build something lasting despite all the clan baggage.
The book delivered on the promise of its blurb without wasting time, and I closed it feeling satisfied and already wondering what other World Tree Resorts stories might be waiting.
If you like your romance with claws, wings, rivalries that run deep, and a heroine who somehow ends up claimed by both the grumpy one and the golden retriever in stone form, this one is absolutely worth checking into.
Unhinged Obsession: A Darkish College Secret Society Romance (Saints of the Black Crown Society Book 1) by London Snow
Description
Last summer, Elijah Moretti and his elite circle made a mistake no one can survive.
It begins as an accident.
It ends with a bodyโฆ and a series of decisions none of them can take back.
So they make a pact:
That night never happened.
No one will speak of it again, because they all have something to lose.
Elijah isnโt just a star hockey player and a mafia heir.
Heโs also a Saints legacy within the Black Crown Society.
Most importantly, heโs Blair Winthropโs best friend.
She was born into the Black Crown Society too. A legacy in her own right, destined to be matched with a Saint chosen for her.
Sheโs the only person who has ever been able to tame Elijahโs fiery temper.
Not even Elijah understood his obsession with Blairโฆ until she left without a goodbye, leaving him to believe the worst.
Her opinion is the only one that has ever mattered to him.
And when he needs her most, he believes the girl he would burn the world down for chose the Society over him.
With the Saintsโ first pairing ritual looming, their futures have already been decided. Matches are chosen. Loyalty is proven. Prestige is preserved.
When Blair reappears at St. Augustine University, just a shell of the girl he once admired, Elijah realizes sheโs been keeping secrets far darker than he imagined.
Secrets that will bring him to his knees, begging for her forgivenessโฆ begging to touch her one last time.
If one person breaks, the entire kingdom will crumble.
But the past never stays buried when loyalty is scarce, does it?
Blair isnโt willing to play her part.
And Elijah will never let her go.
Publication Date 20/7/2026
Unhinged Obsession: A Darkish College Secret Society Romance (Saints of the Black Crown Society Book 1) by London Snow
My Review
Unhinged Obsession drops you straight into the kind of high stakes, morally gray territory that this author does so well.
Elijah Moretti is everything the title promisesโฆ. a star hockey player, mafia heir, and Saints legacy whose carefully controlled world is already cracking under the weight of a deadly secret shared with his elite circle.
That pact/secret, sets a tense undercurrent from the opening pages, and the constant threat of exposure keeps the story humming with low level dread even as the romance takes center stage.
What i loved about the book was the complicated history between Elijah and Blair Winthrop.
She is not just the girl he is obsessively drawn to, she is the one person who has ever been able to soothe his temper, the childhood friend whose opinion has always mattered more than anyone elseโs.
And when her sudden disappearance and equally abrupt return as a fractured version of herself created a delicious push/pull of hurt, longing, and suspicion.
Elijahโs conviction that she chose the Society over him fuels a raw, almost feral possessiveness is the authorโs style that I love, its protective to the point of danger, tender in the moments he lets his guard down, and completely incapable of letting her go.
The Black Crown Society itself is rendered with the right mix of ritualistic pomp and quiet menace. Pairing ceremonies, legacy expectations, and the pressure to preserve prestige give the campus setting an oppressive feel that contrasts beautifully with the messy, private feelings developing between Elijah and Blair.
Their dual virginity and the slow, charged build of physical intimacy add another layer of intensityโฆ. every touch carries the weight of years of unspoken desire and the fear that one wrong move could destroy everything they are trying to protect.
Blairโs secrets prove darker and more personal than Elijah anticipated, forcing him to confront both his own failings and the limits of the loyalty he has always sworn to the Society.
The result is a romance that is equal parts yearning and desperation, full of the obsessive โburn the world for herโ energy that i have come to expect, yet grounded in real emotional stakes.
By the time the past begins to surface and loyalties are tested, the story has locked itself firmly around my heart. I loved the characters, the banter and the dark corners of the university had me gripped.
It is a gripping, atmospheric start to the Saints of the Black Crown Society series, dark enough to keep the pulse racing, romantic enough to make the obsession feel earned, and compulsive enough that finishing the last page only makes the wait for the next book feel longer.
He had a one-way ticket to the top. Now, heโs sleeping in his childhood bed.
Math genius Charlie Garrity had a simple checklist: power, prestige, money. With an MIT Sloan MBA in his pocket and a dream job in the front office of the Los Angeles Dodgers, he was rounding the bases toward a perfect life. Then came the blindside.
With his rocket-like trajectory abruptly stymied, Charlie is forced to do the one thing he swore he would never do: move back in with his zany, chaotic, filter-free family. Between his wine-guzzling motherโs weekly allowance, his weed-loving fatherโs high-stakes business pitches, and his curmudgeonly grandfatherโs constant grousing, Charlieโs life has become a documentary of errorsโliterally, thanks to his aspiring filmmaker brother. To make matters worse, his older sister tries to guilt-trip him into joining her dog-walking business, and his younger sister manipulates Charlie into posing as a Speedo-clad art model.
Charlie is desperate to reclaim his once-lofty status, but when a path back to the top forces a choice between his ambition and his ethics, he has to do the hardest math of his life. He knows what he wantsโbut is he ready to calculate what he actually needs?
Publication Date 14/6/2026
Charlie Goes Sideways: A Novel by Bob Marsocci
My Review
Charlie Goes Sideways starts with a blurb that feels familiarโฆ. the high achieving young man who has everything mapped outโฆ MIT Sloan, a dream job with the Dodgers, the clean trajectory of power and prestigeโฆ only to find himself suddenly derailed and sleeping in his childhood bedroom!
What follows isnโt a simple โback home to find himselfโ story, but more like a collision between Charlieโs carefully constructed self image and the loud, messy, unfiltered reality of his family. ๐ฌ
The wine guzzling mother with her weekly allowance demands, the weed loving father forever pitching high stakes schemes, the grandfatherโs constant complaints, the brother turning the whole ordeal into documentary footage, the older sister pushing the dog walking business, and the younger one maneuvering Charlie into the Speedo modeling gig, all of it feels exaggerated in the way real families sometimes are, and the book leans into that exaggeration without apology. (I felt sorry for poor Charlie and exasperated most of the time! He just canโt get a break)
Charlieโs discomfort is on every page, every attempt to reclaim his old status is undercut by the chaos around him and then eventually by the ethical choice the plot forces him to confront.
What i liked was the quiet shift the story makes from pure farce toward something more pointed. The โhardest math of his lifeโ isnโt just a clever tagline, itโs the moment the story asks whether the checklist Charlie once lived by still makes sense once the supporting structure of status is stripped away.
The book doesnโt lecture, but it does let the question hangโฆ ambition is easy when itโs winning, when it asks you to compromiseโฆ. what do you actually need?!
Itโs a brisk, character driven comedy with enough heart and enough bite to keep the laughs from feeling empty. I really liked Charlie, I wasnโt too keen on his freeloading family!
I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it.๐๐ป
So does Charlie finally escape the family he loves? Or will he accept his lot in life? ๐ค
Puck Me Twice Over: a Jericho Chimeras Second Chance spicy romance (Jericho Chimeras Hockey Romance Book 6) by Sofia Aves
Description
I donโt believe in Destiny. I make my own fate on and off the ice. But when I see her again, itโs game on.
Iโve always stayed the hell out of l the Chimeras drama. Keep my head down and play it hard on the ice, leave everything else safe in my heart. Focus on the career.
Never let anyone in.
Until I find myself staring into pretty eyes I havenโt seen in years that nearly knock me on my a** in the middle of a game.
When the girl I was sweet on back in high school is stranded by her butthole of an ex in the middle of a rain storm afterward the game I nearly threw, Iโm right there beside her.
Accident? More?
This is my second chance with the girl Iโve never forgotten and Iโm taking it with both hands. Because she doesnโt know my secret. The fantasy Iโve kept to myself all these years with her right at the center.
Hell, Iโll do anything for this girl. Iโll even let her puck me over. As long as I can keep her.
Iโm not the nice guy everyone thinks. I’ll protect her from her ex, and even from herself. And sheโs about to find that out. Tonight.
PUCK ME TWICE OVER is a stalker dark romance filled with twisted second chances and obsessions that flow in both directions set in Sofia Avesโ Jericho Chimerasโ world.
Publication Date 18/8/2026
Puck Me Twice Over: a Jericho Chimeras Second Chance spicy romance (Jericho Chimeras Hockey Romance Book 6) by Sofia Aves
My Review
I dove into Puck Me Twice Over knowing i would get a dark, obsessive hockey romance with a side of intensity, and this installment lived up to that promise in the best and most twisted ways.
The story centers on Knox, a player who has spent years keeping his head down, focusing solely on the ice and locking away anything that might distract him, until he locks eyes with the girl from his high school past during a game.
That moment of recognition hits hard, and when he finds Felicity stranded in a rainstorm after her ex leaves her hanging, the second chance he never expected suddenly becomes impossible to ignore.
What makes this a good read for me is the push/pull of their reconnection. Knox has carried a a torch for her for years, something he has never shared, and the way that secret fuels his determination to claim this opportunity feels all consuming.
He is not the nice guy the world assumes him to be, and the story leans fully into that darker edgeโฆ. protective to the point of possession, willing to shield her from her ex and even from her own doubts, all while the chemistry between them burns hot and fast.
The spice is generous and ๐, fitting the โstalker dark romanceโ label the book carries, with obsession flowing in both directions rather than remaining one sided.
The hockey world is definitely present, without letting it overwhelm the story.
The ice becomes both a refuge and a pressure cooker for Knox, and the second chance setup gives their history real weight.
The tension builds steadily, the protective streak intensifies, and the final stretch delivers the kind of charged payoff that I love with twisted second chance tropes.
This is not a light or purely sweet hockey romance. It is spicy, possessive, and dark in places.
If you enjoy second chance stories where the hero has been quietly obsessed for years and is finally ready to act on it consequences and allโฆ. Puck Me Twice Over delivers a gripping, heat filled ride that left me both satisfied and a little breathless. ๐ ๐ฅต ๐
The Vanishing: Book One of The Exiles by Kelsey Crane
Description
It all begins with a game. Six teenagers from around the world receive a mysterious VR headset and are dropped into RIZE: a hyper-realistic survival simulation game where the Earth still lives and breathes as it used to. But when tragedy strikes, the 17-year-olds are faced with a radical choice: to remain obedient heirs to a broken world or take their virtual civilization offline and build it for real.
In a daring heist, the six disappear. They flood the system with fake identities, hijack their supplies, and vanish into the Pacific Northwest to build The Ark: an off-grid homestead rooted in ancient wisdom, the science of permaculture, and the hope of creating a blueprint to save the world. At first, The Ark feels like utopia. Spring brings blossoms and blurred boundaries. But love entangles. Ideologies fracture. Winter descends. A traitor is unmasked, and survival turns brutal. As the outside world hunts them, and the true creator of RIZE is revealed, cracks in their idyllic community begin to form. They had set out to save the world, but now theyโre fighting to save themselves.
Publication Date 18/8/2026
The Vanishing: Book One of The Exiles by Kelsey Crane
My Review
I picked up The Vanishing drawn by its premiseโฆ. six teenagers from around the world receive mysterious VR headsets, enter a hyper realistic survival simulation called RIZE that shows Earth as it once was, and then make the radical decision to abandon the broken real world and try building something better offline. (Sounds a little like the Maze ๐ค)
What starts as a game soon becomes more, a disappearance into the Pacific Northwest, and the creation of The Ark (an off grid homestead grounded in ancient knowledge, and stubborn hope.)
This is a YA dystopia that feels uncomfortably close to home rather than distant spectacle. No superpowers, no monsters, just ordinary 17 year olds confronting a world of pollution, scarcity, and systems that no longer serve them.
The choice they faceโฆ. remain obedient heirs to a failing civilization or risk everything to try living differently lands had me turning those pages. The early sections in the simulation and the transition to building The Ark are particularly effective at making the environmental stakes personal and tangible.
What worked best for me was the found family dynamic and the focus on the daily work of creating a community. Spring at The Ark brings the expected blossoming and blurred boundariesโฆ. love, ideology, and personality clashes. Winter brings its own issues and external pressure harden everything.
The characters had great backgrounds, traumas, and skills, watching them try (and sometimes fail) to become a functioning unit was really compelling (Iโd happily watch this on the big screen.)
Utopia is fragile. Relationships tangle. Trust fractures. A traitor emerges. Survival gets brutal. These elements keep the story from feeling naรฏve. At the same time, the book never fully abandons hope, the sense that young people might still be able to live a different life from their parents.
Pacing is deliberate in places. Getting to know six distinct points of view and settling into the rhythms of The Ark takes time, and some of the day to day details may feel slower if youโre primarily looking for high stakes thriller momentum. But once the external pressure and internal cracks intensify, the tension rises effectively.
The writing is clear, strong on atmosphere and emotional moments without becoming too much.
As a debut and the first in a series, The Vanishing sets up larger questions about technology, nature, community, and what it actually costs to try changing the trajectory of a damaged world. It left me invested in the characters and curious about where the story goes next.
If you like character driven YA that treats climate crisis and found family seriously then give this one a go.
Itโs thoughtful and often moving.
Iโm glad I read it, and Iโll be looking for Book Two.
Falling in love with my best friendโs little brother is the biggest mistake I could possibly make. But Cash Ellis has hypnotized me since we were children. Every song I write is a love letter. A plea. Lamenting what can never be.
As my best friend gets angrier and more unrecognizable with each setting sun, I find that Iโm taking solace in Cashโs company. I shouldnโt. Itโll prove my undoing. Itโs only a matter of time before my one-time best friend finds out.
***
This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Publication Date 13/8/2026
One Breath (Isle of Kala Book 2) by Crea Reitan
My Review
One Breath pulls me in from the very first line of the description, that quiet confession that every note of longing tastes like Cash.
There is something immediately intimate and painful about the way Onyx frames the story, as if the music itself has become both sanctuary and confession.
Falling for a best friendโs little brother is one of those classic forbidden setups that can feel overdone, yet here it lands with a particular ache because the history between them stretches all the way back to childhood.
Cash has always been the one who hypnotized Onyx, the constant undercurrent in every song written, every lyric shaped into a love letter that can never be delivered. That long, slow burn of unspoken feeling gives the story weight before it even properly begins.
What makes it so tense is the slow erosion of the friendship that once felt unbreakable. As the best friend grows angrier and more unrecognizable with each passing day, Onyx turns toward Cash almost instinctively, seeking the steadiness and understanding that used to come from elsewhere.
I love this authorโs work, they have always been skilled at writing characters who are messy and human rather than perfectly heroic, and this setup seems tailor made.
The island setting of the Isle of Kala series adds another layer. I love this island and its inhabitants, is a sense of closed community and watchful eyes that heightens the stakes.
But secrets do not stay hidden long in places like that, and the knowledge that the truth will eventually surface creates a constant low level dread that sits beneath the romance.
The music element was a lovely addition. Songs as love letters, as pleas, as the only safe way to say the unsayable, give Onyx a voice that is both artistic and deeply personal. It turns the internal conflict into something external and lasting, something that will exist even if the relationship itself cannot.
I find myself most drawn to the quiet moments of it all. Onyx knows this will prove an undoing, knows the cost, and still cannot step away. That kind of helpless honesty is what stays with me after reading the description, I couldnโt put it down, I wanted to know more, even though I knew I would probably need a tissue ๐ข
It promised a story that does not shy away from the messiness of wanting someone you are not supposed to want, of finding comfort in the one place that will eventually cost you everything else. And it delivered that and more.
One Breath was a book that left me sitting with the characters long after the last page, still hearing the songs that were written for someone who was never supposed to know they existed. I loved it. And canโt wait to return to Isle of Kala.
After a lot of suffering, she gathers the courage to dump him, at the behest of her friends. Especially Darius’s, who has had his eyes on her since they met, though he has managed to hide it behind an aloof mask.
To get rid of secret messages and midnight calls, Daiana comes up with the brilliant idea of asking Darius for a fake relationship. Ha!
The joke’s on her, because she’s the one who breaks the rules they set between them.
But can she accept that their friendship is becoming something more?
Publication Date 15/8/2027
Just a Glimpse by D.M.R.
My Review
Just a Glimpse is the kind of romance that pulls you in with its familiar setup and then keeps you invested through the messy, human way the characters actually navigate it.
Daianaโs story begins in a place of real pain! An ending marked by violence that forces her to reclaim her life with the support of her friends. That foundation matters. The story doesnโt rush past the aftermath or treat her decision to leave as a neat plot deviceโฆ. instead, it lets the weight of that experience sit with her, shaping how cautiously she approaches anything new.
What follows is the classic fake relationship arrangement, sparked by her desire to shut down unwanted contact from her past. She turns to Darius, the friend who has been quietly watching her for longer than either of them fully admits. His aloof exterior is a thin cover for something more genuine, and the tension between what they pretend and what they begin to feel drives much of the emotional pull.
The humor in Daianaโs โbrilliant ideaโ lands well at first, thereโs a lightness to the early stages of their arrangement, but the story earns its depth when she is the one who starts breaking the rules they set.
That shift feels honest rather than forced. Friendship turning into something deeper is never as clean as the rules pretend it will be, and the story lets that complication unfold at a natural pace.
The real strength here is how the book handles the question of whether Daiana can accept the change. Recovery from an abusive relationship doesnโt vanish just because a new connection appears, and the story respects that complexity. Dariusโs patience and the gradual erosion of his carefully maintained distance give the romance room to breathe without rushing into easy declarations.
Moments of vulnerability between them feel earned, and the supporting friendships add warmth without overshadowing the central pair.
It isnโt a perfect book, there are stretches where the internal conflict circles the same ground a little longer than necessary, but the emotional core holds.
Just a Glimpse delivers a solid, heartfelt take on the fake dating to real feelings trope, grounded in the reality of healing and the quiet courage it takes to let someone new in.
If you enjoy romance that balances light chemistry with heavier emotional stakes, this one is worth the time.
Helping a drugged Devil Daddy wasn’t the only risky move Rosa had ever taken.
The newest member of the Devil Daddies MC, Street works hard to prove himself. Who knew his attempt to spy on the Ravagers’ plans would end with a slip of a woman driving his beloved motorcycle? Now, his rescuer needs protecting and Street will do everything in his power to keep her safe.
Rosa Serrano has survived on her own since she was fourteen. Staying under the radar has forced her to work crappy jobs where they don’t ask questions. She should have stayed quiet, but the last guy the Ravagers targeted met a bad end. Can she truly trust the tough biker whose caring Daddy dominance calls to the woman she’s buried deep inside?
The members of the Devil Daddies MC will risk all to secure two things: special acquisitions and women with a Little side.
Publication Date 11/8/2026
Street: Devil Daddies MC by Pepper north
My Review
Street: Devil Daddies MC delivers exactly the kind of high stakes, protective romance that I love from this series, and it does so with a hero who feels both raw and carefully layered.
Street is the newest story in the club series, still grinding to prove his loyalty, and the moment he ends up drugged and vulnerable while spying on the rival Ravagers, the story locks into place.
Rosa doesnโt just help him, she steals his bike in the process of saving him, which is such a perfect, chaotic meet/cute for this world.
From that point on, the tension never really lets up. Streetโs determination to keep her safe collides with Rosaโs long habit of surviving alone, and the push/pull between them is what carries the whole book.
Rosa is one of those heroines who feels earned. Sheโs been on her own since fourteen, working the kind of invisible jobs that let her stay under the radar, and she has the wary instincts to match. When she risks drawing the Ravagersโ attention by helping Street, it lands as a genuine character choice rather than a plot convenience. Watching her slowly let someone else take the lead, especially someone whose Daddy dominance speaks to the part of herself sheโs kept buried, is quietly satisfying.
The author doesnโt rush that trust. She lets Rosaโs independence and Streetโs protective streak grate against each other in ways that feel authentic to both characters.
The motorcycle club backdrop and the ongoing threat from the Ravagers keep the external stakes high, but the parts I loved the most comes from the quieter momentsโฆ Streetโs quiet care, the way he reads what Rosa needs even when she canโt ask for it, and the slow unfurling of the dynamic that defines so much of the authorโs work.
Itโs steamy without being reckless, protective without becoming overbearing, and it lands with the kind of emotional payoff that makes the series worth following.
If youโve enjoyed the earlier Devil Daddies books, Street feels like a natural and satisfying next ride, gritty on the outside, deeply tender underneath.
Wulf, Tales of the Chosen: Erotic Gay Sci-Fi by Kayelle Allen
Description
With his career threatened and his life at risk…
Wulf must seek help from the man responsible for the death of Wulfโs father.
Luc Saint-Cyr, a.k.a. the Harbinger. An enigmatic man whose legendary power makes him the most feared person in the empire, and the one person Wulf swore he would never trust again.
For the Harbinger, saving Wulf is a simple matter of asserting his will. Lucโs ties to the Thievesโ Guild grant him access anywhere. He can shield Wulf without difficulty.
Until Luc brings Wulf home for safekeeping, and discovers the real reason for the threats. Protecting Wulf has not only put his and Wulfโs lives at risk, itโs also risked the life of Lucโs teenaged son.
Now, this is beyond protection.
To the Harbinger, this is personal…
Wulf, Tales of the Chosen, an erotic MM Sci-Fi romance between a lusty immortal and a hot, mortal supermodel who longs for protection.
For detailed content notes, see the trigger warnings on the authorโs website.
Publication Date 3/3/2021
Wulf, Tales of the Chosen: Erotic Gay Sci-Fi by Kayelle Allen
My Review
Wulf delivers exactly what the blurb promises: steamy MM sci-fi with high stakes and power imbalance tension.
A celebrity model forced to rely on the immortal โHarbingerโ who destroyed his family makes for a charged enemies to lovers setup.
The Tarthian Empire world building is solid, the heat is explicit and frequent, and Lucโs protective intensity (plus the added risk to his son) keeps the personal stakes sharp.
Itโs a quick, lust driven read that prioritizes desire and danger over deep emotional resolution.
Fans of erotic gay space opera will enjoy the ride, those wanting stronger emotional payoff or tighter plotting may find it uneven.
Solid entry in its niche, hot, dramatic, and unapologetically adult.
Risk Appetite (London Bound Book 1) by Amara Pardeshi
Description
They taught her that good decisions were the safest ones. London is teaching her something far more dangerous.
Amara Pardeshi has built her life on discipline. A risk analyst at Sterling Rowe, she trusts numbers more than instincts, caution more than impulse, and has spent years becoming the kind of woman who never wants too much. Raised between expectation and ambition, she has learned how to succeed without making a mess of herself.
Until Lucas Scott.
As Head Chef of Opus Blue, the crown jewel of restaurateur Hugo Vinther’s growing empire, Lucas is central to a high-profile expansion proposal that lands on Amara’s desk. Quietly confident and impossible to impress, he unsettles her in ways she cannot explain. The more time they spend together, the more she discovers that certainty can be as intoxicating as ambition – and far harder to resist.
As boardrooms give way to restaurant kitchens, rooftop bars, and late-night conversations, Amara finds herself caught between professional judgment and personal longing. What begins as attraction deepens into something far more disruptive – a challenge to everything she believes about control, ambition, and the life she is supposed to want.
When the future of the deal – and her relationship with Lucas – begins to fracture under the weight of impossible choices, she must decide whether caution has been protecting her all along, or simply keeping her from herself.
Set between the polished world of London finance and the charged atmosphere of fine dining, Risk Appetite is a character-driven contemporary romance about desire, identity, and the quiet courage required to choose a life that belongs to you.
Tropes Include:
๐คWorkplace Romance
๐Reserved Heroine
๐คDominant Hero
๐Opposites Attract
๐คForced Proximity
๐Good Girl Awakening
Publication Date 6/8/2026
Risk Appetite (London Bound Book 1) by Amara Pardeshi
My Review
Amara is the kind of woman who has turned discipline into both armour and identity, someone raised between expectation and ambition who has learned to succeed without ever allowing herself to want too much.
That restraint is what makes her encounter with Lucas Scott so quietly disruptive. As Head Chef of Opus Blue, he represents everything her professional world tries to contain, yet he remains quietly confident and impossible to impress in a way that unsettles her from the start.
What drew me most is how the story seems to refuse the usual shortcuts of workplace romance. The high profile expansion proposal that lands on Amaraโs desk is not merely a convenient plot device, it becomes the pressure point where professional judgement and personal longing begin to collide.
The shift from boardrooms to restaurant kitchens, rooftop bars and late night conversations had me glued to the pages.
You can almost feel the temperature change as Amara moves between the polished certainty of London finance and the charged, sensory world of fine dining. Lucas does not storm in and overturn her carefully ordered existence, he simply exists in a way that makes her question the value of that order.
And when the future of the deal and her relationship with Lucas start to fracture under impossible choices, the question of whether she has been keeping herself safe by guarding her heart comes to the forefront. Can she really have both? Or will she pick the safe option?
It is not just about two people falling for each other, it is about a woman discovering that the systems she trusted to keep her steady may also have been limiting her.
Risk Appetite was the kind of romance that understands the cost of control and the unexpected freedom that can come from finally risking more than numbers on a page.
Healing the Demon: A Cozy, Spicy, Monster Fantasy Romance (Demons of the Rift Book 2) by Evelyn Embers
Description
Running a Boston ER is controlled chaos. Falling into a dying dimension and landing at the feet of a seven-foot demon medic? That requires a totally different triage protocol.
Iโm a nurse, not an interdimensional traveller. But in a sunless realm where humans are enemy number one, my only shield is the terrifying demon who scoops me up.
Torik is a mountain of sweeping wings, lethal horns, and a rugged dad bod. Heโs a deeply grumpy, solitary healer who spends his lonely days with his pet lizard. Heโs also the most infuriatingly stubborn male alive.
Now, weโre trapped together in his rustic clinic, two fiercely dedicated medical professionals clashing over everything. He barks orders for me to stay hidden from other demons; I canโt just sit quietly while there are patients to save.
He refuses to let me lift a finger, but when I ignore him and do it anyway, those clawed hands are devastatingly gentle when he washes the grime from my curls, or pulls me against his broad chest in his single bed just to keep me warm.
Giving in to the blistering heat between usโand his very, very accommodating demon anatomyโis a dangerous game when one wrong move could get us both killed. Because once this grumpy monster claims my heart, I might just burn the portal home.
Healing the Demon is a cozy, high-heat monster romance featuring:
Cozy Fantasy Monster Romance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Extreme Size Difference
Cinnamon Roll Caretaking
Forced Proximity
Portal Fantasy
Magic
Competent, Smart Heroine in her 30s
Hidden Identity
Fated Mates
๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
No 3rd Act Break-Up
No Pregnancy (for the FMC)
Guaranteed HEA!
Publication Date 7/8/2026
Healing the Demon: A Cozy, Spicy, Monster Fantasy Romance (Demons of the Rift Book 2) by Evelyn Embers
My Review
Healing the Demon is the kind of book that slips under your skin and stays there, wrapping you in equal parts warmth and heat until you forget the outside world for a while.
From the moment Sloane, an exhausted Boston ER nurse, tumbles into a dying, sunless realm and lands at the feet of Torik, a towering demon medic with sweeping wings, lethal horns, and the kind of rugged dad bod that somehow feels more comforting than intimidating, the story settles into a rhythm that feels both dangerous and deeply intimate.
What struck me most was how naturally the two of them clash and then soften around each other. Sloane is capable, stubborn, and unable to sit still while people need help, even when those people have claws and the world around her considers humans the enemy!
Torik is the classic solitary grump who has built his entire life around quiet competence and a pet lizard ๐ฆ for company, yet the moment he scoops her up, his protectiveness turns almost aching in its intensity.
Watching two people who have spent years taking care of everyone else slowly remember how to let someone take care of them was great to watch. Their arguments over medical protocols in his rustic clinic are sharp and funny, but the quieter moments, the careful way his clawed hands wash the grime from her curls, the way he pulls her against his broad chest in that single bed just to keep her warm, carry a tenderness that makes the spice land even harder when it arrives.
And the spice does arrive, fully and unapologetically. The author doesnโt shy away from the size difference or the unique accommodations of demon anatomy, and the heat between them builds with a delicious sense of inevitability rather than sudden convenienceโฆ. every charged glance and careful touch grows out of the forced proximity and the slow recognition that they are both lonely in the same bone deep way. The danger of discovery by other demons keeps the stakes real without overwhelming the cozy atmosphere of their little clinic sanctuary.
I closed the book feeling the same satisfied ache I get from the best comfort reads, the ones that manage to be both soft and scorching at once.
Sloane and Torikโs story is about two healers learning that they are allowed to need something for themselves, and that the person who can give it to them might just have horns and wings.
If you like your monster romance with genuine emotional healing, high heat, and the kind of protective caretaking that makes you sigh, this one delivers.
I already miss that grumpy demon and his lizard.๐ฆ ๐
Secret Seduction: a single dad, dark romance (Tempting Love Book 4) by Nikki ash
Description
From USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Ash comes a single dad, age gap, dark romance …
Sheโs too young. Too reckless. And now sheโs my wife.
Vanessa Baker is a temptation with a body made for seduction and secrets swirling in her violet eyes.
Thereโs no denying that sheโs a stunning woman, but sheโs a wild card.
Irresistible, unpredictable, and unexpected.
Exactly the kind of trouble Iโve vowed to stay away from.
So, imagine my shock when I wake up in the Bahamas with a ring on my finger and Vanessa in my bedโwith no memory of how either got there.
She swears she had no choice. That marrying me was the only way to save herself from a dangerous deal sheโd never agreed to.
And now Iโm torn between protecting her and resenting her โฆ doing the right thing and wishing Iโd never met her.
I donโt trust easily. Not with my heart. Not with my son. And I definitely donโt trust her.
But I bring her home anywayโbecause her life is at risk. And even though she doesnโt deserve my protection, she has it.
Every day sheโs here, charming my son, slipping past my walls, she reminds me of what love is supposed to feel like.
So, what happens when she doesnโt need me anymore โฆ and I still want her anyway?
Please note: Secret Seduction is not a mafia romance. The book is a dark romance because of its content. Since dark romance can mean different things to different readers, please check the detailed content warnings on my website. Your mental health matters.
Publication Date 6/8/2026
Secret Seduction: a single dad, dark romance (Tempting Love Book 4) by Nikki ash
My Review
Secret Seduction, pulled me in with that classic setup of waking up married to a stranger and never quite let me go.
Lorenzo is every bit the guarded single dad the blurb promises, protective of his son to a fault, distrustful after being burned before, and determined to keep his walls high.
Vanessa arrives as pure chaos in the form of a younger woman with secrets in her eyes and a body that tempts him even while he resents the ring suddenly sitting on his finger. Watching him wrestle between resentment and the instinct to protect her felt raw and believable, especially once he brings her into his home and she starts slipping past those carefully built defenses one quiet moment at a time.
What surprised me most was how the forced marriage never felt like a pure convenience trope for long. Vanessaโs reasons for needing the protection are dark enough to justify the label, and Lorenzoโs conflicted sense of duty creates real tension that keeps the pages turning.
Yet the heart of the story lives in the softer moments, the way she charms his son without trying, the gradual thawing of Lorenzoโs suspicion, and the slow realization that the woman he never meant to keep is the one making him remember what it feels like to want more than safety.
Their chemistry builds with a delicious reluctance that makes every charged interaction land harder when the heat finally arrives.
The author balances the darker undercurrents with genuine sweetness, especially in the scenes involving the little boy who steals more than a few of the best moments. By the time the question of what happens when Vanessa no longer needs Lorenzoโs protection becomes urgent, I was fully invested in whether this grumpy, fiercely loyal man would let himself keep the unexpected wife who had already claimed a place in his carefully ordered life.
Itโs messy, protective, and ultimately satisfying in the way the best age gap single dad stories can be when the emotional walls come down.
I closed the book feeling that familiar ache of wanting just a little more time with these two and the family they somehow built in the middle of all the secrets.
A Cymbal Of His Love: Rockstar Romance (The Silent Oath series Book 2) by C.M. Harte
Description
Sophia is a down-to-earth single mom with a quiet strength, fierce love for her son and a deadbeat ex determined to make her life difficult. She swore sheโd never fall for another musician – that was until he came into her life.
Sam is the fun-loving drummer of Silent Oath. Who parties hard, laughs loud and hides his pain behind jokes and charm.
Sheโs the calm to his chaos. They shouldnโt work. They shouldnโt fit together.
He wants nothing more than to be worthy of her, but can he do that when everything around him, including the battles within himself, threaten to tear them apart?
What happens when the storm feels unyielding and shadows wait around every corner ready to pounce?
As their worlds collide, will they become the family they deserve?
Or will Sam implode and take everyone with himโฆ
Publication Date 3/8/2026
A Cymbal Of His Love: Rockstar Romance (The Silent Oath series Book 2) by C.M. Harte
My Review
A Cymbal of His Love pulled me in from the very first chapter and refused to let go.
As someone who doesnโt usually reach for rockstar romances, I was surprised by how deeply this story stayed with me.
Sophia is so strong but not in that flawless, untouchable way. Sheโs a single mom carrying the weight of a deadbeat ex, protecting her son with everything she has, and still somehow keeping her heart open enough to let Sam in despite every warning bell in her head. I loved her quiet determination and the way her calm presence slowly becomes the anchor Sam desperately needs.
Sam, on the other hand, is pure chaos wrapped in charm, and the author writes him so convincingly that you canโt help but root for him even when heโs making questionable choices. His humor, the way he hides real pain behind jokes and late night parties, watching him grapple with his own demons while trying to prove himself worthy of Sophia and her son was both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Their dynamic is electric, the classic โopposites attractโ done right, where her steadiness doesnโt extinguish his fire but gives it direction.
The romance is steamy and heartfelt, but what really stood out was the emotional depth. The book doesnโt shy away from the messiness of blending families, battling inner shadows, and the constant fear that everything could fall apart.
There were moments that genuinely tugged at my heart, scenes of vulnerability, quiet domestic tenderness, and the heavy pull of Samโs internal storm.
The side characters from the band and Sophiaโs world just added another layer without ever stealing focus.
By the end, I was fully invested in whether these two could actually make it work.
Itโs a story about choosing to fight for love even when the odds feel stacked against you, and about finding family in the most unexpected places.
If you enjoy rockstar romances with real stakes, flawed but lovable heroes, and heroines who feel like friends youโd cheer for, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Iโm already looking forward to the rest of the Silent Oath series.
The Pucks We Freeze: A Grumpy/Sunshine Hockey Romance (Rixton U) by Brooke OโBrien
Description
A small-town stepbrother romance by Brooke OโBrien about a girl trying to stay in control and the grumpy hockey player who still remembers the night she ranโand what it did to him when she didnโt look back.
I never expected to see Willow Anson againโnot after the way she left.
No warning. No goodbye. No explanation.
She was the girl who got under my skin.
The one who kissed me like she meant itโฆ and disappeared like none of it mattered. Iโve spent every day since convincing myself it didn’t.
Now sheโs back in Rixton, staying at her familyโs lodge while her dad recovers from surgery. And thanks to our parentsโ surprise wedding, weโre stuck under the same roof.
Sheโs off-limits. My new stepsister. But the way she looks at me says she remembers everything.
And the tension between us? Itโs anything but frozen.
Iโve trained my whole life to handle pressureโon and off the ice. The last thing I need is a distraction in the middle of a season thatโs already falling apart.
Games are being thrown. Players are faking injuries. And Willowโs holding on to the photos that could expose everything.
Theyโre watching. Threatening. Waiting for us to slip.
But Iโm not just playing defense anymore.
Iโm fighting for the truth. For my team.
And for the girl I never stopped wanting.
What you get in The Pucks We Freeze…
๐ Stepbrother
๐ฉตGrumpy x Sunshine
๐ Hockey
๐ฉตSmall College Town
๐ Secrets, Lies, and Scandals
๐ฉตPrequel Novella
๐ Interconnected Standalone
Publication Date 22/8/2025
The Pucks We Freeze: A Grumpy/Sunshine Hockey Romance (Rixton U) by Brooke OโBrien
My Review
The Pucks We Freeze is a solid, engaging prequel novella that kicks off the Rixton U series with plenty of steam, tension, and a hint of suspense.
This story centers on Kade, a grumpy hockey player whoโs laser focused on his game amid a team scandal involving thrown matches and threats, and Willow, the sunshine to his grump his new stepsister after their parentsโ surprise wedding.
The forbidden step sibling dynamic adds immediate spice, layered with a past one night connection where Willow ghosted him, leaving lingering hurt and unresolved chemistry. Now forced under the same roof, old feelings resurface while external dangers (blackmail, photos that could ruin the team) keep the stakes high.
What works really well here is the grumpy/sunshine trope execution. Kadeโs brooding, protective nature contrasts nicely with Willowโs brighter, more open personality, creating fun banter and electric tension. The hockey elements feel authentic without overwhelming the romance, and the small town college vibe sets up the interconnected series effectively.
The suspense plot of secrets, lies, scandals, and a mystery unfolding across the books adds intrigue beyond just the romance, making this feel like more than a typical sports romcom.
As a prequel, it teases the larger arc without resolving everything, which is smart for hooking readers into the full series. ๐
The romance is steamy and swoony, with solid emotional depth in how both characters grapple with trust, past hurts, and family changes.
Itโs a quick, addictive read, perfect for us that like forbidden tropes, second chance vibes (even if itโs more โunfinished businessโ), and hockey romances with a dash of mystery.
The author delivers the heat and heart, and the chemistry between Kade and Willow is believable and hot. ๐ฅต
On the flip side, as a novella, some elements (like the scandal buildup) feel introductory and fast paced, leaving you wanting more depth in places.
The step sibling aspect might be a hard no for some readers due to the taboo factor, though itโs handled with the usual romance novel consent and emotional buildup.
Itโs a strong, fun launch to the Rixton U world, great for a weekend escape if you love grumpy heroes who fight for what (and who) they want, sunshine heroines with backbone, and just enough drama to keep pages turning.
If youโre into interconnected hockey series like those from other authors in the genre, this is a promising start.
Highly recommend for romance readers craving that mix of sports, forbidden attraction, and suspense.
Island Wolf: A Fated Mates Paranormal Wolf Shifter Romance (Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island Book 1) by Rachel Armstrong
Description
โThere is just one rule. Donโt eat the koalas.โ
The Alpha of the Magnetic Island Pack has neglected his duties and escaped into the bush to live as a wolf after the death of his mate. With rogue wolves on the mainland threatening to destroy them, the pack make a desperate attempt to defend their territory. They call a Warrior of the Moon Goddess for help.
Finn Cassidy has lived a nomadic life saving wolf packs in the hope of finding a home. Since escaping his ruthless father, it has been his mission to honor the Goddess and fight those who donโtโrogue wolves. But to restore the Alpha on Magnetic Island, Finn must face his darkest rivals yet. And a greater challengeโmeeting his mate.
Finn wonโt let distractions deter him from his mission, but he canโt ignore Fate. Ava Hart has been hurt by the rogues and though she remains ignorant of the paranormal world, the best way to protect her is to forge their mating bond. As they work together at the koala hospital, desire ignites and Finn gains her trust. But can Ava embrace his world and accept him as her mate? Will proving the pack can protect their mates from the rogues be enough to lure the Alpha out of the bush? Or does Fate have other plans this coming full moon?
The first book of the Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island series by award winning author Rachel Armstrong!
A Fated Mates Paranormal Wolf Shifter Romance
โ โ โ โ โ If you love:
Alpha hero
Cinnamon roll hero
Heroine in peril
Forced proximity
Just one bed
He’ll burn the world down for you
Slow burn spicy romance
Then this book is for you!
Publication Date 4/1/2025
Island Wolf: A Fated Mates Paranormal Wolf Shifter Romance (Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island Book 1) by Rachel Armstrong
My Review
I picked up Island Wolf knowing almost nothing about Rachel Armstrongโs work beyond the fact that it was a fated mates shifter romance set on Magnetic Island, and I finished it wishing Iโd discovered the series sooner.
The opening ruleโDonโt eat the koalasโ sets a tone that felt playful, and that toneplace really leaves the page.
Real bays, resorts, a shipwreck you can actually snorkel, and a genuine koala hospital all sit comfortably beside the pack politics and moon goddess mythology, which makes the paranormal elements feel less generic than they do in so many of these stories.
Finn arrives as a lone Warrior of the Moon Goddess, nomadic and scarred by a ruthless father, and almost immediately runs into Ava, a physiotherapist who has fled an abusive situation and is trying to rebuild herself while helping her friend at the koala rescue.
Their chemistry builds at a satisfying pace, Finnโs protectiveness is intense without tipping into pure caveman territory for most of the book, and Avaโs wariness felt real.
The dual perspective lets you sit inside both the slow burn and the practical. Watching as she learns to trust someone who is literally not entirely human.
The koala rehabilitation subplot could have been pure window dressing, yet it becomes one of the warmer, more human threads, giving the characters shared purpose beyond the inevitable mating bond.
What kept me turning pages was the larger conflict. The Magnetic Island pack is fractured after the Alpha lost his mate and retreated into the bush as a wolf, while rogue wolves on the mainland pose a real threat.
There is action, some genuine darkness, and a few moments of heat that didnโt overtake the plot. A couple of the classic tropes (the โIโm keeping secrets to protect youโ refrain, the size difference, the touch her and die energy) are present and accounted for, so if those bother you this may not be your book. For me they mostly worked because the characters around Finn and Ava especially the pack members trying to hold everything together have enough personality to keep the story from feeling over crowded.
It ends with enough resolution to satisfy while clearly leaving threads for the next books, and I closed it already curious about who else on the island is about to get their own moon blessed complication.
If you like your shifter romance with a strong sense of place, a found family pack vibe, and a heroine who isnโt instantly swept off her feet by destiny, Island Wolf is a solid, entertaining start.
๐ฆ
Island Bite: A Friends to Lovers Billionaire Paranormal Romance (Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island Book 2) by Rachel Armstrong
Description
“I can tell you one thing, wolfie. She tastes good.”
The Magnetic Island Pack have won a battle against the rogues, but the war is far from over. The Dark Alpha will retaliate quickly and hit the pack where it hurts most, by targeting their Fated mates. And heโs about to unleash his deadliest assassins yet. Vampires.
Rain Blackwood has resisted his Fated mate for years to protect her from his enemy. Since his brother abandoned the pack, Rain has made it his mission to restore Slyโs faith in the Moon Goddess and save him from turning feral. He needs to prove that the pack can protect their mates and form his own mating bond. That is, if itโs not already too late.
Eden Starr has loved Rain since she first laid eyes on him. But despite the unexplainable connection she feels to her mysterious friend, she canโt wait for him any longer. Determined to move on, Eden finds herself strangely infatuated with a charming, charismatic stranger interested in supporting her koala hospital. But Lucas isnโt who he seems, and Eden suddenly finds herself facing the horrors of the paranormal world. With her life on the line, Rain is the only man with the power to save her. But can Eden find the strength to overcome her fears and embrace her new fate? Can Rain defeat the devious bat-shifting vampires hiding in shadows? Or will saving Edenโs life cost Rain everything he believes in beneath the darkness of the new moon?
Book Two of the Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island series by Award Winning Author Rachel Armstrong!
A Friends to Lovers, Paranormal
โ โ โ โ โ If you love:
Billionaire hero
Heroine in peril
Friends to lovers
Werewolves vs Vampires
Forced proximity
He’ll burn the world down for you
Slow burn spicy romance
Then this book is for you!
Publication Date 10/5/2025
Island Bite: A Friends to Lovers Billionaire Paranormal Romance (Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island Book 2) by Rachel Armstrong
My Review
After finishing Island Wolf I went straight into Island Bite, and it felt Iโd never left.
This time the focus shifts to Rain Blackwood and Eden Starr, the pair whose slow burn tension had been simmering quietly in the background of the first book.
Rain has spent years keeping Eden at armโs length, convinced that claiming his fated mate would only paint a target on her for the Dark Alpha and his growing army of threats.
Eden, meanwhile, has loved him for just as long and has finally decided she cannot keep waiting for a man who treats her like a precious secret rather than a partner. When she starts responding to the interest of a charming newcomer who claims to care about her koala hospital, the careful distance Rain has maintained begins to crack.
Their history gives every charged glance and almost confession real weight, and when the paranormal world finally crashes into Edenโs life complete with bat shifting vampires sent to destroy the pack through its mates, the stakes felt personal.
The same vivid Magnetic Island setting that grounded the first book is still doing excellent work here, the ongoing koala rescue work, and the everyday rhythms of island life sit comfortably beside the darker, bloodier conflict. That contrast keeps the story from tipping too far into pure darkness, there are still moments of warmth, banter, and genuine care for the animals that remind you why these characters fight so hard for their home.
Rain remains stubborn and protective to a fault, and the familiar โIโm hiding the truth to keep you safeโ pattern does reappear, which can grow a little frustrating. Yet Edenโs strength and independence push back against it in ways that had me smiling, we all know how much Rain cares, itโs now time to claim his mate!
The new vampire threat raises the danger level nicely, and the packโs secondary stories, especially those touching on grief and the fragile hope of bringing the former Alpha back from the edge, add depth without slowing the pace. There is spice, suspense, and a few genuine surprises that had me racing toward the end.
Like the first book, Island Bite closes with enough resolution to feel complete while clearly setting the stage for whatever comes next under the new moon.
I closed it already impatient for Slyโs story and for the packโs war to reach its next turning point.
If you enjoy fated mates romance that mixes island atmosphere, found family loyalty, and a healthy dose of danger, this second installment delivers exactly what it promises and then some.
๐ฆ
Island Moon: A Fated Mates Wolf Shifter Paranormal Romance (Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island Book 3) by Rachel Armstrong
Description
โIf I wasnโt so broken, I wouldnโt hesitate to take you as mine.โ
The Magnetic Island Pack are gaining strength. Theyโve defeated the rogue wolves, killed the vampires, and only one enemy remains. Tyrone Thorne. The Dark Alpha of the Pallarenda Pack. And with his malicious right-hand man, he is ready to seize the island.
Sly Blackwood has lived as a wolf since the death of his mate, broken and savage in his hunger for revenge. Embracing the wolf is the only way he knows how to survive and destroy the Pallarenda Pack as to kill an animal, one has to become an animal. Or better yet, a monster. With the final battle brewing, Sly is ready to end this war and live out his days as a lone wolf. Until Fate intervenes with an unwelcome mating bond.
Isla came to perform at the Full Moon Party, but the popstar is more than she seems. She is everything Sly never wanted, the second chance he feared, and the only person with the power to pull Sly out of his self-imposed darkness and into the light. In an unexpected twist no one’s ready for, Isla finds herself thrust into the paranormal world from her nightmares with a man too broken to resist. But can she face her demons to help Sly become the man he once was? Can Sly let go of his anger and open his heart again? Or will Slyโs determination to save his second chance at love be the packโs ultimate undoing?
Book 3 and the epic conclusion of the Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island series by award winning romance author Rachel Armstrong!
A Fated Mates Wolf Shifter Paranormal Romance
โ โ โ โ โ If you love:
Broken heroes
Protective heroes
Fated mates (and not happy about it)
Grumpy/Sunshine
He’ll burn the world down for you
Wolf shifter battle
Then this book is for you!
Publication Date 1/8/2026
Island Moon: A Fated Mates Wolf Shifter Paranormal Romance (Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island Book 3) by Rachel Armstrong
My Review
I went into Island Moon knowing it was the final chapter of the Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island series, and I still wasnโt quite prepared for how satisfying it would feel to finally sit inside Sly Blackwoodโs head.
For two books he has been the quiet, aching presence on the edges of the story, the former Alpha who chose the wolf after his mate was murdered and stayed there, feral with grief and hunger for revenge.
Watching him slowly, reluctantly claw his way back toward being human again is the emotional core of this book.
Isla arrives to perform at the Full Moon Party, sheโs a chart topping popstar and has her own private wounds and a connection to Ava and Eden that pulls her straight into the packโs orbit.
She isnโt the quick fix for our broken hero, oh no, she has her own demons and her own reasons for resisting the destiny the Moon Goddess seems determined to force on both of them. ๐ค
Their mating bond feels less like instant magic and more like two damaged people recognizing something familiar in each other and deciding, against every instinct, to risk it. The push/pull between Slyโs self imposed darkness and Islaโs stubborn refusal to let him stay there had me clinging to my kindle, I loved the quieter moments, especially those between Sly and his brother. ๐ฅบ
Around them the larger war finally reaches its climax. The Dark Alpha and his remaining forces make their move on the island, and the packโs found family loyalty is tested to its limits! There is more spice here, more gore, and a handful of genuinely kick a$$ sequences that reward the long build
up of the previous books.
By the time the final confrontation arrives and the epilogue closes the last door, I felt both satisfied and a little sad to leave these characters behind.
Island Moon does exactly what a series finale shouldโฆ. delivers the villain confrontation that we had been promised, and ties up a few loose ends.
And still leaves room for the quiet hope that maybe, someday, we might return to this island again. ๐ค๐ค
If you have followed Finn, Ava, Rain, and Eden this far, Sly and Islaโs story is the one that makes the whole journey feel complete.
On this review is a prequel (you need to sign up to the newsletter to read) Then books 1-3. So all in total a whopping 4 reviews! ๐
Brutal Beauty book 0.5 (Brutal Beauty series) by Misti Wilds
Brutal Beauty book 0.5 (Brutal Beauty series) by Misti Wilds
Description
Three masked men claim my body. I never meant to give them my soul.
I’ve created the perfect life. Perfect image. Perfect career. Perfect home.
But when a masked man delivers an exclusive invitation to the most sought-after event in the city, I step out of my perfect world and enter theirs.
Rage. Rebel. Ruin. Three brothers who claim my body in front of a room of masked strangers.
My perfection cracks in their hands. They want more than the image I’ve created for myself – they want all of me.
The imperfections. The pain. The sorrow.
What I thought was one night of fun turns out to be a lifetime deal with three dangerous devils.
My soul is on offer, and they mean to collect no matter the price.
Brutal Beauty is a prequel novella that takes place prior to Celia’s full length romance, featured in the Brutal Beauty trilogy starting with book 1, Claimed by Rage. This novella features dubcon, explicit sex, cursing, multiple POVs, exhibitionism, and a whole lotta smut for such a short novella. For full TWs, please see the content warning page on the author’s website. https://mistiwilds.com/
Signing up to the authorsโ site gives you this book as a thank you.
No publication date (not on Amazon)
My Review
Misti Wilds delivers a mesmerizing and tantalizing prequel to her series with “Brutal Beauty.” The novella captivates you right from the start, plunging them into a world where perfection meets chaos, and the allure of danger beckons with open arms.
The story revolves around Celia, a woman who has crafted her life to perfection, a perfect career, a perfect image, a perfect home. Yet, as the saying goes, “all that glitters is not gold.” Her ordered existence shatters when she receives an enigmatic invitation from a masked man to an exclusive event, drawing her into a world that is anything but perfectโฆ.
Enter the three brothersโฆ (Rage, Rebel, and Ruin) Each represents a different facet of complexity, intensity, and allure. Their masked identities symbolize not just the mystery that surrounds them, but also the layers of their personalities and desires. As they claim Celia’s body in a daring display before a crowd of strangers, the vulnerability of her carefully constructed facade is laid bare.โฆ
Celia’s journey from an image focused life to one filled with raw imperfections, pain, and sorrow is nail biting. The author deftly navigates themes of vulnerability and the high cost of emotional engagement in relationships, effectively raising the stakes as Celia finds herself bound to these dangerous men, ultimately offering her soul in a bid for acceptance.
The pacing of the novella is good, moving fluidly from one intense scene to the next. The authorโs vivid descriptions bring the party atmosphere to life, enveloping us in the tension and drama of the night.
In conclusion, “Brutal Beauty” is a provocative and beautifully written prequel that sets the stage for an enthralling series. With strong character development and a plot that dances between pleasure and pain, this novella is a must read for fans of romance with an edge.
Prepare for a whirlwind of emotions and an insatiable craving for more as you delve into Celia’s tumultuous journey.
๐ฆ
Claimed by Rage: (Dark Mafia Reverse Harem Romance) (Brutal Beauty Book 1) by Misti Wilds
Claimed by Rage: (Dark Mafia Reverse Harem Romance) (Brutal Beauty Book 1) by Misti Wilds
Description
I thought I was falling for three dangerous men, but in the end, I only fall for their lies.
After a heartbreaking divorce, a sudden invitation to the most exclusive nightclub in the city is the fresh start I need to get back on my feet. But what begins as a fun diversion quickly forces me to my knees for three wicked brothers.
The eldest brother Rage controls the club with an iron fist–the same one he uses to enforce bratva law. Rebel is the troublemaker–stealing secrets is only fun when he gets caught, and mine are his new addiction. Ruin hides behind a mask, bringing death to everyone but me.
First they claim my body, then my entire life. But I have dreams these mafia enforcers can’t fulfill no matter what they promise. If I’m not careful, they’ll drag me into their darkness and make it feel like home. I can’t stop fighting or I’ll drown in their desires.
Because life with these brothers could be good–if I’m willing to give up everything in return.
Claimed by Rage is book one of the Brutal Beauty trilogy following Celia Monrovia’s RH. Why choose, Russian mafia, dark romance, cliffhanger ending for book 1, HEA guaranteed by the end of the series.
Publication Date 13/1/2025
My Review
I picked up Claimed by Rage on a whim after a long week, hoping for something steamy and escapist, and it absolutely delivered on the dark, intense vibes I was craving.
Following her painful divorce, Celia steps into an exclusive nightclub thinking itโs just a night to feel alive againโฆโฆ Instead, sheโs pulled into the orbit of three dangerously compelling brothersโฆ. Rage, Rebel, and Ruin, who turn her world upside down in the most addictive way possible. ๐
What starts as a thrilling diversion quickly spirals into a possessive, all consuming connection that blurs the lines between desire and danger.
Misti Wilds does a fantastic job weaving that intoxicating reverse harem tension.
Each brother feels distinctโฆ.Rageโs commanding presence and iron fisted control set the tone for the Bratva world they inhabit, Rebelโs playful yet cunning nature keeps things unpredictable, and Ruinโs masked mystery adds a layer of lethal intrigue.
Their dynamic with Celia is raw and unapologetic, they claim her body first, but itโs the way they slowly infiltrate every part of her life that makes the story so gripping.
I loved how Celia isnโt a passive character, sheโs fighting to hold onto her own dreams even as these men threaten to swallow her whole. The push/pull between her growing feelings and her need for independence created some tense, emotional moments.
The dark romance elements are handled with the right balance of heat and menace. There are plenty of spicy scenes that lean into the โwhy chooseโ fantasy without feeling over the top, and the Russian mafia backdrop adds a delicious layer of forbidden danger.
The authorโs smooth, immersive style pulls you into the clubโs shadowy atmosphere and the brothersโ world of secrets and violence.
That said, itโs not for the faint of heart, the possessiveness runs deep, and the cliffhanger ending left me desperate for the next book in the Brutal Beauty series.
If you enjoy dark mafia romances with complex anti heroes, strong willed heroines, and a slowburn emotional entanglement beneath all the steam, this one is worth diving into.
Just be prepared to clear your schedule, because once these brothers set their sights on Celia, itโs hard to put the book down.
Iโm definitely continuing the series for that promised HEA. ๐ ๐ฅ ๐ค
๐ฆ
Tempted to Rebel: (Dark Mafia Reverse Harem Romance) (Brutal Beauty Book 2) by Misti Wilds
Tempted to Rebel: (Dark Mafia Reverse Harem Romance) (Brutal Beauty Book 2) by Misti Wilds
Description
They promised to love me, but that love might kill me.
After I finally agree to having a child with Rage, the domineering mafia enforcer holds on too tight. His love is suffocating, bruising, and too much for me to handle.
But his brother Rebel might be the secret to our success. He lives to bend the rules, and I quickly become his favorite one to break. As our stolen kisses heat up, the brothers learn that taking turns isn’t enough.
They need to share my body in order to claim my heart.
When a hidden threat starts claiming victims that look like me, the danger in our lives takes a darker turn. In order to protect the future we’re building together, we need to get stronger, and fast.
Because we can’t save each other if we’re at each other’s throats. Loving these men might kill me, but fighting with them guarantees it if I can’t change.
I’ll do anything to get our happy ending, even if it means walking through Hell to get there.
Tempted to Rebel is book two of the Brutal Beauty series, a why choose mafia dark romance filled with angst and a growing harem of brothers. You must read book one, Claimed by Rage, before reading book two, Tempted to Rebel. Book one and book two end on cliffhangers that lead directly into the next book, with the end of the series HEA guaranteed.
Publication Date 12/4/2025
My Review
Tempted to Rebel is the gripping sequel in the Brutal Beauty series, delivering an intense and tantalizing blend of dark romance and mafia intrigue. Misti Wilds expertly weaves a tale filled with emotional depth, suspense, and steamy encounters that kept me reading way past my bedtime! ๐
The story picks up with Celia struggling to balance her tumultuous relationship with Rage, the domineering mafia enforcer, whose love becomes a suffocating burden.
The author brilliantly captures the pain and tension that comes with extreme devotion, making me feel the weight of Rage’s overwhelming affection.
Enter Rebel, his brother, whose carefree rule bending nature introduces a breath of fresh air into the story. The chemistry between the characters sizzles, with Rebelโs playful defiance providing a counterbalance to Rage’s intensity.
As the plot unfolds, the stakes escalate when a hidden threat emerges.
The duality of their relationship dynamics adds yet another layer to the story.
The evolving harem aspect of the story adds all the emotions, as the characters navigate their feelings and learn that love isn’t a competition but a shared experience.(and what an experience ๐ ๐ฅต)
The plot threads lead to a cliffhanger that left me wanting the next book now!
In conclusion, Tempted to Rebel is a thrilling continuation of the Brutal Beauty saga, filled with angst, passion, and the promise of a hard earned happy ending.
Fans of dark romance and reverse harem stories will find this book a dark and delicious read.
๐ฆ
NSFW Preview
Celia’s POV
Our lips crash together, and the groan reverberating inside Rebelโs chest leaves me buzzing from the sound. โDo that again,โ I rasp, my eyes fluttering shut as his teeth skim my jaw.
He chuckles. โOh, did you like thaโoh, fuuuuck.โ
As I grind down on top of his iron-hard length, he moans loudly, flopping back onto the seat to gaze up at me through half-lidded eyes. Biting his bottom lip, he thrusts up, smirking when I gasp. โThatโs it, baby, take what you want. I need you to feel good.โ Cupping my breasts, he squeezes, massaging them and pinching my nipples between his knuckles.
I keen as pleasure ripples through me, soaking my panties and making me writhe that much harder on top of him.
Rebel curses under his breath, both of us panting. โFuck, baby, fuck.โ
Slipping off the leather jacket and pulling my t-shirt over my head, I give him better access to my tits before reaching down to undo his belt. He bucks up into me, hissing as my nails scratch his abdomen. โThatโs right, pull me out, baby, feel how hard I am for you.โ Lifting my hips, I shove his jeans down as much as I can, finding him bare underneath. His cock springs free, just as hard as promised, hot and silky-smooth when I grab the shaft. Twin piercings, two silver balls just beneath the head, gleam in the lowlight, and I gently brush my thumb over them.
He gasps, tossing his head back as I stroke him hard. โFuck.โ Pre-cum leaks from the tip, and I smear it across his slit, making him pant harder. โDonโt tease me, justโjust let me feel your pussy.โ He reaches for my waistband, but I smack his hand away. Eyes wide, he watches as I spit on his dick and continue stroking, his body twitching every time I pull his skin over the head and rub directly over the piercing. โF-fuck,โ he stutters, biting his lip. โYouโre driving me crazy, Celia, baby, please. Fuck, donโt tease me.โ
My body is on fire, but Rebel looks like heโs about to combust. Sweat breaks out across his forehead and chest, a flush trailing down his neck and across his tattoos. Their colors are muddied in the yellowed streetlight, but the flex of his muscles beneath the skin is clear as day. He thrusts in time with my hand, puffing hot air every time he exhales. โC-Celia,โ he moans, biting his lip. โBaby, youโre gonna make meโโ His breath catches as more pre-cum spills from the tip of his cock. โSo close. Please. Let meโah!โ
I reach between us and cup his balls, massaging them while I stroke his shaft. My back and shoulders scream at me to switch positions, but I donโt dare, not when Rebelโs clawing at the car door and writhing in the leather seat.
Whoever said that men canโt come from hand jobs was fucking lying.
Rebel comes hard, a whine tearing through his throat as his hips jerk up into my palm, thick ropes of his cum splashing against his abs. I stroke him through it gently, saying the first, unfiltered thing that comes to mindโ
Good boy.
He shudders at the praise, moaning as another spurt of cum coats my fingers. Still panting, he reaches for my free hand and squeezes tightly.
I bring his hand to my lips and kiss his knuckles. โSuch a good boy, coming for me,โ I continue, enjoying the way his cheeks flush. โDo you feel good, baby?โ I squeeze his cock, enjoying its twitch in my palm.
He bites his plush bottom lip and swallows.
Bound by Ruin: (Dark Mafia Reverse Harem Romance) (Brutal Beauty Book 3) by Misti Wilds
Bound by Ruin: (Dark Mafia Reverse Harem Romance) (Brutal Beauty Book 3) by Misti Wilds
Description
Being their lover means sharing their pain.
Every second my men and I are together puts our lives at risk, but staying apart guarantees our ruin. As we prepare to fight for our future, falling in love seems like the only thing worth living for… if we can survive that long.
But as one tragedy turns into another, the path forward isn’t revealed by love–it’s born from revenge.
Not all souls are meant to be saved.
Bound by Ruin is book three of Misti Wilds’ Brutal Beauty series, a why choose mafia dark romance filled with angst and a growing harem of brothers. You must read this series in order, starting with the prequel novella Brutal Beauty or book one, Claimed by Rage. Each book ends on a cliffhanger, with the end of the series HEA guaranteed.
Publication Date 26/5/2025
My Review
Bound by Ruin pulled me deep into its turbulent world and refused to let go.
Misti Wilds has crafted another intense installment in the Brutal Beauty series that amps up the emotional stakes, the danger, and the scorching heat between Celia and her growing circle of mafia brothers. ๐
Picking up after the previous cliffhanger, this book dives straight into the consequences of their choices.
Celiaโs connection with Rage, Rebel, and especially the more enigmatic Ruin deepens in raw, vulnerable ways. I loved how the story gives Ruin space to open up, his guarded intensity and the pain he carries made his moments with Celia feel particularly powerful.
The โwhy chooseโ dynamic shines here, with the brothersโ individual personalities clashing and complementing each other as they rally around Celia. The addition of Riot teases even more fire for the next book, and the spice level is unapologetically high, blending passion with the kind of emotional intimacy that makes dark romance so addictive.
What stands out most is the blend of angst and revenge. Every tender moment between Celia and her men feels stolen because the threats surrounding them are relentless.
The author doesnโt shy away from tragedy or moral gray areas, some souls really do seem beyond saving and that darkness makes the glimmers of love and loyalty hit harder. The pacing keeps you hooked with twists, escalating danger, and that signature mafia tension, even as the relationships continue to evolve and strengthen.
If youโre already invested in the series, Bound by Ruin delivers exactly what i craveโฆ. more possessive protectiveness, steamy group dynamics, and a plot that hurtles toward an inevitable confrontation.
It ends on another brutal cliffhanger (as expected), leaving me desperate for Riotโs story in the next book.
This is not a light read, itโs raw, spicy, and emotionally heavy, but for lovers of dark reverse harem mafia romance, itโs deeply satisfying.
Highly recommended if youโve read the earlier books.
Em Dubois, 35, likes to think of herself as rational. Embarrassing breakups, unstable employment, existential dread? All survivable with strategic compartmentalization and panicked decision-making.
Then she catches the attention of Vael, who appears out of nowhere with frustrating levels of confidence, an inexplicable interest in helping her, and a remarkable ability to dodge every question she asks.
What Vael fails to mention is that he is one of two cosmic architects who shaped the earth itself, or that they have spent millennia awkwardly trying, with mixed success, to pass as the humans they created. His history comes with consequences, with powerful organizations pursuing him for centuries. The deeper Em is drawn into the oddly welcoming circle around him, the harder it becomes to imagine a future separate from theirs.
When that conflict turns its attention on her, Em has to decide whether the family she’s found is worth risking everything for, despite considerable evidence that this is a terrible idea.
What to expect:
Book one of a trilogy; why-choose and MMF romantic arc unfolds across all three books
Slow-burn romance with complex, morally grey characters
Found family, deepening bonds, and emotional healing
Powerful ancient beings hiding behind modern lives
Cosmic urban fantasy
Secrets, difficult choices, and characters learning how to belong
Tropes (Book 1)
Character-driven storytelling
Found family
Slow-burn tension
Protective love interest
Morally gray characters
Ancient beings
Fish out of water
Touch her and die
Humour
Publication Date 29/7/2026
Auspice & Animus by Marcella Caees
My Review
I just finished Auspice & Animus by Marcella Caees, and Iโm still turning it over in my head days later.
Thereโs something quietly magnetic about this book that caught me off guard.
On paper it sounds like urban fantasy with cosmic stakes, but it reads more like a very human story about loneliness, found family, and the terrifying moment when your carefully compartmentalized life stops working.
Em Dubois is a mess! Thirty five, juggling emotional wreckage and shaky employment, sheโs convinced she can logic her way through anything if she just boxes it up tightly enough.
Watching her slowly lose that grip as Vael barrels into her life was oddly satisfying. Heโs the kind of character who could easily tip into annoying territory, all effortless charm and cryptic answers, but somehow heโs still grounded. His confidence feels genuine rather than arrogant, and the way he genuinely seems to want to help Em, even when it complicates everything, made me root for him almost immediately.
The real strength here is the slow unraveling of the bigger picture. The world building sneaks up on you. One moment youโre in the middle of Emโs everyday chaos, and the next youโre realizing these people have been shaping (and hiding in) human history for literal ages. I loved how the cosmic elements never overshadowed the intimate ones. The โfound familyโ around Vael feels warm and lived in, full of awkward affection and old grudges, which makes the later tension hit harder. When the danger thatโs been chasing them finally turns toward Em, the stakes feel personal instead of abstract.
What stayed with me most was the painful push/pull between self protection and connection. Emโs journey from โI can handle this aloneโ to โmaybe this chaos is worth itโ feels authentic, never rushed. The romance is tender and charged without dominating the story.
Itโs funny, heartfelt, and sneakily profound. Iโm already hoping for more in this world.
Forced Promises: A Dark Mafia Stalker Romance by Alexis Abbott
Description
From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Alexis Abbott comes a slow burn but spicy dark mafia-lite romance standalone.
To escape an arranged marriage, I’ll become the wife of a killer.
I had to flee the cult, or be forced to marry my own brother.
I have no money, no ID, no family.
Hated by my mother, disowned by my father.
My twisted salvation comes in the form of
a beautiful monster with silver eyes.
His need for revenge has him infiltrate the Bratva.
They demand a rite of initiation.
When he tells me to be a good girl and submit, I obey.
I’m touch-starved. Desperate for love.
And he publicly claims my innocence
to become one of them.
The Bratva and the cult want to destroy us.
But we’re already broken,
shattered by the dark secrets of our past.
And when we pick up each other’s pieces
Our tortured obsession is made lethal.
Forced Promises contains themes of
๐ค forced proximity
๐ฉถ age gap
๐ค grumpy x sunshine
๐ฉถ mutual hurt/comfort
๐ค mental illness rep between a morally grey antihero who hates to be touched and a touch-starved, innocent heroine.
His love language includes stalking and touch her and die, and hers includes physical touch and forehead kisses.
Please check the content warning as there are very dark themes.
Publication Date 28/7/2026
Forced Promises: A Dark Mafia Stalker Romance by Alexis Abbott
My Review
Reading Forced Promises felt like stepping into a story that refuses to let you look away, even when the darkness presses close.
Alexis Abbott has a talent for morally grey men who live in the shadows, but here the weight of trauma on both sides of the relationship gives the book a rawer edge.
Evelynโs escape from the cult is painted with such careful, aching detail that her wide eyed bewilderment at ordinary freedom becomes almost painful to witness. She is touch starved in the most literal sense, desperate for any scrap of gentleness after a lifetime of control and threat, and that hunger shapes every choice she makes once she crosses paths with Laszlo.
He, in turn, is a man carved out of revenge and self imposed isolation, someone who cannot bear to be touched yet finds himself unable to keep his distance from the woman who has crashed into his carefully laid plans.
The age gap and the forced proximity that follows their first encounter never feel like simple tropesโฆ. they become the pressure cooker in which two broken people slowly, warily begin to piece each other back together.
What stayed with me most was the mutual hurt/comfort that runs beneath the darker elements, the stalking, the public claiming required by the Bratva, the ever present danger from both the organization he is infiltrating and the cult that still wants her back.
Their connection is obsessive and imperfect, full of missteps and the kind of protectiveness that borders on possession, yet it never loses its core of tenderness.
Laszloโs intensity and Evelynโs quiet resilience create a push/pull that feels earned rather than manufactured. The slow burn allows their trust to build in small, charged moments, forehead kisses, hesitant touches, the gradual melting of his aversion, before the heat arrives, and when it does it carries the emotional weight of everything that came before.
This is not a light read.
The content warnings are necessary, and the book leans hard into themes of religious trauma, childhood abuse, and the long shadow of violence. Yet the story never feels over the top, every dark turn serves the larger story of two survivors learning that love can be both a weapon and a refuge.
By the end I was left with the sense that their โtortured obsessionโ had become something lethal not only to their enemies but to the walls they had each built around themselves.
Forced Promises is messy, intense, and ultimately hopeful in the way only a story about two people who have already lost almost everything can be.
Toxic Kiss: A Dark Rockstar Romance of Toxic Love, Obsession, and Forbidden Desire (Wrecked Encore Book 1) by Brooklyn Cross
Description
Iโm the voice that makes people scream. But I scream for her.
The world calls me Cyrus Vale. Rockstar. God of the stage. The man with a guitar in his hands and a crowd ready to bleed for one more song.
But Haven Gaillard knew me before the fame. Before the noise.
The night my mother married her father, I hated her on sight.
I wanted her pain. Dreamed about it. Lived for the way her eyes burned with anger as sweet tears fell down her cheeks.
Making her cry was the only thing that ever made me feel whole.
Until one day, I realized something worse.
I donโt want her pain anymore. I want her.
Her anger.
Her touch.
Her eyes on me like Iโm the only thing in the room.
She tried to escape, but now my muse is back. And every song I write still sounds like my heart wailing her name.
The problem?
I donโt know how to want her without destroying her.
And Iโve never been good at letting go of things that Iโm addicted to.
Publication Date 24/7/2026
Toxic Kiss: A Dark Rockstar Romance of Toxic Love, Obsession, and Forbidden Desire (Wrecked Encore Book 1) by Brooklyn Cross
My Review
Toxic Kiss, is one of those books that sinks its teeth into you and refuses to let go, even after youโve turned the last page.
As a dark rockstar romance, it doesnโt hold back on the toxicity, obsession, or the raw, messy edges of forbidden desire, and I was completely hooked.
Cyrus Vale is the kind of anti hero who lives up to the โwreckedโ in the series title. Heโs magnetic on stage, worshipped by fans, but beneath the rock god persona is a man consumed by something far more dangerousโฆ.his fixation on Haven!
Their history as stepsiblings adds a sharp, taboo layer that makes every interaction crackle with tension.
What starts as hatred and a twisted pleasure in her pain slowly morphs into a deeper, all-consuming need. Cyrus doesnโt just want Haven, he needs her in a way that feels both romantic and terrifying. His internal monologue is intense, poetic in its darkness, and brutally honest about his inability to love without destruction.
Haven is a strong heroine who doesnโt crumble easily, which makes her dynamic with Cyrus even more compelling. Sheโs been burned by him before and knows exactly how dangerous he is, yet the pull between them is undeniable.
Their chemistry is scorching, laced with anger, longing, and that addictive push/pull that defines the best toxic romances.
The author does an excellent job showing how obsession can masquerade as love, and how two broken people can both heal and ruin each other at the same time.
The rockstar world feels authentic, gritty, loud, and seductive without falling into clichรฉs. The music itself becomes another character, with Cyrusโs songs serving as raw confessions of everything he canโt say out loud.
The authorโs writing is atmospheric and emotional, pulling you deep into the charactersโ heads and hearts. There were moments that made me wince at the toxicity, moments that made my heart race, and moments that genuinely hurt in the best way.
This isnโt a light or fluffy read. Itโs dark, possessive, and unapologetically intense, which is exactly what I was craving.
If you love rockstar romances that lean heavily into the โdarkโ side with obsession, emotional damage, and that delicious forbidden tension youโll devour Toxic Kiss.
It left me eager for the rest of the Wrecked Encore series and still thinking about Cyrus and Haven days later.
A solid, addictive start to what promises to be a wild ride.
Bastard of the Alpha (The Damned Return Book 1) by Karina Espinosa
Description
My nameโs Francesca Lucia SalazarโFrankie, if you donโt feel like choking on the syllables.
The title I usually get stuck with? The Alphaโs Bastard.
My father, Antonio Salazar, Alpha of the Queens Pack, had an affair and got stuck raising me when my mom died giving birth. Guilt made him keep me; shame made him ship me off to Colombia at thirteen.
Big mistake.
He thought Iโd disappear. Instead, I became La Loba Blancaโthe White She-Wolf of Colombia. An urban legend who hunted the monsters terrorising the streets.
Then my mentor called. My fatherโs deadโkilled by his beta, Tian Lรกngโand Iโm headed back to New York City to protect the family that once threw me away. But the city I return to isnโt the same. Wolves are vanishing. The ones found arenโt just deadโtheyโre poisoned in ways no one can explain.
Thatโs when I meet Elias Lรกngโthe God of Death. Cold, brilliant, impossible. My rival. My equal. My worst mistake waiting to happen. Then thereโs Angel Rodriguezโa tattooed ex-con lone wolf fresh out of Ironwood, all charm and chaos, who shouldnโt care but somehow does.
Between the Alphaโs son who challenges everything I am and the lone wolf who sees everything I hide, Iโm walking a line thinner than a blade.
I have one rule: trust no one.
But when loyalty and lust start to look the same, even legends can bleed.
New Yorkโs full of secrets, and Iโm done being exiled from my own story.
They can call me a bastard all they want.
But this bastard bites back.
Publication Date 27/3/2026
Bastard of the Alpha (The Damned Return Book 1) by Karina Espinosa
My Review
Bastard of the Alpha is a fierce, addictive start to The Damned Return series that sinks its teeth in and refuses to let go.
From the very first page, Francesca โFrankieโ is sharp tongued, battle hardened, and unapologetically fierce. Sheโs been through hell and come out sharper for it. Nicknamed the Alphaโs Bastard, she carries deep wounds from a father who shipped her off to Colombia as a child, but she didnโt break. Instead, she became La Loba Blanca, a legendary hunter taking down monsters in the streets. Her return to New York after her fatherโs murder is packed with tension, betrayal, and the gritty urban werewolf vibes I didnโt know I needed.
The mystery of vanishing and poisoned wolves adds a dark, suspenseful layer that keeps the pages turning.
What i really liked in this book is the cast of complicated men orbiting Frankie. Elias Lรกng, the โGod of Death,โ is cold, brilliant, and dangerously magnetic, every interaction crackles with rivalry and undeniable chemistry. Then thereโs Angel Rodriguez, the charming, tattooed lone wolf fresh out of prison, who brings chaos and unexpected warmth. The push/pull of loyalty, lust, and distrust between them creates a delicious slow burn tension that never feels forced.
Frankieโs โtrust no oneโ rule gets tested at every turn, and watching her navigate old family resentments while trying to protect the pack that once rejected her is both heartbreaking and empowering.
The balance of action, mystery, and simmering romance in a vibrant New York City setting full of wolf politics and hidden dangers is just right. The writing is fast paced and atmospheric, with Frankieโs voice leaping off the page, sheโs sarcastic, resilient, and impossible not to root for.
This bastard absolutely bites back, and I loved every second of it.
If you enjoy strong heroines who own their scars, morally gray love interests, urban fantasy with shifter intrigue, and that perfect mix of vengeance and heat, Bastard of the Alpha delivers in spades.
Iโm already hooked and eager for what comes next.
Highly recommended for fans of fierce paranormal romance.
๐ฆ
Wrath of the White Wolf (The Damned Return Book 2) by Karina Espinosa
Description
I escaped Queens with my freedomโbut not my enemies.
They accused me of kidnappings and poisonings I didnโt commit. Turning an entire city against me. So I did the only thing I couldโI ran. Back to Colombia. Back to the only place thatโs ever felt like home.
But peace doesnโt last long. A new alpha from Medellรญn steps onto my territory, testing whatโs left of my control. And before I can finish dealing with himโQueens reminds me exactly why I ran in the first place. Because they donโt let their enemies go. They finish them.
What comes for me isnโt a warning. Itโs a message. And it costs more than Iโm willing to lose.
So I stop running. I go back to New York with one goal: revenge.
But Queens isnโt just waiting for me. The God of Death is. The man I thought I could trust when everything fell apart. The one person who should have stood at my sideโand didnโt. Now Elias is the only thing standing between me and the war I came to startโฆ and I donโt know if I want to destroy him or make him understand exactly what his betrayal cost me.
And somehow, thereโs someone willing to follow me straight into the chaos. No questions. No hesitation. Angel walks into the destruction with me like itโs the easiest choice heโs ever made.
Queens thought the bastard of the alpha had run. Theyโre about to learn the truth. Iโm not running. Iโm coming back. And this time? Iโm bringing wrath.
Publication Date 24/7/2026
Wrath of the White Wolf (The Damned Return Book 2) by Karina Espinosa
My Review
Wrath of the White Wolf is an explosive, adrenaline rush follow up that takes everything I loved about Bastard of the Alpha and turns the intensity up several notches.
Frankie returns with even more fire in her veins after being framed and forced to flee Queensโฆ.
Her time back in Colombia feels like a brief, hard won breath before the past drags her right back into the chaosโฆ.
The shift from hunted to hunter was deeply satisfying. Watching her decide sheโs done running and instead bring the fight to New York had me cheering.
This book dives deeper into her rage, resilience, and the heavy cost of leadership, making her feel more legendary than ever as La Loba Blanca.
The relationships that pulled me in during the first book become even more tangled and compelling here. Elias, the God of Death, is a constant storm of betrayal and magnetic pull, his presence creates this gut wrenching push/pull that had me torn between wanting to shake him and rooting for some kind of reckoning. On the other side, Angelโs unwavering loyalty shines brightly. Heโs steady in the storm, walking straight into danger with Frankie without hesitation, and that kind of devotion adds a beautiful contrast to the darker, more volatile dynamics. The emotional stakes around trust, loyalty, and revenge felt real.
The momentum is kept blazing with high
stakes action, pack politics, and escalating threats that span cities. The urban werewolf world expands naturally, introducing new players and raising the danger level without losing the personal heart of Frankieโs journey. The writing remains sharp and addictive, blending gritty revenge with moments of vulnerability that make the characters feel real.
If you enjoyed the first book, this sequel delivers on the promise of wrath in the best way possible.
Itโs darker, more intense, and leaves you desperate for the next installment.
Frankieโs story is shaping up to be one of my favorite paranormal series in a long time, a strong heroine, complicated romance, and non stop tension.
Knights of Sin and Secrets (The Lustbound Curse Book 1 by KC Kingmaker
Description
The Knights Pantheon are sworn to virtue. So why do they look at her like they want to sin?
Katyr grew up hearing stories of the lustbound curse, a fae hex that corrupted humanity generations ago. Sheโs dismissed it as a fairy tale. An excuse for menโs weaknesses and the Vrinian Empireโs endless failures to reclaim the sacred city of Ninthalus.
Katyr never believed a word of it. Sheโs never trusted the gods, and sheโs never needed to.
Until the day a knight arrives at her door with a revelation that shatters her world.
Forced to leave her quiet homestead for Vulwen Bastion, Katyr finds herself among the empireโs most divine warriors, whose restraint seems to fray whenever sheโs near.
Vrace, the stoic sentinel who found and rescued her from a mundane life.
Lethander, the wicked shifter who canโt decide whether to hate her or claim her.
Keradin, the mysterious warrior-priest whose fate becomes entwined with her own.
Bound by secrets and rivalries, haunted by desires they cannot control, the Knights Pantheon awaken something dangerous within Katyr. As the growing pull toward men she should never want becomes impossible to resist, she begins uncovering the truth behind the lustbound curseโฆ and the terrifying possibility the fae are not the real enemy.
Some curses arenโt meant to weaken kingdoms. Theyโre meant to destroy them from within.
Tropes.
why choose / reverse harem
enemies to lovers
touch her and die
knights
badass female lead
military academia
secret societies
religious cults
fae sex curses
morally grey men
close proximity / one bed
swords crossing (mm)
fae vs. humans
Trigger Warnings:
abuse, blood, breeding, captivity, choking, crude language, crude sex toys, cult behavior, death, debasement, degradation, depravity, depression, discussions of rape, domination, execution, forced childbirth (not the main character), gore, graphic sex, graphic violence, group sex, imprisonment, kidnapping, maiming (missing body parts), misogyny, objectification of women, public sex, rape (off-page, not the main character), religious overtones, sexual assault, submission, torture, violence against women, war.
Knights of Sin and Secrets is a loose and very spicy retelling of Knights Templar legends, but with fae and smutty curses. One-click today if you enjoy forbidden attraction, dark and culty academia, unbelievably raunchy spice, wicked mysteries, enemies to lovers, and so many men to choose from itโs enough to make any girlโs head spin!
Publication Date 17/7/2026
Knights of Sin and Secrets (The Lustbound Curse Book 1 by KC Kingmaker
My Review
I just finished Knights of Sin and Secrets, the first book in KC Kingmakerโs Lustbound Curse series, and Iโm still a little breathless.
This was exactly the kind of dark, indulgent fantasy romance I didnโt know I needed, itโs steamy, mysterious, and packed with tension that had me flipping pages late into the night.
From the very beginning, Katyrโs ordinary life is upended when a knight shows up at her door, dragging her into the world of the Vulwen Bastion and the elite Knights Pantheon.
What follows is a delicious collision of forbidden desire and ancient secrets. The lustbound curse isnโt just for background, pulses through every interaction, turning even the smallest glance or brush of skin into something charged and dangerous.
I loved how the knightsโฆโฆVrace, Lethander, and Keradin, feel like theyโre constantly one breath away from losing control, even as they cling to their vows of virtue. Their individual personalities shine through, we have Vraceโs quiet intensity, Lethanderโs sharp edged antagonism that flips so satisfyingly into heat, and Keradinโs layered mystery. The way each man reacts differently to Katyr kept the dynamic fresh and addictive.
The world building is atmospheric and immersive without ever slowing the pace. The Vrinian Empire, the looming threat of the fae, and the sacred (but cursed) city of Ninthalus create a rich backdrop that feels both medieval and otherworldly. Thereโs a cult like, dark academia vibe to the Bastion that pairs perfectly with the spice, (think sacred halls, whispered rituals, and simmering rivalries.) And speaking of spiceโฆ KC Kingmaker does not hold back. This book is unapologetically raunchy in the best way, with scenes that are creative, intense, and emotionally layered rather than just over the top. The slowburn tension before things ignite makes the payoff incredibly satisfying.
Katyr herself is a great character, sheโs strong, skeptical, resilient, and refreshingly unafraid to question the world sheโs been thrown into. Her growing awareness of the curse and her own role in it adds a compelling layer of intrigue that kept me guessing.
The enemies to lovers threads, the secrets, and the larger conspiracy unfolding around the knights all weave together into a story that feels bigger than just the romance, even as the romance remains front and center.
If you love reverse harem (or why choose) stories with high heat, morally gray warriors, fae touched curses, and that perfect blend of mystery and lust, this one delivers in spades.
Itโs a spicy reimagining of knightly legends that leans hard into the โsacred but sinfulโ vibe, and I was absolutely here for it.
Iโm already eager for book two, those final revelations have me hooked.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants their fantasy romance dark, delicious, and more than a little wicked. ๐
Hanging onto trauma I can’t escape and being ridiculously selfconscious and shy doesn’t exactly create a recipe for losing my virginity. In the darkness where no one can judge me seems like the best place. Yet somehow, l manage to find myself a stalker in the darkness.
Which isn’t so bad since he knows exactly how to take care of me.
Arek
My weakness is blushing boys and Kylen is exactly my type. I’m a little late realizing but now that I’ve had a taste, ‘ll never let this man go.
Thankfully, my stalking game doesn’t last forever and he’s willingly mine. He doesn’t shy away when I tell him Mil kill anyone who tries to touch him. I bet he didn’t realize that the threat is retroactive.
This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Publication Date 16/7/2026
Hush Anonymous (Longwood U) by Crea Reitan
My Review
Hush Anonymous by Crea Reitan is a deliciously dark and surprisingly sweet MM romance that completely won me over with its unique blend of vulnerability and fierce possessiveness.
Kylenโs story starts from such a raw place, heโs haunted by past trauma, is cripplingly shy, and using the anonymity of Hush Anonymous as a safe way to explore his desires.
His journey from hiding in the darkness to slowly opening up felt so real and deeply emotional. I loved how the book handles his self consciousness and healing without shying away from the intensity of his experiences.
Arek, on the other hand, is the ultimate obsessive dream (or nightmare, depending on your taste). ๐ His instant fixation on Kylen and unapologetic โheโs mineโ energy, complete with deadly threats, brings a thrilling edge that had me hooked.
What surprised me most was how tender their connection becomes once the stalking phase shifts into something real and consensual. The way Arek instinctively knows how to care for Kylen, respecting his boundaries while unleashing that protective, possessive side, creates some incredibly steamy and heartfelt moments. Their dynamic is equal parts sweet and dangerous, and I couldnโt get enough of it.
Set in the Longwood U world, the book captures that intense university atmosphere with just the right amount of campus life mixed into the romance. The author delivers a story thatโs spicy, emotional, and full of that addictive dark romance tension without crossing into unnecessary angst.
If you enjoy MM romances with shy, traumatized heroes finding their match in a dangerously devoted partner, stalking to lovers vibes, and a healthy dose of possessiveness, Hush Anonymous is an absolute treat.
Itโs addictive, comforting in its own twisted way, and left me smiling through the heat.
I love this author and their work, Iโll definitely be recommending this book.
Justice for Glennon (Police and Fire: Operation Alpha) (Six Paths to Justice Book 3) by Nicole Craig
Description
Ten years ago, a tragic shootout took her brotherโs life. The CIA took what was left of hers.
Now sheโs on the run in South America with nowhere to turn. Unlessโฆ
Mason โTriumphโ Zelinski needs to be needed.
The loss of close friends last year left a gaping hole in his life, and nothing holds meaning anymore. If only something would happen to bring purpose to his life again.
He should have been careful what he wished for.
Over a terrible phone connection, two voices are reunited after almost a decade, and itโs a race against the clock to help a CIA agent cross an entire continent to safety.
How many men does it take to bring home a burned CIA agent? Two Texas Rangers. Two FBI contacts. Two deadmen. And one very determined blast from her past.
Itโs time to bring Glennon home for good.
Publication Date 14/7/2026
Justice for Glennon (Police and Fire: Operation Alpha) (Six Paths to Justice Book 3) by Nicole Craig
My Review
Justice for Glennon by Nicole Craig is a gripping, high stakes romantic suspense that delivered exactly what i wanted in an intense action, a second chance romance wrapped in danger way.
Ten years after a devastating shootout claimed her brotherโs life and the CIA claimed the rest of hers, Glennon is burned and on the run across South America.
Her desperate call for help reconnects her with Mason โTriumphโ Zelinski, a man still reeling from his own losses and searching for purpose.
Their reunion over a crackling phone line ignites old feelings while kicking off a frantic race to bring her home safely.
The author builds the tension as a team of Texas Rangers, FBI contacts, and determined allies works against the clock and deadly enemies to extract Glennon from a continent away. ๐ฎ
What I loved most was the balance between pulse pounding suspense and heartfelt reconnection. Masonโs need to be needed pairs perfectly with Glennonโs resilience and vulnerability after years of isolation and betrayal.
The โhow many men does it takeโ element adds layers of camaraderie, while the romantic thread feels earned rather than rushed.
The story doesnโt shy away from the trauma both characters carry, making their growing bond all the more satisfying. ๐ฅฐ
If you enjoy military tinged suspense with strong, capable heroes stepping up for a heroine whoโs been through hell, this book hits the mark.
Itโs part of the Six Paths to Justice series, and Iโve not read any of the other books, it stands on its own with nothing feeling missing, but it left me eager to explore the other paths.
This is a solid read that reminds you why we root so hard for these characters to find their way home, not just physically, but to the people and lives theyโve been missing.
Highly recommended for fans of protective alpha heroes and women who refuse to stay broken.
Courted by the Fae: The Kismet Duet (The Dark Realms Book 4) by Kyra Alessy
Description
Three traitorous fae males. One broken human woman. A bond none of them asked for. She knows she was just a way for them to get what they wanted, so why are all three acting like they’d die for her?
Tricky fae.
Bryn is no fool. She survived years as a captive. She survived months in the pits. She even survived Locke, Jak, and Morgan, the three dark fae who swore they’d save her, who acted like they cared, who dangled her dreams in front of herโฆand then ripped them away and used her trust to get what they wanted instead.
But Bryn didn’t get this far just to give up. She might have been sold into a worse nightmare, and she might not remember how she got here, but she will survive.
Whatever it takes.
When the chance comes to save a fae male who feels so familiar, one who says he’ll take her to the Light Realm, where humans aren’t bought and sold like animals, she takes it without a second thought.
They call her Fate Touched. Touch her, and fate will make you pay. No one who hurts her escapes punishmentโฆ except the three fae who left her in the Dark Realms to dieโฆ
She remembers everything.
Now, stuck with the three fae she wishes she could hate: the bully who broke her trust, the protector who said heโd burn the world for her, and the healer who promised he wouldnโt leave her, Bryn’s priorities are shifting. A dark power is rising inside her. Dreams of a father she can’t recall are pulling her toward a truth she isn’t ready for. And the found family she’s slowly, reluctantly building might be the only thing standing between her and the enemies who want to use her.
She thought all she wanted was a life of her own. But what good is that when her people are being stolen, and enemies lurk around every corner? When the fae males she’s starting to care about again, no matter how hard she fights it, are in danger and the life she’s built is falling apart?
Will Bryn step back into the Breach and do what only she can to save them, even if it means giving up the one thing she’s always wanted, her freedom?
Courted by the Fae is book four in the Dark Realms Series, a dark fae romantasy of interconnecting duets. This is NOT a standalone and must be read in order. No cheating. HFN.
This book contains dark themes. Please read the Authorโs Note at the front.
Enemies to lovers
Dark fae romance
Touch her and die
Found family
Forced proximity
Slow burn
Morally grey MMCs
Publication Date 16/7/2026
My Review
I just finished Courted by the Fae, and wow, the author knows exactly how to rip your heart out and somehow make you thank her for it.
This book picks up right after the brutal cliffhanger in Given to the Fae and dives deep into Brynโs story as she grapples with betrayal, fragmented memories, and a growing, reluctant bond with the three fae males who shattered her trust.
Locke, Jak, and Morgan are complicated, flawed, and magnetic in very different ways, the bully, the protector, the healer.
And watching Bryn slowly lower her walls again while fighting every step of the way felt painfully real. Sheโs been through absolute hell, surviving captivity, the pits, and now this tangled web of fate, power, and politics, yet her resilience never feels forced. Sheโs angry, broken, and determined, and I rooted for her the entire time.
What I loved most is how the romance isnโt simple forgiveness or instant redemption. The push/pull is messy and earned, laced with tension, protective instincts, and moments of surprising tenderness (that hair braiding scene still lives rent free in my head โค๏ธ).
The dark romantasy elements are strong power imbalances, moral grayness, high stakes, but the author balances them with genuine emotional moments and hints of found family that make the quieter moments hit just as hard as the intense ones.
The world building continues to expand in fascinating ways, with the contrast between the Dark Realms and the pull toward the Light Realm adding layers of intrigue.
Brynโs emerging powers and the dreams about her father pull everything together into a bigger picture that left me desperate for more. The pacing kept me hooked, I devoured it in one sitting, equal parts anxious, swoony, and heartbroken.
If you enjoy dark fae romantasy with a strong, Fate touched heroine, morally complex love interests, betrayal that hurts, and a story thatโs equal parts spicy, emotional, and action packed, this duet (and the whole Dark Realms series) is absolutely worth it.
Courted by the Fae delivers on the promises of its predecessor while raising the stakes even higher.
Iโm still thinking about that ending and counting down until the next installment.
Highly recommended for fans of intense, immersive romantasy.
Her writing style is addictive, and she doesnโt shy away from the darkness while still giving you characters worth caring about.
Rival’s Pledge: Why Choose Academy Sports Romance by Maddison Cole
Description
Meg may have escaped her captor, but recovery will be the true test of her survival.
Returning to Hollowbrook Academy months after her sudden disappearance, Meg is thrust into the spotlight in a way she’s not used to.
Cruel whispers spread about the former award-winning lacrosse captain, headlines pining her as a lost cause.
Thanks to the gossip trailing her across campus, Meg wants nothing more than to blend into the background. Her classes turn into interrogations, nightmares bleed into daylight, and old threats begin to stir from the shadows.
However, upon discovering her team has been hijacked by her old rival, Everest Calloway, the fire within her roars back to life. She might not want to be seen, but there’s a stronger impulse that won’t be ignored. She can’t let him win, even if she’s sleep deprived thanks to a certain asshole next door who keeps her up at night with his bad taste in music.
Luckily, she’s not completely alone. With her cyber hacking friend, Thiago, watching her back, as well as all of the campus cameras, Meg slowly begins to find herself again. She lives for the rivalry, whilst Everest thrives on control.
Going head-to-head with Golden Boy is going to take all of her energy, but that’s the least of her problems.
With her captor still at large, Meg is forced to confront a terrifying truth. Surviving doesn’t mean she’s safe. And the men circling her?
They don’t want to protect her. They want to ruin her.
This dark academy romance is a Spin-Off from the Shadowed Souls series. For your enjoyment, you might want to binge that completed series before diving into Meg’s world, filled with rivalry, obsession, and slow-burning devotion. Amongst these three men, loyalty is dangerous, and love may be the most reckless pledge of all.
Publication Date 16/7/2026
Rival’s Pledge: Why Choose Academy Sports Romance by Maddison Cole
My Review
Rivalโs Pledge by Maddison Cole is a gripping, emotionally charged dark academy romance that pulls you straight into Megโs turbulent world and refuses to let go.
Returning to Hollowbrook Academy after surviving captivity is no triumphant homecoming for Meg. Instead, she faces cruel whispers, invasive questions, and the heavy weight of being labeled a lost cause.
The way the author portrays her struggle to reclaim her place, haunted by nightmares, desperate to disappear into the background, yet unable to let go of her fire is raw and incredibly compelling.
The lacrosse rivalry with Everest Calloway injects sharp, addictive tension. Watching Megโs competitive spirit roar back to life as she refuses to let her old rival take over her team delivers some of the most satisfying enemies to something more moments Iโve read in a while.
What really makes this book stand out is the slowburn obsession building around Meg. Between the arrogant, controlling Everest, the mysterious neighbor whose terrible music choices keep her up at night, and the fiercely loyal Thiago with his hacking skills and watchful presence, the โwhy chooseโ dynamic simmers with danger and devotion.
These men are complicated, part protection, part ruin and their circling intensity keeps the stakes high. The romance is messy, possessive, and layered with genuine care that develops alongside Megโs healing journey.
The sports element adds energy and rivalry without overshadowing the darker themes of trauma, survival, and the lingering threat of her captor.
The author balances suspense, academy drama, and steamy tension beautifully, making Megโs path to reclaiming her strength feel earned and empowering.
As a spin off from the Shadowed Souls series, it stands well on its own while teasing a bigger world.
If you enjoy dark academy romances with strong heroines fighting their way back, intense rivalries, and a why choose romance filled with obsession and loyalty, Rivalโs Pledge is a fantastic read.
Itโs angsty, addictive, and left me eager to see where Megโs story goes next.
Highly recommended those who are fans of the genre.
The Coming of Endless Darkness (The Faceless Chronicles Book 3) by Grant Pierce
Description
In a world ruled by Astaroth, hope is the deadliest rebellion.
Aeryth has endured a dozen years under the Demon Wars, and the world teeters on annihilation. Kingdoms lie shattered. Lawless warbands roam the wastes. And Astaroth plots to summon The One Below All Creation, an ancient god whose mere presence will extinguish all life on Aeryth.
Yet, a prophecy whispers of hope. In their most desperate hour, the Lightbringer will appear and drive the darkness back. However, Arkal Lightbringer has chosen to abandon Aeryth and return to Nymriel.
Without the Lightbringer, the surviving heroes face a reckoning no prophecy foretold. To stop the end of all things, the companions must reclaim the shattered world, defy Astarothโs tightening grip, and stop Thezgoronโs treachery.
Ancient powers stir. The hour is desperate. The endless darkness is coming.
The world cries out for its Lightbringer.
Publication Date 15/7/2026
The Coming of Endless Darkness (The Faceless Chronicles Book 3) by Grant Pierce
My Review
The Coming of Endless Darkness, the third book in Grant Pierceโs The Faceless Chronicles, is a grim and gripping plunge into a world that feels like itโs already lost! ๐ฎ
After the events of the previous installments, Aeryth is a shattered place, scarred by years of Demon Wars and now teetering on the edge of total oblivion under Astarothโs tyrannical rule.
What makes this volume stand out is how relentlessly it leans into despair without ever feeling hopeless. The prophecy that once offered salvation has been upended by Arkal Lightbringerโs decision to abandon the realm, forcing the remaining companions into an even more desperate fight against overwhelming odds.
Itโs a bold choice that raises the stakes dramatically and gives the story a raw edge that I found interesting.
The authorโs world building continues to impress, painting vivid pictures of ruined kingdoms, roving warbands, and the creeping influence of ancient, malevolent forces!
The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the political intrigue especially Thezgoronโs treachery adds layers of tension that kept me turning pages late into the night.
The battle worn heroes feel genuinely exhaustedโฆ. their doubts, fractured alliances, and moments of quiet defiance makes them relatable. Thereโs a real sense of weight to every decision they make, knowing that failure doesnโt just mean death but the literal extinction of all life!
What I appreciated most was the way the book balances large scale cosmic horror with intimate character moments.
The threat of The One Below All Creation looming in the background gives everything an apocalyptic urgency, yet the story never loses sight of the personal costs of this endless war.
Itโs atmospheric and cinematic, especially during the action sequences and the eerie, dreamlike passages hinting at older powers stirring beneath the surface. (I could watch this on the big screen.)
If I had one minor critique, itโs that the pacing can feel relentless at times, giving me little room to breathe between crises, but that intensity ultimately serves the theme of a world running out of time.
Overall, The Coming of Endless Darkness is a powerful continuation that elevates the series into something darker and more ambitious.
It left me emotionally drained but deeply satisfied, already eager to see how the companionsโ rebellion against the coming endless night will conclude.
If youโve enjoyed the first two books or love high stakes epic fantasy with crumbling empires, this one delivers in spades.
Highly recommended for fans of grimdark adventures that still cling to the faintest threads of hope.
Secret Husband: A Second Chance, Accidentally Married Hockey Romance (Chicago Players) by Kate Meader
Description
Years ago, I broke her heart, but fate has given me a second chance. I am here to claim my wifeโand I will fight like hell to make her mine.
Lauren
I might be late to the game of life, but things are finally starting to go my way. Iโve just started my own sports talent agency, stepped on the first rung of the property ladder, and landed myself a normal boyfriend whoโs about to propose. (I found the ring!)
Unfortunately, I have a slight problemโas in a husband who is surplus to requirements. Somehow, I got married without even realizing it to the guy who once broke my heart , and now heโs back in my life, making demands and turning my world upside down. Except Iโm no longer that starry-eyed girl in love with the Russian hockey star. These days Iโm a ball-busting tigress for my clients, and the last thing I need is Alexei Nazarov ruining everything for which Iโve worked so hard.
But when he makes me an offer I canโt refuse, I wonder if Iโve struck a bargain with the devil who knows my heart better than anyone โฆ
Alexei
Years ago, I met a hockey playing spitfire and fell ass over skates for her. But my life was in disarray, and I had to let her go. When a chance comes to reconnect with her, I grab it with both hands.
There are obstacles. A boyfriend (unworthy), her disdain for me (admittedly, hot), and the fact I hurt her deeply (my biggest regret). It wonโt be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. Known for fighting dirty on the ice, I am not opposed to fighting dirty off it to get what I want.
And I want Lauren Yates โฆ
โญSecond chances
๐Accidentally married … but she already has a boyfriend!
โญSports agent/former player
๐Russian hockey god
โญBest friend’s sister energy
๐Right person, wrong time
โญA touch of blackmail
๐It’s always been her
โญSpicy
Publication Date 14/6/2026
Secret Husband: A Second Chance, Accidentally Married Hockey Romance (Chicago Players) by Kate Meader
My Review
I absolutely devoured Secret Husband by Kate Meader in one sitting, itโs the kind of addictive, heart racing romance that perfectly blends second chance longing with the high stakes world of professional hockey.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked by Lauren Yates, a heroine who feels so real and down to earth. Sheโs built a life on her own terms after heartbreak, running her own sports talent agency with fierce determination while navigating the ordinary milestones most of us chase, a steady relationship, a new home, and the promise of stability.
Finding out sheโs secretly married to the man who once shattered her heart throws everything into chaos (in the best possible way ๐.)
Alexei Nazarov is pure catnip for us romance readers who love a possessive, slightly morally gray hero with a soft center.
As a Russian hockey star known for fighting dirty on the ice, he brings that same relentless energy to winning Lauren back. ๐
Their history is layered with regret and unresolved passion, and the author does an excellent job showing how much heโs grown while still letting his protective, alpha tendencies create delicious tension.
The accidental marriage trope is executed so cleverly here, itโs not just a convenient plot device but a catalyst that forces both characters to confront old wounds and undeniable chemistry.
What I loved most was the push/pull dynamic. Lauren isnโt a pushover, sheโs a โball busting tigressโ who makes Alexei work for every inch of forgiveness. Their banter crackles with heat and humor.
The hockey setting adds an exciting backdrop without overshadowing the story, and the side characters (including glimpses of the Chicago Players crew) make the world feel vibrant.
There were moments that had me grinning, others that tugged at my heart, and plenty of steamy scenes that delivered on the romance promise without feeling too over the top.
If you enjoy second chance stories where the hero has to grovel just enough, strong heroines who hold their ground, and that irresistible โmineโ energy, this book is a winner.
It left me smiling and immediately wanting to dive into more of Kate Meaderโs hockey romances.
Highly recommend for a cute, swoony escape. ๐ โค๏ธโ๐ฉน๐
FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE OF MINE SERIES COMES A NEW DARK ROM COM…
What happens when a vigilante serial killer climbs in through your bedroom window?
Hazel
I never really considered what Iโd be doing the first time I met a serial killer but if I had, it wouldnโt have been dancing around my bedroom in nothing but my nightshirt.
โMove in next to a secure psychiatric prisonโ, they said. โNo one will ever break outโ, they said. Tell that to Americaโs most dangerous vigilante whoโs currently standing in my lilac themed bedroom.
Except Flynn is about as far from how I imagine a serial killer to be as possible. Heโs funny, protective and itโs only when he touches me that his darker side comes out to play. And maybe working as a 911 operator has messed me up because that Flynn, he doesnโt scare me, he enthralls me.
Flynn
The last thing I expected when I broke out of the insane asylum was to face off with a five-foot-nothing woman wielding a vibrator wand.
I have one last monster to hunt. I donโt have time to obsess over sweet-as-pie Hazel Halloway. But my little lilac is a fixation I canโt shake, and it turns out Hazelโs past leads right back to the monster Iโm hunting.
It’s not long before that man turns his sights on her, but I fell for Hazel the second I climbed through her bedroom window, and hereโs the thing about morally black men, no one hurts the people we love.
Choked in Love is an M/F dark rom com set in the Of Mine universe. It features on the page spice, darker moments and one possessive, over protective MMC. It is book one in the Stalked Love series, an interconnected trilogy, but can be read as a standalone. Please read the content warnings.
Dark Rom Com
Stalking
Morally Black MMC
Friendly Kidnapping
Hate to Love You
OTT Possessive and Protective MMC
Golden Retriever Serial Unaliver
Publication Date 13/7/2026
Choked in Love: A Dark Rom Com by Alexis Grace
My Review
I just finished Choked in Love by Alexis Grace, and Iโm still grinning like an idiot while side eyeing my own bedroom window.
This book is exactly what it promises, a deliciously unhinged dark romcom that somehow makes you root for a vigilante serial killer who climbs through windows like itโs a meet/cute.
Hazel is an absolute delight. As a 911 operator, sheโs already seen enough chaos to be a little desensitised, but nothing prepares her for the moment Americaโs most dangerous vigilante drops into her bedroom while sheโs dancing around in her nightshirt. ๐
I loved how real a she felt, funny, a bit chaotic, and surprisingly unbothered by the morally gray (okay, pitch black) man whoโs now fixated on her. Her reactions walk that perfect line between โthis should terrify meโ and โwhy is this kind of hot?โ that makes the whole story so addictive.
Flynn, thoughโฆ whew. Heโs the golden retriever serial unaliver of my dreams. Heโs protective, sarcastic, and ridiculously obsessed with Hazel from the second he meets her. The way his darker, possessive side emerges when sheโs threatened is ๐ค๐ป๐ค๐ป. The โfriendly kidnappingโ and over the top stalking elements are handled with such playful darkness that they never feel grim. Instead, theyโre strangely sweet in the most twisted way. Their banter is sharp and flirty, and the hate to love tension crackles on every page.
The spice is on the page and plentiful, blending perfectly with the humor and the darker moments. Alexis Grace nails the balance, thereโs genuine danger from Flynnโs past and the monster heโs hunting, but itโs wrapped in so much charm and wit that youโre laughing even when things get intense.
The Of Mine universe tease and the setup for the Stalked Love series have me excited for more. I loved The Of Mine trilogy, and was sad to see it end, but if I get to see cameos then Iโm a happy book girlie ๐ฅฐ.
If you love morally black MMCs who would burn the world down for their woman, quirky heroines who match their freak, and a story that leans all the way into the absurdity of a serial killer falling head over heels, this one is for you.
Itโs fun, filthy, and surprisingly heartwarming in the most deranged way possible.
I devoured it in one sitting and already want to reread the chaotic bedroom window scene.
Highly recommend if youโre in the mood for something dark, spicy, and laugh out loud entertaining.
Run Little Liar: A Dark Why Choose Mafia Trilogy (Lombardi Legacy Book 1) by Montana Fyre
Description
Itโs been ten years since I fled the only home Iโd ever known and I havenโt stopped looking over my shoulder since.
I should have died that night.
I would have if I didnโt run, leaving everything behind, including the man I thought Iโd spend the rest of my life with.
Ronan was supposed to be my happily ever after, but after a decade of bed lies about why I left, he hates me just as much as his brother.
My relationship with Damon was complicated even before I ran, but now he looks at me like I never meant anything to him.
Theyโll stop at nothing to make me pay for the sins I never committed but I havenโt come this far to let them take me now and once again Iโm on the run.
The problem?
My bodyguard with a dark past I know nothing about wonโt let me out of his sight.
What to Expect:
Dark Romance
Mafia Romanceย
Why Choose
Second Chanceย
MMCโs Hate Each Other
Forbidden Romanceย
Content Warning:
Miscarriage
Non Con / Dub Con
Violence / Torture
Betrayalย
Elements of BDSM
Kidnapping
Captive
*Please note: this is book 1 in a trilogy and will end in a cliffhanger.
Publication Date 10/7/2026
Run Little Liar: A Dark Why Choose Mafia Trilogy (Lombardi Legacy Book 1) by Montana Fyre
My Review
Run Little Liar pulled me in from the first page and refused to let go.
This dark why choose mafia romance kicks off the Lombardi Legacy series with a gripping mix of second chance tension, betrayal, and raw survival instincts that kept me hooked straight through to its brutal cliffhanger.
Chloeโs story is heartbreaking and intense. Ten years after fleeing a traumatic night that nearly ended her life, sheโs still running, haunted by the past and the men she left behindโฆโฆ
Ronan, the one she once dreamed of a future with, now looks at her with pure hatred fueled by years of unanswered questions and lies. His brother Damon brings his own complicated history and cold resentment into the mix. The emotional pain of lost love twisted with mafia loyalty and misunderstandings creates a volatile, addictive dynamic.
Throw in her enigmatic bodyguard (Ryker) with his own shadowed past, who refuses to let her slip away, and the โwhy chooseโ elements heat up in ways that are as dangerous as they are steamy.
The book delivers on the dark romance promisesโฆ. The high stakes suspense, constant threats, intense chemistry, and morally gray men who are as protective as they are punishing.
The authorโs writing flows effortlessly, building tension and emotional depth that makes you feel every ounce of Chloeโs fear, longing, and defiance.
What stood out most was how invested I became in the characters. Their journeys are tragic and compelling, with backstories that add real weight without slowing the pace. The mafia world feels lived in and ruthless, and the forbidden/second chance vibes amplify every confrontation and charged moment.
And that ending โฆ. left me desperate for book two, I need answers and resolution after the way things wrapped up.
If you love dark mafia romances with strong heroines who keep fighting, complex anti heroes, and a why choose setup full of heat, suspense, and heartbreak, this one delivers.
Itโs addictive, emotional, and perfectly sets the stage for more chaos in the series.
Hart and Souls: A Ghostly Second Chance Romance by Amy J. Elliott
Description
Love never dies, and neither does he, in this second chance romance with a ghostly twist.
Ruby Hart used to believe in happily ever afters. Itโs why she runs the Big Tippers and Bodice Rippers book club at the library where she works. But after calling off her engagement six months ago, romance feels more like fiction than fact.
So color Ruby surprised when she gets a call from her ex-fiancรฉโs phone, only to learn Oliver Blackwood has died in an accident. Or so she thinks, until she comes home to find Ollieโs ghost waiting for her.
Turns out Ruby is a Navigator, part of a long line of Hart women destined to guide souls to the beyond. But when she touches Ollie, he doesnโt move on. Because while heโs deadโฆheโs also sort of not.
Ollie did betray Ruby, but not the way she thinks. When he was alive, he hunted the undead, tracking a spreading infection that could become an epidemic. Now he is the undead, and heโs tethered to Ruby until they find his zombie body and the creature that bit him, laying them both to rest.
Living with your exโs ghost 24/7 makes it hard to hold a grudge, and Ruby quickly realizes she might not be as over Ollie as she thought. But if they succeed, Ollie will finally cross overโฆand Ruby will lose him for good.
For a librarian who wants to believe in happily ever afters again, it may be the ultimate heartbreak.
Publication Date 1/7/2026
Hart and Souls: A Ghostly Second Chance Romance by Amy J. Elliott
My Review
I absolutely loved Hart and Souls by Amy J. Elliott.
From the very first chapter, this book wrapped me in a perfect blend of heartfelt romance, supernatural intrigue, and quiet emotional depth that kept me turning pages late into the night.
Ruby Hart is such a lovable character, sheโs a librarian who runs a book club called Big Tippers and Bodice Rippers, still nursing the wounds of a broken engagement while clinging to her belief in happy endings through the stories she loves.
Sheโs the kind of heroine you immediately want to root for.
When her ex-fiancรฉ Oliverโs ghost shows up after what she thought was his death, the story takes off in the most delightful and poignant way.
The chemistry between Ruby and Ollie crackles with all the unresolved tension of a second chance romance, but the ghostly twist adds layers of tenderness, frustration, and humor that made me laugh and ache in equal measure.
Living with your ex 24/7 would test anyone, but watching Ruby grapple with forgiveness while discovering the truth about Ollieโs hidden life as a hunter of the undead felt fresh and compelling.
The Navigator lore woven through the Hart family history is fascinating without ever overwhelming the central love story.
What i liked was the bittersweet push/pull of loving someone you know you might have to let go.
The author writes the romance with genuine heart, balancing sweet moments, banter, and real stakes in a way that never feels contrived. The supernatural elementsโฆ. zombies, tethering, the race to lay Ollieโs soul to rest, elevate the second chance trope into something truly unique.
By the end, I was fully invested in whether these two could find their happily ever after, even knowing the cost.
If you enjoy ghostly romances with strong character development, a touch of mystery, and that perfect ache of โwhat if we only had this little time,โ Hart and Souls is an absolute must read.
Iโll definitely be looking for more from this author.
Down and Dirty (Italian Stallions book one) by Mari Carr
Description
Confirmed bachelors Tony Moretti and Dr. Reece Beaumont share the same mottoโwork hard, play harder. But when fate drops a homeless waitress and her young son on their doorstep, their wild and free lifestyle takes a sharp turn. Their desire to help her is only surpassed by their desire to claim her, share her, make her theirs.
Jess has one goal in lifeโprotect her son. But when an overcrowded shelter puts her and Jasper out on the street in the dead of winter, she fears she’s going to fail that mission. Help comes in the form of not one, but two sexy saviors.
Tony and Reece offer Jess a place to stay and security, and there’s no denying the chemistry between the three of them. However, Jess’s past is lined with people who’ve hurt her and she’s not looking to add anyone else to that list. No matter how persuasive, how determined, how deliciously possessive her new roommates are.
Publication date 25/1/2022
Down and Dirty (Italian Stallions book one) by Mari Carr
My Review
Mari Carr’s “Down and Dirty” delivers a compelling story that blends emotion, romance, and a dash of steamy tension. The story follows Jess, a devoted single mother, who finds herself homeless with her young son, Jasper, during a harsh winter. The stakes are high as she fights to protect her son while navigating an overwhelming sense of vulnerability.
Enter Tony Moretti and Dr. Rhys Beaumont, roommates who embody the phrase “work hard, play harder.” Their lives take an unexpected turn when they take in Jess and Jasper, offering not only shelter but a chance at something deeper. The chemistry between the three characters is palpable, and Carr skillfully captures their evolving dynamics.
What stands out in this story is the way the author explores the theme of trust and healing. Jess’s battle with her past and reluctance to open her heart adds layers to the story, making the journey to romance both compelling and relatable. Tony and Rhys are charming, protective, and equally alluring, creating a delicious tension that keeps readers engaged.
The pacing is smooth, moving seamlessly between moments of intimacy, emotional struggles, and light-hearted interactions, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ world. The vivid descriptions paint a picture of both the warmth of home and the chill of uncertainty, enhancing the emotional impact.
Overall, “Down and Dirty” is an engaging read that artfully blends romance with real-life challenges. Mari Carr has created a narrative that captures the essence of hope, love, and the importance of finding your family, even in unexpected places. Fans of steamy romance with a heartfelt twist will definitely want to add this book to their reading list.
Knot Their Starlet (Starletverse Book 1) by Callie Clark
What do you do when your carefully curated, picture-perfect life comes crumbling down around you?
Andromeda Sterling. My name is synonymous with so many things. Daughter of the infamous star of The Real Omegas of Beverly Hills. Social media darling. Good girlfriend to a powerful nepo-baby alpha with the right last name. I’ve spent my entire life playing my part perfectly.
Until one violent, humiliating night at the Grammys leaves me single, bleeding, and running from paparazzi hungry for their next scandal. My mother already has a plan to fix my image: forcing me right back into the arms of the man who hurt me.
Instead, I stumble into an alley with Beckham Knightโthe entertainment industry’s first male omega pop starโand catch him on his knees in front of his very male, very alpha manager.
When the cameras catch us all together, we spin the only story that saves us both. Beckham needs the world to warm up to the idea of a male omega in the spotlight. I need protection from a mother who’d sell my safety for a headline.
Everything is supposed to be meticulously planned. No risk to my heart or body.
So why does the stunning pop star make me feel more alive than I have in years? And why am I so drawn to his brooding manager, his razor-sharp publicist, his powerful record-label executive, and the seasoned reporter hell-bent on exposing our ruse?
Funny how the universe works sometimes. Because this fake relationship is making me realize that despite everything the world expects of meโI’m Knot their Starlet. — Knot Their Starlet is book one in a slow-burn why-choose MMFMMM contemporary omegaverse romance duet.
Publication Date 25/6/2026
Knot Their Starlet (Starletverse Book 1) by Callie Clark
My Review
Knot Their Starlet by Callie Clark is one of those books that sinks its hooks into you from the opening pages and refuses to let go, even after the final cliffhanger twist leaves you desperate for more.
Andromeda Sterlingโs life has always been a performance, daughter of a reality TV omega star, social media influencer, and arm candy for the โrightโ kind of alpha.
Her โboyfriendโ attacks her whilst attending the Grammys! Scared and bleeding, Andi bumps literally into Beckham Knight, the groundbreaking male omega pop star, right as heโs in a very compromising (and very MM) moment with his alpha manager!
Cameras catch the chaos, and suddenly the only way to salvage both their reputations is a fake relationship that pulls in an entire pack of compelling men into Andiโs crafted world!
What starts as pure PR strategy quickly becomes something far more real and far more dangerous to Andiโs heart. The slow burn tension is ๐ค๐ป๐ค๐ป.
The author gives Andi space to breathe, heal, and rediscover her own desires after the trauma, while the guys each bring something distinct to the dynamic. Beckhamโs charisma and shared omega experience create an instant, tender connection with Andi. His manager Elijah, offers that steady, protective calm (the man cooks for her, and I felt that in my soul). Leo is Beckโs publicist, heโs razor sharp, but definitely has eyes for Andi, and the label exec (Everett) wields real power, and Cameron the reporter who starts out wanting to expose them ends up tangled in the web.
The existing MM relationship between Beckham and Elijah adds beautiful layers of complexity and emotion rather than feeling like an afterthought. (They basically grew up together, and donโt want to jeopardise that relationship, but theyโve both want more!)
The Hollywood setting is used brilliantly here, itโs not just a glamorous backdrop but as a pressure cooker of media scrutiny, image control, and the way omegas are commodified.
Andiโs journey from dissociation and people pleasing to reclaiming her anger, boundaries, and agency is genuinely amazing to watch. The spice is open door and serves the characters (with solid MM content), but the emotional and protective aspects of the pack forming around her are what made me the most invested.
Itโs a why choose (MMFMMM) omegaverse contemporary romance duet opener, so yes, it ends on a cliffhanger that had me yelling at my screen. But the character work, the found family vibes, the sharp commentary on fame and control, and the way these men slowly become Andiโs safe place make it completely worth it.
If you love celebrity/rockstar romance with real stakes, slowburn tension that pays off, traumatized characters finding healing, and a pack that feels distinct rather than interchangeable, this one delivers.
I devoured it in one sitting and immediately wanted the next book.
Callie Clark has a real talent for blending heat, heart, and high stakes drama.
Ohโฆ.. and watch out for the mother!
Iโd recommend checking out the TWโs before starting the book.
Highly recommend if youโre in the mood for an omega who finally decides sheโs knot playing by their rules anymore.
Speechless (Clarity Coast Omegaverse Book 3) by Devyn Sinclair
Description
From the outside my life is perfect. Inside, no one can hear me screaming.
Being the only Omega in your friend group whoโs single is the worst. Being alone while your friends are happily bonded? Even less fun.
Donโt get me wrong, I love my friends, and Iโm happy for them. But nothing erases the truth: No one wants me. Not even the people meant to be my family.
Until them.
A chance meeting throws me in the path of the hottest Alphas Iโve ever seen. Theyโre powerful, dominant, and entirely intoxicating. And they want me. Not just for a nightโ they want forever.
It doesnโt feel real. Iโm too loud, too much, and too broken. But these Alphas? Theyโll stop at nothing to prove me wrong.
Between chasing the biggest break of my career and finally learning what itโs like to be loved, every secret Iโve tried to hide is rising to the surface. Breaking my silence might shatter me, but, for the first time, I know there will be someone to pick up the pieces.
When danger from both present and past threaten everything, I have to remember my new truth: Iโm not alone anymore.
For too long, secrets have kept me silent.
Now itโs time to find my voice.
Speechless is a standalone reverse harem Omegaverse. No choosing, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA!
This book is part of a series of standalones, and can be enjoyed on its own, without reading any other books in the series.
Content Warnings available on the author’s website.
Publication Date 29/5/2026
Speechless (Clarity Coast Omegaverse Book 3) by Devyn Sinclair
My Review
Speechless really got to me. ๐ฅตโค๏ธโ๐ฉน๐ฅน
As the third book in the Clarity Coast Omegaverse series, it follows Trinity, the last single Omega in her close friend group, and her journey into a forever bond with the Breaker Packโฆ. Aiden, Bastian, Brooks, Logan, and Theo. (I loved how they came up
With the pack name ๐)
What stood out most is how deeply Trinityโs internal struggle was. On the surface her life looks fun and easy, but sheโs been carrying heavy silence from family rejection, past trauma, and the constant ache of watching her friends find their packs while she feels โtoo loud, too much, too broken.โ I cried when Trinity finally learns to trust that these Alphas want all of her, not just the polished parts. โค๏ธโ๐ฉน
The diabetes representation and her journalism career add layers that make her feel like a real person rather than just an Omega trope.
The Breaker Pack brings serious heat and protective devotion. This is easily the kinkiest book in the series so far, with a strong BDSM lifestyle focus, power exchange, and plenty of impact play. ๐ฅต
What impressed me was how consent, negotiation, and aftercare are woven in, questionnaires, check ins, and clear communication make the dynamics feel safe and character driven instead of purely titillating.
The men are dominant without being overbearing, and they actively support Trinityโs career even when it pulls her into danger. Watching her open up and find her voice, both personally and professionally, while the pack stands beside her created some genuinely moving moments. (I cheered when she finally stood up and told her story.)
That said, the story juggles a lotโฆ.deep trauma healing, a blossoming (and very spicy) reverse harem relationship, career stakes, corruption threats, and family confrontation. At times it felt a little crowded, and I wanted more balanced development across all five Alphas or extra group pack bonding beyond the individual connections.
The way the friend group from previous books weaves in adds wonderful warmth and continuity. And a surprise/twist that I didnโt see coming, but was throughly pleased with ๐คซ
If you enjoy emotionally raw Omegaverse with heavy kink, excellent consent, and a heroine who grows into her strength surrounded by worshipful Alphas, this one delivers.
Itโs a true standalone that still feels like a satisfying conclusion to the friend/circle stories. You donโt need to read the other two, but meeting Isolde and Ocean, youโll definitely want to read their stories.
Highly recommended if youโre already invested in the series or just want a why choose story that prioritizes healing and found family.
I have to admit my favourite was Isoldeโs book Endless. But after reading this oneโฆ I think this one just became my favourite โค๏ธ
Demon: A Tortured Anti-Hero MC Romance Novel (WAR BROTHERS MC Book 5) by Bianca Lee Ward
Description
Iโm obsessed with her. Sheโs mine โฆ she just doesnโt know it yet.
They say Iโm a sociopath, but Ivy makes me feel like Iโm worth something. Sheโs the only one to see past the fake smile that hides how dead I am inside.
Ivy is an incredible nurse to my sister and a loving single mom. Which is exactly why she should fear me, because while she saves lives, I end them.
And she would, if she discovered Iโve been stalking her, like a man possessed. Because as the clubโs Enforcer, I protect whatโs mine.
Ivy needs to take sanctuary at the club with her daughter, and I vow to keep them safe. In return, she thinks she can save my tortured soul and heal whatโs broken inside me. But I know better.
Iโve already sinned too much to be saved. She canโt change my violent past. My dangerous life. Or the fact that Iโm damaged beyond repair.
But if she wants my heart, Iโll carve it out for her, because Iโm not afraid of pain or death. Thereโs only one thing left in life that scares me โฆ
Losing Ivy.
Publication Date 27/5/2025
Demon: A Tortured Anti-Hero MC Romance Novel (WAR BROTHERS MC Book 5) by Bianca Lee Ward
My Review
Demon by Bianca Lee Ward is a raw, gripping ride that sinks its claws into you from the very first page and refuses to let go.
As the fifth book in the War Brothers MC series, it delivers exactly what Iโve come to expect from this author, a deliciously dark anti hero romance that doesnโt shy away from the gritty, violent underbelly of club life.
Demon is one of the most tortured heroes Iโve read in a while. Heโs the clubโs Enforcer, heโs cold, lethal, and convinced heโs too far gone to ever be redeemed.
His obsession with Ivy feels real, the stalking, the possessiveness, the way he watches over her without her knowledge, it all walks that razor thin line between terrifying and intoxicating.
What i liked about Demon was the unapologetic way he was, the author never tried to make him anything other than that. His past is what shaped him. But underneath all that knife wielding is a heart that beats for his sister and now for Ivy.
Ivy is the perfect partner for Demon. As a dedicated nurse and protective single mom, she brings light and warmth to Demonโs shadowed world without coming across as naรฏve.
I loved watching her stand her ground while slowly peeling back his layers. Their chemistry is explosive, equal parts tender and scorching and the way their relationship develops through danger and forced proximity feels earned rather than rushed.
The tension, the push/pull, and the raw need between them made for some seriously addictive reading.
The story moves at a solid pace, blending suspense, club drama, and steamy romance without ever feeling bloated.
And in the quieter moments when Demonโs inner darkness clashes with his growing attachment to Ivy and her daughter. Itโs heartbreaking at times, especially when he wrestles with the idea that he might be beyond saving, yet hopeful in the way Ivy refuses to give up on him.
If you enjoy dark motorcycle club romances with morally gray (bordering on black) heroes, intense obsession tropes, and strong heroines who can hold their own, Demon is a must read.
Itโs emotional, steamy, and unflinchingly honest about pain, loyalty, and love in a world that doesnโt forgive easily.
I finished it wanting more of this couple and this world, definitely one of my favorites in the series so far.
They say opposites attract, but for two people who come from different worlds, is the impossible-possible?
Reed Carrington is a ne’er-do-well, a former bluecoat who barely made it through school. He was a terror to his tutors and despised sitting inside a stuffy classroom. He would rather be outside wreaking havoc on London’s social elite.
Or so he’d thought. Determined to make a name for himself and leave the past behind, he is starting to embrace success, but one day he rescues a beautiful debutante in a pink dress from drowning, and he’s suddenly dubbed a hero by the Brazen Belle.
Miss Sariah Kent doesn’t appreciate all the strictures placed on women in the beau monde.
She would rather be independent than be forced to marry simply because it is expected of her to do so. She yearns for more, but she doesn’t know how to obtain that freedom until a blond Adonis breathes new life-and fire-into her blood. In July, when the temperatures are rising in central London, the passion simmering between this rebellious lady and her hot and bothered hero soon become a recipe for love.
Publication Date 1/7/2026
HOT AND BOTHERED IN JULY by Tabetha Waite
My Review
I picked up Hot and Bothered in July as I loved the authors writing. And it turned out to be the perfect escape.
Tabetha Waite writes delightful historical romance that captures the heat not just of a London July, but of two fiery personalities colliding in the most unexpected way.
From the very first pages, I was drawn into the world of Reed Carrington and Sariah Kent, a pair whose instant chemistry practically leaps off the page.
Reed is the kind of hero who refuses to fit neatly into any box. A former troublemaker with a bluecoat past, heโs rough around the edges and carries the weight of a less than privileged background. Yet thereโs something magnetic about his determination to reinvent himself. Watching him shift from a man who once thrived on chaos to someone embracing success felt deeply satisfying.
His rescue of Sariah in that pink dress is the inciting moment that flips both their worlds upside down, and I loved how the author uses it to spark that attraction.
Sariah, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air in the rigid beau monde. She chafes against the expectations placed on women of her station, marriage as duty, propriety above all else, and her yearning for independence had me wanting her to succeed. Sheโs spirited without being reckless, intelligent, and quietly rebellious.
The way her world expands after meeting Reed, how he awakens both her passions and her courage, made their relationship feel electric. Their banter crackles with tension, and the slowburn of their romance, set against the sweltering backdrop of a London summer, is really well done.
The author balances the heat between them with moments of tenderness and self discovery that give the story real emotional depth.
What I appreciated most was how the novel explores the theme of opposites attracting while never making it feel clichรฉd. Reed and Sariah come from vastly different worlds, and the obstacles they face had me keeping my fingers crossed ๐ค.
The secondary characters, including the intriguing Brazen Belle society, add delightful layers and a touch of scandalous fun to the story.
The writing is smooth and immersive, painting vivid scenes of Regency era London without ever slowing the pace.
By the end, I closed the book with a happy sigh and a smile.
Hot and Bothered in July is a charming, passionate read. If you enjoy historical romances with strong willed heroines, reformed rogues, and plenty of sizzling chemistry, this one is absolutely worth diving into.
Tabetha Waite has delivered another winner that left me feeling warm in all the right ways.
I had her and loved the taste of her. But sheโs too young, too sweet and good. Iโll keep her safe, and I want her happy. Even if my own heart tells me Iโm a fool for not making her mine.
Our few nights were electric. She left her mark and burned her goodness into my heart. Thereโs no room left for anyone else, only her. I canโt chase her. I have to let her go. Sure, sheโs a club girl and I could have her under me whenever I want, but I canโt do that to her. I refuse to pull her any deeper into the Diamond MC.
When that decision is taken out of my hands and sheโs dragged into the darkness, all I see is rage and bloodshed. Iโll make them pay. Every single one of them who thought they could steal her away, take her from me.
Sheโs everything. And once I have her back, Iโll make sure I never let go. Sheโs light and goodness. Maybe sheโs too good for me, but maybe sheโs just what I need to balance my world. Iโll give her everything and make her mine. And just maybe sheโll make me hers too.
Warning: this book contains violence, offensive language, and very mature topics. Recommended for age 18 years and up.
Note: Book #1 in the Diamond MC series, though these characters have been seen in the mm Polished P &P series, you don’t have to read them first to read Country.
Publication Date 15/2/2022
Country (Diamond MC Book 1) by Lila Rose
My Review
From the moment I opened the first pages of “Country,” I was swept away into a world of passion, motorcycle clubs, and internal conflict. The author masterfully crafts a narrative that pulls you in with its electric tension and complex characters.
The mmcโs love for the mfc is palpable, you can feel his struggle between desire and the fierce need to protect her. Heโs captivated by her sweetness, yet understands that their worlds are vastly different. The emotional depth he experiences speaks volumes, and I found myself rooting for him at every turn. Watching him grapple with his feelings while trying to keep her safe was both heart-wrenching and exhilarating.
Their nights together? Utterly intoxicating. The authorโs writing encapsulates those moments perfectly, making it hard to put the book down. I felt the chemistry crackle, and I couldnโt help but wish for their happy ending, even amid the chaos surrounding them.
What truly stood out to me was the transformation in the male lead. The moment he realizes sheโs been dragged into danger by others, his rage and determination to protect her shine through. It transforms the story from a simple romance into an intense, gripping battle filled with stakes that leave you on the edge of your seat.
The author has a way of weaving light and darkness, goodness and grit.
This book explores the complexity of love, the challenges of loyalty, and ultimately, the power of sacrifice.
“Country” is not just a love story; itโs a thrilling journey of personal growth and redemption.
If youโre looking for a read that will keep your heart racing and your emotions engaged, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this captivating tale. The author Lila Rose has created a world that I canโt wait to explore further!
Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town where she grew upโshe graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. And when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life seems too good to be true.
Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.
As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corriganโher first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.
With this bold and deeply personal novel, It Ends With Us is a heart-wrenching story and an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.
Publication Date 2/8/2016
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
My Review
“It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover is a contemporary romance that explores love, resilience, and the complexity of relationships.
Lily Bloom is a determined character who has overcome significant challenges to build a fulfilling life for herself. After moving to Boston and starting her own business, she meets Ryle Kincaid, a charismatic neurosurgeon. Their immediate chemistry sets the stage for a passionate relationship, but it quickly becomes evident that Ryle’s emotional walls complicate their connection. His reluctance to engage in traditional romantic commitments makes Lily question whether their bond can withstand the pressures of his past and her hopes for a future.
As the story unfolds, Colleen weaves in themes of domestic violence, mental health, and the cycle of trauma. Lilyโs past experiences, including her relationship with her father, shape her understanding of love and acceptance.
The novel also features Lily’s first love, Atlas, who unexpectedly re-enters her life, adding complexity to her situation. Her feelings for both Ryle and Atlas raises questions about the nature of love and the choices she has to make.
Overall, “It Ends with Us” is an emotionally charged read.
๐ฆ
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover. Book I read on holiday.
Stopping Short (Pit Bulls Baseball Book 6) by Kristin MacQueen
Description
She’s been my best friend despite our age gap. Seven years seems like forever, but it’s never stopped us from turning to each other for everything. Now that we’re both adults, I can’t seem to stay away from her. I’m begging to take off work and miss baseball games just to celebrate her birthday with herโฆ Only when I get there, I’m met with a massive surprise I wasn’t expecting.
I messed up. I made an impulsive decision and now I need to deal with it. I assume I can keep it quiet and fix everything before I return home from collegeโฆ but when the man I’ve been in love with my entire life comes to celebrate my birthday with me, he finds out my secret and everything goes wrong.
Tropes:
โพ๏ธ small town romance
๐งขsports romance
โพ๏ธ baseball romance
๐งขage gap
โพ๏ธ friends to lovers
๐งขhe falls first
โพ๏ธ shared past
๐งขclosed door romance TW – stalker, violence
Publication Date 2/7/2026
Stopping Short (Pit Bulls Baseball Book 6) by Kristin MacQueen
My Review
Stopping Short by Kristin MacQueen is a warm, heartfelt addition to the Pit Bulls Baseball series that perfectly captures the slowburn tension of longtime friends finally crossing that invisible line.
Iโve havenโt been following this series, but Iโm definitely going back to take a look. I liked this one because of the friends to lovers angle combined with a seven year age gap.
The heroโs devotion is everything, watching him drop everything, including baseball commitments, just to be there for her birthday shows how deeply heโs fallen, even if heโs been trying (and failing) to keep things platonic.
Their shared history gives the story a lovely foundation, every interaction feels layered with years of inside jokes, quiet support, and that underlying ache of wanting more.
What I appreciated most is how the small town setting wraps around the romance like a comfortable blanket. The community feels lived in, and the baseball elements are woven in naturally without overpowering the emotional core.
The heroineโs impulsive decision and the secret sheโs carrying create real stakes, and when everything collides on her birthday, the fallout is messy in the most realistic way.
MacQueen handles the closed-door romance with sweetness and restraint, focusing on the emotional intimacy and longing rather than explicit scenes.
Thereโs genuine tenderness here, especially in how the hero steps up once he learns the truth. The โhe falls firstโ trope is done beautifully, heโs been gone for her for a long time, even if it took this crisis for him to fully admit it.
The story moves at a gentle pace that lets you sink into their relationship, and the resolution left me smiling with that satisfied, hopeful feeling I look for in a sweet romance.
If you enjoy low angst sports romances with strong friendships, small town charm, and characters who genuinely know each other inside out, Stopping Short delivers. Itโs comforting, a little spicy in spirit (even if closed door), and another solid win for the author.
Iโm already looking at binge reading the previous books, and Iโm forward to whatever comes next in this series.
A Magic So Deadly (Kingdom of Dark Magic Book 2) by Vasilisa Drake
Description
She has become everything she ever wantedโฆ and everything she despises.
Samara wakes in a prison cell as her worst nightmare: Sheโs a vampire, cursed with bloodlust that horrifies her. And though she now has the magic sheโs always desperately craved, itโs a secret she must guard with her undead life.
Because this same magic marks her as an enemy of all vampires. Especially Raphaelโtheir king.
Now, as a vampire, Samara is haunted by an inescapable thirst. In her sleep, she claws at her throat, trying to ease the pain. But when sheโs around Raphael, her fangs ache for a deeper reason she canโt explain.
A mystical bond ties Samara to Raphael as her sire, preventing her from fleeing before he can discover her identity as the very witch heโs been hunting for centuries. Instead, she must journey with him to the Southern Vampire Kingdom. A journey that has her sharing both his carriageโฆ and his bed.
There, Raphael offers her another bargain: Yield to her vampire nature and master her abilities, and he will help her break the bond.
But if she lowers her guard too much, if her control over the powers she barely understands slips and Raphael learns sheโs the necromancerโฆ
Heโll be forced to kill her.
A Magic So Deadly is the second book in the Kingdom of Dark Magic series, filled with a slow burn romance, unique magic systems, and forced proximity. This romantasy series is perfect for readers of Carissa Broadbent, Penn Cole, and Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publication Date 30/6/2026
A Magic So Deadly (Kingdom of Dark Magic Book 2) by Vasilisa Drake
My Review
A Magic So Deadly is a gripping continuation of the Kingdom of Dark Magic series that left me equal parts thrilled, tense, and emotionally wrecked, in the best way.
Samaraโs transformation into a vampire is the ultimate cruel twist of fate. She finally has the raw magical power sheโs craved her whole life, but it comes bundled with an insatiable bloodlust that disgusts her. The internal conflict she wrestles with is so raw and visceral, I felt her horror at waking up as the very monster she once feared. The author does an excellent job making her bloodlust feel immediate and horrifying rather than just a sexy vampire trope. The moments where Samara claws at her own throat in her sleep genuinely unsettled me.
The forced proximity with Raphael, the vampire king who has every reason to kill her if he discovers her true necromancer identity, is delicious. Their sire bond traps her at his side, leading to shared carriage rides, shared beds (yes, please), and a slowburn tension that simmers dangerously close to boiling over. Raphael is exactly the kind of morally gray, dangerously obsessed love interest I love, heโs powerful, calculating, and inexplicably drawn to Samara in ways neither fully understands yet. The push/pull between them, layered with secrets that could destroy everything, kept me turning pages late into the night.
What I appreciated most was how the book builds on the unique magic system introduced in the first book. Samaraโs struggle to master her new vampire abilities while hiding her necromancy adds layers of suspense and clever problem solving. The Southern Vampire Kingdom setting expands the world beautifully, introducing new politics and dangers.
The romance is classic slowburn forced proximity done right, the intense eye contact, charged touches, and bargains that test loyalties and desires. It never feels rushed, and the emotional stakes feel incredibly high because of the constant threat that Raphael will learn the truthโฆโฆ
If I have any minor critique, itโs that some of the middle journey sections lean a bit heavy on the internal angst before the plot accelerates again, but itโs a small quibble in an otherwise addictive read.
The ending sets up what promises to be an explosive continuation.
Fans who enjoy dark romantasy with vampires, secret identities, and high stakes bargains will devour this.
I went in excited after the first book and came out fully invested in Samara and Raphaelโs fate.
Itโs easily one of my favorite recent vampire romantasy reads.
Canโt wait for whatever chaos comes next in this series.
Property of Kevlar: Royal Bastards MC: Oklahoma City, OK (Royal Bastards MC: Oklahoma City Chapter Book 1) by Victoria Jayne arc
Fox (Blood Rebels MC: Book One) by Lizzie James arc
Shut Out: An MM Hockey Romance (Atlanta Firebirds by Riley Bauer arc
His Heart to Steal (The Executioner Duet Book 1) by Aurora Steinhart arc
Kairo (Van Doren) by Crea Reitan arc
The Short List (Paris Undressed Book 1) by Emilia Cazanescu arc
Darkened Desires (Kings of Pointebreak Book 2) by Cara Wade arc
Darkened Truths (Kings of Pointebreak Book 1) by Cara Wade arc
Ahelno: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Lietvia Galaxy Book 1) by MK Stephenson arc
The Last of the Fire Lilies by M.A.R. Pereira arc
Lord Halsey’s Tempestuous Minx (Scarlett Affairs Book 6) by Cerise DeLand arc
Arath (Van Doren) by Crea Reitan arc
Goalie Fake Out: An MM Fake Dating Single Dad Rougarous Hockey Romance (Book 3) (Bayou Boys 9) by Chris Cox arc
Hit & Run: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Rom-Com (A Blood Sport Agency Book 1) Kinsley Kincaid arc
Kieran (Blackwell Brothers Redemption Book 3) by N.J. Walters arc
Claimed by my Father’s Enemies: A Reverse Harem Romance (Claimed by… Reverse Harems) by Adelaide Brook arc
Songs of the Silent Ones by Micheal Wells Ball arc
Loyal: Lotus MC: San Antonio by Cala Riley arc
Under the Radar (Outcasts of Oloria Book 4) by Bea Tama arc
White Lights by Lauren Kate arc
The Dustmage: Book One of The Dustmage Archives by N.A. Woltzen arc
Jace: A Surprise Pregnancy, Mafia Romance (Belles & Bratva Beasts) by Kelly Finley arc
Grim (Shadow Security Book 1) by Kat Mizera arc
XOXO, Summer: A Single Dad, Sports, Small Town Romance by S.L. Scott arc
The Divine Feminine Scent: Paranormal Femdom Romance by E.C. Beaumont arc
Watch Over Me: A Watched in Darkness Prequel Novella by V.E. Huntley arc
The Unwilling Bride: A Best Friend’s Brother Fake Marriage Romance (The Hamiltons : A Fake Marriage Billionaire Romance series Book 1) by L.Steele arc
The Demon’s Reckoning (The Faceless Chronicles Book 2) by Grant Pierce arc
๐ BOOKS I READ IN JUNE ๐ ๐ BOOKS I READ IN JUNE ๐
As you can see I read a few more than my 25 limit (I had time off and the UK was in the middle of a heatwave) Most of the books were arcs that I had applied for. And some were sent to me.
Property of Kevlar: Royal Bastards MC: Oklahoma City, OK (Royal Bastards MC: Oklahoma City Chapter Book 1) by Victoria Jayne
Description
No heroes. Just a feisty woman and a ruthless biker.
Kevlar, a criminal with a new road name and a score to settle, has returned to Oklahoma City to reclaim his territory. He doesnโt have time for the gorgeous damsel in distress who keeps crossing his path.
Enter Kelsey, a small-town girl who canโt stand bikers, and who is caught between two dangerous men vying for her attention and control of the city. Loud, crass, and handsy isnโt her styleโexcept when it comes to Kevlar, her not-so-white knight, clad in leather, who rides a steel horse.
Undeniable attraction, possessive obsession, and all-consuming fiery passion could cost Kevlar everything. Will Kelsey survive the treacherous world of outlaw bikers at war? Can Kevlar protect her and establish a new chapter?
Victoria Jaynes delivers an opposites attract, woman in peril, steamy biker romance with Property of Kevlar, book one of the Royal Bastards MC Oklahoma City Chapter series. If youโre a fan of Misty Walker, Madeline Sheehan, and Emma Slate, you need to dive into this series.
Property of Kevlar contains scenes written for mature audiences only.
Snag your copy today!
Tropes:
Motorcycle Club Romance
Opposites Attract
Woman in Peril
Morally Grey MMC
Curvy FMC
Publication Date 30/6/2026
Property of Kevlar: Royal Bastards MC: Oklahoma City, OK (Royal Bastards MC: Oklahoma City Chapter Book 1) by Victoria Jayne
My Review
โผ๏ธ TRIGGER WARNING โผ๏ธ
This was a gritty, fast paced biker romance that delivers exactly the kind of raw, no holds barred outlaw MC vibe i was looking for.
Victoria Jayne gives us opposites attract with a heavy dose of danger, possession, and steam.
Kevlar is a ruthless, newly patched biker with a score to settle and zero interest in distractions. Heโs back in Oklahoma City to reclaim territory and build something new.
Kelsey is a small town girl who has every reason to steer clear of bikers, she doesnโt do loud, crass, or handsy. Yet the undeniable pull between them keeps throwing them together, even as she finds herself caught in the middle of a dangerous power struggle between ruthless men.
What worked well for me was the tension. The chemistry is instant and intense, but the story doesnโt rush past the conflict. Kevlarโs possessive, protective side clashes hard with Kelseyโs reluctance and independence, creating friction that makes the eventual surrender feel earned.
The outlaw world is violent, territorial, and unforgiving, with high stakes that keep the pages turning. The author doesnโt shy away from the darker elements of club life, which adds weight to the โwill she survive this worldโ question.
The romance is fiery and explicit, with that classic โheโs bad for me but I canโt stay awayโ heat.
Kevlar makes for a compelling anti hero, not softened into a secret softie, but a man whose obsession with Kelsey forces him to balance his ambitions with the need to keep her safe.
If I had one small critique, itโs that some of the side conflicts and club setup occasionally take a bit of focus away from the central couple in the middle, but itโs only a minor issue.
This is a solid, spicy start to the Oklahoma City chapter. Itโs steamy, suspenseful, and unapologetically biker.
So if you enjoy raw MC romances with strong heroines who get pulled into the life, possessive alphas, and real peril mixed with passion, Property of Kevlar is worth the ride.
Iโm curious to see where the rest of this chapter goes. ๐
Heโs her biggest mistake waiting to happen. Sheโs the only thing keeping him clean.
Fox
Road Captain of the Blood Rebels MC. Exโjunkie with track marks he canโt erase and a dealer who wonโt stay buried. He lives for the roar of his bike, the weight of his cut, and the brothers who dragged him back from the edge. He has no business watching a smallโtown waitress push a trolley through a grocery store every Monday morningโฆ but for a month sheโs been his one pure obsession. Sheโs light, normal, goodโeverything he swore to stay away from. Until danger circles her, and walking away stops being an option.
Tessa
Twentyโtwo, broke, and drowning in medical debt, Tessa works double shifts at the diner and spends her nights caring for a mother whoโs running out of time. Men, fun, and happilyโeverโafters? Not on the menu. But the tattooed biker who keeps showing up where she isโthe one with the soft eyes and the dangerous pastโmakes her feel seen for the first time in years. When grief shatters her world and a ruthless loan shark tightens his grip, Fox is the only person standing between her and the dark.
He thinks heโs too broken to touch her. She thinks she has no room left to love him. In a town where the MC rides the line between outlaw and saviour, Fox and Tessa will have to decide if risking their heartsโand their livesโis worth the one thing neither of them ever believed theyโd get.
A raw, emotional MC romance told in dual POV about a reformed bad boy, a good girl with nothing left to lose, and the brotherhood that wonโt let them fall alone.
Publication Date 29/6/2026
Fox (Blood Rebels MC: Book One) by Lizzie James
My Review
I picked up Fox knowing it was the start of a new MC series, and it pulled me in with that classic gritty motorcycle club vibe mixed with raw, emotional romance.
Fox is the Road Captain of the Blood Rebels MC, a man haunted by his past as an ex-junkie with scars he canโt hide and a dangerous world that keeps pulling him back.
Tessa is a young waitress drowning in medical debt and caring for her ailing mother, living a life with little room for anything beyond survival.
Their paths cross in small town moments that turn into something neither expected.
Fox has been quietly watching Tessa for weeks, drawn to her light and normalcy in a life filled with chaos and temptation.
And when danger from his world and her debts collides, he steps up as her protector, even though he believes heโs too broken to deserve her.
Tessa finds herself drawn to the tattooed biker who sees her in ways no one else does, but grief and threats test everything they both hold onto.
Itโs a story of two people who think theyโre not meant for love, risking their hearts and lives in a town where the MC walks the line between outlaws and saviors.
What really worked for me was the tension between Foxโs self doubt and his fierce protectiveness. Heโs got that tortured hero edge, rough around the edges with a soft spot that emerges for Tessa.
She brings a grounded strength that feels genuine, especially with the heavy burdens sheโs carrying.
The slow build from obsession to connection, laced with the high stakes of club life, loan sharks, and personal demons, kept me turning pages. Thereโs plenty of heat, loyalty, and the found family feel that MC romances do so well, balanced with real emotional weight around addiction recovery and loss.
This one sets a strong foundation for the Blood Rebels series.
If you enjoy motorcycle club stories with a damaged hero, a resilient heroine, and that push/pull of forbidden attraction turning into something deeper, Fox delivers.
Itโs gritty, heartfelt, and leaves you wanting more of the club.
A solid start that has me looking forward to the next book.
Shut Out: An MM Hockey Romance (Atlanta Firebirds by Riley Bauer
Description
Soren Lundmark fills every room he walks into. Julien Soucy has spent his whole life making sure he doesn’t. They’ve been sharing a crease on the Atlanta Firebirds for seven months, and the thing building between them is about to collide with a Cup run.
Julien is quiet by design. The less space he takes up, the less anyone has to manage. He’s never wanted anyone before. With Lundy, the want arrived before he had a word for it, and now he can’t make it stop.
Lundy is 6’5″ of steady, reliable, and never asks for anything. He’s been with men and women. None of them made him feel like this.
None of them were Julien.
The Cup Playoffs are about to test everything they’ve built. When an injury takes Lundy out of the net, Julien has to become the man nobody expected him to be. Including himself.
Shut Out is a demisexual first love MM hockey romance about two goalies, a found family that sees everything, and the series finale five books in the making.
Atlanta Firebirds Series, Book 5 Series finale. Can be read as a standalone. HEA guaranteed.
Tropes:
๐ MM hockey romance
๐ฅ demisexual first love
๐ friends to lovers
๐ฅ hurt/comfort
๐ protector role inversion
๐ฅ forced proximity
๐ found family
๐ฅ size difference
๐ touch-starved
Heat Level: Steamy
Tone: Emotional, Sharp Humor, Series Finale
Series Type: Interconnected Standalones,
Book 5 of 5 Ending: HEA POV: Dual, Present Tense
Publication Date 25/6/2026
Shut Out: An MM Hockey Romance (Atlanta Firebirds by Riley Bauer
My Review
I just finished Shut Out, and honestly? It wrecked me in the best possible way. As the series finale for the Atlanta Firebirds, this one had a lot to live up to, and Riley Bauer absolutely delivered.
What struck me most was how beautifully the story handled Julien Soucy. Heโs the definition of quiet, intentional minimalism, someone whoโs spent his life shrinking himself to make things easier for everyone else. Watching his slow, aching realization that he wants Soren Lundmark (and that the want isnโt going away) felt incredibly real, especially with the demisexual first-love angle. It wasnโt rushed or overly dramatic; it was tender, internal, and deeply moving.
Lundy is the perfect counterbalance, big, steady, 6โ5โ of quiet reliability whoโs been with people before but has never felt this.
Their dynamic is everything the tropes promiseโฆ. forced proximity (shared crease, hello tension), friends to lovers, and that delicious role inversion when injury forces Julien to step up as the protector. The hurt/comfort hits hard without feeling manipulative, and the touch starved moments? ๐ค๐ป๐ค๐ป
The hockey is there, the Cup playoffs provide real stakes and intensity, but it never overshadows the romance. The found family of the Firebirds team is warm, supportive, and full of sharp humor that had me laughing out loud even during heavier scenes. They see everything, call out the tension, and rally around the boys when it matters.
The steam is excellent, explicit, emotional, and character driven. It never feels gratuitous, every intimate moment deepens their connection and reveals something new about them. The emotional payoff in the final act, especially with the injury arc and Julien stepping into his own, is cathartic and satisfying.
This can absolutely be read as a standalone if you havenโt read the rest of the series, but coming in at the end made the cameos and team dynamics even sweeter.
A heartfelt, steamy, emotionally sharp series finale that does justice to its characters and the world built across the Atlanta Firebirds books.
If you love MM hockey romance with depth, found family, and two goalies falling in love, this is a must read.
Iโm sad the series is over, but what a perfect way to close it out.
Highly recommend.
HEA achieved, heart fully captured. ๐โค๏ธ
Would I reread? Absolutely. Already thinking about it.
His Heart to Steal (The Executioner Duet Book 1) by Aurora Steinhart
Description
โOnce a weapon, always a weapon.โ
A mantra Scythe lived by. One he killed by.
It carried him through the bad decisions and the uncertain ones.
Being a contract killer for over a decade, how could he not?
A legendary former Army sniper, paired with an enormous build, he is the perfect weapon.
At least thatโs what he thinks the world sees him as; until a mission lands in his lap that destroys this perception.
โNightmare.โ โWeapon.โ โMachine.โ
โA dog.โ
The one thing he never wanted to be.
โRuby isโฆ a woman of the people. A female Robin Hood, if you will.โ
Lurking in the shadows of homes, or disguised in the corners of dimly-lit casinos, Ruby has one mission, one singular purpose.
Protect and help the less fortunate.
Armed with traditional shinobi techniques and skills, Rubyโs job is to bring hope and salvation to the vulnerable.
Through casino heists, home robberies, and galas, she uses her beauty and tact to seduce wealthy scumbags out of their exorbitant riches.
But when a skull-masked Assassin threatens to thwart her plans, she finds herself working with the same evil that sheโs been fighting against.
Can they put their differences aside and work together before the gluttonous tycoons win it all?
Tropes: ๐ค Grumpy x Grumpier ๐ฉถ โPierced” ๐ค Black Cat x Doberman ๐ฉถ Skull-Masked Hit Man ๐ค Enemies to Lovers ๐ฉถ “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” ๐ค Slow Burn
His Heart to Steal is a dark, enemies to lovers slow burn romance set in Las Vegas and intended for mature audiences only.
Publication Date 26/6/2026
His Heart to Steal (The Executioner Duet Book 1) by Aurora Steinhart
My Review
I dove into His Heart to Steal knowing it was a dark romance debut, and it absolutely delivered on the intensity. Iโd read a few of the authors other books (and loved) so I couldnโt wait to see how they would handle dark romance.
Set against the glittering, gritty backdrop of Las Vegas, this enemies to lovers story follows Scythe, a massive, skull masked former Army sniper turned contract killer, and Ruby, a clever, shinobi trained vigilante who plays modern day Robin Hood by stealing from the rich to help the vulnerable. (I can hear my dark heart already cheering.)
Scythe lives by his mantra, โOnce a weapon, always a weaponโ and has fully embraced his role as an unstoppable force for over a decade. Morally grey โ๏ธ (what more do I need or say?!)
Ruby operates in the shadows, using her wits, beauty, and skills to seduce and rob corrupt tycoons. Their first meeting had me in stitches.
When their paths collide on a mission, the sparks fly in the most antagonistic way possible.
What starts as opposition turns into a reluctant alliance against a bigger threat, forcing them to confront their own perceptions and walls.
Scytheโs internal struggle is compelling. He sees himself as nothing more than a nightmare or a dog on a leash, and watching the image he has of himself crack as Ruby challenges him felt raw and earned. Heโs the ultimate grumpy, pierced MMC, intimidating, lethal, but with layers that make you ache for him.
Ruby is a fierce black cat FMC who gives as good as she gets, her strength, moral code, and refusal to back down make her incredibly likable and fun to root for. It made a nice change to have a strong female that didnโt need rescuing.
The slow burn tension is chefโs kiss. The banter, the forced proximity, and the โenemy of my enemyโ dynamic build beautifully into steamy, charged moments.
Itโs dark romance through and through, you can expect morally gray characters, violence, high stakes, and spice that matches the intensity of their world. The Las Vegas setting adds flair, with casino heists and shadowy galas keeping the plot moving.
This is a duet, so it ends on a note that will have you immediately reaching for book 2. Sadly itโs not ready yet ๐ฉ Would I call it a cliffhanger? Well, where we leave Ruby and the conditions she was in โฆ. Iโd say YES!!
Overall, Aurora Steinhartโs debut dark romance book is a strong, atmospheric start to The Executioner Duet.
If you love dark romance with a masked antihero, a badass FMC who steals more than just money, gritty action, and sizzling enemies to lovers heat, this one is for you.
Check those trigger warnings, it doesnโt pull punches, but itโs worth it for the ride.
He walks into my office like he has a right to be here. Unfazed and unbothered by my sharp words and thorny exterior, Malcolm challenges everything I know. Somehow, he breaks down my walls and Iโm laid bare before him.
Thereโs nothing more terrifying than exposing my vulnerability so when I force him out of my life to protect my heart, I realize there are some things that being a Van Doren alone canโt fix.
***
This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Publication Date 25/6/2025
Kairo (Van Doren) by Crea Reitan
My Review
I picked up Kairo right after finishing Arath Van Dorenโs book, and it felt like the series had been building toward this one.
If youโve met Kairo in previous installments, you know him as the sharp tongued, standoffish, sometimes outright abrasive member of the family, the guy who keeps everyone at armโs length with his thorny exterior. This book flips that on its head in the best way, (and after Lorne I think he might be my favourite Van Doren.)
The story follows exactly what the description teases atโฆ. Malcolm walks into Kairoโs world (and office) completely unfazed by the walls and barbs. He sees through the armor almost immediately and starts gently (and sometimes not so gently) dismantling it. What unfolds is a slowburn MM romance heavy on emotional vulnerability, hurt/comfort, and the kind of deep trust that doesnโt come easily, especially for someone like Kairo, whoโs carrying serious childhood wounds and a bone deep fear of never been chosen first.
I went in not particularly liking him based on earlier appearances. By the end, I was fully invested. The author did a great peeling back the layers to show why he is the way he is. The moments where his softer, protective side peeks through, especially with those that arenโt family by blood (both a chosen family) hit hard. Itโs so satisfying watching him learn itโs okay to be cared for.
Malcolm (we met him in another Van Doren book) Heโs the steady, patient force Kairo desperately needs. His own baggage from the โCreaverseโ adds a little more to this story.
Now I love a little DDLG/GB and caretaker/Daddy kink dynamics feel real rather than forced. The way he challenges Kairo without pushing too hard, and the quiet persistence, made their connection so swoony.
The โI have to push you away to protect my heartโ phase is painful in the best way, and the reconciliation/rebuilding was definitely not easy. It balances the spice, sweetness, and darker Van Doren style plot threads nicely.
This series does enjoy its crossovers and updates on the growing found family. It slots in well without requiring you to have read every prior book, (though context definitely helps.)
Itโs classic Crea Reitan, steamy, emotionally intense, with some darker themes and content warnings you should check. The pacing is slower in the emotional buildup, which worked for me.
This one surprised me by making me genuinely love Kairo. If you enjoy MM romances with prickly characters who get the gentle (yet firm) handling they need, and stories about breaking down walls to find real connection, this delivers.
Itโs a solid addition to the Van Doren world, itโs tender, spicy, and healing in places I didnโt expect.
Highly recommend for series fans or anyone who loves a good hurt/comfort redemption stories.
The Short List (Paris Undressed Book 1) by Emilia Cazanescu
Description
Some love stories begin with certainty. Others begin with inconvenience.
When fashion buyer Emilia Cazanescu steps into the fading elegance of Maison Sirรจne, sheโs tasked with reviving the boutiqueโs reputation – or watching it disappear. Her chance arrives in the form of Valentina Venturi, an Italian designer whose name is on every editorโs lips and every buyerโs list. But Emilia isnโt the only one chasing her signature.
Across the city, Andrรฉ Lemaire, the impossibly self-assured buyer for Atelier Saint-Clair, is after the same prize. Their rivalry is instant, their chemistry inconvenient, and Paris – alive with rain, silk, and deadlines – gives them no room to hide. When Valentina forces them to collaborate on a joint proposal, professionalism turns to obsession, and desire becomes a negotiation neither can control.
As the season reaches its climax, love and ambition blur into the same pursuit. In a world where appearances are everything, Emilia must decide what sheโs willing to lose to win – the designer, the career, or the man who makes both feel perilously close to art.
Set against the mirrored glamour of Paris fashion, The Short List is a story of rivalry, restraint, and the quiet power of surrender.
Tropes Include:
Rivals to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Luxury Fashion
Workplace Romance
Intellectual Seduction
Paris in the Rain
Publication Date 12/6/2026
The Short List (Paris Undressed Book 1) by Emilia Cazanescu
My Review
The Short List is a stylish, tension filled romance that swept me up in its elegant Parisian world. (Think Devil wears Prada) ๐
Emilia Cazanescu, a fashion buyer fighting to save the fading Maison Sirรจne, finds herself locked in rivalry with the confident Andrรฉ Lemaire over the same sough -after Italian designer, Valentina Venturi.
Forced to collaborate, their sharp professional clashes give way to undeniable chemistry and a slowburn attraction that feels both inconvenient and inevitable.
The story captures the glamour, deadlines, and sensory details of the fashion scene, rainy streets, rustling silks, mirrored salons with a luxurious touch that makes Paris itself feel like a character.
What i liked was push/pull between Emilia and Andrรฉ. Their banter crackles with wit and frustration, and the way ambition and desire intertwine raises the emotional stakes.
Emiliaโs internal struggle between career survival and personal surrender feels authentic and real. The romance builds with restraint before delivering satisfying heat, all while exploring themes of rivalry, appearances, and what it really means to win.
The pacing keeps things engaging, and the fashion setting adds freshness without overwhelming the central relationship.
Itโs the kind of book that leaves you wanting to linger in its world a little longer.
So if you enjoy sophisticated workplace tension, strong leads, and an enemies to lovers vibe with a European flair, this one delivers.
Pure silk and rainy nights escapism with heart. โค๏ธ
Heโs mine and Iโll kill anyone who touches him.
Kylen
I created Hush Anonymous last year for me. Hanging onto trauma I canโt escape and being ridiculously self-conscious and shy doesnโt exactly create a recipe for losing my virginity. In the darkness where no one can judge me seems like the best place. Yet somehow, I manage to find myself a stalker in the darkness. Which isnโt so bad since he knows exactly how to take care of me.
Arek
My weakness is blushing boys and Kylen is exactly my type. Iโm a little late realizing but now that Iโve had a taste, Iโll never let this man go. Thankfully, my stalking game doesnโt last forever and heโs willingly mine. He doesnโt shy away when I tell him Iโll kill anyone who tries to touch him. I bet he didnโt realize that the threat is retroactive.
***
This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
About the Author:
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 itโs not just all the men for one woman. Thereโs also some M/M action going on. When she canโt 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! Donโt ask her how many book boyfriends she hasโฆ
When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (donโt 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!
Darkened Truths (Kings of Pointebreak Book 1) by Cara Wade
Description
Everything weโve ever wanted. But this isnโt my dream. I didnโt have a choice. I never have a choiceโฆ
My plans involved Dartmouth, not Pointebreakโa school that thrives on secrets, and dark games. This is my jail for four years, but itโs not the classes that I fear will break me.
Julien Azarian, Zander Fedorov, and Wesley Bastianโmy personal tormentorsโarenโt just out to ruin me. Theyโre out to control me, to bend me to their will.
Iโm expected to break, but I wonโt. I canโt. Iโll prove I can endure everything thrown at me. Classes are easy compared to navigating the murky waters of lust and hate between the self-appointed kings of Pointebreak. Theyโre wrong if they think they can crush me. I might be their target, but Iโm not the one whoโll end up losing control.
Julien, Zander, and Wesley…be careful I may just turn your world upside down.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a bully, why choose/reverse harem romance. As such, there may be some scenes that are triggering to readers.
Publication Date 5/8/2025
Darkened Truths (Kings of Pointebreak Book 1) by Cara Wade Darkened Truths (DISCREET COVER Kings of Pointebreak Book 1) by Cara Wade
My Review
This romance that dives headfirst into the treacherous world of Pointebreak Academyโฆ. a place where secrets fester, power rules, and nothing is what it seems. ๐ฎ
From the very first pages, I was pulled into Rileyโs reluctant journey. She had her life mapped out, Dartmouth was the dream, but her powerful father yanks her into this shadowy elite school instead.
What starts as a punishment quickly spirals into a battle for survival, identity, and unexpected desire. Riley is a strong, resilient FMC who refuses to be broken. I loved how she holds her ground against the overwhelming forces around her, even as her world turns upside down. Sheโs a little vulnerable yet defiant, with a backbone that made me root for her fiercely. โฅ๏ธ
Enter the Kings of Pointebreakโฆ.Julien Azarian, Zander Fedorov, and Wesley Bastian. These three arenโt your typical brooding love interests, oh no, theyโre intense, morally gray tormentors who thrive on control!
Their dynamic with Riley crackles with tension, hate, lust, and those delicious push/pull moments that define bully romance. The chemistry is electric, the spice is plentiful, and the โwhy chooseโ elements are handled with heat and the emotional moments are ๐ค๐ป.
Watching Riley navigate (and gradually flip) their power games was one of the highlights in this book, and I might have cheered ๐.
For me, what made this more than a standard dark academy fare is the atmosphere. Pointebreak isnโt just a backdrop, it pulses with hidden agendas, betrayals, and a sense of constant danger.
The plot balances steamy encounters with mystery and suspense, keeping the pages turning. Tragic pasts for the characters add depth without slowing the pace.
If you enjoy dark romance with bully vibes, reverse harem dynamics, touch her and die energy, and a school full of secrets, this one delivers.
Itโs addictive, intense, and left me eager for the next book in the series (Darkened Desires).
Not for the faint of heart, expect darkness, obsession, and plenty of steam.
Itโs a solid, page turning start to the Kings of Pointebreak world.
Highly recommend for fans of dark why choose romance.
๐ฆ
๐ ARC REVIEW ๐
Darkened Desires (Kings of Pointebreak series Book 2)
Description
Someone thought they could make me disappear. Too bad for them, I got away. Iโm demanding answers, and this time, the gloves are off.
Julien, Zander, and Wesleyโthe Kings of Pointebreak stand beside me now.
Dangerous. Untouchable. And all mine. One by one, the boys’ pasts are unraveling. The more they share, the closer we become.
I wonโt stop until I uncover the truth. Whoever came for me will payโฆin blood. Iโm done hiding. Done being afraid. Iโll fight, claw, and destroy anyone who stands in my way.
The more I depend on the Kings, the more I feel we’re bound by something beyond our control. I may not know Julienโs endgame yet, but when I do, no hell on earth will be enough to save those who dared to cross us.
Secrets. Lies. Blood.
At Pointebreak, nothing stays hidden forever.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a bully, why choose/reverse harem romance. As such, there may be some scenes that are triggering to readers.
Publication Date 22/6/2026
Darkened Desires (Kings of Pointebreak series Book 2)Darkened Desires (Kings of Pointebreak series DISCREET COVER Book 2)
My Review
Darkened Desires is a gripping continuation that ramps up the tension, steam, and darkness from the first book.
I dove into this one right after finishing Darkened Truths, and it did not disappoint.
The story picks up with Riley pushing harder for answers after her traumatic experiences.
Sheโs no longer just surviving, sheโs demanding justice, and that shift in her character is incredibly satisfying to watch.
The blurb perfectly captures her growth, โI wonโt stop until I uncover the truth. Whoever came for me will payโฆin blood.โ (Shivers ๐)
The Kingsโฆ. Julien, Zander, and Wesley, remain magnetic and dangerously protective. (For me, Zander is probably my favourite) Their pasts start unraveling in this instalment.
I loved seeing their bonds with Riley strengthen through shared secrets and vulnerability, even as the danger escalates. The โbullyโ elements from book 1 have largely transformed into fierce loyalty and possession, which fits the reverse harem vibe perfectly. The spice is intense ๐ฅต and well balanced into the plot rather than thrown in here, there and everywhere.
I loved the atmosphere at Pointebreak. The secrets, lies, and underlying threats create a constant sense of unease that keeps the pages turning.
The cliffhangerish tension and hints about Julienโs endgame left me eager for the next book. ๐คซ
If you enjoy dark romance with bully roots, strong FMC growth, morally gray (or outright black) men, and a why choose dynamic packed with blood, power plays, and scorching chemistry, this series is a solid pick.
Itโs not for the faint of heart, you can expect violence, explicit content, and emotional intensity, but i devoured it.
Highly recommended if youโre already invested in Riley and her Kings. Iโm ready for book 3 please ๐
Ahelno: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Lietvia Galaxy Book 1) by MK Stephenson
Description
Claimed by an alien prince. Bound by a mistake neither can undo. Can love bloom, even in their darkest hour?
Andie
One moment, I was a college student with Broadway dreams. The next, I was kidnapped from Earth, sold to alien traffickers, and stranded on a planet light-years from home.
When a giant, winged alien found me in the wreckage of my captorโs ship, I screamed and ran. Now the entire Ptexari kingdom believes I initiated a mating ritual with Crown Prince Daklethโa four-armed warrior who chased me down and claimed me.
Dakleth may regret what happened between us, but remorse doesnโt erase trauma. I may never go home again. I may never see another human being. But I will never accept this alien as my mate.
Dakleth
The moment I saw the tiny human emerge from the crashed vessel, I knew she was mine. I believed she had chosen me, according to the traditions of my people, and instinct overtook reason.
By the time I understood the truth, the damage was already done. I will accept any punishment demanded of me, because no sentence could equal the harm I caused my mate.
Andie may never forgive me. She may hate me until my dying breath. Still, I will spend the rest of my life protecting her, earning her trust, and proving that I would sooner destroy myself than ever hurt her again.
Because she is my mateโฆ even if I no longer deserve to be hers.
Ahelno is a steamy, emotionally intense dual-POV sci-fi romance featuring cultural collision and a slow-burn path toward healing and redemption. It is the authorโs debut novel and first in a new series. Intended for mature audiences only.
No cliffhanger. HEA.
Tropes:
M/F slow burn romance
Enemies to lovers
Mating/bonding
Alpha MMC (nonhuman)
Child-free
๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
Content warnings:
SA/Noncon (Non-consensual sexual encounter between main characters)
Trauma recovery
Suicidal ideation and attempt
Publication Date 27/5/2026
Ahelno: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Lietvia Galaxy Book 1) by MK Stephenson
My Review
I went into this one because the โaccidental mating claimโ trope is one of my favorites, and the setup grabbed me immediately.
Andie, a college student with Broadway dreams, is suddenly ripped from Earth, kidnapped, and then stranded after a crashโฆ.
When the massive four armed, winged alien prince Dakleth finds her and believes sheโs initiated a traditional mating ritual by running and being chased, everything spirals into a cultural collision neither of them saw coming.
The story unfolds in dual POV, which works really well here because you get to feel both sides of the pain and confusion.
What I liked most was how seriously the book treats the emotional fallout. Andieโs trauma and sense of total isolation are portrayed with real weight, she didnโt choose this, and sheโs not about to just accept an alien prince as her mate no matter how protective or remorseful he is. Dakleth, on the other hand, is consumed by guilt once he realizes the truth. His determination to atone, protect her, and slowly earn her trust makes for a very satisfying slowburn redemption story. The romance feels earned rather than rushed, and the cultural differences add depth without overwhelming the character focused story.
The spice is nicely done too,creative use of those extra alien features without tipping into pure novelty. ๐
If youโre looking for nonstop space battles or galaxy hopping adventures, this one stays more intimate and relationship driven, which I personally enjoyed. It left me wanting to see more of the Lietvia Galaxy in future books.
Itโs a comforting yet pretty intense read thatโs perfect for fans of alien romances that balance heat with genuine healing and consent exploration.
If you like stories where the hero has to work hard to deserve his mate after a serious mistake, this one hits the spot.
Definitely worth picking up, especially if youโre on Kindle Unlimited.
The Last of the Fire Lilies (A Lullaby in the Rain Book 1) by M.A.R. Pereira
Description
A throne built on a lie.
Thravaena has always known who its kings are. The bloodline of Aaghra has ruled for a thousand years, and the realm has built its certainty on that continuity the way a man builds a house on rock.
The rock is a lie.
A necessary lie; a bedtime tale woven by mothers to lull their children to sleep.
Men of power created it. Men of conviction protected it. And when the ones who told the truth were cast out into the dark, the lie became the ground beneath your feet: so old, so deep that no one living remembers the world it replaced.
But the truth does not require memory. It requires only time. Some truths, when they finally surface, do not set you free.
They burn everything.
The Last of the Fire Lilies is epic/mythological fantasy in which the deepest wars are fought between what we were told the world is, and what it truly is.
Publication Date 20/6/2026
The Last of the Fire Lilies (A Lullaby in the Rain Book 1) by M.A.R. Pereira
My Review
The Last of the Fire Lilies is a stunning debut that wrapped itself around my mind and refused to let go.
This is the kind of epic mythological fantasy that feels ancient and urgent at the same time, like a forgotten legend thatโs suddenly been whispered directly into your ear.
The story centers on a kingdom whose entire foundation rests on a beautifully maintained lieโฆ..
The bloodline of Aaghra has ruled Thravaena for a thousand years, and that continuity is treated as unshakeable bedrock. But as the story unfolds, you slowly realize that the rock beneath everyoneโs feet is sand.
This revelation was written with such patience that every new layer of truth feels both inevitable and devastating. The tension comes not from battles (though those exist), but from the growing fracture between what people have been told the world is and what it actually is.
I was especially impressed by how the book treats myth and memory. The lie isnโt portrayed as simple villainy, it was necessary, protective, even comforting. Watching characters confront the cost of that comfort is heartbreaking and exhilarating. The world feels lived in, with a deep sense of history that makes every political move and personal decision carry centuries of consequence. The magic (not as much as I thought there might be,) and lore woven throughout felt right, and the mythological elements have real teeth.
There are moments of raw beauty alongside unflinching looks at power, legacy, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
If I have one small critique, itโs that the pacing in the early sections is deliberately measured as the world and its illusions are established.
It is slow, it is methodical, and I did put it down and come back to it several times, but Iโm glad I stuck with it.
This is the first book in the A Lullaby in the Rain series, and it does what every great opening should, it leaves you both satisfied and ravenous for what comes next.
The stage is set for a conflict that feels genuinely epic, not just in scale, but in its philosophical and emotional weight.
If you crave fantasy that asks big questions about truth, power, and the stories that shape civilizations, The Last of the Fire Lilies delivers in spades.
Iโm already counting the days until book two. ๐ฅ
Lord Halsey’s Tempestuous Minx (Scarlett Affairs Book 6) by Cerise DeLand
Description
Inรจs believes she can do any deed to free her brother from prison. What she cannot predict is how one manโs love can destroy her illusion.
Inรจs Bechard has performed a miraculous feat in France of deluding the Frenchโand escaping their vengeance. Fleeing to England, she has the help of her friends to create a new life for herself. She desperately needs their gaiety, their security, and their promised exposure to the British social whirl. But she can never tell them why.
What she does not need is a charming man who lures her with promises of kisses, affection, and wedded bliss.
Evan, Lord Halsey, sees in this lovely French รฉmigrรฉ a woman he wants to treasure as his own. Resist him she can, and does. But the man is damnably persistent and convinces her that all she has lost, including family, friends, and love, she can regain in his fond embrace as his wife.
Torn between duty to her brother and love for her husband, Inรจs tries to find a way to do both.
But love has it limits.
Doesnโt it?
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
Scarlett Affairs
Book 1 – Lord Ashleyโs Beautiful Alibi
Book 2 – Lord Ramseyโs Red-headed Ruin
Book 3 – Lord Applebyโs Gorgeous Imposter
Book 4 – Lord Fournierโs Shameless Princess
Book 5 – Lord Carlisleโs Enticing Lure
Book 6 – Lord Halseyโs Tempestuous Minx
Book 7 – Sir Durhamโs Disarming Asset
Book 8 – The Dowagerโs Irresistible Rogue
Book 9 – His Highnessโs Tender Trap
Book 10 – The Dukeโs Tamed Hellion
Book 11 – The Marquisโs Dangerous Enchantress
Book 12 – The Smugglerโs Precious Cargo
Book 13 – The Baronโs Brazen Confidante
Book 14 – His Graceโs Guilty Pleasure
Book 15 – Lord Foxโs Rebellious Vixen
Book 16 – Scarlettโs Best Agent
Publication Date 18/6/2026
Lord Halsey’s Tempestuous Minx (Scarlett Affairs Book 6) by Cerise DeLand
My Review
I picked up Lord Halseyโs Tempestuous Minx knowing Cerise DeLandโs Scarlett Affairs series that Regency romance with a side of intrigue, and this installment did not disappoint.
Itโs a heartfelt, tension filled story about love clashing with duty, set against the backdrop of French รฉmigrรฉs navigating British society in the post-Revolutionary/Napoleonic era.
Inรจs Bechard is a great heroine, sheโs resourceful, resilient, and fiercely devoted to her imprisoned brother.
Having pulled off a daring escape from France after deceiving her pursuers, she arrives in England guarded and determined to rebuild her life while keeping her secrets close. She craves the safety and joy her friends offer but refuses to burden them with the truth. What she doesnโt bargain for is Evanโฆ..
Lord Halsey a charming, persistent suitor who sees her as the woman he wants to cherish and marry.
The slowburn/push/pull between Inรจs and Evan was great, we watch as Inรจs resists his advances with fire and wit (earning her that โtempestuous minxโ title), but Evanโs genuine affection and steadfastness gradually chip away at her walls.
Their romance fits the seriesโ tone.
Inรจsโs internal conflictโฆ. torn between saving her brother and embracing the love and stability Evan offers, had me shouting at my kindle, parts were heartbreaking at times.
The supporting cast from the Scarlett Affairs world adds warmth and continuity. (Although you donโt really need to read the other books first.)
The British social whirl provides delightful settings for balls, flirtations, and quiet moments of connection.
The historical details put you right in the heart of the scene. And the pacing kept me turning pages as Inรจs weighs her dangerous secrets against a future she never thought possible.
If you enjoy Regency romances with strong, independent heroines who have traumatic pasts, devoted heroes who respect (and challenge) their boundaries, and a mix of steam, emotion, and light intrigue, this one is a winner.
A satisfying addition to the series that left me eager for more.
Highly recommended if youโre already a fan, or if youโre looking for a great historical escape with heart.
Elgin Bolingbrook is drunk and in the wrong place at the wrong time. The mistaken target for a gang lands Elgin in my protection. Heโs cute, confused, and so ridiculously responsive to me that I quickly become addicted.
As we close in on the gang whoโs after Elgin, I realize that once we eliminate the threat, Iโm going to lose the man I enjoy playing like a violin.
***
This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Publication Date 18/6/2026
Arath (Van Doren) by Crea Reitan
My Review
I just finished Arath and damn, Crea Reitan knows exactly how to deliver that addictive mix of dark intensity, protective obsession, and scorching heat that keeps you glued to the page.
This one hit all my favorite spots in the Van Doren series vibe wealthy, dangerous, fiercely loyal family dynamics with a heavy dose of โtouch him and dieโ energy.
The story kicks off with Elgin Bolingbrook in classic wrong place wrong time fashionโฆ drunk, vulnerable, and suddenly the mistaken target of a gang.
Enter Arath Van Doren, who steps in as his protector.
From the blurbโs first person tease, you can feel Arathโs immediate pull toward Elgin, (Ellie) heโs cute, confused, and incredibly responsive, which quickly turns Arathโs sense of duty into straight up addiction. The way Arath describes playing Elgin โlike a violinโ is spot on for the dominant, controlling energy he brings. Itโs possessive without being silly, and the power exchange builds gradually in a way thatโs both hot and surprisingly tender.
What I loved most was the tension between the external threat (the gang closing in) and the internal one, Arath realizing he doesnโt want to let Elgin go once the danger is handled. That fear of loss adds real emotional weight to the steam. The chemistry is off the charts, intense, dominant Arath paired with Elginโs responsiveness makes for some seriously memorable scenes.
If youโre into dominance, protection, and that addictive โmineโ possessiveness, this delivers in spades.
The Van Doren world continues to expand in satisfying ways, with that signature blend of suspense, family cameos, and unapologetic spice. Itโs fast paced where it needs to be (the action and threat) and lingering where it counts (the developing relationship).
The author balances the darker elements violence, danger, emotional vulnerability with humor and heart, which is why itโs always a one click for me.
If youโre already a fan of the series (Loren, Noaz, etc.), Arath slots in beautifully. If youโre new, it works as a solid entry point too, though the family connections add extra flavor for those caught up.
Just check the trigger warnings thereโs gang violence, intense kink/power dynamics, and typical dark romance fare.
It was exactly what I was craving, steamy, suspenseful, and emotionally satisfying.
Be careful what you ask for indeed, once you start with the Van Dorens, itโs hard to stop.
Highly recommend if you like dominant protectors, responsive partners, and that addictive rush of obsession turning into something deeper.
Canโt wait for Kairoโs book and โDaddyโ Jalonโs. I love visiting this world!
Goalie Fake Out: An MM Fake Dating Single Dad Rougarous Hockey Romance (Book 3) (Bayou Boys 9)by Chris Cox
Description
One minor league goalie. One tai chi instructor. One fake relationship. The lie was never the problem โ the truth was.
Goalie Brennan Keane signs with the Baton Rouge Rougarous, hiding his recovering hip injury because injuries don’t pay the bills or get you minutes. But tai chi instructor Jonah Holloway sees the way Brennan’s body lies, even to the man himself.
And then the lies get bigger.
Brennan pretends to be Jonah’s boyfriend to keep Jonah out of the predatory clutches of an influential woman who could harm Jonah’s mentor.
When a fake relationship becomes the only way out of a corner neither man asked for, the problem isn’t maintaining the lie. It’s what happens when the lie starts feeling like the only honest thing either of them has.
Goalie Fake Out is a slow-burn steamy standalone MM hockey romance set in a sports-mad Louisiana city. Full of favorite tropes, including fake relationship, single dad, workplace romance, hurt/comfort, found family, body-awareness chemistry, career-vs-home tension, and a hard-won happily ever after.
This story is an interconnected Standalone in the MM Rougarous Hockey subseries which is part of the Bayou Boys world.
TROPES:
๐ Slow burn
โฅ๏ธ Hurt/comfort
๐ Single dad
โฅ๏ธ Found family
๐ Workplace romance
โฅ๏ธ Fake dating
๐ Minor league hockey romance
โฅ๏ธ Cajun Louisiana setting
๐ Forced proximity
โฅ๏ธ Protects his person
Heat Level: Steamy Genre: MM Romance Tone: Warm, slow burn, emotionally honest Series Type: Interconnected Standalone in the Rougarous Hockey subseries โ each book reads independently. Part of the Bayou Boys world. Ending: HEA POV: Dual / First Person Content Notes: Hip injury / chronic pain, single parenting, teen son
Perfect for fans of: TJ Klune and Schitt’s Creek and Ted Lasso
Publication Date 15/6/2026
Goalie Fake Out: An MM Fake Dating Single Dad Rougarous Hockey Romance (Book 3) (Bayou Boys 9)by Chris Cox
My Review
I went into this one expecting a fun, trope heavy read, and it absolutely delivered while still feeling grounded and emotionally real.
Brennan Keane is complicated, a goalie trying to outrun (or rather, out skate) a nagging hip injury while proving he still belongs on the ice. His determination to hide the injury had me both rolling my eyes and cheering him on, (the passion for the game, but also the pay check he needs.)
What I loved most was how Jonah Holloway, the tai chi instructor, sees right through Brennanโs carefully constructed facade from the start. That body awareness chemistry the blurb mentions? Itโs palpable and beautifully written, turning everyday movement and touch into something charged and intimate without rushing the heat.
The fake relationship trope here is not just a convenient plot device. It starts as a protective measure for Jonah against an influential woman threatening his mentor, but it quickly becomes the emotional anchor for both men. Watching the โlieโ become the most honest part of their lives is where the story shines, itโs full of quiet moments, growing trust, and the kind of vulnerability that makes fake dating stories so satisfying when done right.
The single dad trope adds lovely layers of found family and real life tension (career vs. home). The supporting cast from the Rougarous and the broader Bayou Boys world had me wondering if Iโd be going back at some point to visit (TBR list will be growing ๐) I donโt think you need to read previous books, this didnโt feel like I missed out, but rather gave me more characters to look up.
Itโs steamy when it needs to be, but the slow burn and emotional payoff are the real stars. The hurt/comfort hits just right, and the HEA feels earned rather than rushed.
If you enjoy hockey romances with depth, sensitive portrayals of physical (and emotional) recovery, and relationships that grow from pretense into something beautifully authentic, this one is a winner.
A cozy, steamy, feel good read that left me smiling.
Perfect for a weekend escape.
Looking forward to more in this world! ๐ โฅ๏ธ
Hit & Run: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Rom-Com (A Blood Sport Agency Book 1) Kinsley Kincaid
Description
I fight crime by night and watch cute animal videos by day. Just call me your modern day superhero. Kidding, but how fun would that be?
My name is Parker Presley, and I am a professional Bounty Hunter for a supersecret government organization called, The Blood Sport Agency, in New York City. Itโs not as scary as it sounds, as long as your name doesnโt appear on my radar. Because as much as I joke, I can say with absolute confidence, I am very good at what I do.
Only the elite and wealthy of Manhattan have our number. The agency scrutinizes every request. Many get rejected. The process is painstakingly boring until the accepted bounties hit my inbox. Thatโs when itโs my time to play!
With the help from my team, Tac, Connor, Ophelia, and the Sparrows, we chase and find the bad guys for, at minimum, six-figure rewards. Which I had collected only days before everything flips upside down, figuratively and literally speaking. Youโll see what I mean.
The deliciousness that is my new neighbor reveals himself in the rudest way. Heโs horribly infuriating and delightfully distracting, which changes nothing and everything at the same time. l quickly come to learn that the more I can make him tick, the happier I get. Which is fine until his name is the next one in my inbox.
The price is unresistable and Mr. Holden Hammer, it seems like you killed the wrong person from the wrong family, because your serial killer sins are so worthy of my attention. You better watch out, because now Iโm coming for you. And once I get you, thatโs when the real fun begins.
Donโt worry my new friends, donโt feel left out, for the right price Iโd chase you too!
Genres:
Dark Romance
Romantic Comedy
Tropes:
๐คFound Family
๐Enemies-to-Lovers
๐คGrumpy/Sunshine
๐Revenge
๐คDual POV
๐Fast Paced Slow Burn
๐คSecret Gov’t Agency
๐Bounty Hunter ร Serial Killer
๐คDark Humor/Banter
๐Dead BFF (Think Weekend at Bernies)
๐คBreaks the Reader/Character Wall,
๐Mental Health Rep
๐คADHD
๐Wealthy NYC
๐คBetrayal
*This is a Dark, Enemies to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Found Family RomCom Duet with Lots of Banter.
Publication Date 16/6/2026
Hit & Run: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Rom-Com (A Blood Sport Agency Book 1) Kinsley Kincaid
My Review
Hit & Run by Kinsley Kincaid is a wild, addictive ride that perfectly blends dark romance with sharp romcom energy.
Parker Presley is an absolute blast the FMC. A professional bounty hunter for the ultra secret Blood Sport Agency, she chases high value targets by night and scrolls cute animal videos by day. Her voice is fun, chaotic, and unapologetically herself, complete with ADHD representation that feels authentic rather than performative. Sheโs the sunshine to Holden Hammerโs grumpy storm cloud, and their banter crackles from the moment they meetโฆ. as neighbors, no less. She had me cracking up at her antics. (Who hasnโt sent kittens a dozen times to that one person๐คฃ)
The setup is deliciously twistedโฆ Parkerโs new neighbor turns out to be her next bounty, a man with serial killer sins and a body count that hits too close to powerful families.
What follows is an enemies to lovers story where the chase is literal and figurative.
I loved how the author plays with the bounty hunter ร serial killer trope. The tension is high, the revenge is personal, and the slowburn chemistry builds through constant provocation and reluctant attraction.
Parkerโs determination to bring Holden in clashes beautifully with the growing pull between them, creating that โI hate you but I canโt stop thinking about youโ push/pull that works so well.
The dark elements are balanced with genuine humor and heart. Thereโs dead BFF chaos, found family vibes with her team (Tac, Connor, Ophelia, and the Sparrows), and plenty of dark banter that had me laughing even during the more intense moments.
The dual POV lets you inside both charactersโ heads as everything flips upside down.
This is fast paced but never rushed, with a slowburn romance that simmers beneath the chaos. Itโs dark without being grim, funny without losing its edge, and the mental health rep and betrayal threads give it more emotional weight than you might expect from a romcom.
If youโre in the mood for a bounty hunter versus serial killer enemies to lovers story packed with banter, found family, and that perfect grumpy/sunshine dynamic, Hit & Run delivers.
Itโs the start of a duet that left me immediately wanting the next book.
Kinsley Kincaid has created a fun, filthy, and surprisingly heartfelt ride that lives up to its dark romcom promise.
Kieran (Blackwell Brothers Redemption Book 3) by N.J. Walters
Description
From New York Times bestselling author N.J. Walters comes the tale of Deathโs third sonโฆin this gripping, paranormal small-town romance where love defies fateโand even Death himself.
Love her. Defy Death. Lose everything.
Kieran Blackwell has always done everything right.
While his brothers rebelled against their fatherโthe Grim Reaper himselfโKieran followed the rules. Reaped souls without question. Buried every shred of emotion that might make him weak. As Deathโs most loyal son, he thought heโd earned his place at his fatherโs side.
He was wrong.
Now his brothers have fallenโchoosing love over immortalityโand Kieran has been sent to the small town of Redemption to clean up their mess. One final assignment. One impossible task.
Reap the soul of a woman destined to die.
It shouldโve been simple. Find her. Do the job. Walk away.
Then he meets Georgia Baker. Sheโs warm, stubborn, and far too good for a creature like him. A small-town baker with a fierce heart and a dangerous past, she sees something in Kieran he thought heโd buried long ago.
And for the first time in centuriesโฆhe feels.
But Georgia isnโt just anyone. Sheโs his assignment.
And this time, failure doesnโt mean punishment. It means exileโฆor worseโlosing the only woman whoโs ever made him want to live.
Each book in the Blackwell Brothers Redemption series is STANDALONE:
* Samael
* Alexiares
* Kieran
Publication Date 15/6/2026
Kieran (Blackwell Brothers Redemption Book 3) by N.J. Walters
My Review
For me, Kieran is a solid, satisfying conclusion to the paranormal small town romance trilogy featuring the sons of the Grim Reaper.
Kieran Blackwell is the dutiful, rule following son whoโs spent centuries burying his emotions and reaping souls without question. (Sounds a lot like his brothers ๐)
But after his brothers fall for love and defy their father, Kieran is dispatched to the town of Redemption for one last assignmentโฆ.. reap the soul of Georgia Baker, a warm hearted smalltown baker with a fierce spirit and a troubled past.
What starts as a straightforward (if emotionally cold) mission quickly unravels as Kieran finds himself feeling for the first time in centuries drawn to her warmth, stubbornness, and the way she sees the man beneath the reaper. โฅ๏ธ
This book delivered exactly what i like in this series, forced proximity, fastburn steam, plenty of hot/cold tension, and a suspenseful edge that feels a notch higher than the previous installments.
Kieranโs broody determination and internal conflict made him interesting, heโs not just rebelling like his brothers, heโs actively trying to stay loyal while his resolve crumbles in the face of real connection. Georgia was just delightful, sheโs grounded, resilient, and full of heart.
The smalltown setting of Redemption continues to shine as a cozy yet dangerous backdrop, and the way the story ties up the brothersโ arcs and their fatherโs expectations provides a sweet, cohesive series closure without feeling rushed.
The romance has solid heat and emotional depth, though some elements like the initial hookup dynamics can lean towards predictable or convenient at times.
Itโs a quick, engaging read that balances steam, emotion, and family drama well. If youโve read the first two books, the overall formula will feel familiar (reaper son meets assignment, falls hard, defies Dad). Some tension resolves in expected ways, but the execution and series payoff make it worthwhile.
Itโs a comforting, spicy paranormal romance that sticks the landing for the Blackwell brothers.
Perfect for us who enjoy fated (or defied) love, immortal heroes learning to feel, and heroines who bake their way into your heart.
If you enjoyed the earlier books, this is a must read finale.
Claimed by my Father’s Enemies: A Reverse Harem Romance (Claimed by… Reverse Harems) by Adelaide Brook
Description
A Reverse Harem Romance
My father destroyed their lives.
Now Iโm trapped in the middle of the three men he turned into enemies.
William Martin hates my family with a cold, controlled fury that makes my pulse spike every time he looks at me.
Carter Hill watches me like heโs trying to decide whether Iโm a threat or something far more dangerous.
And Adrian Kadeโฆ looks at me like he already knows exactly how Iโll break.
I should stay away from all of them.
Especially when every secret tying us together is built on lies, resentment, and the kind of history that leaves scars no one talks about out loud.
But staying away becomes impossible when my life starts unraveling around me.
Because the more time I spend inside their world, the more the lines begin to blur.
Between protection and possession.
Between anger and obsession.
Between the men who should want revengeโฆ and the ones who start acting like I belong to them.
The worst part?
I donโt know how to stop wanting them back.
Not when Williamโs control starts cracking every time someone touches me.
Not when Carter becomes the only place that feels steady.
Not when Adrian slips past every wall Iโve spent years building and sees parts of me Iโve fought to keep hidden.
Claimed by My Fatherโs Enemies is a steamy contemporary why choose romance featuring three possessive men, enemies-to-lovers tension, emotional scars, forced proximity, protective obsession, high heat, and a heroine who refuses to break. No cheating. No choosing. Guaranteed HEA.
Publication Date 28/5/2026
Claimed by my Father’s Enemies: A Reverse Harem Romance (Claimed by… Reverse Harems) by Adelaide Brook
My Review
Claimed by My Fatherโs Enemies by Adelaide Brook is a scorching, addictive reverse harem romance that delivers exactly what it promises, and then some.
I devoured it in one sitting, equal parts tense and turned on, with that perfect mix of emotional scars and unapologetic steam.
The premise is deliciously fraughtโฆ Sienna is caught in the crosshairs of the three dangerous men her father ruined. William Martin who brings that icy, controlled hatred that makes every shared glance feel like foreplay laced with threat. Carter Hill is the steady observer who sees too much, while Adrian Kade cuts straight to the bone with his unsettling insight into her vulnerabilities. Each man carries deep resentment toward her family, yet the longer sheโs forced into their orbit, the more that hatred twists into something far more possessive and addictive.
What I loved most is how the โenemiesโ dynamic never feels cartoonish. The history between them is messy and raw, built on real pain, lies, and old wounds that refuse to stay buried. The slow unraveling of those walls, the way protection starts bleeding into obsession, and the blurring of lines between revenge and desire kept me hooked.
Each man has a distinct feeling that brought something to their dynamic, Williamโs cracking control, Carterโs grounding presence, and Adrianโs ability to slip past every defense. Watching them go from โsheโs the enemyโs daughterโ to โshe belongs to usโ was pure ๐ค๐ป for anyone who loves possessive, morally gray heroes.
The heat is high, the tension is constant, and the forced proximity situations crank everything up to eleven. There are plenty of emotionally charged moments alongside the spice, giving the relationships more weight than pure smut.
Our Sienna isnโt a doormat, sheโs resilient, flawed, and increasingly drawn to the very men she should fear, which makes her journey feel authentic. Her story had me with a box of tissues and hoping these men wouldnโt do her over (revenge is definitely a key word with With Will/Carter/Adrian!)
If I have one small note, itโs that the beginning throws you right into the deep end of the conflict, which works for momentum, but that said, once it gets going, it doesnโt let up. ๐
This is classic why choose done rightโฆ. There is no cheating, no last minute choosing, and a hard earned HEA that feels earned after all the push/pull.
Hot, addictive, and satisfyingly intense.
If youโre in the mood for possessive men, enemies to lovers tension, and a heroine who learns to claim her power right alongside being claimed, this oneโs a winner.
In the remote northern reaches of 14th-century Norway, hidden beyond mountains and untouched by kings, a silent clan lives in harmonyโcommunicating not with words, but through dance.
Their way of life has endured for generations.
But now, it is under threat.
As forces from the south push north to claim the land in the name of a distant king, the people of Njuorjojรกvri must face a world they were never meant to surviveโone ruled by power, conquest, and spoken command.
At the heart of the story are two brothersโฆ and the women they love.
In Book One, a young couple is torn apart by a ruthless warlord, forcing them into a desperate fight for freedom and survival.
In Book Two, one brother makes an unthinkable choiceโto enter the enemyโs world and seek peace from within, despite not speaking a single word of their language.
As love, loyalty, and identity are tested, one question remains:
Can a people without words survive in a world built on them?
Publication Date 1/6/2026
Songs of the Silent Ones by Michael Wells Ball
My Review
I picked up Songs of the Silent Ones with curiosity, itโs not my usual read, and I did wonder if Iโd get through it!
A silent clan in 14th century Norway who communicate entirely through dance? ๐คจ
It sounded like a premise that could either soar with originality or collapse under its own weight. Iโm happy to report it mostly soars.
The story unfolds in the remote northern reaches, following the people of Njuorjojรกvri as their ancient, wordless way of life collides with the expanding ambitions of southern powers under Queen Margaretโs era.
What I really liked the most was the world building. The author makes us feel how the people dance to communicateโฆ. a slow, deliberate turn of the wrist might convey grief, a synchronised leap joy or warning.
I found myself visualizing scenes like a living performance, which is rare in historical fiction.
At the heart are two brothers and the women they love, split across the two books (or parts) mentioned. Book One delivers raw tension as a young couple is ripped apart by a ruthless warlord. The desperation, the physicality of their flight and fight, lands with visceral impact.
Thereโs a grounded sense of peril, starvation, exposure, betrayal, that never feels over the top.
Book Two shifts gears as one brother ventures into the enemyโs world, attempting diplomacy without a shared spoken language.
This section explores identity and sacrifice , raising sharp questions about assimilation, loyalty, and what โpeaceโ really costs a culture.
What moved me most was the quiet (pun intended) exploration of love and belonging. Love here isnโt just romantic, itโs in the fabric of the community, itโs survival through touch, rhythm, and shared silence. Voices are sacred, reserved for song.
The women in the story feel fully realized, not props for the brothersโ arcs, which is refreshing.
That said, itโs not flawless. The premise is so unique that some parts feel a touch heavy. Pacing in the second half occasionally stretches during the brotherโs internal struggles, though it pays off in the end.
Overall, Songs of the Silent Ones is a heartfelt, imaginative story that lingers. Itโs about more than survival against conquest, itโs about whether a people defined by what they donโt say can endure when the world demands they speak its language.
I liked it, I just didnโt love it. Maybe because itโs not my usual read. Maybe too much history and not enough of the other stuff (people/emotions)
Iโd recommend it especially to fans of historical fiction quite happily.
๐ฆ
If you read it, Iโd love to hear your thoughts, the silent ones have a lot to โsay.โ
Getting involved with someone new after my divorce was the last thing I expected.
Then I met him.
Loyal.
A younger bad boy who belongs to a motorcycle club.
I shouldnโt want him. Especially when he is only a few years older than my daughter, but Iโve come to crave the safety and peace he brings me.
The only problem is my daughter wonโt accept him.
Do I risk my relationship with my daughter for true happiness or do I let him slip through my fingers and make the sacrifice?
Loyal
My sole focus has always been the club that took me in when I needed it most.
Until I saw her.
Sami.
The single mom who is a decade older than me.
I knew I wanted her the moment I laid eyes on her. Itโs why I bought a house to be close to her.
There are powers that be that donโt want us together though. Society, her daughter, and the sleazy ex-husband who seems to think that she belongs to him.
Iโm not one to give up easy though. I will fight for her until my dying breath.
Publication Date 4/6/2026
Loyal: Lotus MC: San Antonio by Cala Riley
My Review
Loyal, is a heartfelt, steamy age gap MC romance that hits all the right notes for fans of protective heroes and second chance love.
We start with Sami having to change a tyre, her neighbour sees her and assists, they flirt, they have dinnerโฆ..
Sami is a divorced single mum trying to rebuild her life when Loyal crashes into her world. Heโs younger, rough around the edges, and deeply tied to the Lotus MC, yet he brings her a sense of safety and peace she hasnโt felt in years.
What starts as unexpected attraction quickly deepens into something real and intense.
I loved/hated reading Samiโs internal struggle, torn between her own happiness and her fear of damaging her relationship with her daughter. It felt raw, especially the guilt and longing that come with choosing yourself after years of putting others first.
Loyal is the kind of hero who makes you swoon. From the moment he sees Sami, heโs all in, buying a house just to be near her, fighting against her ex, societyโs judgment, and club complications without hesitation. His devotion is fierce but never over the top. The way he respects Samiโs boundaries while still pursuing her with quiet determination makes him a hero in my eyes.
The romance is passionate and well balanced. Thereโs plenty of heat, but the emotional coreโฆ. Loyalโs willingness to fight for Sami and her journey toward reclaiming her own desires, gives the story a little something extra. The daughterโs disapproval adds tension without feeling forced, and the (ex) husband drama brings just enough conflict to keep things moving.
This book has that addictive pull of forbidden love mixed with found family vibes from the club. Itโs comforting in its predictability while still delivering satisfying emotional payoff.
I felt a little sorry for Loyal, he wanted a life with Sami. She was still feeling guilty about putting her daughter through a divorce (Farrah wants her parents back together) and so wonโt commit to Loyal. I did wonder if at some point Loyal would walk away!
If you enjoy age gap romances with a protective biker hero, a strong single mom and stories about choosing love despite the obstacles, Loyal is a winner.
Once I finished it, I was wanting to find out more of the Lotus MC world and rooting hard for Sami and Loyalโs future.
Under the Radar (Outcasts of Oloria Book 4) by Bea Tama
Description
Keep calm, Nicole. Youโve only been abducted by an alien. Nothing to freak out about.
Trapped aboard a ship hurtling through deep space at god-knows-what speed, Nicole does what any sensible horse therapist wouldโplans her escape. She has no map, no plan that actually works, and zero patience for the arrogant alien who took her. But sheโs not giving up until sheโs back on Earth, with her friends and her horses.
Any opportunity. Any opening. Sheโll take it.
Arture’s got himself a handful of trouble when he abducts Nicole, but he’s determined to get her to his home planet in one piece for his mission. What his mission is he can’t remember, nor can he recall a lot about his past… but that doesn’t matter, he has orders he can’t disobey.
When their ship is attacked, survival forces Arture and Nicole to work togetherโฆ and the line between enemy and ally starts to blur. The more they pretend to trust one another, the more real it becomes.
But the closer they get, the more dangerous the truth becomes.
Because when Arture finally remembers who he isโand his deadly missionโNicoleโs heart will be the price of his obedience.
One impossible truth remains: He was never meant to love her, but now he canโt let her go.
๐ฅ A sizzling sci-fi romance dripping with slow-burn tension that will leave you breathless, featuring a caring, exiled alien and a determined human heroine. Perfect for fans of Ruby Dixon and Honey Phillips (for fast-paced plot) with Emma Hamm vibes (angsty slow burn with lots of tension and adventure). Featuring a cocky alien, forced proximity, DV survival rep and boss babes who refuse to back down.๐ฅ
Trigger warnings: Domestic violence discussed, torture flashbacks, strict culture, mention of suicide, death and execution, fantasy peril, on page sex. No cheating.
Contains: Lots of longing looks and alien appendages ๐
Publication Date 10/6/2026
Under the Radar (Outcasts of Oloria Book 4) by Bea Tama
My Review
๐จ please read the trigger warnings ๐จ
I went into Under the Radar (Outcasts of Oloria Book 4) by Bea Tama expecting a fun alien abduction romp with some slow burn spice, and it absolutely delivered, while also giving me more emotional depth than I bargained for. ๐
Nicole is an absolute delight. As a horse therapist (yes, really), she brings that calm, no nonsense energy to being yanked across the galaxy by a cocky alien with memory issues. Her determination to escape, her quick thinking, and her refusal to just roll over and accept her fate made her a heroine I genuinely rooted for. Sheโs capable, snarky when needed, and has a backbone of steel, exactly the kind of โboss babeโ the blurb promises.
Her backstory with domestic violence is handled with care, it informs her character without defining her, and the survival/trauma rep feels real rather than exploitative.
Arture is the perfect MMC, arrogant, competent, and increasingly undone by this human who refuses to make his mission easy. ๐
The memory loss trope works really well here because it forces him to question his orders and his own identity alongside the growing attraction.
The forced proximity on the ship is done right, lots of charged silences, lingering looks, and that delicious โI shouldnโt trust you but I have no choiceโ tension.
When the ship comes under attack and they have to team up, the shift from wary enemies to reluctant allies to something deeper was on point.
The slow burn is ๐ค๐ป๐ค๐ป. It simmers for a long time before igniting, and when it does, the spice is explicit, creative (those alien appendages get their due ๐), and emotionally connected.
The author balances the steam with real vulnerability, flashbacks, cultural clashes, and the looming dread of Artureโs forgotten mission all add weight to the romance. The โhe was never meant to love herโ angst hits hard in the final act without overdoing it.
I thought the world building had enough detail about Oloria and the larger conflict to feel immersive without info dumping. Itโs a fast paced adventure with strong emotional moments.
Overall, this is a strong addition to my alien romance shelf ๐.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if youโre in the mood for a romance that makes your heart race and ache a little.
Itโs a steamy, heartfelt sci-fi romance that delivers on tension, heart, and alien appendages. ๐
Now if youโll excuse me, I need to go add the rest of the Outcasts of Oloria series to my TBR
Your next adult fantasy romance obsession set in a brand-new world of angels, from the No.1 Sunday Times and internationally bestselling author of the Fallen series phenomenon.
When mysterious Rafe de la Cruz rolls into Desdemonaโs life to recruit her to the elite film school Acheron, Dez has no reason to trust him โ and no other option. A violent attack has just put her brother in the hospitalโฆand Dez is the only suspect. Guilt-ridden and grieving, she finds herself running from the law to chase her longtime dream of making movies, at a school sheโs never heard of. Soon, sheโs dropped into Acheronโs cutthroat world of seductive intrigue, power on an otherworldly scale, and deadly competition.
Acheron may seem like the ticket to a future Dez has always wanted, but as she delves deeper into the secret work being done there, she finds herself trapped in an existential conflict on a cosmic scale โ with more than her heart on the line.
Publication Date 4/6/2026
White Lights by Lauren Kate
My Review
Desdemona, (or Dez) starts the story trapped in a nightmareโฆ her brother is in the hospital after a brutal attack, sheโs the prime suspect, and her dreams of filmmaking feel like theyโre slipping away.
Enter Rafe de la Cruz, mysterious and magnetic, offering her an escape through enrollment at Acheron, an elite film school shrouded in secrets. (Can I just say โRED FLAGโ anyone ๐)
What follows is a mix of dark academia, cutthroat competition, forbidden attraction, and cosmic stakes that slowly unravel as Dez digs deeper into the schoolโs hidden agenda. (Thinking Hogwarts and all those secrets ๐)
I really enjoyed reading about Dez. Sheโs driven, sheโs someone who clings to her camera and her craft as lifelines while everything else crumbles around her. (I did feel her character could have been filled out just a little more, in places she felt one dimensional.)
Rafe brings that classic brooding, dangerous energy that we all love so well, and their chemistry crackles from the start.
(Iโd not read an angelic read for a while.) And I will admit I havenโt read her fallen series. But I am interested, are they like this one? I think they were aimed for a YA audience.
The film school setting is a clever backdrop, blending artistic ambition with otherworldly danger in a way that keeps the pages turning.
Acheron pulses with seductive tension, deadly rivalries, and that delicious sense that nothing is quite what it seems.
That said, the pacing occasionally leans more into setup for the trilogy than standalone satisfaction, and some of the secondary characters and school dynamics felt they needed just a little more information. Still, the bookโs strengths, the romance, the world building hints, and Dezโs emotional journey kept me turning the pages.
Overall, White Lights is a compelling launch for what promises to be an addictive new series.
If you crave angel romantasy with dark academia vibes, high stakes, and a blend of desire and destiny, this one will hit the spot.
Iโm already curious (and a little nervous) about where Dez and Rafeโs story heads next.
Solid, atmospheric escapism with heart and heat. But it will need to pick up the pace.
The Dustmage: Book One of The Dustmage Archives by N.A. Woltzen
Description
IN A WORLD WHERE MAGIC IS PUNISHABLE BY DEATH, A YOUNG SERVANT WITH FORBIDDEN MAGICMUST CHOOSE BETWEEN LOYALTIES, FREEDOM, AND SURVIVAL IN A CITY THAT HUNTS MAGIC.
Katja, a servant of the Maiden Tower, hides a dangerous secretโshe can levitate brooms, dust pans, and wash buckets across the room. In a city where magic is met with the noose, such a gift could cost her everything. But when she is caught in the crossfire between the decadent nobility she serves and a secret society of thieves plotting revolution, Katjaโs carefully ordered world begins to unravel.
As the line between ally and enemy blurs, Katja must navigate a web of deceit, danger, and intricate magic. She must discover her true potential and decide if she is willing to risk everything to become a Dustmageโa symbol of power and a weapon of rebellion.
For in a city that hunts magic, her gift could be the key to survivalโor the spark that destroys her.
Publication Date 20/3/2026
The Dustmage: Book One of The Dustmage Archives by N.A. Woltzen
My Review
This story pulled me in with its quiet intensity and never really let go.
From the very first pages, the author creates a world that feels lived in and oppressive in the best possible way.
The city, with its rigid hierarchy and constant threat of the noose for any whisper of magic, sets a tense atmosphere that lingers throughout the story.
Katja is an excellent character, sheโs a servant whoโs learned to keep her head down, her mouth shut, and her small magical talents hidden behind brooms and buckets. She is practical, cautious, and increasingly frustrated as her world begins to expand beyond the Maiden Tower.
What I appreciated most was how the magic system is introduced. It isnโt flashy or over explained. Instead, it starts small and domestic before gradually revealing deeper layers and consequences. The โdustmageโ concept itself is clever, turning something as mundane as cleaning into a foundation for real power and rebellion. It gives the story a grounded feeling that contrasts nicely with the high stakes political intrigue.
The supporting cast is strong too. The lines between allies and enemies blur effectively, and I found myself second guessing several characters right alongside Katja. The revolutionary undercurrents and the decadent nobility are both portrayed really well, no cartoonish villains or flawless heroes.
The pacing is deliberate. This isnโt a lightning fast adventure, it builds like a slowburning fuse. I liked the atmospheric detail and character development, this paid off during the later twists and revelations. The writing has a dark, almost gothic quality at times that suits the subject matter perfectly.
As a debut, The Dustmage sets the bar. It sets up a larger series (The Dustmage Archives) without feeling like pure setup, and it left me eager to see where Katjaโs journey goes next.
If you enjoy fantasy that leans into political maneuvering, hidden magic in restrictive societies, and a character who grows through quiet defiance rather than instant chosen one power, this one is worth picking up.
Solid start to what looks like a promising series.
Iโll definitely be reading Book Two when it arrives.
๐ฆ
I was approached by the author who asked if I could read this. It had been out further a few months.
Jace: A Surprise Pregnancy, Mafia Romance (Belles & Bratva Beasts) by Kelly Finley
Description
Donโt let his smoldering smile fool you; Jace Ryan is a Bratva beast who gets what he wantsโexcept me.
Sexy. Sweet. Steamy. Jace is my best friend, hiding his savage side.
Working at an adult store together, Iโm a boudoir photographer, and heโs the king-sized guard.
Itโs a tempting proximity, but we donโt cross forbidden lines.
Lines that ache; it hurts not to be together.
But Jace knows Iโm miserably married.
I would never break a vow.
And heโs a man of honorโฆ
Until he discovers Iโm trapped in a hellish arrangement.
My evil husband is holding me prisoner, and Jace is the killer key.
For me, his mafia beast emerges, bloodthirsty and unbound.
His secret society of Bratva kings and queens conspires to help me.
We forge taboo bonds that canโt be broken, As demons from his past shockingly abet our love.
Iโm not afraid of their vigilante justice. I need their help to fight something even a bullet canโt destroy.
A stolen image of me I canโt erase. One thatโll destroy my name.
But Iโll do anything to finally be with Jace. Anything to be his proud queen.
And Jace will destroy anyone to protect our precious future.
Authorโs note: JACE is a mafia romance with rom-com moments and darker themes. It is the final interconnected standalone in a series, best read in order. It is set in a small-town world of morally grey heroes, hot banter, and taboo traditions, featuring a secret society and very explicit scenes. This is an 18+ romance with a guaranteed HEA.
๐ค Best friends to lovers
โฅ๏ธ Mafia King ร Girl Next Door
๐ค Yearning Soulmates
โฅ๏ธ Dark secrets & society
๐ค Touch her and be tortured
โฅ๏ธ Surprise baby
๐ HEA for all
Publication Date 1/6/2026
Jace: A Surprise Pregnancy, Mafia Romance (Belles & Bratva Beasts) by Kelly Finley
My Review
I just finished Jace, the final interconnected standalone in Kelly Finleyโs Belles & Bratva Beasts series, and it completely lived up to the hype Iโd built up in my head while reading the earlier books.
This one felt like the emotional payoff the whole series had been building toward, and I genuinely couldnโt put it down.
If you love best friends to lovers with a heavy dose of protective mafia energy, aching yearning that actually feels earned and sweet rather than convenient, this delivers in every way.
Jace has always been the approachable one in the group, the big, smiling, king sized guard at the adult store with that smoldering charm that makes you think heโs the safe, golden retriever type. But donโt mistake that twinkle in the eye, heโs at home holding a gun or holding his Queen.
The author peels back those layers so effectively here, revealing the beast underneath who will burn the world down for the woman he loves. His dynamic with Vivian is everything. Their years of close friendship, working side by side while fighting that forbidden pull because of her miserable marriage, creates this slowburn tension thatโs almost painful in the best possible way.
You feel the ache in every almost touch and stolen glance. When Jace finally learns the truth about how trapped she is, the shift into full savage protector mode is so satisfying. The โtouch her and be torturedโ trope hits hard, and the secret society of kings and queens rallying around them adds this rich found family layer that ties the entire series together beautifully.
You donโt need to read the previous books (youโll miss out if you donโt though ๐)
Vivian i absolutely adored. Sheโs strong and principled, refusing to break her vows even when sheโs living in hell, which makes her eventual decision to fight for her future with Jace feel powerful and real. I whooped and kicked my legs when they eventually realised they could be together.
Her work as a boudoir photographer brings a sensual, artistic vibe to their scenes together that fits the steamy tone perfectly.
There are darker themes here such as the evil husband, vigilante justice, and a scandalous stolen image that threatens everything, but theyโre balanced with rom com lightness, hot banter, and genuinely tender moments that made me smile through the intensity.
Overall, this is a spicy, explicit read with very steamy scenes that donโt overshadow the emotional core.
Itโs the perfect blend of sweet yearning soulmates, dark secrets, and that guaranteed HEA that left me warm and satisfied ๐
As a series finale, it gives lovely closure with cameos from previous stories, wrapping up an arc that continues through the series.
If youโve read the previous books, Jace is a must. Even as a standalone, it works beautifully for anyone who enjoys morally grey heroes who are secretly soft for their girl next door queens.
Iโm definitely going to be rereading it again and again, especially when I want that comforting mix of heat, heart, and happy ending.
Highly recommend if youโre in the mood for a romance that makes you root hard for the couple while delivering all the possessive vibe and thrills. โฅ๏ธ
Duty or desireโsome battles can only be won by risking everything.
I was Special Forcesโdisciplined, controlled, untouchable. Now Iโm an elite bodyguard, living for the next mission and nothing else. Until a routine gas stop turns into chaos, and I find myself rescuing a terrified woman from what looks like a trafficking ring.
Sheโs no ordinary victim. Sheโs the daughter of a notorious motorcycle club presidentโand the men who took her arenโt finished. They want her silenced.
Protecting her is supposed to be just another job. But one look into her haunted eyes, and every rule Iโve lived by starts to crack. Sheโs fierce, vulnerable, and stronger than she knowsโmaking me want things I shouldnโt.
As danger closes in, resisting her becomes impossible. Every glance, every touch, draws us deeper into a fire that could consume us both.
Because in my world, love isnโt safeโitโs lethal.
๐คBodyguard / Protector Romance
โฅ๏ธHero Saves the Heroine
๐คForced Proximity
โฅ๏ธTouch Her and Die
๐คAlpha Protector Hero
โฅ๏ธWoman in Danger
๐คRomantic Suspense
โฅ๏ธGrumpy / Stoic Hero
๐คDamaged Hero
โฅ๏ธTrauma Bond / Healing Together
๐คOpposites Attract
โฅ๏ธReluctant Hero
๐คHe Falls First
โฅ๏ธEmotionally Guarded Hero
๐คStrong but Vulnerable Heroine
โฅ๏ธOn the Run Together
๐คHigh-Stakes Survival
โฅ๏ธRescue Romance
๐คHidden Safehouse / Protection Detail
โฅ๏ธDanger Brings Them Together
๐คEx-Special Forces Hero
โฅ๏ธMotorcycle Club Princess
Publication Date 1/6/2026
GRIM (Shadow Security Book 1) by Kat Mizera
My Review
This was a solid, entertaining romantic suspense read that hits the right notes for fans of protective alpha heroes and high-stakes bodyguard stories.
Grim (Landon Grimshaw) is exactly the kind of hero I enjoy, former Special Forces, disciplined, emotionally closed off, and living for the mission.
When a routine stop turns into a chaotic rescue of a terrified woman from what appears to be a trafficking situation, his protective instincts kick into overdrive. The woman he saves isnโt just any civilian, sheโs the daughter of a notorious motorcycle club president, and the danger following her is very real! ๐ฆ
What I liked most was how the romance develops. The attraction isnโt purely instant lust, it builds through shared danger, quiet moments, and Grimโs growing internal battle between duty and desire.
I loved Allora, sheโs so resilient, sheโs been through hell but refuses to break, which makes her chemistry with Grim feel believable and earned. Their connection has real heat, and the intimate scenes are well written, blending physical intensity with emotional vulnerability.
The suspense plot keeps things moving. The threat from the men who want her silenced creates constant tension, and the action sequences are gripping without becoming too over the top.
As the first book in the Shadow Security series, it also does a good job introducing Grimโs team and laying groundwork for future stories, though that occasionally slows the middle section a bit.
Overall, GRIM delivers exactly what the blurb promisesโฆ. a steamy, protective romance with edge of your seat moments, a strong heroine, and a hero who risks everything once he lets someone in.
Itโs heartfelt without tipping into melodrama and left me curious about the rest of the series (Rage is next, I believe). ๐ค
If you enjoy bodyguard romances, military style protectors, and stories that mix real danger with genuine emotional connection, this one is worth picking up.
XOXO, Summer: A Single Dad, Sports, Small Town Romance by S.L. Scott
Description
Summer,
I canโt decide if my new summer tenantโa devastatingly handsome hockey player and single dadโis the answer to my problems or the start of a new one.
When big-city developers threaten to buy up my small town, I need to save the rental cottage next door from demolition. I have a plan . . . until Daniel Sutton checks in.
Six-four, a face chiseled by the gods, and a body built by a career on the ice, Iโm knocked sideways. Heโs charming with me and adorable with his son. And when we touch, itโs electric.
But two things change everything. The pipes break in the cottage, and his agent calls. Before I can stop myself, Iโm offering him a place to stay, and Daniel is offering me the answer to my problems. Heโll buy the cottage for me if I help him clean up his reputation.
Sounds simple enough. But when I start to fall in love with him, even though I know heโs leaving in a few months, itโs suddenly more complicated than ever.
Iโm willing to take a chance on us and pour my heart into a letter. But with him skating on thin ice, heโs going to have to sacrifice somethingโme or his career.
I just hope XOXO, Summer isnโt the last thing I ever get to say to him.
๐ Single Dad
๐ป Sports Romance
๐ Age Gap
๐ป Small Town
๐ He Falls First
Publication Date 5/6/2026
XOXO, Summer: A Single Dad, Sports, Small Town Romance by S.L. Scott
My Review
I just finished XOXO, Summer and I loved it, the story gave me exactly the kind of light, heartfelt escape I was craving from a summer romance. ๐
The story follows Summer, a small town woman fighting to protect her familyโs rental cottage and her community from big city developers. And when a hockey player/single dad becomes her unexpected tenant, everything shifts. ๐
Daniel is the kind of hero who ticks all the right boxes.. Tall, athletic, charming in that quiet confident way, and completely devoted to his young son. The single dad scenes are genuinely warm and never overdone. (They are probably some of my favourite moments in the book)
You feel the pull between him and Summer right away, especially once the cottage pipes burst and she offers him a place in her own homeโฆ.. What starts as a practical arrangement turns into something much deeper, with Daniel offering to buy the cottage for her in exchange for help cleaning up his public image.
The romance builds nicely with plenty of tension, sweet moments, and that chemistry the blurb promises. I particularly enjoyed the age gap dynamic and how Daniel falls first, showing his vulnerability beneath the professional/athlete exterior.
The small town setting felt like I wanted to live be there, itโs cute and charming, and with the threat of development I felt it added just enough drama to keep things moving.
The conflict around Danielโs career and the choices he has to make felt a little rushed to me, and I wanted a bit more emotional depth in how they navigated the โheโs leaving soonโ reality. (But thatโs my own personal opinion)
Still, the letters and the XOXO theme tie everything together in a pretty satisfying way.
Overall, this is a cozy, feel good sports romance with heart. If you enjoy single
parent stories, small town charm, and a hero who knows what he wants, itโs worth picking up for an afternoon read.
I was asked by the author if I could read and review their book.
The Divine Feminine Scent: Paranormal Femdom Romance by E.C. Beaumont
Description
She seduces powerful men to harvest their energy.
Selene is a high-stakes investor building life-saving infrastructure, powered by a secret. What begins as a gift becomes her Protocol, refined through psychology, ritual, technology, and obsession.
Then Ethan signs the Protocol.
Ethan is a Silicon Valley millionaire with everything to lose. He becomes her most powerful subject yet. Their connection is intoxicating, obsessive, and irreversible. But Selene’s power comes with a brutal cost. As the line between harvest and love blurs, the stakes become more dangerous for both of them.
A story of dark feminine power, psychological intensity, and the cost of loving your prey.
Inside this high-heat, literary romance:
โข Female-dominant dark power dynamics
โข A powerful woman who may be saving the world or destroying what she loves
โข Psychological conditioning and control
โข Obsession-driven relationship
โข Morally complex, unapologetic protagonist
โข Explicit, high-intensity scenes (no fade-to-black)
โข Foot worship and sensory domination
โข Supernatural elements woven into a grounded, literary narrative
What would you do to the man you love if it saved thousands?
Content note: This novel contains explicit sexual content, power exchange dynamics, psychological manipulation, and morally dark themes. Intended for adult readers (18+).
This is not a conventional romance.
There is no redemption arc.
The ending will stay with you.
Publication Date 4/6/2026
The Divine Feminine Scent: Paranormal Femdom Romance by E.C. Beaumont
My Review
The Divine Feminine Scent is a bold, intoxicating plunge into dark feminine power that refuses to apologize for its intensity, I will admit I picked up the put it down several times. But once I really got into it, I found it a fascinating read.
E.C. Beaumont has crafted something uncompromising, a paranormal femdom romance that blends psychological depth, supernatural seduction, and raw eroticism into a story that lingers long after the final page.
Selene is a compelling character, sheโs ambitious, calculating, and driven by a secret ability that lets her harvest energy from powerful men!
What could have been a simple predator/prey dynamic becomes far more layered as she begins to builds her empire.
When Ethan enters her world, their connection ignites something deeper and far more dangerous than her usual transactions. Their relationship is obsessive, charged, and beautifully unbalanced.
The author leans fully into the female dominant dynamics, delivering explicit, high intensity scenes that explore sensory domination, psychological conditioning, and foot worship without any fade to black restraint. The heat is undeniable, but itโs the emotional and moral complexity that gives the book its real power. (Now each to their own, but I donโt do feet, I find them the worst part of the body, I did tend to skim those parts, itโs not a trigger, I just donโt like feet ๐ฃ ๐)
Selene isnโt here to be redeemed or softened. Sheโs a woman wielding her divine feminine scent and supernatural gifts as both weapon and salvation, constantly forcing the questionโฆ. what would you do to the man you love if it could save thousands? Ethanโs surrender is as fascinating as it is unsettling, and watching the line between harvest and genuine love blur creates a tension that runs throughout the novel. Itโs dark, seductive, and occasionally brutal in its honesty.
This is not a comfort read or a conventional love story, itโs a psychological journey into power exchange, obsession, and consequence. Iโm not going to lie, I did keep expecting Selene to want more from Ethan, I donโt think she loves him in the traditional way ๐คจ
But if youโre looking for romantasy that embraces morally complex characters, intense femdom themes, and a protagonist who refuses to be tamed or forgiven, The Divine Feminine Scent delivers in spades.
Itโs provocative, beautifully written, and refreshingly unafraid of its own darkness. Iโll be thinking about Selene and Ethan for a while. Definitely not for everyone, but for the right reader, itโs an unforgettable experience.
Watch Over Me: A Watched in Darkness Prequel Novella by V.E. Huntley
Description
Before the stalker. Before the bodies. There was a raccoon with terrible boundaries.
Luna Foster built Sage & Summit Wildlife Sanctuary from grief, stubbornness, and her grandfather’s inheritance. Sheโs hand-raised wolves, rehabbed mountain lions, narrowly escaped a bear mauling, and pulled injured raptors back from the edge of death.
Nothing prepared her for Ricky.
He arrived at two weeks old. Motherless. Barely breathing. Small enough that Luna’s whole heart fit around him with room to spare.
Watch Over Me is the origin story of Sage & Summit’s most notorious resident, told through the chaos, laughter, found family, sleepless two AM feedings, and the kind of love that sneaks up on you while a raccoon is motorboating your best friend.
If you thought this series was only about dark obsession and dangerous menโฆ
You haven’t met Ricky yet.
The darkness is coming for Luna’s world. The stalker is coming. The bodies are coming.
But not yet.
Before the wolf came. Before the darkness gathered at the edge of the trees. There was a raccoon who decided he was home, and two women who never stood a chance.
A prequel novella that introduces the beloved characters (and one very inappropriate raccoon) from the Watched in Darkness series.
Perfect for fans who want to know how Ricky developed his legendary boob obsession and see the moment before Damien and Luna’s worlds collided. ๐ฆ
Publication Date 3/6/2026
Watch Over Me: A Watched in Darkness Prequel Novella by V.E. Huntley
My Review
Watch Over Me is an absolute delight, itโs warm, funny, and surprisingly tender. ๐ฆ
V.E. Huntley delivers a prequel novella that feels like a breath of fresh air before the storm.
Luna Foster is instantly likeable, tough, and fiercely dedicated to her wildlife sanctuary. Watching her pour everything into Sage & Summit after the loss of her beloved grandfather gives the story real emotional weight, but itโs never heavy handed.
But this book belongs to Ricky, the tiny, motherless raccoon who crashes into her life and immediately takes over. ๐ฅฐ
Ricky is chaos incarnate in the most adorable way possible. From late night bottle feedings to his complete lack of personal boundaries (that boob obsession is legendary for a reason), he steals every scene.
The way he becomes โMr Grabbyโ with Lunaโs best friend (Meren) had me laughing out loud.
Thereโs something genuinely joyful about seeing this small creature decide these two women are his people and refuse to take no for an answer. (I had tears rolling down my face at his antics) ๐
The found family vibe between Luna and Meren gave me such a warm vibe. Working long hours, their exhaustion, laughter, and shared midnight rescues had me happy sighing.
What I loved most was the balance between the light and the looming dark. You know the stalker storyline is coming. You can feel the tension hovering just beyond the trees. But this novella stays firmly in the โbefore,โ focusing on healing, stubborn hope, and the ridiculous love that comes from hand raising a wild animal who thinks heโs a lapdog. I would have loved to visit the sanctuary and all the characters.
As a prequel, it does its job beautifully, it makes you care deeply about Luna and her world before the darkness arrives.
Itโs short, sweet, and surprisingly comforting, especially if youโre an animal lover.
Ricky alone is worth the read, heโs become one of those fictional creatures I wonโt forget anytime soon. ๐ฅฐ
If youโre planning to dive into the Watched in Darkness series, start here. It gives the upcoming tension so much more impact. And even if youโre not, this novella stands on its own as a charming, heartfelt story about grief, love, and one very inappropriate raccoon who decided he was home.
Highly recommended.
Iโm officially invested in Luna, Ricky, Meren and whatever trouble is coming next. ๐
The Unwilling Bride: A Best Friend’s Brother Fake Marriage Romance (The Hamiltons : A Fake Marriage Billionaire Romance series Book 1) by L.Steele
Description
Heโs my best friendโs brother. My billionaire boss. And nowโฆ my fake husband
I walked into his restaurant needing a paycheck.
Now Iโm his fake wife.
And if Iโm not careful, I might just fall for the man I hate.
James Hamilton is grumpy. Emotionally unavailable. Impossible to reach.
Heโs also my best friendโs brother.
The man who broke my heart without even trying.
Now heโs a world-famous chef. Well known for his brilliance.
Working for him is my chance at the career of my dreams.
But when he calls me out in front of his entire staff.
I decide to leave.
But James stops me with an offer I never saw coming.
A marriage of convenience to secure the future of his culinary empire.
In return, he will pay off my debts and help my family.
I should refuse.
Instead, I say yes.
His rules are simple.
This is a contract.
There will be no feelings.
No expectations.
No future.
I agree to keep things strictly professional.
But the longer I share his home and answer to the title of his wife, the harder it is to pretend this is just business.
And when he lets me see the man behind the reputation,
I start to wonder if this fake marriage is the most real thing I have ever known…
Welcome to The Hamiltons. A new emotional romance series from international bestselling author L. Steele, where strong women go toe-to-toe with powerful billionairesโฆ and love never follows the rules. This is James and Harper’s second chance, workplace romance.
Tropes:
๐ Marriage of convenience
โฅ๏ธ Best Friendโs Brother
๐ Second Chance
โฅ๏ธ Workplace Romance
๐ Hate to love
โฅ๏ธ Boss x Employee
๐ Grumpy x Sunshine
โฅ๏ธ Neurodivergent former Marine MC
๐ Curvy FMC
โฅ๏ธ โMy wifeโ
๐ Possessive billionaire hero
โฅ๏ธ Emotionally wounded hero
๐ Found Family
โฅ๏ธ Close proximity
๐ One bed
โฅ๏ธ No cheating
๐ Very satisfying HEA
In this ebook you’ll also find
An exclusive illustration of James & Harper
The Hamiltons Family Tree
A map of Primrose Hill where the Steeleverse is set
Recipes of all the dishes James cooks for Harper
Publication Date 2/6/2026
The Unwilling Bride: A Best Friend’s Brother Fake Marriage Romance (The Hamiltons : A Fake Marriage Billionaire Romance series Book 1) by L.Steele
My Review
I picked up The Unwilling Bride expecting a fun, trope heavy escape, and it absolutely delivered on that promise.
This is classic L. Steeleโฆ. emotional, steamy, and packed with tension between two characters who are drawn to each other even when theyโre trying hard not to be.
Harper is a curvy, sunny and resilient character. But she carries her own burdens with family debts and career dreams. She starts the story needing a job, not realizing sheโs walking straight into her best friendโs brooding billionaire brother, James Hamiltonโฆ..
James is the grumpy chef whose reputation precedes him, heโs brilliant, emotionally walled off, and carrying the weight of his past as a former Marine.
Their history adds a genuine second chance layer that feels earned rather than convenient.
The marriage of convenience setup kicks in at just the right moment, giving the story momentumโฆ. What starts as a contract with strict rules (no feelings, no future) quickly gets complicated by close proximity, one bed situations, and the slow unraveling of Jamesโs guarded personality.
I especially enjoyed watching the โhate to loveโ dynamic shift, his possessive โmy wifeโ moments are satisfying without feeling over the top, and the workplace to home tension keeps the pages turning.
The neurodivergent representation for James adds depth to his emotional unavailability, making his growth feel meaningful instead of rushed.
The author handles the found family elements and Harperโs sunshine balancing his grumpiness nicely. The spice level is high (as expected from this author), but it adds to the story rather than overshadowing it.
If I had one small critique, the billionaire romance formula is very familiar, so some moments feel predictable. Still, the charactersโ chemistry and the satisfying HEA more than make up for it.
This is comfort read material for anyone who loves boss/employee, best friendโs brother, and fake marriage stories with heart.
Itโs a solid start to The Hamiltons series. I loved the pictures of the characters and the map that shows where everyone is.
Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation.
Tomorrow they must go their separate ways.
So where will they be on this one day next year?
And the year after that?
And every year that follows?
Publication Date 25/1/2024
One Day by David Nicholls
My Review
David Nicholls’ *One Day* is a deeply poignant exploration of love, friendship, and the intricate tapestry of life.
Spanning two decades, the novel centers on Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, whose relationship begins on the day of their graduation from university on July 15, 1988.
The story unfolds over one specific day each year, offering us a unique lens through which to witness the evolution of their characters and the choices they make.
The brilliance of *One Day* lies not just in its format but in the character development. Emma is smart, ambitious, and often insecure, while Dexter is charming and charismatic, but wrapped in self-indulgence. As they navigate their individual journeysโฆromantic entanglements, career changes, and personal growth, we see how their lives intersect, diverge, and sometimes collide in unexpected ways.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the stark contrast between Emma and Dexterโs paths as they both chase their dreams (and sometimes fail miserably). Their annual meetings serve as significant checkpoints that reveal not only the changes in their own lives but also the changing dynamics of their relationship. From Emma’s struggles in the pursuit of her career in writing to Dexter’s globe trotting adventures in television.
The writing is sharp and witty.
The author weaves humor into the story, balancing the heavier moments with light hearted observations about life, love, and growing up.
As the years pass, we become invested in both Emma and Dexterโs lives, hoping for their happiness, yet painfully aware of the realities of choice and timing.
The climactic moments are both heartbreaking and triumphant, as important life events unfold on the same date year after year, serving as a powerful reminder of the passage of time and the unpredictable nature of relationships.
In conclusion, *One Day* is a beautifully written exploration of love, friendship, and the nuances of human connection. The author reminds us that while life may not always go the way we plan, the moments we share with others shape who we are.
A perfect read for fans of contemporary romance.
๐ฆ
One Day by David Nicholls. Book I read on holiday.
The Demon’s Reckoning (The Faceless Chronicles Book 2) by Grant Pierce
Description
Book Two of The Faceless Chronicles. The story continues where Book One ends.
The forces of evil are triumphant.
As Aeryth burns, Kalen and his surviving companions are cast into a strange, deadly realm. Banished far from home, they find refuge with the fae and their legendary king, Elflun Lightbringer, who offers a perilous path back. They must make a bargain with Thezgoron, a greater fiend as ancient as he is cunning. Salvation may cost their souls.
Complicating their path, the ruthless reapers, the murderous shapeshifter, and new horrors trail their every step. The greater fiends Astaroth and Morgaelion plot in the shadows, threatening both the fae and one another.
To save their world, Kalen and his allies must rally the fae army and confront impossible odds.
When blood and courage arenโt enough, heroes turn to the darkness and pray the world survives the price of redemption.
Expect:
Dark epic fantasy with escalating stakes
Demon schemes and individual character agendas
Reaper assassins, a murderous shapeshifter, and new horrors
A perilous otherworld realm and a desperate bargain for redemption
War, dark magic, and brutal consequences for every choice
Publication Date 1/6/2026
The Demon’s Reckoning (The Faceless Chronicles Book 2) by Grant Pierce
My Review
The second book in this series is a great continuation that ramps up everything I enjoyed from the first book while throwing the characters into even deeper peril.
Picking up directly from the chaos at the end of Book 1, we find Kalen along with his battered companions banished to a strange, deadly otherworld! ๐ฎ
Their desperate alliance with the fae and the legendary king Elflun Lightbringer feels both wondrous and fraught with danger, and the high stakes bargain they strike with the ancient greater fiend Thezgoron is one of the most tense sequences Iโve read in a while. That deal carries real weight, the kind where you can feel the charactersโ souls hanging in the balance.
Ruthless reapers, the ever dangerous shapeshifter, shadowy plots from greater fiends like Astaroth and Morgaelion, and a host of new horrors keep the tension high throughout.
No one feels safe, and every choice comes with brutal consequences that actually matter. The story builds toward rallying the fae army and confronting overwhelming odds, blending large scale war and dark magic with intimate personal struggles, especially Kalenโs internal journey.
It stays consistently dark and gritty without crossing into pointless grimdark territory. When courage and blood arenโt enough, the turn toward darkness feels earned and carries a heavy price.
As its second book, it does leave some threads open for future installments, which would make sense. That said, thisstory delivers satisfying payoff while expanding the world in exciting ways.
The writing is immersive and effective, carrying you through the otherworldly realms and battles without getting overly flowery.
Itโs ambitious indie dark fantasy that delivers on its promises of demon schemes, fae intrigue, shapeshifter betrayal, and high cost redemption.
Iโm fully invested now and looking forward to Book 3.
If you like your epic fantasy with teeth, moral gray areas, and relentless stakes, this series is absolutely worth diving into.
๐ก๏ธ The Shapeshifter’s Gambit (The Faceless Chronicles Book 1) by Grant Pierce arc
๐ Thrown Off Balance (Python’s Hockey Book by Kristin MacQueen arc
๐ Between The Pages And The Rink by Meadow Thompson OFF MY TBR LIST
๐ The First Rule Of Faking It: A Colorado Dragons Novel by A. Rivers OFF MY TBR LIST
๐ Simply Irresistible : A Neighbors-to-lovers Romance (Lesson in Love) by Tara September arc
๐คDuchess of Debits: An Enemies to Lovers, Age Gap, Kidnapping, Slow Burn, Dixie Mafia Romance by Victoria Jayne arc
๐ Fresh Ice: An MM Hockey, Friends to Lovers Romance (Atlanta Firebirds Book 1) by Riley Bauer OFF MY TBR LIST
๐ Crown of Storms and Starlight: An Empire of Curses and Dreams Novel by Susan Person Arc
๐ค Cut Me, Alpha: A MM military Omegaverse Dystopian Romance: Omega Rebellion Book 1 by Darcy Blackwater Arc
๐ Rise Of The Immortal Queen by Paula Ellison Franklin Arc
๐ Writer’s Block by Kimberly Amato Arc
๐งโโ๏ธ Witcha Gonna Do? (The Sherwood Witches Book 1) Avery Flynn Arc
๐ค Rage: A One Night Stand MC Romance Novel (WAR BROTHERS MC Book 7 by Bianca Lee Ward Arc
๐ก๏ธ A Sense of Murder: Road Mage Volume 1 by Sam Robb arc
๐ Thrones We Steal: A Hate to Love Arranged Marriage Royal Romance. Castles We Storm: A Forced Proximity Billionaire x Royal Romance. Crowns We Save: A Marriage in Crisis Royal Romance (Thrones We Steal Book 3) by Jessica Jude arc
๐ฉธ Thirst: A Dark Vampire Mafia Romance (The Vampire Syndicate Book 6) by Rebecca Rivard arc
๐ฅ At First Spark: A Firefighter, Small Town Romance (Coral Bell Cove Book 4) by Renee Harless arc
๐ Penalty Shot (Winnipeg Avalanche Hockey Book 3) by Crea Reitan arc
๐ค The Sweetheart (Twisted Boys Book 1) by Noelle Reve arc
๐ค Unbridled Fire: A Mafia Protector Romance (Enduring Vendettas Book 3) by Kaya Sable arc
๐ Nowhere to Hide: A completely unputdownable and pulse-pounding FBI mystery thriller (Sandra Vos Book 3) by Carolyn Arnold Arc
๐ Splitting the D (Cedar Rapids Raccoons Book 7) by Lasairiona McMaster Arc
๐ค Wild Love, Cowboy: The Portree Cowboys Series Book 1 Reckless Hearts Cowboy Book 2: by Ellie Wilder arc
๐ Breakaway: An Age Gap MM Hockey Romance (Atlanta Firebirds Book 4) by Riley Bauer arc
๐บ Wild Mate: (Heartsflame Academy Book 1) by Misti Wilds arc
๐ค Pretty Ruthless. The Order. The Beginning: A Southern Gothic Dark Academia Secret Society Romance by Lexi Davis Arc
Wild Mate: (Heartsflame Academy Book 1) by Misti Wilds
Description
All I want is a pack. All they want is to see me dead.
After my pack is brutally murdered, Iโm branded a traitor because I survived. Alphas put me on a hit list as a wild wolfโtoo dangerous to live. The only safe haven is Heartsflame Academy, a school for magic folk to find their mates. The Alphas canโt touch me here.
But my asshole fated mate can. As heir to the strongest pack, heโs furious because my existence ruins his life. To make matters worse, my obsessed ex-boyfriend wonโt keep his lying mouth off me, and a charming vampire claims that heโs the answer to all my problems.
โฆuntil this yearโs Mating Games reveal secrets only the dead can keep. Iโm more powerful than anyone bargained forโand a bigger threat now than ever. I canโt control my magic any more than I can control my heart.
Alistair may be fated, but his touch burns. Revyn may love me, but our past hurts. Callum may want me, but his intentions hide.
I didnโt enroll at Heartsflame to take a mate, but Iโm left with no choice when the danger lurking in the wilds follows me to the academy. I can either take a mate… or watch them die.
Because the only way to cheat death is to complete a bondโฆ and pray we survive it.
Wild Mate is book 1 of the Heartsflame Academy series, a morally gray romance filled with angst, enemies to lovers fated mates, an older MMC second chance romance, a vampire illusion master, and a woman who does not have to choose between love interests. If you like your FMC’s carrying hidden powers to save the world, dive into Heartsflame and find your mate. ๐
Publication Date 31/5/2026
Wild Mate: (Heartsflame Academy Book 1) by Misti Wilds
My Review
I really enjoyed diving into Wild Mate.
After her entire pack is slaughtered and sheโs branded a traitor just for surviving, Sienna finds herself labeled a dangerous โwild wolfโ with alphas hunting her.
Heartsflame Academy becomes her only refuge, a magical school centered around finding mates, but even there her troubles followโฆ.. Her fated mate Alistair, heir to a powerful pack, resents her existence and wants nothing to do with how she upends his worldโฆโฆ Then throw in an obsessed ex who canโt stay awayโฆ. and a charming yet secretive vampire named Callum, and the emotional tension skyrockets.
The story blends enemies to lovers heat, second chance angst, and why choose dynamics beautifully.
The academyโs Mating Games introduce high stakes secrets and revelations that keep the pages turning, while Sienna grapples with uncontrollable magic and growing threats from the wilds outside.
What stands out is how the romance never feels forced. Alistairโs burning touch and furious attitude create that delicious push/pull, Revynโs past hurts add layers of pain and longing, and Callumโs mysterious intentions left me guessing about his true motives. ๐ค
The spice builds naturally amid the danger, and the morally gray men bring plenty of protective, possessive energy without overshadowing Siennaโs journey toward embracing her hidden powers.
Pacing moves quickly with solid action and world building around shifter and magical society, though a few early timeline details felt a touch confusing on first read.
The book definitely ends with strong cliffhanger vibes that make you want the next installment right away.
Overall, this is a strong start to the Heartsflame Academy series for anyone who loves dark paranormal academy romance packed with fated mates, angst, explicit steam, and a powerful heroine who refuses to be a victim.
It delivers on the โtouch her and dieโ vibes while exploring bonds that might be the only way to survive the looming threats.
Iโll be continuing with book 2 for sure.
If you enjoy morally gray love interests and high heat/ why choose with real emotional stakes, this oneโs worth picking up.
I had the lovely Ellie Wilder reach out to me, she asked if I could read her books in a new series. Cowboy Romance๐ค
Wild Love, Cowboy: The Portree Cowboys Series Book 1 (Rodeo Royalty meets City girl, One Bed, Forced Proximity, Sports romance, Found Family, He falls first and hard, Funny AF Book Series) by Ellie Wilder
Description
Sheโs a fiery, smart-mouthed city girl and world-class swimmer โ Small town intolerant, pepper-averse and allergic to unsolicited cowboy charm โ about as cuddly as a cactus. So when I find myself in a store aisle, holding her red lacy underwear and giving her my best Cowboy drawl… She looks about ready to set me on fire instead of saying hello. Itโs adorable. Itโs a challenge and I accept.
Because I live for the challenge. Heck, the Rodeo world calls me the main event. The town calls me trouble, but they donโt know my big โol smile, hides a past that’s got me rooted to this land. Mia might be here by mistake and canโt seem to leave my town soon enough. Too bad fate keeps shoving us into the kind of situations that make it real hard to keep a straight faceโฆor keep my hands to myself.
She swears this is temporary. Says sheโs leaving.
But Iโm a man of action.
I keep showing her exactly why she should stay.
Publication Date 24/7/2025
Wild Love, Cowboy: The Portree Cowboys Series Book 1 (Rodeo Royalty meets City girl, One Bed, Forced Proximity, Sports romance, Found Family, He falls first and hard, Funny AF Book Series) by Ellie Wilder
My Review
I went into this one expecting a light, trope packed cowboy romance, and it absolutely delivered exactly what it promised, with a big grin and a whole lot of spark. ๐
Mia is a delightful storm of a heroine, a world class swimmer whoโs sharp tongued, zero tolerance for small town nonsense, and hilariously prickly about everything from unsolicited cowboy charm to peppers. Sheโs not โcuddly,โ and thatโs precisely what makes her so refreshing. Watching her clash with the charming rodeo hero had me laughing out loud more than once.
Grant (Iโm still smiling thinking about him) is pure main event energy. Heโs the guy who lives for the challenge, flashes that troublemaker smile while hiding some heavier baggage, and falls first, and hard. His pursuit of Mia was just funny to read, equal parts golden retriever sweetness and filthy minded determination.
The banter between them is top tier, itโs quick, teasing, and genuinely funny without trying too hard.
The forced proximity and one bed situations are handled with perfect spot on timing, and the small town/found family vibe adds warmth without slowing down the romance.
Thereโs solid sports romance flavor woven in through Miaโs swimming background and his rodeo world, giving both characters real drive and stakes beyond just โwill they or wonโt they.โ
The spice hits all the right notes, but what I loved most was how heartfelt it gets underneath the laughs. The heroโs rooted past and Miaโs gradual shift from โIโm leaving yesterdayโ to โmaybe this town isnโt so badโ felt earned. Itโs steamy, sweet, and surprisingly tender in places.๐
So, if youโre in the mood for a fast paced, laugh out loud romance with a city girl/cowboy clash, strong banter, and a hero who knows how to show (not just tell) why she should stay, this is a winner.
Itโs the fun, escapist kind of read that left me grinning and ready for the next book in the series.
Highly recommend if you love funny, spicy, feel good romance with heart. ๐ค
๐ฆ
Reckless Hearts Cowboy Book 2: The Portree Cowboys Series (Spicy Small Town Cowboy Firefighter – City girl, Second Chance, One Bed, Forced Proximity Found Family, He falls first, Funny AF Book series) by Ellie Wilder
Description
Sheโs the wildfire he never saw coming. Heโs the calm that makes her burn hotter.
Brรจ Easton talks fast, edits faster, and gives advice entirely through sexual innuendos. Sheโs a sharp-dressed, sass-dripping, all-woman hurricane with a filthy mind and zero time for feelings. Love? Please. Sheโd rather commit to skincare.
But fate? That cruel, drama-thirsty diva? Throws her straight into the armsโand the fire-hardened chestโof the one cowboy she was never supposed to want again.
Mason West. Quiet. Brooding. Cowboy firefighter with eyes like bottled lightning and a body built to ruin plans. He doesnโt remember the masked woman who kissed him breathless at a PR ball years ago.
But when Brรจ crashes back into his lifeโred hair, wicked mouth, and allโshe tastes familiar.
Now sheโs the maid of honor to his best friendโs bride. Heโs the best man. And theyโre stuck in close quarters, far too often, with far too much chemistry.
Sheโs chaos in heels. Heโs the protector who doesnโt flinch from heat. And neither of them do anything half-way.
One kiss lit the match. This time, theyโre playing with fire.
Publication Date 30/4/2026
Reckless Hearts Cowboy Book 2: The Portree Cowboys Series (Spicy Small Town Cowboy Firefighter – City girl, Second Chance, One Bed, Forced Proximity Found Family, He falls first, Funny AF Book series) by Ellie Wilder
My Review
I finished this one with a big smile and maybe a few blushes (reminder, never read in public if you donโt know what you are getting into )๐
Ellie Wilder really turned up the heat in book two, giving us a spicier, more emotionally layered follow up that still keeps the humor and heart that made the first book so addictive. (You donโt need to read book one to love this one.)
Brรจ Easton is Miaโs (book one) best friend and absolute force of nature. Sheโs this sharp, fast talking, red headed city girl who weaponizes sexual innuendos, edits like a whirlwind, and treats actual feelings like theyโre optional accessories. Sheโs confident, chaotic in the best way, and completely committed to never slowing down for love. I loved how unapologetic she is. Watching her carefully constructed walls get systematically dismantled was pure entertainment.
Then thereโs Mason West, the quiet, brooding cowboy firefighter who looks like he was built to carry people out of burning buildings and ruin romantic plans in the best possible way. (You know the type of book boyfriend ๐)
The second chance element, rooted in that one unforgettable masked kiss from years ago, adds a delicious layer of tension. I couldnโt wait for Mason to remember Brรจ ๐
He doesnโt remember her at first, but the chemistry hits like muscle memory. As best man and maid of honor, theyโre thrown together constantly, and the forced proximity (including some excellent one bed moments) keeps the sparks flying nonstop.
What really works is how well their personalities clash and complement each other. Brรจโs hurricane energy meets Masonโs calm, protective steadiness, and the result is fantastic banter, scorching tension.
He falls first and hard in that quiet, intense way that makes you swoon, while she fights it every step until she canโt anymore.
The characters from Portree returns with warmth and laughs, making the whole world feel lived in and welcoming, (in fact Iโm packing a bag and moving out there ๐)
Itโs still a fast and fun read with plenty of humor to balance the heat. Thereโs emotional moments underneath the sass, especially around trust, vulnerability, and letting someone in after past hurts.
If you loved the first book, this one feels like coming home, the same addictive vibe but with higher stakes and even more spice. ๐ฅต
This is a winner for anyone who enjoys second chance romance, firefighter cowboys, sassy heroines who give as good as they get, and stories that are equal parts funny and fiery.
Iโm completely hooked on this series now and canโt wait to see what Ellie Wilder does next.
Highly recommended.
Just keep a fan nearby, youโre going to need it. ๐ค ๐ฅ
Pretty Ruthless. The Order. The Beginning: A Southern Gothic Dark Academia Secret Society Romance by Lexi Davis
Description
At Ashford University, power doesnโt belong to the professors.
It belongs to the students.
The ones with the right names.
The right connections.
The ones who decide what happens behind closed doors.
Becky Dawson doesnโt belong there.
Sheโs not rich. Not connected. Not invited.
But she knows somethingโs not right.
And every answer leads back to one man.
Carrson Ashford.
Cold. Controlled. Untouchable.
They say heโs dangerous. They donโt know the half of it.
Now Beckyโs on the hunt.
Studying him, following him, learning patterns he thinks no one sees.
Because Carrson isnโt just a man.
Heโs a door.
The heir to a world built on power, ambition, and survival.
But Becky isnโt the only predator here.
Carrson notices. Pushes to see if sheโll break.
When he presses a blade to her throat, she doesnโt run.
When he tells her to stay away, she steps closer.
When he tells her to run,
she waits to see if heโll chase.
Thatโs a problem.
Because Becky Dawson?
She was never supposed to be part of his world.
But now that she is,
Carrson canโt decide
whether to destroy herโฆ
or make sure she never leaves.
Before Pretty Vicious… there was Pretty Ruthless.
Set in 1994, this dark academia secret society romance is where is all begins, where power is everything, obsession is inevitable, and love is the most dangerous game of all.
Publication Date 28/5/2026
Pretty Ruthless. The Order. The Beginning: A Southern Gothic Dark Academia Secret Society Romance by Lexi Davis
My Review
I just finished Pretty Ruthless, the prequel to Pretty Vicious in The Order series, and it left me properly unsettled in the best way.
Set in 1994 at Ashford University, this Southern Gothic dark academia romance drips with atmosphere from the very first pages.
Old money, hidden power structures, humid Southern nights, and secrets that feel like theyโve been rotting under the surface for generations. Itโs the kind of book that makes you want to look over your shoulder while reading.
Becky is the outsider who refuses to stay in her lane. Sheโs not from the right family, doesnโt have the connections, and definitely wasnโt invited into the elite circles that actually run the university. But something feels deeply wrong on campus, and every thread she pulls leads straight to Carrson Ashfordโฆโฆ Heโs the untouchable heir, cold, calculating, and radiating danger. The kind of man who was raised to rule rather than live!
What begins as Becky studying and following him turns into a charged, obsessive game where the power dynamic keeps shifting. Sheโs not some fragile girl who stumbles into his world. She steps into it with her eyes open, even when he presses a blade to her throat and tells her to run!
The cat and mouse tension is relentless. Carrson expects fear and obedience. Instead he gets someone who leans into the darkness with him. Their chemistry is sharp, twisted, and surprisingly emotional once you see the weight Carrson carries from his upbringing. The book doesnโt romanticize the brutality that shaped him, but it makes his unraveling around Becky feel earned and dangerously intimate.
I loved how grounded in the 90s setting it felt, no cell phones, no social media, just raw pursuit and whispered threats in old buildings. The Southern Gothic tone is thick and immersive, and the secret society elements simmer underneath everything, building that constant sense of something larger and more sinister watching.
There were a couple spots where the internal thoughts slowed things down a touch, but it never killed the momentum for me.
Overall this is a strong, moody start to the world of The Order. It stands well on its own while making me even more curious about the rest of the series.
If you enjoy dark academia with morally black heroes, obsessive heroines who refuse to flinch, and romances where love feels like the most dangerous risk of all, Pretty Ruthless delivers.
Itโs intense, atmospheric, and exactly the kind of ruthless romance the title promises.
Iโm hooked.
๐ฆ
Want a sneak peekโฆโฆ..
Chapter One
Becky
I came to Ashford University for one reason.
Carrson Ashford.
It takes me three months to finally see him, and, by then, I already know too much.
This place is deceiving. Century-old brick buildings sit in neat rows, as if nothing bad ever happens here. Spanish moss drips from the trees, sways lazily in the thick, humid air. Church bells clang in the distance, their sound drifting across the quad like a warning no one hears.
Strangers are so friendly that I startle when they approach.
In New York, where Iโm from, nobody talks to anybody. Here, they wonโt shut up. People stop me in the grocery store, in the mall, on the street, the moment they hear my Yankee accent. My words are clipped. Hard vowels, sharp as a picket fence. Theirs stretch and curl, long S sounds like snakes moving through honey.
They want to know where Iโm from. Why I picked a university so far from home.
I give them the same answer every time. Strong academics. A top-ranked psychology department. Access to new technology, the Internet. Email. I tell them you can send messages through a computer now, no paper, no pen, and they nod like that explains everything. As if itโs enough to justify a decision this big.
It isnโt.
Carrsonโs like this town, polished on the surface, something else underneath.
From across the quad, he looks like he stepped off a screen. Square jaw. Thick-lashed eyes. Dark hair cut clean and neat. A pale blue Oxford button-down so perfectly preppy I almost laugh.
Heat creeps up my neck as I shove the sleeves of my flannel shirt higher. I lift the newspaper, hiding behind it, which is dumb. He hasnโt even glanced my way. The headline catches my eye again. Itโs an old article, from when his dad was still alive. Senator Ashford. A vote against funding pediatric medical research.
There are more articles like it in my backpack. Newspaper clippings. Notes Iโve jotted down, on him, his family, this place. The kind of documents no one reads unless theyโre searching for something specific.
At first, it was nothing. Random names. Random outcomes.
Then patterns started to form.
A judge in Virginia resigned overnight. A hospital director vanished two weeks later. A congressman from Georgia died of a โheart attackโ three days before a corruption hearing. Different states, different stories, but the same last names kept repeating.
Men. Alumni of this university.
One mentioned more than the rest.
Ashford.
Not just Carrson. His father. His grandfather. All the way back.
That name was tied through everything, holding it together.
I shove the paper into my backpack, tugging on the turtle charm that hangs from the zipper, a gift from my sister, while I keep my eyes trained on the last remaining Ashford. Those grainy photographs didnโt do him justice, and Iโm not the only one who notices. Conversations dip as he passes, as if someone turned the volume down on the entire campus. Heads turn. Not only the girls. Everyone.
And him?
He doesnโt acknowledge any of it.
He stares straight ahead, moving without hesitation. Doesnโt stroll or swagger. He marches along a path only he sees. Shoulders square. Posture perfect. His stride so exact I swear if I laid a tape measure across the ground, each step would land the same distance apart.
Uptight prick.
I trail him across the quad in my ripped jeans and heavy Doc Martens, the foam headphones of my Walkman resting around my neck. Girls in pastel sweaters and pearl necklaces step back when I pass, their penny loafers scuffing against the pavement like theyโre afraid Iโll ruin something delicate.
The students here all look like they stepped out of a Ralph Lauren catalog.
I look like Iโve come to rob one.
Itโs the mid-1990s. Thanks to Pearl Jam, grunge is everywhere. Except, apparently, at Ashford University.
Carrson disappears into the biology building.
I follow.
The three-story structure is older than the rest of campus, all dark stone and tall windows filmed with decades of dust. Ivy strangles the walls, trying to drag the building back into the earth. Words carved above the doorway catch my eye, the letters worn smooth with age. I squint to read them.
Aptissimus superstes.
Latin. I mouth it silently, pulling the meaning up from memory.
Aptissimus. Best. Or fittest. Superstes. Survives.
Only the fittest survive.
Darwin? Or something else?
The words feel less like a motto and more like a warning. Unease stirs low in my stomach as I stare up at the carved stone, but I force myself forward. Iโm not here to admire architecture.
Iโm here to hunt.
And my prey just walked inside.
The doors groan in protest when I push them open. I stop in the entryway, where the air is cool and stale, thick with the smell of paper and ink. Of wood and damp stone.
The silence here isnโt empty.
It hums, low and watchful.
My boots echo against the old tile floor as I scan ahead, searching for the pale blue of his shirt, but thereโs nothing. I move quickly, checking every corridor, every classroom. Rows of lab tables stretch under flickering lights. Shelves hold glass jars full of pale shapes in murky liquid, warped beyond recognition. Portraits of long-dead professors line the walls, their eyes following me wherever I go.
Empty rooms. Empty hallways. Heโs not here.
Carrson Ashford is gone, vanished like smoke, like a dream turning to nightmare the moment you wake.
I stop and sweep the space one more time, irritation burning hot in my gut. I was right behind him. Thereโs no way he could have disappeared that quickly. Unless he knows more than I do.
Thatโs fine. His disappearance only confirms it. Iโm getting closer to the truth, to him.
Because Carrson Ashford isnโt just a man.
Heโs a door.
Somewhere behind him are the people who decide who livesโฆand who doesnโt.
Splitting the D (Cedar Rapids Raccoons Book 7) by Lasairiona McMaster
Description
Heโs the fire I was never meant to touch.
Iโm the ice prince who canโt seem to stay frozen.
Artemis:
Graduate. Dominate. No distractionsโespecially cocky sophomores like Xavier Martinez. Every stolen kiss in the shadows, every brush of his hand, sends cracks splintering through the walls I swore would never break.
He sees the mess underneath the ice prince. And now the sight of him across the rink feels less like rivalry and more like self-destructive obsession.
Heโs bad decisions in gray sweatpants, sin-slick confidence, the rival teamโs golden boy.
My antithesis. My counterpoint. My favorite chaos gremlin.
One slip, and I hand my father the proof he’s always wantedโthat I was never enough to bear the de la Peรฑa name. I canโt afford to want him, but heโs determined to prove that imperfection tastes better than any win.
Xavier: Iโve spent my life chasing lightโnow Iโm falling for the man who makes the dark feel like home. Artemis makes me feel chosen, but at the rink, I’m still just the enemy.
When it all comes crashing down, I wonโt walk away. Iโll stand there, bare and unguarded, and dare him to love me anyway. Artemis has to chooseโbetween his fear of failure and the reckless, messy love that might finally set us both free.
You canโt be the ice prince when your lover is the fire.
Publication Date 21/5/2026
Splitting the D (Cedar Rapids Raccoons Book 7) by Lasairiona McMaster
My Review
This book is for anyone who loves a tense, fiery MM rivals to lovers hockey romance.
Artemis de la Peรฑa is the textbook ice prince, controlled, perfectionistic, and carrying the crushing weight of his family name on his shoulders.
Xavier Martinez is the chaotic golden boy from the rival team who keeps sliding past every one of Artemisโs carefully built defenses with cocky smiles, stolen kisses, and way too much confidence in gray sweatpants. ๐
I loved how the fire and ice dynamic wasnโt just surface level. Their attraction feels genuinely dangerous for Artemis, who knows one slip could give his father exactly the ammunition heโs always looked for to prove his son isnโt good enough. That internal battle between wanting Xavier and fearing what it could cost him is written so raw and believable that it hurts in the best way.
Xavier, on the other hand, brings this beautiful mix of playful persistence and deep longing, he just wants to be chosen by the one person who makes him feel seen.
The hockey rivalry adds tension. Every time they face off on the ice, the chemistry crackles even harder because theyโre supposed to be enemies.
The scenes are well written and immersive without getting overly technical. (I could almost see the game being played on the ice.)
The steam is there (and itโs delicious), but the tender, quiet moments where the walls come down are what make this couple stick with you.
I liked that Artemis has to confront his obsession with perfection and his terror of failure, while Xavier shows real strength in standing steady when things get messy.
If I had any small criticism, itโs that the push/pull angst drags just a touch in the middle, but itโs the kind of delicious agony that makes the payoff feel earned. By the end I was fully invested in their happy ending.
Splitting the D is spicy, heartfelt, and emotionally satisfying.
If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine with teeth, forbidden rival vibes, and characters who have to fight their own heads as hard as they fight on the ice, this one delivers.
Nowhere to Hide: A completely unputdownable and pulse-pounding FBI mystery thriller (Sandra Vos Book 3) by Carolyn Arnold
Description
He paced while keeping his eye on his hostages. They watched him back with their gazes fixed on each step he took. Locking eyes with the father in a home so luxurious, so unlike his own, he knew this was his only chance for justice after all these years. Heโd stop at nothing to get it.
When a lone gunman takes an entire family hostage in a wealthy suburb, there is only one FBI negotiator heโll engage with. Special Agent Sandra Vos hit the headlines for bringing a crisis incident at Founders Hospital to a close, but thereโs no time to rest with a familyโs life in her hands.
Arriving on the scene, Sandra discovers that Edward Hanson and his family are the hostages. Edward is the son of the late Timothy Hanson who left his entire fortune to his son. While it seems this may be all about money, the hostage taker makes a demand that is far more personal. Reopen an investigation into a fatal car accident from thirty-three years ago or he shoots the entire family. But how does this connect to the Hansons?
Sandra calls in her boyfriend, Detective Eric Birch, at the Metropolitan Police Department, and asks him to dig into the case. Eric works to untangle a web of lies which leads him straight to the heart of the police force. But can any of this help Sandra talk the hostage taker down and save the family? And how much will Eric need to sacrifice in the pursuit of the truth?
Publication Date 20/5/2026
Nowhere to Hide: A completely unputdownable and pulse-pounding FBI mystery thriller (Sandra Vos Book 3) by Carolyn Arnold
My Review
I just closed the final page of Nowhere to Hide, and Iโm still feeling that satisfying mix of adrenaline and relief that only a really well executed thriller can deliver.
This third installment in the Sandra Vos series is every bit as gripping as the blurb promises completely unputdownable and genuinely pulse pounding.
The story opens with a lone gunman holding a wealthy family hostage in their luxurious suburban home. Heโs calm, determined, and laser focused on one FBI negotiatorโฆ. Special Agent Sandra Vos.
What first appears to be a straightforward (if terrifying) hostage situation quickly reveals itself as something much more personal and layered.
The gunmanโs demand isnโt simply money, itโs justice! He wants a thirty three year old fatal car accident investigation reopened, or the entire Hanson family pays the ultimate price!
The connection between this cold case and the wealthy victims isnโt obvious, and that slow burn mystery kept me hooked as the clock ticked! ๐ฎ
I really enjoyed how the author balances the high tension real time negotiation with a parallel investigative thread.
While Sandra works to build rapport and talk the gunman down, her boyfriend, Detective Eric Birch, digs into the old case. What he uncovers pulls back the curtain on lies, corruption, and secrets that reach deep inside the police force itself.
The dual perspectives create excellent momentum and raise the personal stakes for Sandra and Eric as a couple.
Sandra is a strong character, empathetic yet professional, skilled under pressure, and human enough to feel the weight of every decision. The supporting cast, including her family, adds warmth and depth without slowing the pace. The gunman himself is portrayed with believable intensity, you understand his pain and twisted sense of justice even while hoping Sandra can stop him from crossing the final line.
There are some genuine twists along the way, and the moral gray areas give the story extra weight.
If youโve read the earlier books, youโll appreciate the character continuity. If you havenโt, (like me) this one works well as a standalone entry too, the necessary background is woven in naturally. (It didnโt feel like I was missing out on anything)
Overall, Nowhere to Hide is a strong, satisfying thriller that blends intense tactical negotiation, cold case investigation, and personal drama.
Fans of strong female FBI protagonists and procedurals with heart will find a lot to love here.
Iโm already eager to see what Sandra faces in the next book.
Highly recommended for a tense dramatic read. ๐๐ป
Unbridled Fire: A Mafia Protector Romance (Enduring Vendettas Book 3) by Kaya Sable
Description
Iโve always wanted her.
She belonged to someone else.
Now her past is coming for us both.
Leo
Being an FBI agent who informs for the mafia has taught me the line between good and evil is blurry.
I help Michael Caruso because he has honorโand because sometimes justice requires bending the rules.
Iโve pledged my loyalty to him, despite the fact that he once claimed the woman who haunts my dreams.
Now our enemies are closing in on her, and Iโll burn the world down before I let them touch her.
Even if protecting her means risking everythingโincluding my badge.
Katia
Michael Caruso gave me a purpose when tragedy nearly destroyed me. We found comfort in each other, but I always knew Bianca owned his heart.
I gave up on dreams of happy ever afterโuntil Leo gazed at me with those piercing blue eyes; threatening to unravel every wall Iโve built around my heart.
He thinks I chose Michael, but comfort was never love.
Now danger is closing in, my life is falling apart, and the only man who can save me is the one determined to keep his distance.
Even though every part of me longs for him to pull me close and prove that some dreams are still worth believing in.
If you enjoy sizzling mafia romance with a stoic FBI agent, a brilliant heroine, and a love worth risking everything for, dive into Katia and Leoโs story today.
Publication Date 21/5/2026
Unbridled Fire: A Mafia Protector Romance (Enduring Vendettas Book 3) by Kaya Sable
My Review
Unbridled Fire by Kaya Sable delivers exactly the kind of intense, emotionally layered mafia romance its description promises, and I found myself fully pulled into Leo and Katiaโs story. ๐
What stands out most for me was the slowburn tension between the leads.
Leo is the classic protector with a badge, an FBI agent walking a dangerous tightrope by feeding information to the mafia while clinging to his own code. His long held feelings for Katia, who was once tied to Michael Caruso, add real depth and conflict. The โshe belonged to someone elseโ trope isnโt just window dressing here, it shapes every hesitant glance and protective instinct. I loved how the author lets that history breathe without rushing the romance. The yearning feels authentic, especially as danger forces them closer.
Katia is a strong, resilient heroine who has already survived tragedy and settled for emotional safety rather than passion. Her internal journey from guarded comfort to risking her heart again is compelling. Sheโs intelligent and capable, never a damsel waiting to be saved, which makes Leoโs determination to protect her feel like a true partnership rather than overbearing alpha posturing. Their chemistry builds beautifully from lingering looks and restrained touches to the kind of sizzling connection the โspicy mafia romanceโ label suggests. The heat is confident and fits the characters rather than feeling inserted for the sake of it.
The plot balances the romance with genuine stakes. The mafia world, vendettas, and Leoโs dual loyalties create constant pressure that keeps the pages turning. Itโs not just background noise, the threats feel personal and escalate in a way that forces both characters to confront what theyโre willing to lose.
I loved how this book ties in with the Enduring Vendettas series, while standing solidly on its own.
If I had one small critique, itโs that the โkeeping his distanceโ phase goes on just long enough that I occasionally wanted to shake Leo, but that restraint also makes the eventual payoff more satisfying.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, steamy read with strong protector vibes, moral gray areas, and a love story that feels earned.
If you enjoy mafia romances where the emotional walls come down as hard as the action ramps up, Unbridled Fire is worth diving into.
The Sweetheart (Twisted Boys Book 1) by Noelle Reve
Description
Kai is tired of living his whole life in survival mode. Heโs spent the last eight years on and off the streets of Toronto, and he has the scars to prove it. Kai and his brothers have only made it through by sticking together and doing what they need to survive.
Nolan Laurent was supposed to be a markโa means to an end. But when Kai turns around to find Nolan right there in his personal space, he has a hard time remembering that Nolan isnโt his to keep.
The problem is, Nolan is everything Kai has ever wanted.
Will Nolan still want him when he finds out all of the things Kaiโs done in his past?
**This book is an M/M romance featuring a Daddy/boy relationship with mature content. Suitable for ages 18+.
A list of trigger warnings is available on the author’s website.**
Publication Date 22/5/2026
The Sweetheart (Twisted Boys Book 1) by Noelle Reve
My Review
The Sweetheart by Noelle Reve is a deeply emotional M/M Daddy/boy romance that genuinely moved me.
Kai has spent years surviving on and off the streets of Toronto with his chosen brothers, doing whatever it takes to stay together.
When Nolan Laurent enters his life as an intended mark for one of their schemes, everything changes.
What starts as a transaction quickly becomes something Kai never expected: real connection, safety, and the kind of care heโs never known.
Kaiโs backstory is raw and unflinching. The book doesnโt shy away from the scars of homelessness, survival sex work, trauma, and the constant fight just to eat and protect his family.
Watching him slowly lower his walls with Nolan and begin to believe he deserves softness and stability was heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time.
I loved that Kai isnโt stuck in endless self sabotage. Once he feels genuine safety, he leans into healing.
Nolan is everything you want in a Daddy character, patient, steady, protective, and willing to prove himself through consistent actions rather than just words.
Their dynamic has a strong age gap, hurt/comfort, caregiving, and spicy Daddy/boy elements that feel natural to the story rather than tacked on.
The tenderness between them balances the heavier themes beautifully, and the chemistry is intense from their very first real interaction.
The found family aspect with Kaiโs brothers added warmth, humor, and depth, especially with Liam, who already has me excited for future books in the Twisted Boys series. ๐
The writing flows well, and the Toronto setting made me long to visit.
A few small things kept it from a full five stars for me. The large cast takes a little while to settle into, and the third act conflict felt a touch abrupt and convenient.
I also would have loved a deeper conversation during the resolution to fully unpack some of the trust issues.
Still, these are my opinions in what is otherwise a very satisfying read.
If you enjoy emotional hurt/comfort romances with scarred but resilient boys, caring Daddies, chosen family, and real healing through love, The Sweetheart delivers.
Itโs spicy, tender, and left me rooting hard for Kaiโs happy ending.
Iโll definitely be continuing with the series.
Highly recommended for fans of this trope done with heart and maturity. ๐
(Content noteโฆ This book includes past homelessness, survival trauma, and explicit kink content.
Penalty Shot (Winnipeg Avalanche Hockey Book 3) by Crea Reitan
Description
You miss all the shots you donโt take.
Denny
My world turns upside down when Iโm thrust into single parenthood to my day-old son. Coming from a home where hatred and resentment thrived, Iโm terrified of messing up my kid. Just when Iโm at my lowest point, on the brink of drowning, a stranger shows up at my door and somehow, he makes it a little easier to breathe even as he makes the guilt in my chest a little louder.
Tyler
My world turns inside out with the loss of my sister – my best friend. Iโm hours too late to say goodbye and by the time I get to the hospital, her newborn has already left with her fiance. Tracking them down isnโt as difficult as not falling for him. Everyday this man makes me fall a little harder as I search for the answers my sister took with her to an early grave.
***
This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Publication Date 14/5/2026
Penalty Shot (Winnipeg Avalanche Hockey Book 3) by Crea Reitan
My Review
Penalty Shot by Crea Reitan is one of those books that quietly sneaks up on you with its emotions and warmth.
Itโs the third installment in the Winnipeg Avalanche Hockey series, and it delivers a tender, grief laden MM romance centered on two men learning to navigate sudden single parenthood, loss, and the slow bloom of unexpected love.
The story opens with Dennyโs world shattering when he becomes a single father to his newborn son under heartbreaking circumstances. (Sally and Denny arenโt a couple, but Denny was stepping up for his little family.) Haunted by his own toxic upbringing filled with resentment and hatred, heโs terrified heโll ruin his child. Just as heโs drowning in panic and exhaustion, Tyler appears at his door, the brother of Dennyโs late fiancรฉe. Tyler arrives reeling from his own devastating loss, hours too late to say goodbye to his sister, only to find his nephew already gone with the man she was going to marry. What follows is a beautiful, aching slowburn as these two strangers are thrown together by necessity and shared grief.
I loved both of these characters. Dennyโs journey from overwhelmed and self doubting to confident, loving dad had me feeling like a proud mother watching her son navigate fatherhoodโฆ.. You watch him grow through the little victories and quiet moments with the baby, all while carrying heavy guilt. Tyler is patient, steady, and incredibly supportive, even as he grapples with his sisterโs secrets and his growing feelings for Denny.
Their relationship develops through late night feedings, shared responsibilities, and the hockey teamโs wonderful found family support system. The teammates from previous books step up in meaningful ways that made me smile. I loved both this โCreaverseโ everyone still visitโs ๐
The book balances heavy themes of grief, family trauma, and sudden parenthood, with sweetness, domestic warmth, and solid steam. The emotional intimacy often hits harder than the physical scenes, though those are nicely done too. There are touching moments where Tyler tries to keep his sisterโs memory alive for the baby, and I loved that.
If you enjoy hurt/comfort stories, single dad tropes, hockey romances, and characters who choose to build something better than what they came from, this one delivers.
Itโs comforting in its messiness and left me with that warm, satisfied feeling long after finishing.
A heartfelt, emotional, and very much worth picking up, highly recommended as usual from one of my favourite authors.
Breakaway: An Age Gap MM Hockey Romance (Atlanta Firebirds Book 4) by Riley Bauer
Description
Closeted athletes on opposing teams. A two-year secret relationship torn apart by an expansion draft. A Swiss left wing dissolving in Atlanta and the Minnesota veteran center in Miami who’s about to break every rule he’s ever made to reach him.
When Luca Berger joined the Miami Tempest, he ended up in Wesley Mercer’s penthouse for what was supposed to be a few weeks. He stayed for two years. They kept it from the team, from the league, from everyone. Because Wes asked. And because being chosen quietly was the first time being chosen had ever felt like enough. Then the expansion draft sent Luca to Atlanta. The relationship survived the initial trade. It might not survive what comes next.
Luca is loud, Swiss, and managing his life the way he’s always managed it: by being the first one talking and the last one to leave the rink. The version of him that existed in Miami has been getting quieter for months.
Wesley is Minnesotan, watchful, and has been closeted his entire NHL career. He keeps the wall up because he’s seen what it costs others. Now, the man he loves is dissolving hundreds of miles away.
Texts become missed calls.
Missed calls become silence.
An MM hockey romance about a two-year secret, a long-distance silence, and walls that have to come down before either of them can be loved out loud.
Tropes:
๐ MM Hockey Romance
โฅ๏ธ Secret Relationship
๐ Closeted Athletes
โฅ๏ธ Hurt/Comfort
๐ Age Gap
โฅ๏ธ Long Distance Relationship
๐ Mental Health Rep
โฅ๏ธ Forbidden Romance
๐ Found Family
POV: Dual, First Person, Present Tense Heat Level: Explicit (Open Door) Tone: Emotional, Hurt/Comfort Series Type: Interconnected Standalones, Book 4 of 5 (best read after Tape to Tape) Ending: HEA (hard-won) Content Notes: On-page depression and recovery, on-page therapy
Publication Date 21/5/2026
Breakaway: An Age Gap MM Hockey Romance (Atlanta Firebirds Book 4) by Riley Bauer
My Review
Breakaway is a deeply emotional MM hockey romance that will stay with him for quite some time.
As the fourth book in the Atlanta Firebirds series, it follows closeted players Luca Berger and Wesley Mercer, whose two year secret relationship is thrown into chaos when a draft brings Luca from Miami to Atlanta.
What starts as a story about long distance strain evolves into something more rawโฆ. an exploration of depression, the weight of staying hidden, and the courage it takes to finally choose yourself and the person you love out loud. (I cried buckets in this book.)
I really liked Luca. Heโs been in all the books so far, and now itโs his turn. Heโs the loud, charismatic left wing player who keeps everyone entertained and stays late at the rink, but beneath that mask heโs quietly unraveling in his new city. ๐ข
Wesley, the watchful veteran center, carries his own burdens after years in the closet. His cautious nature makes perfect sense given what heโs seen in the league, but watching him slowly break every rule heโs lived by for Luca feels earned and powerful.
The flashbacks to their hidden life together in Wesleyโs penthouse add real warmth and intimacy, making the present day silence and missed calls hit even harder. (I kept shoutingโฆ pick up the phone!)
Itโs not a light or fluffy read, this one leans heavily into the angst, the loneliness, and the slow process of tearing down walls.
If youโre looking for constant banter or high heat scenes, this might not be it, but the emotional payoff and character growth are worth it. The supporting cast and team dynamics from the series continue to shine, giving that found family comfort even amid the heavier themes. (Thank goodness the group chat added a little levity.)
Overall, Iโd call this one of the stronger books in the series for anyone who appreciates thoughtful sports romance with mental health depth.
Itโs tender, painful in the best way, and leaves you rooting hard for these two to make it.
If you enjoyed the earlier Firebirds books but wanted more emotional weight, Breakaway delivers.
At First Spark: A Firefighter, Small Town Romance (Coral Bell Cove Book 4) by Renee Harless
Description
Lark Carrington came to Coral Bell Cove for a fresh start. A fading inn, a quiet life, and a chance to rebuild something steady after everything sheโs lost. She didnโt expect her first real connection to come in the middle of chaos.
Holt Wright is used to being underestimatedโlong before he ever put on a uniform. The easygoing one. The goofball. The brother no one expected much from. Until he became a firefighter. Now, when the alarm sounds, heโs the one people trust when it matters most.
The one who shows up.
The one who stays.
Even for her.
What begins as a single momentโsmoke, heat, and the steady presence of the man who pulled her back from the edgeโturns into something neither of them can ignore. Long days restoring the Carrington Inn. Late nights that feel a little too honest. A connection that builds slowlyโฆ and burns deeper than either of them expected.
Because Lark doesnโt trust easily. And Holt is still learning what it means to be the man people finally believe in.
And when the past Lark tried to outrun starts to catch up with herโฆ theyโll have to decide if this is just a sparkโor something worth risking everything for.
At First Spark is a tender, slow-burn small-town romance about healing, showing up, and discovering that sometimes the person who saves youโฆ is the one you choose to stay for.
This is what you’ll expect in At First Spark:
๐ฅSmall Town
๐ฅFirefighter
๐ฅ Forced Proximity
๐ฅ Grumpy/Sunshine
๐ฅ He Falls First
๐ฅ Slow Burn
๐ฅ Found Family
Publication Date 20/5/2026
At First Spark: A Firefighter, Small Town Romance (Coral Bell Cove Book 4) by Renee Harless
My Review
I went into At First Spark wanting cozy small town vibes with a firefighter hero and some emotional depth, and Renee Harless delivered โฅ๏ธ
Lark Carrington is running from a painful past and trying to restore the fading Carrington Inn in Coral Bell Cove for a quiet reset. Sheโs guarded, a bit prickly, and carrying heavy baggage, the kind that makes her wary of letting anyone close. All she wants is stability.
Holt Wright is the standout for me. ๐ Heโs the classic โeasygoing brother no one expected much fromโ whoโs grown into a reliable firefighter, the guy who shows up and stays. Heโs patient, steady, and quietly determined without being pushy or overly alpha. His โactions over wordsโ approach to winning Lark over had me smiling.
The slow burn romance between them builds naturally through inn restoration days, honest late night talks, and that initial dramatic rescue moment that kicks everything off. The chemistry simmers rather than explodes, which suited the healing focused story perfectly.
Iโve not read any of the previous books, but Coral Bell Cove feels lived in and supportive, there are cameos apparently from previous characters that made me want to read their stories too. Thereโs also a suspense thread from Larkโs past that adds tension toward the end.
The pacing is very much slowburn (which I enjoy), so if youโre craving high heat or fast paced action, it might feel gentler than expected.
Itโs perfect for fans of small town romance who appreciate stories about rebuilding (both literal inns and emotional walls), found safety in another person, and the quiet power of someone who simply shows up.
If youโre in the mood for tender, hopeful vibes with a touch of suspense and steam that builds, At First Spark is worth the a pickup. It left me smiling and wanting more time in this cozy coastal town.
Highly recommend for a comforting, feel-good read with heart.
A warm, heartfelt slowburn that delivers exactly what it promises.โฅ๏ธ
Thirst: A Dark Vampire Mafia Romance (The Vampire Syndicate Book 6) by Rebecca Rivard
Description
Wanting her just might destroy meโand I’d still go back for more.
A rival syndicate enforcer is muscling into our territoryโno permission, no truce, no rules. Just blood. Heโs the kind of vampire who doesnโt blink before ripping out your throat to gain power. And I know him. Iโve seen firsthand what heโs capable of. Heโs not just a threat to the syndicate Iโd bleed to protect. He’s a threat to the only people who matter to me.
And then thereโs his daughter. Beautiful. Unpredictable. She moves like a siren and tastes like sin. But thereโs a crack behind the gloss, a softness only I can see.
I shouldโve kept my distance. But the first time we collided, it felt like the Dark Gods had a cruel sense of humor. Now I canโt stay away. Weโre fire and gasoline, secrets and scars. This isnโt a love story. Itโs a warning.
Because wanting her might be the one thing that finally destroys meโand Iโd still go back for more.
*A gritty forbidden romance set in Rebecca Rivard’s award-winning Vampire Syndicate world*
NOTE: THIRST completes The Dark Hearts Trilogy(FALLEN, HUNGER, THIRST), but can be read as a standalone.
THE VAMPIRE SYNDICATE
Gritty vampire mafia romance about alpha male vampires whoโd burn down the world to possess the women they crave. Perfect for fans of dark romantasy, forbidden love, and morally gray heroes.
THE DARK ANGEL TRILOGY
TEMPTED (FREE Prologue)
PURSUED
CRAVED
TAKEN
THE DARK HEARTS TRILOGY
FALLEN
HUNGER
THIRST
OTHER TITLES
THE VAMPIRE KINGPIN (a standalone set in the Vampire Syndicate New York Underworld)
Publication Date 19/5/2026
Thirst: A Dark Vampire Mafia Romance (The Vampire Syndicate Book 6) by Rebecca Rivard
My Review
Thirst by Rebecca Rivard is the book I read, Iโve not read any of the other books in the series (but Iโm going back at some point.)
(I devoured this in one intense sitting)
Rebecca Rivard has done it again. Thirst is exactly the kind of dark, addictive vampire mafia romance I crave, pun fully intended ๐ and it delivers on every level, scorching chemistry, brutal stakes, and that signature morally gray alpha energy that makes the genre so addictive.
Cain grabbed me from the first page. Heโs a syndicate enforcer through and through, loyal, lethal, and carrying the kind of baggage that makes him deliciously complicated.
When a ruthless rival starts encroaching on his territory, the threat feels personal on multiple levels. But itโs the rivalโs daughter, Nyx, who turns his world upside down.
Sheโs not just beautiful and seductive (though the โmoves like a siren, tastes like sinโ description is ๐ค๐ป๐ค๐ป), she has layers. Thereโs vulnerability and hidden softness beneath the polished, dangerous exterior, and Cain is the only one who truly sees it.
Nyx isnโt some passive mafia princess, sheโs unpredictable, strong willed, and tangled in her own complicated world.
Their relationship is pure fire and gasolineโฆโฆ explosive encounters, power struggles, blood bonds, and a connection that feels fated even as it threatens to destroy everything Cain has built and everyone he protects. The tension is constant, whether theyโre clashing or colliding in the most delicious ways. The author writes it how it is, raw, sensual scenes that feel earned rather than gratuitous, and the vampire elements (thirst, blood, immortalityโs darker edges) are woven seamlessly into the mafia intrigue.
What I loved most was how the book balances the high heat romance with real danger and syndicate politics. The rival enforcer isnโt cartoonishly evil, heโs terrifyingly competent, which raises the stakes and makes Cainโs internal conflict feel genuine. You believe heโd risk it all for Nyx, even knowing it might be his undoing. The โthis isnโt a love story, itโs a warningโ vibe in the blurb is spot on, yet it still delivers a satisfying, hard won resolution that fits the series. ๐ฅฐ
This is the conclusion to the Dark Hearts Trilogy (following Fallen and Hunger), but it works beautifully as a standalone if youโre new to the Vampire Syndicate world. That said, after reading Thirst, youโll probably want to go back and devour the rest. I know I will.
If youโre a fan of dark paranormal romance, vampire mafia stories, forbidden romance, and possessive anti heroes whoโd burn the world down for their woman, then grab it.
If you like authors who blend gritty crime family drama with supernatural heat (think a more vampiric take on certain mafia romance favorites), this book is gold.
If youโre looking for a guilty pleasure read that sinks its teeth in and wonโt let go, Thirst is an absolute must.
Canโt wait to see what she does next in this world. Highly, highly recommended.
Thrones We Steal: A Hate to Love Arranged Marriage Royal Romance. Castles We Storm: A Forced Proximity Billionaire x Royal Romance. Crowns We Save: A Marriage in Crisis Royal Romance (Thrones We Steal Book 3) by Jessica Jude
Thrones We Steal: A Hate to Love Arranged Marriage Royal Romance by Jessica Jude
Thrones We Steal: A Hate to Love Arranged Marriage Royal Romance by Jessica Jude
Description
My life couldnโt have been more perfect. A handsome fiancรฉ. My dream career. My familyโs beautiful estate. I shouldโve known it was too good to be true.
When an old diary resurfaces, it reveals a scandal buried for over a century and destroys everything I thought I knew. Thanks to the biggest royal disgrace of the nineteenth century, Iโm not just nobility.
Iโm the rightful queen of Wesbourne.
On paper, it sounds like a fairytale upgrade. Money. Power. Fame. And the chance to make a difference in the country I adore. All I have to do is give up the life Iโve built and the man I love.
Oh, and one other small thing. I’ll have to marry the crown prince.
Yes, heโs gorgeous and charming and his voice makes your body sing. Everyone thinks Iโm crazy for hesitating. But they donโt know him like I do. They donโt know that he destroyed me last time.
If I say no, this country will crash and burn in a civil war, and Iโll be responsible. But if I say yes, he will annihilate whatโs left of my heart.
Thrones We Steal is perfect for readers looking for:
Contemporary royalty romance
Hate to love
Morally gray MMCs
Childhood friends
Arranged marriages and forced proximity
Protective playboy princes
Slow burn love stories
Thrones We Steal is the first book in a duet. The second part of Henry and Celiaโs story can be read in Castles We Storm.
This story may not be suitable for everyone.
Publication Date 19/5/2026
My Review
Thrones We Steal by Jessica Jude is a deliciously dramatic contemporary royal romance that completely delivered on its promise.
I finished it in just a couple of sittings and honestly couldnโt put it down.
The story follows Cecelia, whose life seems perfect, handsome fiancรฉ, dream career, beautiful family estate, until an old diary surfaces and shatters everythingโฆโฆ
Suddenly she learns sheโs the rightful queen of Wesbourne due to a century old scandal.
The only way to prevent civil war is to marry the crown princeโฆ the same man who once destroyed her heart.
Itโs the ultimate hate to love, arranged marriage story with childhood friends, forced proximity, and sky high emotional stakes. ๐
What I loved most was the tension between Cecelia and Prince Henry. Their shared history makes every scene crackle with resentment, chemistry, and unresolved pain.
Henry is the classic morally gray playboy prince, heโs gorgeous, charming, protective, but deeply frustrating. Youโll want to shake him and kiss him in the same breath.
Ceceliaโs reluctance feels completely believable, which made the slowburn romance even more satisfying when it finally ignites.
The royal world building is rich and immersive without getting bogged down, and the diary element cleverly connects past scandals to present day consequences.
The book balances palace intrigue, political pressure, and heartfelt moments really well. Itโs escape in the best way, but it also made me cry in places.
That said, the middle does get a little soap opera dramatic with the constant back and forth and secrets, but thatโs my opinion.
If you enjoy royal romances with arranged marriages, second chance angst, protective (but flawed) heroes, and a heroine torn between love and duty, this one is absolutely worth reading.
Itโs addictive, steamy when it counts, and leaves you fully invested in Wesbourneโs fate.
Perfect for a weekend escape into palace drama and hard won love. ๐
Highly recommend ๐๐ป
๐ฆ
Castles We Storm: A Forced Proximity Billionaire x Royal Romance (Thrones We Steal Book 2) by Jessica Jude
Castles We Storm: A Forced Proximity Billionaire x Royal Romance (Thrones We Steal Book 2) by Jessica Jude
Description
Iโm the most powerful woman in the world, but it sure doesnโt feel like it. It may surprise you to learn that Her Majesty the Queen is as vulnerable to a bullet as anyone else.
Especially when someone would rather see me in a body bag than on the throne.
This is inconvenient for several reasons. One, Iโm rather attached to staying alive. And two, Henry is back in Wesbourne and has decided that the safest place for me is locked inside his ridiculously pretentious penthouse.
Yes, Iโm aware being roommates with a sexy billionaire sounds like a fantasy. Trust me, itโs not
Because Henry isnโt just insanely rich and intoxicatingly attractive. Heโs the man who has broken my heart more times than I care to count. The man who knows exactly how to get under my skin, into my head . . . and dangerously close to my defenses.
Every glance feels loaded. Every conversation turns into a battlefield. And the longer weโre forced into close quarters, the harder it becomes to tell which threat is more dangerousโthe one waiting outside, or the man inside.
Henry wants me to trust him, but if thereโs one thing Iโve learned, itโs to trust no one. If something gets broken this time around, I can promise you one thing.
It wonโt be my heart.
Castles We Storm is perfect for readers looking for:
Contemporary romance books
Romantic suspense
Modern royalty
Hate to love
Morally gray MMCs
Hot billionaires and strong heroines who bring them to their knees
Forced proximity
โItโs always been herโ
Castles We Storm is the second book in a trilogy. The first part of Henry and Celiaโs story can be read in Thrones We Steal.
Publication Date 19/5/2026
My Review
Castles We Storm by Jessica Jude is a gripping, tension filled follow up that ramps up the stakes and the steam in the best way.
I was hooked from the first chapter and flew through it even faster than the first book.
Now Queen of Wesbourne, Cecelia finds herself the target of dangerous enemies who would rather see her dead than on the throne. When threats escalate, Henry steps in and insists the safest place for her is locked down in his luxurious penthouse! ๐
What sounds like a dream, forced proximity with a ridiculously hot, powerful man, quickly becomes emotional warfare. (Because Henry isnโt just any protector. Heโs the man whoโs already broken her heart multiple times!)
The forced proximity in this book is ๐ค๐ป ๐ค๐ป. Every loaded glance, every sharp tongued argument, and every moment of unwanted closeness crackles with chemistry and frustration.
Henry continues to be the ultimate morally gray hero, arrogant, protective, and far too intoxicating for Ceceliaโs peace of mind. ๐
I loved watching her fight to keep her walls up while the situation (and Henry) slowly chips away at them. The โitโs always been herโ undercurrent just adds to the story.
Jessica Jude balances the romantic suspense perfectly. The danger feels legitimate and keeps the pages turning, while the emotional and physical tension between the leads delivers that addictive hate to love push and pull. There are tender moments mixed in with the banter and heat that made me root for them even harder.
If I had one small note, itโs that the back and forth/push pull can feel intense at times, but it completely fits their history and the high pressure situation theyโre in. It left me desperate to see how everything resolves in the next book.
This second installment is addictive, steamy, and suspenseful while still delivering the heartfelt royal romance I enjoyed in Thrones We Steal.
If you love forced proximity, strong heroines who donโt make it easy, and billionaires who finally get brought to their knees, youโll devour this one.
Highly recommend continuing the series!
Have you started Book 2 yet?
๐ฆ
Crowns We Save: A Marriage in Crisis Royal Romance (Thrones We Steal Book 3) by Jessica Jude
Crowns We Save: A Marriage in Crisis Royal Romance (Thrones We Steal Book 3) by Jessica Jude
Description
Itโs been two years since I became the happiest woman in the world. I thought marrying the man of my dreams would be enough. I thought I would be enough.
I never imagined love would come with demands Iโm unprepared to meet. Or that being queen would mean choosing between my country and the man I love. Again.
So yes, Iโm keeping a secret from my husband. Some might call it lying. Others might call it betrayal. I call it necessary.
What I canโt forgive is the way she has wedged herself into our lives with her secrets and her lies, claiming she belongs here. She looks at him as if heโs already hers. As if my marriage, my family, and my country are pieces on her board.
Theyโre not.
Because I will do whatever it takes to protect whatโs mine. My husband. My crown. My country. And if she thinks she can bring this familyโor this kingdomโto its knees, sheโs made one fatal mistake.
Sheโs underestimated her queen.
Crowns We Save is perfect for readers looking for:
Contemporary romance books
Modern royalty
Marriage in trouble
Other woman drama (no cheating)
Morally gray characters and darker themes
Slow burn
Second chance romance
Crowns We Save is the final book in a trilogy. The first two books should be read first for best reading experience. Start with Thrones We Steal. This story may not be suitable for everyone.
Publication Date 19/5/2026
My Review
Crowns We Save is a powerful, emotionally charged conclusion to the Thrones We Steal trilogy.
It takes the royal romance into deeper, messier territory and delivers a satisfying payoff for fans whoโve followed Cecelia and Henryโs turbulent journey.
You do need to read books one and two to both enjoy and understand book one.
Two years into marriage, Cecelia is now fully settled as queen, but the honeymoon phase is long gone. What should be a happy life with the man she loves is strained by the heavy demands of the crown. Sheโs keeping a significant secret from Henry, one she believes is necessary, but the arrival of another woman brings fresh tension, jealousy, and threats to everything Cecelia holds dear! ๐ฎ
This book dives headfirst into marriage
in trouble territory with โother womanโ drama (handled cleanly with no cheating), moral grayness, and high stakes choices between love, duty, and power.
I really liked how the story shows the evolution of their relationship. The forced proximity and hate to love fire from the earlier books have transformed into something more complexโฆ. a marriage under pressure, where love is still present but tested by secrets, misunderstandings, and external forces.
Cecelia shines as a strong, protective queen who refuses to be passive. Her determination to safeguard her husband, her family, and her country makes her incredibly compelling.
Henry remains the complex, brooding, morally gray hero weโve come to love (and occasionally want to throttle). ๐
The slow burn tension works well here, letting the emotional wounds and lingering trust issues breathe. The palace intrigue and personal stakes intertwine well, and the darker themes add weight without tipping into unnecessary angst. There are tender, hard won moments as well.
If I had one small critique, itโs that the middle section feels heavy with the back and forth and emotional intensity, which might test some readersโ patience. But it stays true to the charactersโ history and the high pressure world they live in, and the resolution makes the journey worthwhile.
This third book brings the trilogy to a strong close, blending heartfelt romance, royal duty, and personal growth. โค๏ธ
If youโve enjoyed the first two books, youโll want to see how everything unfolds.
Perfect for readers who like their royal romances with real marital conflict, strong heroines, and couples who have to fight for their happy ending.
In a far-flung corner of the worlds-spanning Empire, Ser Kellan tor Iaestus is a Highwayman, sworn to keep the peace in the rugged Outlands. Armed with a revolver from a forgotten war and a hidden Talent to see truth, he is an agent of justice and peace in a wild land… so long as he keeps his talent hidden, lest he be pressed into the service of the Empire.
When Prospero, an Imperial Magus, arrives in the Outlands hunting for a magical truth-teller, Kellan is assigned as his guide. Certain he can keep his Talent concealed and maintain his freedom, Kellan escorts the magus on his journey. All goes well until a string of seemingly unrelated murders exposes demons, dark powers, and a warlock weaving cruel designs in the shadows. As Kellan and Prospero investigate, they follow a thread that leads from the Outlands to the city of Victar de Reya, links whores and politicians, and takes them from fine restaurants to piratical celebrations.
Saddled with a suspicious young seer and facing demons clawing at them from the Unreal, the two must work together to unravel the warlock’s conspiracy before he kills again. But can Kellan locate the killer without exposing his own power, and surrendering the independence he’s fought so hard to protect?
Duty demands truth. Survival demands secrecy. Kellan can’t have it both ways… and time is running out.
Publication Date 17/5/2026
A Sense of Murder: Road Mage Volume 1 by Sam Robb
My Review
A Sense of Murder Road Mage by Sam Robb is a gripping dark fantasy mystery that blends noir detective vibes with imperial fantasy and supernatural horror.
I picked this up expecting a solid genre read and came away impressed by how well it weaves its threads together.
Ser Kellan tor Iaestus, is a Highwayman in the rugged Outlands with a hidden Talent for seeing truth. Heโs armed with a revolver from a forgotten war and determined to protect his independence in a vast Empire that would conscript him if his abilities came to light. Kellanโs internal conflict between duty, survival, and secrecy drives much of the tension, and it had me gripped from the time I opened my kindle, until I finished the book. ๐
When Imperial Magus Prospero arrives hunting a magical truth teller, Kellan gets pulled in as his guide.
What starts as a reluctant escort job quickly spirals into a complex investigation involving seemingly unrelated murders, demons from the Unreal, dark powers, and a shadowy warlock.
The story moves from wild Outlands to the city of Victar de Reya, mixing gritty frontier justice with urban intrigue that links whores, politicians, fine dining, and piratical celebrations.
I especially enjoyed the โnobledarkโ tone evil feels genuinely patient, persuasive, and terrifying, while faith, sacrifice, and moral struggle emerge naturally through the characters without feeling preachy.
The world building spares no details, a worlds spanning Empire where magic is law, guns and steel deliver justice, and threats from beyond are a reality. The addition of a suspicious young seer adds another layer of suspicion and alliance building. Action sequences with demons and investigations keep the pace brisk. But what I liked most was dynamics between Kellan and Prospero as they navigate trust, secrets, and escalating danger.
Itโs not just a whodunit, the conspiracy builds with real stakes, and the supernatural elements heighten the dread without overshadowing the human (and political) drama.
If you enjoy fantasy mysteries with revolver wielding lawmen, demonic threats, and a protagonist torn between justice and self preservation, this delivers all that.
Itโs the first in what feels like a promising series (Road Mage), and it left me wanting more of Kellanโs world and adventures.
A strong recommend for fans of dark fantasy with detective elements, think a fantasy infused blend of grit and otherworldly peril.
Iโll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next volume.
Rage: A One Night Stand MC Romance Novel (WAR BROTHERS MC Book 7 by Bianca Lee Ward
Description
She was mine from the moment I saw her, even if she was ten years older.
A woman in a wedding dress, drinking alone at a bar. She was stunning, curvy, and running from a betrayal that shattered her world.
We shared one nightโa collision of passion and desperation that seared itself into my soul. Then she vanished.
As a member of the War Brothers MC, my life is about brotherhood, fighting in the clubโs underground fights, and protecting the innocent. I never expected that my job at the womenโs shelter would lead me back to her. When she calls, in danger from the man she almost married, Iโm the one who answers.
Now sheโs under my roof and my protection. Sheโs my angel, a light in the shadows of my world, and sheโs healing parts of me I thought were long dead. But our pasts refuse to stay buried.
An enemy is seeking revenge against me.
Theyโve made a fatal mistakeโtheyโve put her in their sights.
They came for whatโs mine, and now theyโll discover exactly why my MC brothers call me Rage.
Publication Date 14/5/2026
Rage: A One Night Stand MC Romance Novel (WAR BROTHERS MC Book 7 by Bianca Lee Ward
My Review
I really enjoyed Rage. It gave me exactly what I look for in an MC romance, a possessive, protective biker hero, a curvy heroine with real emotional depth, steamy chemistry, and enough danger to keep the pages turning.
The story opens with a great scene, Rage spotting a beautiful older woman in a wedding dress drinking alone at a bar after her world falls apart. Their one night stand is intense, raw, and full of desperate passion that clearly marks him. When she vanishes afterward, it leaves him haunted.
Later, his work at a womenโs shelter brings her back into his life when she needs protection from the man she almost married!
From there, she ends up under his roof, and the real story unfolds as they heal old wounds while an enemy from his past targets her to get revenge!
What stood out most was the age gap dynamic, with Rose being ten years older. It felt refreshing and added a nice layer to Rageโs instant claim on her. He calls her his angel (and sexy cougar ๐) and light in his dark world, and it works because you see him backing it up with actions, not just words.
His fighter side and MC loyalty come through strongly, especially when threats arise, and you understand why his brothers call him Rage.
The suspense elements with her ex and his enemy are handled well, they create real tension without taking over the romance.
Both characters carry pain from their pasts, and watching them open up and support each other under one roof gave the book solid emotional weight alongside the heat.
If youโve read the earlier War Brothers books, (I jumped in here, but Iโve earmarked the rest of the series to read ๐) then youโll know (and love the characters)
Itโs fairly classic for the genre, which I like, itโs not trying to reinvent the wheel, just delivers a satisfying, fast paced story with a strong protective hero and a heroine who grows stronger as the book progresses.
Great if you love MC stories with age gap, second chance after one night energy, and a hero who will burn everything down to keep his woman safe.
Iโd recommend it to fans of the series or anyone who enjoys this trope done right.
Itโs a solid, enjoyable read that hits the possessive biker romance spot perfectly.
Witcha Gonna Do? (The Sherwood Witches Book 1) Avery Flynn
Description
An unlucky witch and her know-it-all nemesis must team up in the first of a new, spicy romantic comedy series from USA Todaybestselling author Avery Flynn.
Could it possibly get any worse than having absolutely no magical abilities when youโre a member of the most powerful family of witches ever? It used to be that Iโd say no, but then I keep getting set up on dates with Gil Connolly whose hotness is only matched by his ego. Seriously. I canโt stand him. Even if I also canโt stop thinking about him (specifically kissing him) but weโre going to pretend I never told you that part.
So yeah, my life isnโt the greatest right now, but then it goes straight to the absolute worst hell when I accidentally make my sisterโs spell glitch and curse my whole family. And the only person who can help non-magical me break the spell? You guessed it. Gil the super hot jerk.
Now we have to work together to save my family and outmaneuver some evil-minded nefarious forces bent on world domination. Oh yeah, and we have to do all that while fighting against the attraction building between us because I may not be magical, but whatโs happening between Gil and I sure feels like it.
Publication Date 6/12/2022
Witcha Gonna Do? (The Sherwood Witches Book 1) Avery Flynn
My Review
Witcha Gonna Do? by Avery Flynn is a delightful, spicy enemies to lovers witchy romcom that gave me exactly the fun escape I was hoping for.
Tilda Sherwood is the only non magical member of a famously powerful witch family, which already makes her life feel like one long streak of bad luck.
To make matters worse, she keeps getting thrown together with Gil Connolly, the arrogant, ridiculously attractive guy who seems to exist just to irritate her. ๐
The chemistry between them is instant and electric, even as Tilda insists she canโt stand him (while secretly thinking about kissing him far more than sheโd ever admit). ๐
Things go from bad to catastrophic when Tilda accidentally messes up one of her sisterโs spells and ends up cursing her entire family. The only person who can help fix the mess is none other than Gil.
What follows is a fast paced adventure full of train rides, heists, quirky magical side characters (including a unicorn), and dangerous enemies with world domination plans.
All of this happens while Tilda and Gil are fighting both the curse and the growing attraction that keeps pulling them closer.
I really enjoyed the snappy banter and the way their relationship develops. The dual perspectives let you see both sides of the tension, and the forced proximity trope is done really well here.
The magic system feels fresh and playful, with little details like enchanted everyday objects that made me smile. The spice level is satisfying too.
The story stays very light and humorous throughout, which is perfect for a romcom but means it doesnโt dive too deeply into angst or overly complex emotions. A few plot moments felt a little convenient, but the charm, humor, and steam more than made up for it.
I laughed out loud several times and genuinely rooted for Tilda to break the curse and claim her own kind of happy ending.
Overall, this was a breezy, feel good read with heart, heat, and just enough adventure to keep things exciting.
So, if youโre in the mood for witty banter, magical chaos, and a satisfying romance, Iโd definitely recommend it. ๐๐ป
This is a rerelease. Iโd not read it the first time around, so I canโt compare it. Someone will have to let me know if itโs the same story, or slightly different.
Oneโs traumatized. The other needs a miracle. With secrets muddying the waters, can these two women find their perfect pairing?
Plensglade, NY. Reilly Vail feels like a fraud. Still bearing the wounds of an emotionally abusive relationship, she rebuilds her self-publishing career enjoying the quiet anonymity even though her narcissistic ex takes credit for her work. But when a striking woman wanders into the local cafรฉ, the reclusive author is smitten right up until realizes the stunning film producer could expose her identity to the world.
New York, NY. Breanna Blaine is fighting to save her company. Frantic to get the rights to a popular book series and bring it to the big screen, she searches a small town for the elusive writer and is shocked when a lovely local makes her pulse race. And after finally securing a coffee date, the thirty-something is thrilled when her sweet acquaintance shares the email address to the secretive novelist.
Falling hard, Reilly sees no way out of her subterfuge and fears it could destroy her newfound happiness. While Breanna grows frustrated by the scribeโs string of ridiculous demands and refusal to sign a contract even as sheโs increasingly certain sheโs found her soul mate.
Can they get past the lies to build a lasting union?
Writer’s Block is the emotional first book in the Love in the Empire State lesbian romance series. If you like relatable protagonists, humor and angst, and curling up with a happily ever after, youโll adore Kimberly Amatoโs big-hearted tale.
Buy Writer’s Block to let the passion flow today!
Publication Date 12/5/2026
Writer’s Block by Kimberly Amato
My Review
“Writer’s Block” by Kimberly Amato offers a captivating exploration of love, ambition, and personal turmoil set against the backdrop of New Yorkโs vibrant atmosphere.
The story centers on Breanna Blaine, a determined executive desperate to secure the film rights to a beloved book series. Her journey leads her to a small town where she encounters Reilly Vail, a reclusive writer struggling with the scars of an abusive past and the complexities of anonymity.
The author weaves the their emotional moments beautifully, allowing us to connect with their struggles and triumphs. Breannaโs relentless pursuit of her career and the elusive novelist, combined with Reillyโs internal battles, creates a tension that drives the story forward.
The relationship between Breanna and Reilly blossoms amid humorous moments and heartfelt exchanges, depicting the challenges faced when love is complicated by secrets and self doubt.
The character development is great, with portrayals of women dealing with personal and professional obstacles.
The author balances humor with angst, making the emotional stakes feel authentic and engaging.
I found myself rooting for the couple as they navigate misunderstandings, fears, and the hope of forging a lasting bond.โฅ๏ธ
The writing style flows smoothly, making it easy for me to immerse myself in the story.
“Writer’s Block” is the first book in the “Love in the Empire State” series and lays a solid foundation for what promises to be an engaging exploration of love within the lesbian romance genre.
If you enjoy stories filled with relatable characters, humor, and the promise of a happily ever after, Kimberly Amatoโs novel is sure to please.
Overall, “Writer’s Block” is a heartwarming read that captures the essence of loveโs complexities while delivering a satisfying emotional journey.
Rise Of The Immortal Queen by Paula Ellison Franklin
Description
In a world where immortals rule from the shadows, Temperance, a royal-born Geto-Dacian, finds herself torn between two paths. When she discovers during her first human cycle that she is the new Reqwm, the Queen, her world fractures. Torn between experiencing the normalcy of human school, parties, and friendships and the crushing responsibility of ruling her people, she is forced into a dangerous balancing act. Her journey grows even more perilous when she learns two truths: the Yestisis, the ruling council of her people, want her dead, and she has fallen in love with a human.
Now, Temperance stands at the heart of impossible choices. Will she submit to the will of the Yestisis, or assert her rightful claim as their leader? Will she wipe the Venatores, the hunters, from existence, or strive for peace with them? Will she abandon her forbidden love for a human and let him slip away, or risk both their lives by embracing it? And if she does, will she break the ancient law by turning him into a Geto-Dacian, or condemn him to remain fragile and mortal?
Publication Date 24/10/2025
Rise Of The Immortal Queen by Paula Ellison Franklin
My Review
Rise of the Immortal Queen, is a captivating tale that intertwines themes of duty, identity, and forbidden love.
Set in a mesmerizing world where immortals rule from the shadows, the story follows Temperance, a royal born Geto-Dacian, as she grapples with her newfound identity as the Reqwm, (or Queen.)
From the outset, the author establishes a richly detailed world, steeped in history and mystery. The conflict facing Temperance, not only from her own responsibilities but also from the treacherous Yestisis council, creates a tension that drives the story forward. As she stands at the crossroads of pressing choices, we are drawn into her inner turmoil, making her journey a fascinating read.
Temperance’s struggle between obedience to the Yestisis and her desire to assert her rightful claim reflects the universal conflict between personal ambition and societies expectation. Plus, the added pressure of dealing with the Venatores, the hunters who threaten her people, further complicates her circumstances.
The romance between Temperance and her human love interest adds to the story. Their relationship serves as both a refuge and a source of conflict, forcing Temperance to confront the implications of her feelings. The tension of potentially breaking ancient laws by turning him into a Geto-Dacian, or choosing to let him remain fragile and mortal, made me really connect with her, and you really hope she gets what ate
Temperance is a multi-dimensional character, we watch as she grows into her role. Her resilience to everything thrown at her would have made me curl up into a ball and not want to continue!
Overall, Rise of the Immortal Queen is a thrilling blend of fantasy, romance, and moral quandaries that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment.
I loved the beginning, we are told how this all starts. And I liked the explanation at the end (almost like a timeline.)
Highly recommended for fans of fantasy and romantic intrigue.
Cut Me, Alpha: A MM military Omegaverse Dystopian Romance: Omega Rebellion Book 1 by Darcy Blackwater
Description
Sig, 31 His entire life was a fight for survival.
Siggismund โSigโ Dragomir is not only one of the best Science Officers of the Empireโhe has a dangerous secret.
He is an Omega who learned to create illegal suppressors to pass as a Beta. If anyone found out, his freedom would be lost and he would end up owned by some Alpha.
Thatโs why he has never loved.
Never touched.
Never allowed anyone to see behind his walls of cold sarcasm and unyielding competency.
A virgin at thirty-one, the last thing Sig ever expected was to fall in loveโฆ with a damn sunshine Alpha who is younger than him.
Luca, 23 A late bloomer, Alpha Luca Marchesse only turned Alpha at age nineteen.
But the newfound power didnโt change the way he sees lifeโwith a smile.
When he returns to Base 7 as Acting Commander, he has to face his old crush on Sig.
Because that man could freeze a mountainโฆ and still, Luca would do anything to get his attention.
Everything changes when the secret Omega Sigโwho has spent his life passing as a Betaโand Alpha Luca are trapped alone in a bunker and Sigโs heat is violently triggered.
Can they build a relationship after a wild night where instinct took over?
Can Sig ever trust an Alpha when his own Alpha father abused him badly?
A story full of heat, yearning, and action set in a dystopian world.
Book 1 of a duet. Ends on a cliffhanger.
Reader discretion advisedโplease check the trigger warnings.
Publication Date 7/5/2026
Cut Me, Alpha: A MM military Omegaverse Dystopian Romance: Omega Rebellion Book 1 by Darcy Blackwater
My Review
I picked up Cut Me, Alpha on a whim because the premise hit every single one of my buttonsโฆ.. MM military romance, Omegaverse, dystopian setting, age gap, and a traumatized virgin Omega whoโs spent his life outsmarting the system.
It delivered on the heat (literally and figuratively), but it also gave me more emotional depth than I expected from a trope heavy setup.
Sig is the kind of character I fall hard for. At 31, heโs a brilliant, sarcastic Science Officer whoโs clawed his way through life by suppressing his Omega nature with illegal drugs he makes himself. Heโs cold, competent, and closed off for very good reasons, his backstory with his abusive Alpha father is brutal and explains every wall heโs built. Watching this man, who has never let anyone touch him, slowly unravel because of Luca was genuinely compelling. His internal conflict felt raw, especially the terror of losing control after a lifetime of meticulous self protection. โค๏ธโ๐ฉน
Luca, on the other hand, is pure sunshine Alpha energy. ๐ฅฐ At 23, heโs younger, physically imposing after a late bloom, but still carries that optimistic, almost boyish warmth that contrasts so sharply with Sigโs frostiness.
I loved that he wasnโt written as the typical overbearing Alpha. Heโs respectful (until biology takes the wheel), persistent without being creepy, and genuinely smitten with Sig in a way that feels both earnest and a little heartbreaking.
Their dynamic has that delicious grumpy/sunshine tension, amplified by the military hierarchy and the massive power imbalance inherent in the Omegaverse world.
The bunker sequence is the explosive turning point, and yes, itโs as intense as youโd expect. The heat scene(s) are very spicy, very instinct driven, and well written for the genre.
And the aftermath, the confusion, the regret, the budding trust mixed with deep fear. Sigโs trauma doesnโt magically disappear just because Luca is a good guy, and that realism made the romance feel earned rather than purely hormonal.
The dystopian military world building is solid enough to support the plot without overwhelming it. Thereโs enough lore about the Empire, the rebellion simmering underneath, and the brutal social structure around Alphas, Betas, and Omegas to make the stakes feel real.
I loved the yearning and slow emotional burn before the heat hits.
The pacing is fast, which I liked, but a couple of emotional beats could have used a little more breathing room. And yes, it ends on a brutal cliffhanger, so go in prepared (Book 2 is apparently coming).
Overall, Cut Me, Alpha is a strong start to the Omega Rebellion duet. Itโs steamy, angsty, action packed, and emotionally engaging.
If you love protective Alphas who actually respect their Omegasโ trauma, brilliant but broken protagonists, and that perfect mix of military grit and desperate love, this oneโs for you. Iโm invested now and impatiently waiting for the resolution.
Highly recommended for Omegaverse fans who want more story and character work alongside the heat.
Just clear your schedule, once Sig and Luca get under your skin, itโs hard to put down.
๐ฆ
I was approached by the author after liking her posts on TikTok. When the next book is due out, Iโm going to reread this on kindle unlimited
Crown of Storms and Starlight: An Empire of Curses and Dreams Novel by Susan Person
Description
Some destinies end in ashes. Others are reborn in starlight.
Fated mates blessed by the magic of a goddess, Ari and Rain face their darkest hour. Her father, Albert, has become something beyond fae or vampire, a false king determined to devour the magic of all fae-kind and forge a new world in his image.
Ari must lead her allies, her friends, into the darkness one last time. But Albert knows his daughter’s greatest weakness. She would burn the world to save those she loves.
Victory demands more than magic. It requires the absolute surrender of two souls who were always meant to burn together.
The fate of not only fae-kind but the entire realm rests on the edge of a dagger and the strength of a bond forged in storms and starlight.
The storm has come to claim its queen. The reckoning has come for them all.
Crown of Storms and Starlight is the shattering finale to The Night and Rain romantasy series
Publication Date 30/4/2026
Crown of Storms and Starlight: An Empire of Curses and Dreams Novel by Susan Person
My Review
Crown of Storms and Starlight by Susan Person is the explosive, heart wrenching finale the Night and Rain series deserved.
From the very first page, this book grabs you by the throat and doesnโt let go.
Ari and Rain have always been a fated mates pairing that felt electric, storm and starlight, chaos and calm, two souls who burn brighter together than apart. โค๏ธโ๐ฅ
In this concluding installment, their bond is tested in the most brutal ways imaginable.
Albert, Ariโs father, has transformed into something monstrous, a false king whose hunger for power threatens to consume not just fae kind but the entire realm. The stakes have never been higher, and the tension is relentless.
What I loved most was how deeply emotional this finale felt. The author doesnโt shy away from the cost of love, leadership, and sacrifice. Ariโs journey from a woman protecting her found family to a queen willing to face unimaginable darkness is powerful and raw. There were moments that genuinely made my chest ache. (scenes of quiet moments between Ari and Rain ๐)
The โabsolute surrenderโ the blurb promises? It delivers.
(There are moments I cried and cheered.)
The world building reaches its peak here, with the magic system expanding in creative, sometimes terrifying directions. The side characters I grew to love (and sometimes fear) get satisfying arcs, and the themes of found family, loyalty, and the blurred line between hero and villain were just ๐ค๐ป๐ค๐ป (morally gray characters who still manage to steal your heart. ๐)
That said, the pacing is breakneck. While the action and emotional highs are thrilling, some resolutions felt swift after such a slow burn buildup in earlier books.
A few threads wrapped up a touch too neatly for my taste, though the emotional payoff largely made up for it.
Overall, this book is a worthy but shattering conclusion to a lush, atmospheric romantasy series full of fae intrigue, goddess blessed bonds, and high heat tension.
Itโs dark, dreamy, and devastating in the best way. If you enjoy fated mates who would burn the world for each other, powerful heroines, and finales that actually feel like a reckoning, this one is worth the wait.
A fitting end that left me satisfied, a little heartbroken, and already missing this world.
Fresh Ice: An MM Hockey, Friends to Lovers Romance (Atlanta Firebirds Book 1) by Riley Bauer
Description
A bisexual awakening, a closeted captain, and the NHL expansion team that becomes their found family. Co-captains. Teammates. A slow burn neither of them saw coming.
Ryan “Ash” Asher is the sunshine center who makes every locker room warmer just by showing up. Signed to the Atlanta Firebirds after a divorce he’s still pretending didn’t break him, he’s chasing a fresh start. New city. New team. New ice. He’s fine. But from the first phone call with his co-captain, something he can’t explain takes hold. Ash has never wanted a man before, and Antero Ikonen is unraveling everything he thought he knew about himself.
Antero “Avi” Ikonen hasn’t let anyone close in a decade. Fifteen years closeted in professional hockey. A secret relationship with a teammate that ended on a highlight reel. A trade that felt less like a roster move and more like being thrown away. Avi’s job is to lead this expansion team, not fall for the too-warm center who texts at midnight and keeps finding doors in walls Avi didn’t know existed.
He falls first. He falls quiet. And he can’t stop.
A grumpy-sunshine, slow burn teammates romance about a bisexual awakening, a closeted captain who’s been hurt before, and a stray cat at the team facility who knows what he wants before either of them do.
Tropes: MM Hockey Romance
โข Bi-Awakening
โข Slow Burn
โข Grumpy-Sunshine
โข He Falls First
โข Forced Proximity
โข Secret Relationship
โข Hurt/Comfort
โข Found Family
โข Co-Captains
โข Stray Cat
Heat Level: Spicy
Tone: Emotional, Sharp Humour
Series Type: Interconnected Standalones, Book 1 of 5
Ending: HEA
POV: Dual, First Person
Content Notes: Bisexual identity, coming out later in life, closeted athlete, on-page sexual content between consenting adult men, past relationship that ended in physical confrontation
Publication Date 26/2/2026
Fresh Ice: An MM Hockey, Friends to Lovers Romance (Atlanta Firebirds Book 1) by Riley Bauer
My Review
Fresh Ice by Riley Bauer is a heartfelt, slow burn MM hockey romance that delivers exactly what it promises. โฅ๏ธ
Ryan โAshโ Asher, the sunny, recently divorced center, brings light and easy charm to the new Atlanta Firebirds expansion team.
Antero โAviโ Ikonen, is the guarded, closeted veteran whoโs been burned before and keeps everyone at armโs length.
Their connection starts with late night texts and forced proximity as co-captains, then quietly builds into something neither expected, especially Ash, whoโs navigating a genuine bi-awakening.
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic works beautifully here. Ashโs persistent kindness slowly cracks Aviโs walls, while Aviโs quiet intensity gives Ash a safe place to question everything he thought he knew about himself. The romance is a true slow burn with excellent tension, hurt/comfort moments,
Oh, and donโt forget the stray cat at the facility that steals scenes (and hearts). I loved those moments.
The found family vibe with the expansion team had me laughing (the team chat and the book club had me in stitches) ๐
What stands out most is the emotional honesty, the fear and vulnerability of coming out later in life, the weight of past heartbreak (including a painful secret relationship for Avi), and the joy of discovering new desire.
The pacing is deliberately measured, which suits the slow burn trope, it might not suit everyone, but I think it was needed.
Perfect for fans of bi-awakening, teammates to lovers, and hockey romances with real heart.
Iโd happily pick up the next Atlanta Firebirds book. (In fact I think I might have just downloaded book two ๐)
Warm, rewarding, and worth the wait on the ice. ๐
Duchess of Debits: An Enemies to Lovers, Age Gap, Kidnapping, Slow Burn, Dixie Mafia Romance by Victoria Jayne
Sheโs the daughter of a mafia family. Heโs a leader hungry for revenge. When she falls into his world, can their unexpected road to love survive betrayal?
Amy Kirkโs life revolves around spreadsheets and ledgers. Essentially invisible as the syndicateโs accountant, the detailed daughter of a mobster is happily boring. But after balancing the books of the family strip club, sheโs shocked when sheโs kidnapped by their handsome but ruthless enemy.
Niall Doherty is out for blood. Full of vengeance, the determined Irish mafia king orders the murder of the one responsible for his nephewโs death. Hoping to salvage his collapsing syndicate and put an end to the war between organizations, heโs not prepared for the tempting woman taken as an unexpected hostage.
As Amy struggles to resist his charm, she refuses to fall for the man who’s twice her age and her family’s arch nemesis. And although Niall’s drawn to her cunning mind and beauty, he knows trusting her could be the final nail in his coffin.
With loyalties tested and allegiances broken, will family ties tear them apart, or can forbidden love prevail?
Duchess of Debits, book three of the Dixie Mafia series, is a dark mafia romance. This is an enemies to lovers, age-gap, slow-burn, but steamy book you wonโt want to put down. Run, donโt walk, and continue this sizzling series.
Duchess of Debits contains scenes written for mature audiences only.
Snag your copy today!
Publication Date 5/5/2026
Duchess of Debits: An Enemies to Lovers, Age Gap, Kidnapping, Slow Burn, Dixie Mafia Romance by Victoria Jayne
My Review
Duchess of Debits is a great addition to Victoria Jayneโs Dixie Mafia series, delivering exactly what the blurb promisesโฆ. enemies to lovers, age gap, kidnapping, slow burn mafia romance with plenty of steam. ๐
Amy Kirk is the โinvisibleโ accountant daughter in a Southern syndicate family, sheโs smart, detail oriented, and content with her spreadsheets, until sheโs yanked into the rival Irish mafiaโs orbit. ๐ฎ
Niall Doherty is the vengeful, older leader out for blood after losing his nephew, willing to do whatever it takes to stabilize his crumbling organization.
Their collision is classic, sheโs the hostage who wasnโt supposed to be tempting, heโs the ruthless captor who didnโt count on her sharp mind and quiet strength complicating his revenge. โค๏ธ Donโt you just hate it when that happens? ๐
Letting the attraction build amid distrust, the power imbalances, and moral conflicts was just great. The โtwice her ageโ gap and enemy status added friction. Amyโs resistance and Niallโs internal war between vengeance and growing feelings had me turning those kindle pages.
Amy isnโt a typical shrinking violet captive, her cunning and savvy skills play into the plot. Niall is suitably intense and commanding without losing depth. The chemistry is steamy once it ignites.
It is book 3 in the series, it stands alone reasonably well but continues to build on the Dixie Mafia world.
If you enjoy stories where the road to โus against the worldโ is paved with suspicion, heat, and hard choices, this one delivers. Run (donโt walk) if the blurb already has you hooked, especially if youโve been following the Dixie Mafia series.
Looking forward to seeing how the larger syndicate stories play out in future books!
Simply Irresistible : A Neighbors-to-lovers Romance (Lesson in Love) by Tara September
Description
They share a duplex. They share a workplace. They should not share anything else
Beth Henley is Thatcher Collegeโs new volleyball coach, focused on her students and keeping her life uncomplicated. Falling for her reserved, anti-sports neighbor was definitely not on her roster.
Colin McClure is an English professor whose perfectly ordered life gets a change-up the moment his colleague Beth moves in next door. Sheโs confident, disruptive, and impossible to ignore.
He lives by boundaries. She loves to cross them.
Living next door to your coworker is complicated. Falling for them? Thatโs simply irresistible.
Simply Irresistible is a slow-burning, neighbors-to-lovers university workplace romance with sizzling chemistry, no unnecessary third-act breakup, and two opposites who discover some rules are meant to be broken.
Publication Date 5/5/2026
Simply Irresistible : A Neighbors-to-lovers Romance (Lesson in Love) by Tara September
My Review
Simply Irresistible delivers exactly what it promises, a warm, slow burning neighbors to lovers romance with charming opposites attract energy and zero unnecessary drama. ๐
I picked this up after reading (and loving My Fight Song) and it fits right into that sweet spot of college campus romances that had me devouring the book until I was done.
Beth is the new volleyball coach at Thatcher College, and is all energy and drive, sheโs focused on her team and wants a straightforward life after a tragedy changes Bethโs way of life!
Colin McClure, the reserved English professor next door, thrives on order, quiet routines, and keeping things compartmentalized. Sharing a duplex (and a workplace) immediately throws those neat boundaries into chaos.
What I loved most was how natural their pull felt. The tension builds through everyday interactions,borrowed sugar, thin walls, late night encounters, rather than big dramatic gestures.
Bethโs confidence and Colinโs quieter intensity play off each other perfectly, she shakes up his world in the best way, and he gives her a safe place to land without trying to dim her spark.
The workplace and neighbor complications add just enough stakes without tipping into angst or ridiculous misunderstandings.
The university had enough details about coaching and academia to ground it without dragging. And a few characters from previous books maybe spotted without stealing focus.
If you enjoy low angst romances with witty banter, genuine emotional connection, and steamy payoff, this one hits the mark.
Looking forward to whatever Tara September brings next!
The First Rule Of Faking It: A Colorado Dragons Novel by A. Rivers
Description
Whatโs worse than being stuck in paradise with your ex and the woman he cheated on you with?
When your hot hockey player best friendโwhoโs always made your heart beat a little fasterโinsists on pretending to be your new boyfriend.
Alec means well, but no oneโnot my ex, not my friends, and certainly not my familyโis going to believe heโs suddenly madly in love with me. The only person at risk of believing the actโฆ is me.
But maybe Iโll get through this despite his tempting touches, lingering smiles, and the fact thereโs only one bed in our hotel roomโฆ as long as I remember the most important rule of all: Donโt fall for your fake boyfriend.
If you loved the emotional heat of books by Becka Mack and Avery Keelan, then buy THE FIRST RULE OF FAKING IT to start reading your next addictive hockey romance today!
Publication Date 17/4/2026
The First Rule Of Faking It: A Colorado Dragons Novel by A. Rivers
My Review
I went into The First Rule of Faking It purely for the tropesโฆ. best friends to lovers, fake dating, and forced proximity with that classic one bed setup in paradise, and it checked every box with a smile. ๐
The setup is deliciously awkward, Tally is stuck at a family wedding event with her cheating ex and his new woman, and her longtime hockey player bestie Alec is the fake boyfriend savior.
Rewind a moment โฆ. Tally found her ex, in their bed with her cousin! Not wanting to appear like a loser, she asks Alec to come to the island wedding and protestor be her boyfriend. Simple โฆ. Nope! Not when Tally has loved Alec forever. Hence the awkward situation we are in nowโฆ..
Alec is a great hero, protective without being overbearing, charming and a little cocky in that athlete way, but genuinely caring.
His long standing feelings for her make the โfakeโ touches and lingering looks feel electric right from the start. The best friendโs foundation gives the romance real warmth, so the emotional intimacy clicks faster than in many fake dating stories. Itโs steamy but not overwhelming, the tension builds nicely through the forced proximity. The ex boyfriend drama is present but not dragged out into unnecessary angst, keeping the story light and breezy overall.
At around 170 pages, itโs a quick, satisfying read rather than a deep epic. Some side characters and family dynamics felt a bit surface level, but that fits the shorter format. (If youโre craving massive character arcs or heavy emotional turmoil, this isnโt it, itโs more of a smile while reading on the couch kind of book.)
Overall, if you enjoy hockey romances with low drama, high chemistry, and that satisfying โtheyโve been in love the whole timeโ realization, this one is worth picking up.
Itโs perfect for a palate cleanser between heavier reads that Iโve done lately.
Iโd happily read more from the Colorado Dragons world.
Recommended for fans of best friends to lovers hockey romance that leans into the fun rather than the pain.
A fun, low angst hockey romance that delivers exactly what it promises.
Ivywood is everything a small town should be: a sparkling lake, towering trees, and one of the best nursing homes aroundโitโs exactly what Fawn Higgins, a newly published author, needs.
Between caring for her grandfather and trying to write her next ice hockey romance novel, she has no room in her life for distractions.
That is, until two talented hockey players, Dylan Crawley and Torin Anderson, skate into her life. Intense and impossible to ignore, the two hockey players challenge everything Fawn thought she wanted.
As emotions simmer and tension builds, why choose when she can have both, right?
Tropes:
๐ฉต Why Choose
๐ Ice Hockey Players x Writer
Small Town
๐ฉต Slow Burn, but when it hits – IT HITS
๐ Protective MMCs
๐ฉต PCOS Rep
๐ Friends to Lovers
๐ฉต Golden Retriever x Grumpy Mysterious MMCs
๐ Aftercare Kings
Publication Date 28/2/2026
Between The Pages And The Rink by Meadow Thompson
My Review
Between The Pages And The Rink by Meadow Thompson is a delightful read in the why choose hockey romance genre, Iโm hoping to read more.
This small town romance follows Fawn Higgins, a newly published author juggling her grandfatherโs care in the charming town of Ivywood and her next ice hockey romance novel.
Sheโs determined to avoid distractions, until two irresistible hockey players, Dylan Crawley and Torin Anderson, glide into her world. ๐
The blurb promises a classic slow burn buildup that explodes into something intense, with no need to choose between the two protective, MMCs, one golden retriever energy and the other grumpy mysterious, both serving major aftercare king vibes. ๐ and it definitely delivers on that promise.
I really liked the friends to lovers dynamic, and the โwhy chooseโ romance structure, the cozy small town setting is a little cliched, but it works. And If youโre into sports romances that blend steamy tension, emotional depth, and feel good comfort (think warm hugs on a cold rink), this checks all the boxes.
The author nails the balance of spice, tenderness, and character driven storytelling. The protective MMCs, small town charm, and that โwhen it hits, IT HITSโ promise make this one a must add to your TBR if you love hockey romances with a fresh twist.
If youโre into why choose stories with plenty of rink side tension, this debut itโll delivers all the feels!
Have you read it yet? Iโd love to hear what tropes youโre most excited for. ๐โ๏ธ
For Emily โ it’s true. When she watches a documentary on the average human she sees her life. Her job, her hair, her favourite food. All of her โ plainly, horrifically average. Even her blood group. Right there and then, she decides she wants more.
She’ll travel the world (i.e. venture out of her hometown)
She’ll become a vegan (it’s interesting to hate cheese, right?)
She’ll do something daring (As long as it’s safety tested)
Nothing will stand in the way of Emily living her best life. Not even Josh and his dimples. Because she absolutely can’t fall in love . . . that would be too ordinary.
And from now on, Emily is going to be extraordinary.
Publication Date 5/1/2023
My (extra)Ordinary Life by Rebecca Ryan
My Review
Rebecca Ryanโs novel *My (extra)Ordinary Life* is an exploration of identity, ambition, and the quest for authenticity in a world that often celebrates the mundane.
The story follows Emily, who discovers that she epitomizes the average human in every conceivable way, from her job to her blood type. This realization prompts her to embark on a journey to break free from the confines of her normalcy and seek out the extraordinary.
Emilyโs character is just charming. Her commitment to change is both humorous and earnest, making us root for her as she takes on challenges like traveling beyond her hometown, adopting a vegan lifestyle, and attempting daring feats, albeit with a safety guarantee.
Ryan infuses comedy into Emilyโs misadventures, allowing us to laugh alongside her as she navigates her quest for self-improvement.
The contrast between her desire for a vibrant life and the lure of romance adds another layer to the story, especially in her interactions with Josh, a charming character whose dimples bring both attraction and trepidation.
The pacing of the story is engaging, with witty dialogues and relatable scenarios that keep us entertained. The authorโs writing is light-hearted, making it an enjoyable read for those looking for a fun escape. The vivid descriptions of Emilyโs experiences and the charming supporting characters round out the story, adding depth to her journey.
Ultimately, *My (extra)Ordinary Life* sends a powerful message: being ordinary is not inherently a bad thing. The journey to self-acceptance and the pursuit of authenticity is what truly makes life extraordinary. Emilyโs transformation is not merely about the changes she makes but also about embracing who she is and finding joy in the process.
In conclusion, Rebecca Ryanโs novel is a whimsical and insightful trip through the search for oneโs identity. If youโre in need of a light-hearted read, *My (extra)Ordinary Life* is an excellent choice.
Perfect for those seeking a cheerful reminder that it’s okay to be average.
๐ฆ
Book I read on holiday. My (extra)Ordinary Life by Rebecca Ryan
Thrown Off Balance (Python’s Hockey Book by Kristin MacQueen
Description
He was my first love. The man I thought I’d spend forever with… until my parents moved away and I lost contact with him. I’ve been back in my hometown for a while and never ran into him. The last place I expect to see him is at a hockey game… on the ice.
She’s the one I compare every woman to. The reason I don’t date even though there’s no chance of us getting back together. Yet when I’m slammed into the glass during a game and find her on the other side, I can’t stop thinking about her and what could’ve been.
Tropes: small town romance, sports romance, hockey romance, friends to lovers, second chance, meet cute, forced proximity, he falls first TW: stalker
Publication Date 2/5/2026
Thrown Off Balance (Python’s Hockey Book by Kristin MacQueen
My Review
I went into Thrown Off Balance expecting a fun sports romance with classic tropes, and it delivered exactly that. ๐ Itโs a new author for me too, and one Iโm going to be looking into after reading this book.
Sloan and Cody were childhood sweethearts/first loves who lost touch when her family moved away.
Years later, sheโs back in their small hometown, and heโs a professional hockey player for the Pythons.
Their reunion happens in the most dramatic (and meet/cute) way possible, when he gets slammed into the glass right in front of her during a game. (Sheโs with another man!) From there, the forced proximity, lingering feelings, and โhe falls first/hardโ energy kick in strong. ๐
I loved the second chance vibe. The nostalgia, the โwhat ifโ conversations, and the way they both compare everyone else to their first love hit that sweet spot without being overly angsty.
Hockey elements were good. The author gives enough game scenes and team dynamics to satisfy sports romance fans without overwhelming the central relationship.
The suspense/stalker thread (as noted in the TW) adds an โout of left fieldโ layer of excitement without derailing the romance. It raises the stakes in a way that feels fresh for the subgenre.
It leans heavily into the tropes (small town, friends to lovers/second chance, forced proximity), so if you want something super unpredictable it might feel familiar. But when the tropes are executed this warmly, Iโm here for it.
Overall, this was a charming start to the Pythonโs Hockey series. Itโs comforting, low angst, and leaves you smiling with that โhappily ever afterโ glow.
Perfect for fans of second chance sports romances who enjoy small town charm and a hero who never got over his first love.
Iโll definitely be picking up the next one!
A sweet, heartfelt second chance hockey romance with just the right amount of tension.
If you like authors who blend heartfelt reconnection with light suspense and a tight knit community, this oneโs worth checking out.
The Shapeshifter’s Gambit (The Faceless Chronicles Book 1) by Grant Pierce
Description
Book One of The Faceless Chronicles.
A dark epic fantasy of prophecy, loyalty, and demons.
The strangers foretold the world would end in fireโand Logan would strike the match.
Kalen and Logan grew up as brothers in all but blood. But when a secretive order recruits Kalen, he learns a devastating truth: Logan is destined to summon the dread fiend Astaroth and unmake the world.
The order wants Kalen to kill him before the prophecy comes to pass.
Driven by memories of their youth and visions of a burning future, Kalen refuses to believe Logan is lost. The path ahead is paved with betrayal and death. Reapers and a murderous shapeshifter trail Logan, guarding him with a devotion carved from fear.
As fate tightens its grip, Kalen must face the truth he dreads most. Logan may be the worldโs last hopeโฆ or its final curse.
When fate is written in fire and blood, only the damned can bend destiny to their will.
Expect:
Prophecy, impossible choices, and epic stakes
Reapers, assassins, and a lethal shapeshifter
Demons, dark magic, and brutal consequences
Publication Date 1/5/2026
The Shapeshifter’s Gambit (The Faceless Chronicles Book 1) by Grant Pierce
My Review
The story centers on Kalen and Logan, who grew up as close as brothers. When Kalen is recruited by a secretive order, he discovers a chilling prophecyโฆ. Logan is fated to summon the demon Astaroth and bring about the worldโs end!!
The order demands Kalen kill Logan to prevent this catastrophe. Torn between loyalty, shared memories, and terrifying visions of a fiery apocalypse, Kalen rejects the orderโs command and sets out on a perilous pathโฆ
Logan is protected by reapers, assassins, and a particularly lethal shapeshifter to a fanatical level, but is this by fear or devotion?
As we travel through the book, Kalen grapples with the possibility that Logan might not be the villain everyone fears, but then again he could be something far worse, the worldโs final curse!! And for most of the book I wondered the same thing myself, and that had me wanting to find out which way Logan would go! ๐ค
Itโs a grim, world steeped in dark magic, and demonic forces.
You have a friendship that could go either way, Logan and Kalen go through so much together, I really wanted them to triumph.
The pacing keeps things moving, balancing the quieter mand backstory with brutal confrontations and escalating stakes.
The writing is straightforward and immersive, effectively conveying a sense of dread and inevitability, I have to admit, the first couple chapters almost had me putting it down, but Iโm glad I persevered as it definitely got better, then i couldnโt outfit down.
As a first book in a planned series (The Faceless Chronicles), it sets up an intriguing larger arc involving shadows, power, and uncreation, without feeling overly incomplete, though it clearly builds toward more.
If youโre drawn to fantasy with strong character driven drama, prophecies, and creatures like demons and shapeshifters used in service of the plot rather than as gimmicks, this should hit the spot.
Overall, a solid debut that promises an ambitious series.
It is full of potential, with room to grow in world building depth in future installments.
If the blurbโs themes appeal to you, itโs worth checking out, especially as an indie epic fantasy launch.
An epic dark fantasy that delivers on its promise of prophecy, betrayal, demons, and high stakes moral dilemmas.
Itโs my Granddaughterโs birthday this month. Its also my Grandadโs birthday (sadly no longer here) ๐
Arcs Iโve signed up for and hope to read.
Thrown Off Balance (Python’s Hockey Book by Kristin MacQueen
Simply Irresistible : A Neighbors-to-lovers Romance (Lesson in Love) by Tara September
Duchess of Debits: An Enemies to Lovers, Age Gap, Kidnapping, Slow Burn, Dixie Mafia Romance by Victoria Jayne
Writer’s Block by Kimberly Amato
Witcha Gonna Do? (The Sherwood Witches Book 1) Avery Flynn (this is a rerelease of an old book)
A Sense of Murder: Road Mage Volume by Sam Robb
At First Spark: A Firefighter, Small Town Romance (Coral Bell Cove Book 4) by Renee Harless
Penalty Shot (Winnipeg Avalanche Hockey Book 3) by Crea Reitan
Nowhere to Hide: A completely unputdownable and pulse-pounding FBI mystery thriller (Sandra Vos Book 3) by Carolyn Arnold
Under the Radar (Outcasts of Oloria Book 4) by Bea Tama
The Shapeshifter’s Gambit (The Faceless Chronicles Book 1) by Grant Pierce
Books on my TBR Iโm hoping to read.
I have two of the Savage Kings MC to finish, then the series is done ๐
BOOKS DUE FOR RELEASE:
All the above books are due to be released this month. If I donโt get an arc, then Iโll probably still read them. As long as they are on Kindle Unlimited.
Are there any books this month you are looking forward to? Are there any recommendations?
Fire and Ice: A Fake Dating Hockey Romance (Boston Bobcats Book 2) by Carly Robyn arc
Miles (Savage Kings MC Book 8) by Lane Hart & D. B. West Sax (Savage Kings MC Book 9) by Lane Hart & D. B. West Cooper (Savage Kings MC Book 10) by Lane Hart & D. B. West (from my TBR)
Stolen claim by Katherine St. Vincent arc
Into the Apocalypse by Daniele Vaccaro
Deceived: The D’Immortali Vampire Dynasty: 1 by L.A. McGinnis arc
Dark Possession: Alpha Legend book two (The Wolf Pack 2) by Helen Johnston ๐
Lady Veronica’s Lost Gem: The Riddle Sisters: Book 6 (A Clean Regency Romance with a Spy Heroine, Secret Heir, and Opposites Attract) by Jennifer Monroe arc
Distorted Perceptions: A small town stalker romance (The Lanton Legacy Series Book 2) by Esme Taylor arc
We Can’t Have Forever : A Single Dad Cowboy Romance by Ria Wilde arc
Rogue to the Rescue by Jane Charles arc
Vicious Wins: A Dark Hockey Romance (Cruel Games Book 2) by Poppy Jacobson arc
Until I shatter by L.B. Martin arc
Beautiful Betrayal : An Enemies to Lovers, Dark Romance (Tempting Love Book 3) by Nikki Ash arc
Loving A Witch Is Totally Foolish : A Paranormal Dark Rom-Com (Total Chaos Book 2) by Aura Hayes arc
The Daredevil (The Dawn of America series Book 3) by Regan Walker arc
Mister Van Doren (CEOs of Kink) by Crea Reitan arc
Claimed by the Mountain Men: A Reverse Harem Romance (Claimed by… Reverse Harems) by Adelaide Brooke arc
Forbidden Forget-Me-Not: An Age Gap Mafia Forbidden Bodyguard Romance (California Made Men Book 3) by Brooklyn Cross arc
Fink: A Contract Killer Clown Dark Romance by Victoria Jayne arc
Vamps and Vendettas (Star-Crossed Chronicles Book 3) by AK Nevermore arc
The Highlander’s Wicked Ways (Spellbound Hearts Book 3) by Julie Johnstone arc
The Rise of Lazarus by B. W. Jackson arc The Brotherhood of Barnabas (The Rise of Lazarus Book 2) by B. W. Jackson arc
You Have My Attention: A Dark Stalker Romance by Rebel Rose arc
The Unwilling Love: A Best Friend’s Brother Romance (The Hamiltons : A Marriage of Convenience Billionaire Romance series) by L. Steele arc
Yours Always by Corinne Sullivan arc
How much did you read this month? Is there anything on my list that looked interesting to you? Do you have any recommendations for me to read in May?
He has risked war to get to me. Now Iโll sacrifice everything to stay by his side.
Taking my place as Lord Strykerโs Omega isnโt as simple as becoming the Lady of his house. Itโs more than high tea and fancy balls.
Because claiming my spot next to the most powerful vampire lord on the West Coast isnโt just a marriageโฆ
Itโs an act of war.
But the heat of battle has nothing on the heat of an Omega desperate to be claimed once and for all eternity by her Alpha.
And nothing, not even the most vile Alphas, will stop me from becoming who I was always meant to be.
Publication Date 16/4/2026
Stolen Claim by Katherine St. Vincent
My Review
I dove into Stolen Claim, and it delivered exactly the kind of indulgent, high heat paranormal Omegaverse escape I was craving.
This is the second half of the โStolenโ duet (following Stolen Promise), focusing on Lord Kestrel Stryker, the most powerful vampire lord on the West Coast, and his destined Omega Versie.
The blurb sets it up perfectly, he risks war to reach her, and sheโll sacrifice everything to stand by his side. What follows is a blend of political intrigue, fated mate tension, and that signature sweet yet steamy Omegaverse dynamic that this author does so well.
I loved the Alpha/Omega dynamic, Lord Stryker is the ultimate possessive, protective Alpha, ancient, ruthless when needed, but surprisingly tender with his Omega.
The heat level is delicious, the desperation and biology driven pull between them is intense without crossing into overly dark territory. It stays on the sweeter side of Omegaverse, which I liked.
World building and stakes, This isnโt just fancy balls and high tea. Claiming her place truly is an act of war, with rival vampire houses, treaties at risk, and political maneuvering that adds real tension. Coming back to West Coast vampire covenant was like coming home, especially if youโve read the earlier books in the series.
If youโre new to the Covenant Omegaverse series, youโll probably want to at least read Stolen Promise first (or the earlier books for full context on the vampire houses and politics). The story leans heavily on the duetโs established setup, so jumping straight in might feel a bit like starting mid conversation. Also, while the steam is plentiful, the โsweeterโ tone means itโs more about emotional bonding and heat than extreme kink or darkness, which is a feature, not a bug, if thatโs your preference.
Stolen Claim is pure catnip for fans of vampire Omegaverse romance, with age gap tension, fated mates whoโll burn the world (or at least risk war) for each other, protective Alphas, and a heroine who refuses to be sidelined.
Itโs a spicy paranormal romance with just enough danger to keep the stakes high.
If you love stories where the heat of battle pales in comparison to the heat between an Alpha and his Omega, this oneโs a winner.
Highly recommend if youโre already invested in the Covenant world or looking for a steamy, romantic vampire read with strong bonding and claiming vibes.
Iโll definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
The world has fallen, but Patrick has one promise left to keep: save his family.
His wife, son, and daughter are isolated, trapped in the center of a monstrous outbreak while a hostile military tightens its grip on the borders. As he fights his way back into the United States, Patrick faces a desperate challenge, confronting both the infected and the ruthless soldiers who see him as a threat.
As humanity prepares for a devastating final act, Patrick’s impossible journey forces him to face a harsh truth: the greatest weapon against pure evil isn’t a bullet but the unbreakable strength of a family’s love. The clock is ticking, but nothing can break hope.
Content warning: violence and graphic injury, child in danger, discussion of suicide.
Publication Date 8/11/2025
Into the Apocalypse by Daniele Vaccaro
My Review
Into the Apocalypse is a gripping, fast paced post apocalyptic thriller that centers on family, survival, and unbreakable hope in the face of total collapse.
The book clocks in at around 198 pages, making it a relatively quick, momentum driven read with short chapters that keep the story charging forward without much downtime.
The plot follows Patrick, a father who is overseas when a monstrous infection erupts in the United States, turning people into violent threats and plunging society into chaos.
Stranded abroad, he embarks on a desperate, high stakes journey to reenter the country and rescue his isolated wife, son, and daughter, who are trapped in the epicenter of the outbreak.
Complicating matters are ruthless military forces enforcing borders and viewing outsiders (including Patrick) as potential carriers or threats.
The story alternates between Patrickโs perilous trek,filled with infected encounters, betrayals, and moral dilemmas, and glimpses of his familyโs struggle to hold on while awaiting his return.
The story emphasizes that in a world stripped of everything, the real weapon against evil and despair is the enduring power of familial love. Moments like the reunion and a poignant letter deliver genuine heartfelt impact, giving the book more emotional depth than many straight up zombie/apocalypse action tales.
The pacing is great, easy to devour in a sitting or two, with constant action, twists, secrets, and reveals that propel the plot.
Itโs straightforward, no nonsense, and free of excessive filler.
Itโs a great read if you enjoy high stakes, family driven survival stories with horror elements, and action oriented.
If youโre in the mood for a quick, uplifting yet gritty apocalypse read that puts heart over grimdark excess, this one comes highly recommended.
Miles (Savage Kings MC Book 8) by Lane Hart & D. B. West Sax (Savage Kings MC Book 9) by Lane Hart & D. B. West Cooper (Savage Kings MC Book 10) by Lane Hart & D. B. West
Miles (Savage Kings MC Book 8) by Lane Hart & D. B. West Sax (Savage Kings MC Book 9) by Lane Hart & D. B. West Cooper (Savage Kings MC Book 10) by Lane Hart & D. B. West
Miles (Savage Kings MC Book 8) by Lane Hart & D. B. West
Description
Who could ever fall in love with a cold-blooded killer like me?
The answer is no one.
Thatโs why Iโm giving up trying to find a woman who wants me for more than one rowdy night. Iโm determined to find a wife instead.
If I buy a mail order bride, then sheโll have no choice but to stick around. Besides, I have plenty of money to spend thanks to all the successful Savage Kings MC legal and outlaw enterprises.
Kiraโs the perfect woman, and sheโs just as eager as I am to tie the knot. I didnโt ask why she needed half a million dollars; and honestly, I didnโt really care.
Maybe I should have.
A few weeks after Kira becomes my wife, I find myself in the middle of her familyโs fallout with the Russian mafia.
When I shoot first and ask questions later, I unknowingly drag the entire MC into the crossfire.
Now the Russians are pissed and are out for blood. But theyโve screwed with the wrong man this time.
The Kings will do whatever it takes to protect their own, no matter the consequences.
And now that Kira is mine, Iโll gladly kill anyone who tries to hurt her.
This is the eighth book in the Savage Kings MC series but it can be read as a standalone.
The preferred reading order is:
King’s Road
Chase
Abe
Torin
War
Maddox
Dalton
Reece
Miles
Publication Date 18/5/2019
My Review
Miles is exactly the kind of unapologetic, brooding alpha the Savage Kings series does so well.
Tired of meaningless hookups, this cold blooded enforcer decides the only way to keep a woman around is to buy one half a million dollars for a mail order bride named Kira, no questions asked!
Their instant marriage starts as a pure transaction, but the heat and possessiveness kick in fast. ๐
What I lovedโฆ. the raw chemistry between Miles and Kira, the classic MC protectiveness that turns fiercely devoted once he claims her as his, and the way the club rallies when her Russian mafia family drama explodes!
The action is intense, the steam is plentiful, and Milesโs โshoot first, protect whatโs mineโ attitude delivers that satisfying alpha vibe. ๐ฅฐ
On the flip side, the mail order setup and quick timeline mean the emotional depth develops rapidly, great for pacing if youโre in the mood for fast burn romance, but it skips some slower burn tension you might crave. Kiraโs backstory adds solid stakes, though I wish weโd lingered a bit more on her perspective.
Overall, itโs a fun, standalone ride in the Savage Kings world, gritty, loyal, and entertaining if you enjoy possessive bikers, arranged turned real love, and club wide chaos.
Itโs perfect for a quick, steamy escape with heart and bullets. If youโre already a fan of the series, Miles fits right in without missing a beat.
๐ฆ
Sax (Savage Kings MC Book 9) by Lane Hart & D. B. West
Description
I never thought I would be stupid enough to make a deal with the devil, but here I am doing just that.
Itโs not like he really gave me a choice. I have to give the Governor what he wants, or heโs going to throw all of my Savage Kings MC brothers into prison for decades.
And what exactly does Governor Satan need from me? Thatโs the real kicker because heโs insisting that Iโฆdate his daughter. No, not just date her. He wants me to convince Isobel to stop spiraling out of control before she ends up dead, or worse โ ruin her fatherโs chance at getting re-elected.
I have no clue why his beautiful wild child is partying her way through life, crossing off items on a mile-long bucket list, and I donโt really care. Somehow, someway, I have to convince her to put down roots and go back to being the picture-perfect good girl her father raised.
As if Iโm not in deep enough, Iโve never wanted anyone more than the free-spirit who refuses to spend her short life standing in one place for too long. Too bad Isobel is going to hate my guts when she finds out Iโm the asshole who has to lock her back up in a cage.
And if I fail to do so, well, there wonโt be an orange jumpsuit waiting for me. Iโll never make it to prison because the Governor dug up all my dirt that I thought I had carefully buried.
If he tells the Kings that I started prospecting with them as a DEA rat ten years ago, theyโll never forgive me.
How could they when I still havenโt forgiven myself?
The preferred reading order is:
King’s Road
Chase
Abe
Torin
War
Maddox
Dalton
Reece
Miles
Sax
Publication Date 30/7/2019
My Review
Sax delivers one of the most tension filled entries in the series so far.
Forced into a devilโs bargain with the Governor to save his brothers from prison, the brooding biker has to โtameโ the manโs wild, free spirited daughter Isobel, convince her to settle down before her reckless bucket list lifestyle ruins everything.
The catch? Sax has been secretly carrying the guilt of being a former DEA rat for a decade, and failure means the club finds out.
What I loved was the electric push pull chemistry between Sax and Isobel is off the charts.
Sheโs vibrant and defiant, heโs tormented and possessive in that classic Savage Kings way, and their forbidden โrelationshipโ blurs lines fast.
The high stakes blackmail plot adds real suspense, the steam is scorching, and the club loyalty (with its dark undercurrents) feels authentic.
On the flip side, the deception heavy premise means some emotional moments hinge on secrets and eventual blow ups, which can feel a bit manipulative if you prefer straightforward romance.
The pacing is brisk, but the internal guilt and โI donโt deserve herโ angst from Sax gets laid on thick at times!
Overall, itโs a gripping, angsty ride with strong MC vibes, heartfelt redemption threads, and plenty of heat.
If you enjoy tortured heroes, wild heroines who push back, and the ever present threat of club fallout. It works well as a standalone but hits harder if youโve met the Kings before. Perfect for fans craving drama with their bikers.
If you enjoyed the fast burn intensity of Miles, Sax turns up the emotional stakes nicely.
๐ฆ
Cooper (Savage Kings MC Book 10) by Lane Hart & D. B. West
Description
Cooper and Elizabeth Townsend are from two very different worlds โ sheโs an attorney and heโs an outlaw biker. At first, she was just an escape he needed, but now sheโs everything to him, even though their relationship remains a secret.
After his world is blown apart, Cooper is no longer the same man he was before. Heโs questioning everything and wondering how the Savage Kings MC are going to fix the mess they made.
It isnโt easy for him to admit that he needs Elizabethโs help, knowing sheโs resisted becoming a part of his life. She just doesnโt think the two of them make sense together. Cooper lives in the constant chaos that Elizabeth tries to control in the courtroom.
Despite the danger, she decides to go all in and do whatever it takes to help Cooper heal.
Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tries, nothing goes Cooperโs way, not with Elizabeth, the MC, or the redemption he desperately seeks.
Trying and failing to do the right thing, Cooper finally submits to his demons, letting them have everything they crave โ the violence, vengeance, and destruction because he doesnโt think he has anything else to lose.
Before itโs too late, Elizabeth and the other Kings will have to try and stop Cooper from making a mistake heโll never come back from.
The preferred reading order is:
King’s Road
Chase
Abe
Torin
War
Maddox
Dalton
Reece
Miles
Sax
Cooper
Publication Date 28/9/2019
My Review
This one dives deep into emotional territory and feels like the most introspective book in the series so far.
Cooper, the hardened biker, has always kept his secret relationship with strait laced attorney Elizabeth strictly casual, an escape from the chaos.
But after a devastating blow to his world, heโs unraveling, questioning the club, himself, and everything he thought he knewโฆ..
When he finally lets her in, she risks it all to help him heal, even as he battles the pull toward violence and vengeance.
What I loved was the raw, angsty push/pull between Cooper and Elizabeth,itโs compelling, their opposite worlds (biker vs. lawyer) created the tension, and the slow shift from secret hookups to something real had me smiling. The club fallout adds weight, and Cooperโs internal struggle with his demons had me wanting to reach inside the kindle to cuddle him.
The steam is still there, but itโs wrapped in more vulnerability than usual for the Savage Kings.
On the flip side, the darker, slower burn redemption arc means less of the fast paced action and club wide chaos that defined books like Miles or Sax.
Cooperโs self destructive spiral can feel a little heavy at times, but overall itโs a solid, emotionally charged addition, itโs more about healing, love across divides, and fighting inner demons than pure adrenaline.
If youโve enjoyed the series and youโre ready for a grittier, character driven story with strong romantic payoff, Cooper delivers.
Great for fans who like their bikers broken before theyโre redeemed.
If you liked the intensity of Sax, this one trades some of the external drama for deeper personal stakes.
Deceived: The D’Immortali Vampire Dynasty: 1 by L.A. McGinnis
Description
The Dominico family controls Veniceโevery shadow, every secret, every vampireโand rules the DโImmortali Dynasty with an unforgiving fist.
When Don Marcello ordered my father’s assassination, he thought he’d settled an ancient rivalry. He started a war instead.
Now I’ll paint this city red with their blood.
I have one chance at revengeโmarry Gabriel Dominico, the Don’s golden heir, and destroy their empire from within. My plan is simple. I’ll become his innocent bride, hide a knife in my veil, then carve out his heart to keep for my own.
But as we exchange our vows, Dante Dominico returns.
The exiled son.
The traitor the empire tried to destroy.
In front of Venice’s most powerful vampire families, Dante shatters my carefully laid plans like they were made of glass, claiming his sworn right to steal me from his brother’s altar.
Now I’m bound to the wrong Dominico. The brutal, ruthless male forged in the fighting pits of the Fossa, returned to Venice to wreak his own version of vengeance.
And if Iโm not careful, I’ll be the one ending up in a box.
DECEIVED is a steamy enemies to lovers vampire mafia romance set against the haunting backdrop of Venice, with forced marriage, forbidden romance, hot villains, age gap, morally gray antiheroes, power plays and a fierce, stabby heroine.
Publication Date 27/4/2026
Deceived: The D’Immortali Vampire Dynasty: 1 by L.A. McGinnis
My Review
Deceived: The DโImmortali Vampire Dynasty Book 1 by L.A. McGinnis is a deliciously dark, fast burn enemies to lovers vampire mafia romance that sinks its teeth into you from the very first page and refuses to let go.
Set against the moody backdrop of Venice, this story blends high stakes revenge, forced proximity (via a very dramatic altar interruption), and scorching chemistry into a gothic cocktail thatโs equal parts bloody and seductive. ๐
The premise is ๐ค๐ป๐ค๐ป, itโs for fans of morally gray antiheroes and stabby heroinesโฆ. Emberline (our fierce FMC) watches her family get destroyed by the powerful Dominico vampire dynasty. Her meticulously plotted revenge? Marry the golden heir Gabriel, play the innocent bride, then gut the empire from the inside. Simple, right?
Thatโs until exiled brother Dante, the brutal, (battle hardened fighter forged in the pits) storms the wedding and claims her as his by ancient right. Cue the forced marriage to the โwrongโ brother, simmering hatred that flips into forbidden heat, and a web of power plays, betrayals, and secrets that keep the tension sky-high. (Yeah, keep up ๐)
I loved Dante, he is the ultimate damaged, ruthless hero. Heโs not just โmorally grayโ, he was exiled, and now back for blood (and now, her). The age gap tension and his intense, possessive energy make every interaction crackle. Heโs the kind of villainous love interest who makes you root for him even while questioning your life choices. ๐
Emberline is smart, vengeful, and unapologetically stabby. She doesnโt lose her edge once the marriage happens, instead, she navigates the dangerous new dynamic with cunning and fire. The banter between her and Dante is sharp, witty, and often laugh out loud funny amid the darkness.
Steamy and plenty of it, with that โhate you but canโt keep my hands off youโ energy.
If youโre into tropes like forced marriage, forbidden romance, revenge plots gone sideways, hot morally gray vampires, and a fierce heroine who brings a knife to a wedding, this delivers in spades. Itโs got the dark glamour of vampire lore with the ruthless family intrigue of mafia romance, all wrapped in lush Venetian settings.
For me, Deceived is a gripping, addictive read that left me eager for more of the DโImmortali world.
If you like your romance dark, possessive, and dripping with tension (think a vampiric The Godfather meets Twisted) enemies to lovers with a Venetian twist, pick this up.
Itโs bloody good fun. ๐
(I devoured it and immediately wanted the next one.)
Highly recommended for those who enjoy steamy paranormal mafia romance with bite. ๐
Dark Possession: Alpha Legend book two (The Wolf Pack 2) by Helen Johnston
Description
As the pack settles into its routine, Jack and Ralph, the newly appointed managers of the nightclub The Pack, stumble upon what they believe to be a homeless woman rummaging through the bins.
However, before they can claim her as their mate, an ominous threat from the past resurfaces, endangering the pack’s lives.
Jack and Ralph, noble red wolves of the esteemed Scottish Highlands clan, are ready to move heaven and earth to protect the pack they’ve embracedโand the woman destined to be their mate.
Publication Date 31/3/2025
Dark Possession: Alpha Legend book two (The Wolf Pack 2) by Helen Johnston
My Review
I picked this up after finishing book one (The Alpha Legend), and it slides seamlessly into the ongoing world of the Wolf Pack.
If you enjoyed the first bookโs mix of pack politics, protective alphas, and very spicy shifter romance, this sequel doubles down on all of it, while introducing a new fated mate dynamic with the red wolf twins, Jack and Ralph.
The story kicks off with the pack trying to settle into a more normal routine. Jack and Ralph, now managing the nightclub The Pack, discover what looks like a homeless woman digging through the bins. Instant mate recognition hits (classic shifter insta pull), but before they can properly claim her, an ominous threat from the past crashes back into their lives, putting the entire pack in danger.
From there, itโs a fast paced blend of action, protection mode on steroids, and the twins going all in to keep their woman (and their found family) safe.
Jack and Ralph are noble red wolves from a Scottish Highlands clan, and that heritage shows in their fierce loyalty and โmove heaven and earthโ energy. Theyโre possessive, dominant, and very much in the โtouch her and dieโ category, perfect for fans of why choose tropes with a dark edge.
The heroine starts in a vulnerable spot, but she doesnโt stay passive, the story gives her room to navigate the overwhelming intensity of being claimed by two powerful shifters while danger looms.
What I liked most was the continuation of the pack from book one. Seeing familiar faces and how the group is evolving feels rewarding if youโve read the first installment. Threats from the past keep the plot moving, while the romance delivers that possessive, fated mate obsession many i crave in shifter books.
This is unapologetically erotic paranormal romance with plenty of spice (definitely on the darker, more intense side of grey). The chemistry between the twins and their mate is combustible.
Threats from the past keep the plot moving, while the romance delivers that possessive, fated-mate obsession many readers crave in shifter books.
Overall, Dark Possession is a solid, entertaining follow up that delivers exactly what the blurb promises, protective wolf shifters, a woman theyโll do anything for, pack loyalty, and steamy scenes that donโt hold back. It kept me turning pages late into the night, much like the first book.
If you loved book one and want more of the same fated mates, alpha energy, action mixed with heat, and that possessive shifter romance vibe this oneโs worth diving into.
Highly recommend if you enjoy Helen Johnstonโs style of smut with plot wolf shifters.
Just go in knowing it leans hard into the possessive, erotic side! ๐บ
Lady Veronica’s Lost Gem: The Riddle Sisters: Book 6 (A Clean Regency Romance with a Spy Heroine, Secret Heir, and Opposites Attract) by Jennifer Monroe
Description
A deadly mission. A stolen legacy. A love neither of them saw coming.
Lady Veronica Standwick has spent years proving she is more than another woman waiting for rescue. As a spy for the Underground, she has learned to trust no one and guard her heart with the same precision she guards the Crown’s secrets. But when she locates the lost heir to the Saltersford dukedom, those iron barriers begin to crack.
James Dunning is a quiet schoolteacher who believes shaping young minds is the greatest adventure he will ever have. When a sharp-tongued beauty arrives at his door claiming he is the lost heir to a dukedom, he thinks she has lost her mind. But the proof she carries is undeniable. And so is the woman holding it.
As James adjusts to his new life as a duke, the mystery of why he was kidnapped as a child brings on a new dangerโan assassin wanting to take his life. As Veronica fights to keep him alive, James finds the red-headed beauty impossible to read and harder to look away from. For Veronica, the allure of James awakens a feeling she thought long buried: love. But the secret she hides may destroy them both before his enemies ever get the chance.
Lady Veronica’s Lost Gem, Book 6 of the six-book Riddle Sisters series, is a sweet and clean Regency romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. Perfect for fans of Sarah M. Eden and Julie Klassen.
What to Expect:
Secret heir
Spy heroine
Rags to riches
Opposites attract
Publication Date 30/3/2026
Lady Veronica’s Lost Gem: The Riddle Sisters: Book 6 (A Clean Regency Romance with a Spy Heroine, Secret Heir, and Opposites Attract) by Jennifer Monroe
My Review
Lady Veronicaโs Lost Gem is thrilling conclusion to The Riddle Sisters series, a sweet, clean Regency romance that perfectly blends espionage, mystery, and opposites/attract love.
As book 6, it wraps up the overarching family secrets and conspiracies while giving the fiercely independent Lady Veronica her own well deserved happily ever after.
Lady Veronica Standwick is no damsel in distress. Sheโs a skilled spy for the Underground, hardened by years of guarding Crown secrets and trusting no one. Her ironclad emotional walls have served her well, until her latest mission leads her straight to James Dunning, a quiet, unassuming schoolteacher who turns out to be the long lost heir to a dukedom!
When Veronica arrives at his door with undeniable proof of his true identity, Jamesโs peaceful life of shaping young minds is upended in the most dramatic way possible!
What follows is a delightful rags to riches journey as James navigates his new role as duke, complete with etiquette training from the sharp tongued Veronica. The chemistry sparks immediately through their opposites attract dynamicโฆ. sheโs all fiery determination and guarded vulnerability, while heโs steady, kind, and seems to genuine.
As danger escalates, an assassin targeting the new duke, plus the lingering mystery of Jamesโs childhood kidnapping, Veronica must protect him while fighting the unexpected pull of her own heart.
James, in turn, sees through her defenses and gently pushes past every barrier sheโs built. ๐ฅฐ
Veronica is a strong, capable, and layered, character, yet her buried longing for love makes her vulnerable. James is the perfect counterbalance, patient and honorable, with a quiet strength that proves far more compelling than any rakish charm.
Their romance builds naturally through shared danger, stolen moments, and mutual respect, staying true to the clean/sweet style with tender kisses and heartfelt connection rather than explicit content.
The spy elements add welcome suspense and intrigue without overwhelming the central love story. The author ties up the seriesโ loose ends beautifully, delivering satisfying resolutions for the Riddle sisters while keeping the focus on Veronica and James.
As the finale, Lady Veronicaโs Lost Gem feels like a warm, rewarding send off to a beloved series. Itโs low angst overall, with just enough tension from the assassination plot and Veronicaโs internal struggles to keep pages turning.
If youโre looking for a clean Regency romance with a clever spy heroine, a kind hearted hero who rises to the occasion, secret heir vibes, and gentle opposites attract sparks, this one is a gem.
It stands well on its own but is even richer after following the previous Riddle Sisters books.
Highly enjoyable and a perfect palate cleanser after reading some of the stuff Iโve read ๐
I loved seeing Veronica finally let someone definitely a series highlight!
Distorted Perceptions: A small town stalker romance (The Lanton Legacy Series Book 2) by Esme Taylor
Description
I made a promise to a dying man.
Watch Hana.
When my friend was murdered in prison, serving a sentence I should have been doing with him, I vowed Iโd look out for his little sister.
I kept my word.
Hunted her down.
Watched her 24/7.
Itโs been six years of watching her from a distance, but now sheโs here, standing in front of me.
My obsession spirals, and I lose control.
I break all the rules to make her mine.
But the closer I get to Hana Monroe, the more I wonder if I misheard my friend.
Maybe he didnโt say, โwatch Hanaโ. Maybe he actually said, โwatch out for Hana,โ because Iโm starting to feel less like the protector and more like her prey.
Publication Date 24/4/2026
Distorted Perceptions: A small town stalker romance (The Lanton Legacy Series Book 2) by Esme Taylor
My Review
Distorted Perceptions is a small town stalker romance, itโs an intriguing blend of obsession and romance, centered around a complex relationship rooted in a promise.
The story follows Roman, who is haunted by guilt and a sense of duty after promising to look out for his late friend’s sister, Hana, after his tragic death. This setup creates a tense backdrop as Roman grapples with his intense feelings and compulsive behavior towards Hana.
The story explores themes of protection and obsession, raising questions about boundaries in relationships. Roman’s character is deeply conflicted, he transitions from a protector to a potentially dangerous figure as his fixation grows.
The pacing of the plot is steady, allowing for the characters to develop and get their claws into you ๐ while ramping up suspense as Roman’s obsession deepens.
The writing style is straightforward, making the story accessible while maintaining intensity.
In summary, Distorted Perceptions offers a captivating read for fans of romance and psychological thrillers. It explores dark themes with a good approach, leaving us eager to see how the story unfolds and whether love can prevail amidst turmoil.
If We Can’t Have Forever : A Single Dad Cowboy Romance by Ria Wilde
Description
I had only one goal.
Survive.
Iโve spent years simply trying to disappear.
Donโt make waves.
Donโt be too loud.
Itโs the only way I know how to survive in this cruel, loveless marriage.
I never let myself believe there could be a way out, not until he stepped foot on my property.
He was only meant to be here to help train one of the horses on this ranch and then leave, but Silas Knight canโt see a problem and walk away from it. I tried to pretend I was okay, that I didnโt need help but that
all comes tumbling down when Iโm left with no choice but to run.
And thereโs only one place I can go.
Knight Falls Ranch.
I just need time and a place to get myself back on my feet and Silas offers that and more.
Now Iโm living here with him and his two adorable kids. I tell myself itโs only temporary, that I will be leaving eventually but with every day that passes, the more Iโm wondering if thereโs a possibility of forever here in Sunstone Ridge.
We both have reasons not to fall in love and weโre both a little broken and yet when he looks at me, he makes me forget all the hurt in the past.
It makes me believe that maybe, just maybe, we could have forever.
But life is unpredictable and messy and all those things we try to run from have a way of catching up with us.
Publication Date 23/4/2026
If We Can’t Have Forever : A Single Dad Cowboy Romance by Ria Wilde
My Review
Iโve just finished it and canโt stop thinking about Juni and Silas.
This book delivers exactly what the title and blurb promise, a heartfelt, emotionally layered escape into small town cowboy romance with a side of romantic suspense.
Itโs the kind of story that wraps you in the warmth of Sunstone Ridge while never letting you forget how fragile that safety can feelโฆโฆ Juniโs situation broke my heart from the very first pages. Trapped in a cold, controlling marriage where survival means staying small and silent, sheโs the definition of quiet strength. Watching her finally reach her breaking point and run had me crying and cheering at the same time, thereโs no instant empowerment fairy tale here.
Her journey toward reclaiming her voice and sense of self is slow, tender, and incredibly rewarding. I loved how the author shows her healing not just through romance, but through the simple, grounding routines of ranch life and the unconditional acceptance she finds with Silasโs family.๐๐
Silas Knight is the ultimate single dad cowboy hero, heโs protective without being overbearing, quietly intense, and carrying his own scars. Heโs the kind of man who canโt ignore someone in trouble, even when he has every reason to keep his walls up for the sake of his two adorable kids.
The way he sees Juniโฆ. really sees her without pushing too hard or too fast made the slow burn tension between them electric.
Their chemistry builds beautifully through stolen glances, late night conversations, and those quiet domestic moments that feel even more intimate than the steamier scenes (though the spice is there and hits just right ๐).
The kids add such genuine warmth and levity without ever feeling like plot additions. They ground the story and give both Juni and Silas extra reasons to be cautious about falling in love, yet they also become part of what makes โforeverโ feel possible.
Both characters are a little broken, both have valid reasons to guard their hearts, and the external threats from Juniโs past arenโt glossed over or resolved too neatly. The romantic suspense element keeps the stakes high without overwhelming the emotional core. Itโs hurt/comfort done well, tender, supportive, and never veering into toxic territory.
Is it predictable in places? A little, as many romances in this vein are. But the execution feels fresh enough, thanks to the authentic ranch setting, the Knight family dynamics, and Ria Wildeโs smooth, engaging writing style that pulls you right into the small-town atmosphere.
A comforting, steamy, emotionally satisfying read that made me want to move to Sunstone Ridge and never leave. Canโt wait for the rest of the Knight brothersโ stories! Perfect for fans of small town cowboy romance with heart and a touch of suspense.
If you love single dad romances, cowboy settings, hurt/comfort vibes, a heroine on the run finding safety and love, and that perfect mix of sweet domesticity with underlying tension, this one is a winner.
Fire and Ice: A Fake Dating Hockey Romance (Boston Bobcats Book 2) by Carly Robyn
Description
A spicy Fake Dating, Grumpy x Sunshine, hockey romance from bestselling author, Carly Robyn
One fake relationship, a delicious dash of chemistry, and a recipe that’s bound to get messy.
Kennedy Caplan bakes the best cakes in town, but taking her business to the next level requires more than butter and grit. Sheโs determined to turn her dreams into something bigger, even if the oddsโand her bank accountโare stacked against her.
Cameron Davies, NHL goalie and resident grump, has perfected the art of shutting people out. Heโs content with his small circle, until life throws him off balance: a toxic ex back in town, teammates who wonโt stop hovering, and a spotlight that refuses to dim.
His solution is as practical as it is risky: a fake relationship with Kennedyโhis sisterโs friend and the one person he canโt seem to ignore. The arrangement gives her business the financial investment it desperately needs, and provides Cameron a buffer from his ex and overprotective teammates.
But what begins as a strategic arrangement soon blurs into late-night calls and sparks neither of them can deny. And the more they lean into the lie, theyโre forced to face the question theyโve both been avoiding: what if this isnโt fake anymore?
Fire and Ice is a spicy hockey romance with heart, heat, humor, and a guaranteed HEA. This is the second book in the Boston Bobcats series and can be read as a standalone, although reading in order is recommended for the best experience!
Publication Date 23/4/2026
Fire and Ice: A Fake Dating Hockey Romance (Boston Bobcats Book 2) by Carly Robyn
My Review
Fire and Ice leans into some of my favourite romance tropes, fake dating and grumpy x sunshine, and delivers exactly the kind of comfort read hockey romance gives me ๐, with a bit of spice and emotional payoff along the way. ๐
Kennedy is immediately easy to root for. Her ambition and determination to grow her baking business, made me want to be friends (and eat her baked goods ๐
Cameron, on the other hand, fits the classic broody athlete mold, but his guarded personality and personal complications (especially the toxic ex and team dynamics) made me want to hug and punch him at the same time .
The fake dating setup is familiar, but it works because itโs tied to both charactersโ needs, her financial struggles and his desire for distance from his chaotic personal life.
As expected, the tension builds through forced proximity, emotional vulnerability, and those โthis is supposed to be fakeโ moments that clearly arenโt.
The slow shift from arrangement to something real, late night conversations, emotional cracks forming, and undeniable attraction is the heart of the story.
If you enjoy that gradual unraveling where both characters resist whatโs obvious to us, this will hit the mark. ๐
That said, if youโre not a fan of predictable trope driven plots, this might feel a bit formulaic. But for us who want those tropes that familiarity is part of the appeal. ๐
Itโs a cozy, trope filled hockey romance with strong chemistry and emotional warmth. Ideal if youโre in the mood for something fun, romantic, and satisfying with a guaranteed happily ever after. ๐ โฅ๏ธ
They fell in love under the guise of anonymity, but when the masks were removed and the truth revealed their hearts were shattered.
Now Lady Victoria Westbrook is in danger and the only person who can protect her is the very man she had given her heart to not long ago, Mr. Benedick Valentine.
While a storm brews outside, will the flames of desire rekindle their hearts or will all be lost if Benedict fails to save her from the danger that stalks?
Publication Date 21/4/2026
Rogue to the Rescue by Jane Charles
My Review
Rogue to the Rescue by Jane Charles is a charming, fast paced, second chance Regency romance. Throw in a little suspense and atmospheric tension, and itโs a book youโll read within an afternoon.
Lady Victoria Westbrook and Mr. Benedick Valentine (a rogue with a protective streak) first fell passionately in love during a masked encounter, where anonymity allowed their hearts to connect freely. But the moment the masks came off and their true identities and circumstances were revealed, everything shatteredโฆ..leaving old wounds, pride, and misunderstandings in its wake.
Now, with Victoria facing genuine danger from an unknown threat, fate (and perhaps a bit of necessity) throws them back together. Benedick is the only one positioned to protect her, and as a fierce storm brews outside, trapping them in close quarters, the sparks of their former passion begin to reignite.
The lingering hurt, rekindled desire, protective instincts clashing with past betrayals, and the question of whether trust can be rebuilt before itโs too late!
What works especially well is the forced proximity amplified by the weather, creating an intimate, candlelit intensity that heightens every glance, argument, and touch. The author balances the romance nicely with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning, without letting the danger overshadow the central love story.
Victoria is spirited yet vulnerable, while Benedick embodies the classic protective rogue with a heart beneath the rakish exterior. Their banter carries both heat and heart.
The steam level is satisfying for a shorter novella, sensual and emotional without being overly explicit, fitting perfectly for readers who enjoy tender, passionate Regency love scenes.
If you love second chance romances, masquerade ball origins, bodyguard like protection, storm trapped forced proximity, and a dash of peril in a traditional Regency setting, this one is a delightful escape. Itโs sweet with a bite of angst, romantic with a touch of danger.
Itโs a cozy, engaging read perfect for a rainy afternoon or a quick historical fix.
It reminds me why I keep coming back to well crafted Regency novellas, comforting, steamy, and thoroughly satisfying. Iโd happily pick up more from this author.
Highly recommended for fans of second chance love stories with a protective hero and a resilient heroine.
Vicious Wins: A Dark Hockey Romance (Cruel Games Book 2) by Poppy Jacobson
Description
I loved three men who left me for dead. Now, Iโm going to war, and Iโm dragging them to hell with me, whether they like it or not.
Aleksandr still makes me want to drop to my knees. Cole still looks at me like I’m the worst thing that ever happened to him. Tristan’s obsession is dangerous because I want to give in, and I hate myself for it.
My enemies are coming, and I don’t have the luxury of fighting alone. I’ll use every weapon I have. Including the three men who broke me. Especially them.
I woke up alone in a hospital bed, and I will never forgive them for that.
They think I’m the villain. Maybe it’s time I became one.
Vicious Wins is the conclusion to the Cruel Gamesduet, a scorching hot, dark, why choose, hockey romance with groveling, redemption, and a hard-earned HEA.
Vicious Wins: A Dark Hockey Romance (Cruel Games Book 2) by Poppy Jacobson
My Review
This book picks up exactly where the brutal cliffhanger of Twisted Play left off, and it wastes zero time throwing you into the fire.!
Eva wakes up alone in a hospital bed after the men she loved, Aleksandr, Cole, and Tristan, essentially left her for ๐. The rage, betrayal, and lingering pull she feels toward them is raw and visceral from page one.
If youโre here for a fierce, curvy FMC who channels her pain into something vicious and strategic, Eva delivers in spades. Sheโs not a damsel waiting to be saved, oh no, sheโs weaponizing every ounce of her hurt while refusing to let the three hockey players off the hook! (Well one coach and two hockey players to be precise ๐)
The why choose dynamic is messy, toxic, and scorching. ๐ฅต The groveling from the guys is intense and satisfying, especially because it feels earned after the events of book 1.
Aleksandr still has that knee weakening dominance, ๐ฅต Coleโs cold resentment cracks in painful but compelling ways, and Tristanโs dangerous obsession? Itโs the kind that makes you question your own boundaries right alongside Eva. The spice is filthy and frequent, blending degradation, praise, power play, and hockey adjacent steam that fits the dark romance tone perfectly.
Thereโs blackmail, suspense, external enemies, and real danger layered in, which keeps the plot moving beyond just the relationship repair.
What I loved most was how the book leans into the โthey think Iโm the villain, so maybe Iโll become oneโ energy. Evaโs feminine rage and strategic use of the men as weapons (while theyโre desperately trying to redeem themselves) creates fantastic tension. The redemption arc isnโt easy or quick, itโs a hard earned HEA that puts everyone through the wringer, which made the payoff feel genuine rather than rushed.
The side plot with external threats (and one particularly hateable antagonist Coleโs dad gets whatโs coming ๐คซ) adds stakes and keeps the hockey world drama engaging.
That said, if youโre sensitive to dark elements, heed the triggersโฆ. dubious consent, bullying fallout, violence, intense emotional angst, and very morally gray behavior all around. The push/pull can feel repetitive in spots if youโre not fully in the mood for prolonged messiness, but it serves the storyโs themes of betrayal and rebuilding trust.
Overall, Vicious Wins is a strong conclusion to the duet. It delivers on the promise of scorching heat, emotional chaos, groveling, and a satisfying wrap up while staying true to its dark hockey romance roots.
If you enjoyed the twisted setup in book 1 and crave a fierce FMC who makes her men work for forgiveness amid danger and desire, this one hits hard.
You need to Twisted Play first (it sets up the heartbreak and obsession beautifully).
If youโre into dark why choose sports romance with unhinged tension and eventual redemption, the Cruel Games duet is worth the emotional investment.
They werenโt meant to save each otherโonly to ignite.
Aria Miller feels nothing. Not fear. Not desire. Not the echo of who she used to be. She drifts through life like a shadow wearing her own faceโuntil Cassian Kostas crashes into her world like a match dropped in gasoline.
Cassian is chaos with a beautiful smile, a storm that never learned to quiet. He feels everything too deeply and burns through anyone who gets too close. But Aria doesnโt flinch. Her calm unsettles him. Her emptiness draws him in.
Their connection is instant, wrong, and impossible to sever.
He becomes the only thing that makes her pulse.
She becomes the only thing that steadies his mind.
Together, they spiral into something that looks like love and feels like ruin.
As Ariaโs buried trauma resurfaces and Cassianโs selfโdestruction accelerates, their bond twists into obsessionโintoxicating, violent, and terrifyingly necessary.
Some people fall in love.
Aria and Cassian fall into madness.
Publication Date 17/4/2026
Until I Shatter by L.B. Martin
My Review
This one hit like a lit match to dry tinder, exactly as the blurb promises.
Aria Miller is one of the most haunting heroines Iโve come across in dark romance lately.
She doesnโt just feel numb, she is numbness personified! Thereโs no dramatic backstory dump at the start. Instead, you watch her glide through life like a ghost in her own skin, detached, hollow, almost eerily calm.
Itโs unsettling in the best way. You keep waiting for the crack, and when it finally comes, itโs brutalโฆ..
Then Cassian Kostas storms in. Heโs the opposite, raw, volatile, a live wire who feels too much and destroys everything he touches!
The chemistry between them is instant and electric, but itโs never sweet or safe. Itโs two broken people recognizing the fracture in each other and deciding to lean all the way in anyway.
He makes her feelโฆ.. heart racing, skin tingling, the whole terrifying package. She becomes the quiet anchor he never knew he needed. Their connection is addictive, obsessive, and increasingly dangerous.
What I loved most is how the book refuses to romanticize the mess. As Ariaโs buried trauma claws its way back to the surface and Cassianโs self destructive spiral accelerates, their โloveโ morphs into something darker, possessive, violent, codependent.
It feels like ruin because it is ruin, at least for a while. The push and pull is intoxicating, and the spice is intense without ever feeling gratuitous. The emotional stakes stay sky high.
L.B. Martinโs writing is sharp and immersive, especially in the quieter moments where you can feel the weight of Ariaโs emptiness or the chaotic hum under Cassianโs skin.
The side characters add texture without stealing focus, and the pacing keeps you glued to the page even when things get uncomfortably dark.(And they do!)
If youโre in the mood for a psychological dark romance that leans hard into obsession, trauma, and two people who save and destroy each other in equal measure, this delivers.
Itโs not a light or fluffy read, there are heavy themes, triggers (check content warnings), and a relationship thatโs as toxic as it is magnetic. But thatโs exactly why it works.
Would I reread? Absolutely, especially on a moody night when I want to feel something raw.
If you like your romance with teeth, and mutual ruin, this one is for you.
Beautiful Betrayal : An Enemies to Lovers, Dark Romance (Tempting Love Book 3) by Nikki Ash
Description
Falling for a man whoโs forcing me to marry him makes me sound weak. And in our world, the last thing a woman wants is to feel weak.
Brielle
Kane Morgan was never supposed to be anything more than one reckless night.
Turns out, heโs the enemy, and he knew exactly who I was when he was making me forget my nameโwhile screaming his.
Now, Kane wants more than just revenge on my family. He wants me as his wife.
After a lifetime of heartache, all I want is to marry for love.
But Kaneโs ripping that dream away, forcing me into a marriage of revenge.
Heโs cold, ruthless, and calculating, and yet heโs everything I canโt seem to resist.
Because when weโre alone, he shows me a different side of him.
I hate that he comforts me when my past creeps into my nightmares. That he believes in my dreams. And most of all, that every stolen moment with him feels like it could put my broken pieces back together.
I shouldnโt be falling for my new husband. He gives me everything Iโve ever wanted โฆ except the one thing I long forโhis heart.
Please note: Beautiful Betrayal is not a mafia romance. The book is a dark romance because of its content. Since dark romance can mean different things to different readers, please check the detailed content warnings on my website. Your mental health matters.
Publication Date 16/4/2026
Beautiful Betrayal : An Enemies to Lovers, Dark Romance (Tempting Love Book 3) by Nikki Ash
My Review
Beautiful Betrayal is the third book in the Tempting Love series, delivering a gripping enemies to lovers dark romance with forced marriage, a one night stand gone wrong (or right?), secret baby elements, suspense, and plenty of emotional depth.
Itโs not a mafia romance, as the author clearly notes, but it still carries that intense, high stakes vibe in a world of power, revenge, and complicated family ties.
Brielle has endured a lifetime of heartache, especially from the men in her life, including her father. All she craves is a marriage built on genuine love, not obligation or vengeance. ๐
For Kane Morgan, what starts as one reckless, unforgettable night turns into a calculated power move when Kane reveals heโs the enemy who knew exactly who she was all along.
Now heโs forcing her into marriage as the ultimate revenge against her family.
On paper, heโs cold, ruthless, and terrifying, the kind of man who should make her run. But behind closed doors, he shows a protective, almost tender side that chips away at her defenses. He comforts her through nightmares, believes in her dreams, and slowly helps piece together her broken parts. ๐ฅฐ
The tension is delicious. The story blends fast burn physical chemistry with a slower, more guarded emotional burn, creating sizzling scenes that feel earned rather than rushed.
Kane starts as a mystery, arrogant and driven by revenge, but he grows into someone surprisingly caring and devoted once he commits to โhis wife.โ
Brielle is a strong, resilient heroine who feels real in her vulnerability, her internal conflict between hating the situation and craving the connection is portrayed with raw honesty.
The supporting cast from the series adds familiarity, while the drama and unexpected twists keep the pages turning.
This is probably the darkest installment in the Tempting Love series so far, with heavy themes around trauma, control, and healing, (definitely check the content warnings before diving in), as Brielleโs past involves significant pain at the hands of others. That said, the redemption arc, protective hero moments, and sweet payoff at the end balance the darkness beautifully.
If you enjoy dark romances where the anti hero learns to soften for his heroine, forced proximity that turns addictive, and a mix of steam, suspense, and healing, Beautiful Betrayal delivers.
Kane and Brielle quickly became favorites of mine.
I couldnโt put it down, itโs fast paced yet deeply felt, and that contrast between Kaneโs ruthless exterior and his quiet care for Brielle is ๐ค๐ป๐ค๐ป
Highly recommend if youโre in the mood for something intense, spicy, and ultimately hopeful.
Just go in prepared for the darker elements and enjoy the ride!
Loving A Witch Is Totally Foolish : A Paranormal Dark Rom-Com (Total Chaos Book 2) by Aura Hayes
Description
Ava McGuire should be dealing with moving on after her devastating breakup. Instead, sheโs been thrust into the world of paranormal. As if learning that your best friend is mated to a serial killer vampire wasnโt bad enough, she learns she has her own vampire mate.
Valen has been held prisoner for longer than he can fathom. The human world is vastly different than the one he was taken from centuries ago. For starters, there are tall buildings and places that claim to make your lunch in under five minutes. Heโs having to relearn the world around him while navigating the complicated urge to claim his mate while also being wary of touch after being held captive.
Ava and Valen, with the help of their friends, are trying to get to the bottom of whatโs really going on in Chicago. All the rain, all the paranormals showing up, and what was the true reason Valen was taken all those years ago?
Ava herself just might be the key to it all. Turns out, sheโs not some simple human, sheโs the last of the line of one of the most powerful witch families to ever exist.
Publication Date 15/4/2026
Loving A Witch Is Totally Foolish : A Paranormal Dark Rom-Com (Total Chaos Book 2) by Aura Hayes
My Review
I went into Loving A Witch Is Totally Foolish expecting chaos, spice, and laughs after falling hard for the first book and wow, it delivered all that and then some. This one felt even warmer and more emotionally satisfying than Loving a Vampire Is Total Chaos, and I devoured it in basically one sitting because I could not put it down.
Ava is such a lovable mess. Sheโs still raw from a crappy breakup, trying to process the fact that her best friend is now mated to a (former? Not really ๐) serial killer vampire, and suddenly sheโs tossed headfirst into the paranormal world with her own fated mate showing up. Sheโs cheeky, bubbly, and sarcastic when she needs to be, she has this incredible resilience that makes you root for her from page one. Watching her discover sheโs not just some ordinary human, but the last of a powerful witch bloodline was exciting.
Then thereโs Valen. Oh my heart, Valen. This man has been through absolute hell, centuries of captivity, and yet heโs this curious, attentive, gentle giant whoโs trying to navigate modern Chicago (fast food! skyscrapers!) while battling his instincts to claim his mate and his deep wariness of touch.
The way he and Ava navigate that trauma together is so tender and healing. Heโs a virgin MMC (sigh) sweet, a little awkward at first, but incredibly devoted once he opens up. Their banter is playful and flirty, the forced proximity and fated mates tension is ๐ค๐ป, and the spice? Letโs just say itโs noticeably hotter and more frequent than book one ๐
What I loved most was how the book balances the romcom lightness with darker threads. The found family from book one is back and even stronger here, the Chicago mystery (all that rain, the surge of paranormals, Valenโs kidnapping) keeps you guessing, and thereโs genuine tension without tipping into really scary territory. It still feels like a fun, hilarious escape, but with more heart and depth in the character arcs.
The โdarkโ in this dark romcom mostly lives in the backstory and the larger plot, Valenโs past, the threats building around them, while the romance itself is surprisingly soft, hopeful, and giggle inducing. ๐
If you loved the unhinged sunshine energy of the first book, this one shifts gears a bit toward a sweeter, more protective dynamic while keeping the witty dialogue and chaotic paranormal vibes alive. When Valen starts showing his โdonโt touch my mateโ vibe, I did squeal. Itโs the kind of story that makes you kick your feet, laugh out loud, get a little teary during the vulnerable moments, and immediately start counting down to book three.
So, if youโre in the mood for fated mates, vampire x witch, healing trauma through love, found family, and a perfect mix of spice, humor, and mystery, this is an absolute treat.
Valen and Ava are precious, their story is addictive, and the Total Chaos series just keeps getting better. And we know who the next book is about, and I loved that we will probably still see the characters from the previous books.
Highly recommend, especially if you need something fun, steamy, and comforting with a side of supernatural intrigue.
The Daredevil (The Dawn of America series Book 3) by Regan Walker
Description
Before there was a Continental Navy, there was one manโs courage…
When young merchant captain Samuel Tucker learns that war has broken out between Britain and the Colonies, he cannot stand idle. Leaving the safety of Londonโs port, he races home across a storm-tossed Atlantic to offer his sword to libertyโs cause. Along the way, he saves a valuable ship, her crew, and her cargo, a deed that brings him before General Washington himself. The grateful commander offers Sam command of one of his newly armed schooners.
From those perilous beginnings in Washingtonโs shadow fleet, Sam rises through the ranks of the Continental Navy and beyond, eventually commanding a privateer that strikes deep into the British supply lines. From the fogbound wharves of Marblehead to the treacherous shoals of Halifax and Europe, he wages war with the daring of a man who seems to fear neither sea nor shot. To his men he is โthe Daredevilโโfearless, quick-witted, and guided by an unshakable faith.
Yet amid the thunder of broadsides and the peril of capture, Tuckerโs heart is not immune to gentler battles. Mary Gatchell, the steadfast Marblehead woman whose prayers sustain him from shore, anchors the life he risks with every voyage. But the sea is a jealous mistress, and every homecoming may be his last.
Publication Date 14/4/2026
The Daredevil (The Dawn of America series Book 3) by Regan Walker
My Review
This novel delivers a stirring blend of high seas adventure and quiet heart during the earliest days of the American Revolution. I read the last one The Salamander and loved it, so I was delighted when i found the next book.
It centers on Samuel Tucker, a young merchant captain who abandons the safety of London when war erupts. He races home across a dangerous Atlantic, saves a ship and its valuable cargo along the way, and earns an audience with General Washington himself. That encounter launches him into command of one of the fledgling Continental Navyโs armed schooners, and from there he rises through daring raids, privateering missions, and risky strikes against British supply lines. His men dub him โthe Daredevilโ for his fearless seamanship and quick thinking, all underpinned by a deep, unshakable faith that feels authentic to the era rather than preachy.
What I enjoyed most was the vivid naval action. The author captures the tension of fog, the thunder of broadsides, the peril of shoals near Halifax, and the constant threat of capture or shipwreck with a real sense of motion and danger.
The story never loses sight of the human cost, the long absences, the fear of never returning, and the sacrifices made by those fighting for liberty without seeking personal glory.
Tucker is a compelling hero, brave but not reckless, principled, and grounded in faith and duty.
Interwoven with the battles at sea is a tender, steadfast romance with Mary back in Marblehead. Their relationship unfolds through letters, prayers, and brief homecomings, Itโs not overwrought or overly dramatic, instead, it feels like a quiet anchor, highlighting themes of love, loyalty, and the hope of building a life worth fighting for.
I love that the author weaves real events and figures into the story seamlessly, making the early Revolutionary naval efforts come alive. (I have to admit that Iโm not up to date on my American history
If youโre drawn to well researched historical fiction that balances swashbuckling adventure, faith, and heartfelt romance, this one delivers.
Itโs inspiring without being overly dramatic, exciting without sacrificing substance, and leaves you rooting not just for victory at sea but for the man daring enough to risk everything for both liberty and the woman waiting ashore.
A solid, engaging read that honors the unsung heroes of the Revolutionโs maritime front.
Iโd happily sail into the rest of the Dawn of America series after this.
My son loses his damn mind when Bennett is injured in a hunting accident. This brings Doc Mark to my doorstep. It doesnโt take long to realize that Mark and I share something in common – kinks people only whisper about.
We negotiate an arrangement to live out our secret fantasies while Mark nurses Bennett back to health. Those fantasies leave Mark with his defenses lowered, and when Mark is attacked, I learn that my son takes after his father far more than I would have thought.
***
This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Auden Van Doren and Doctor George Markanich (Mark)
Publication Date 7/4/2026
Mister Van Doren (CEOs of Kink) by Crea Reitan
My Review
This book is a delicious, high heat MM romance that dives straight into the shadowy, whispered desires of two powerful men who finally stop pretending.
Auden Van Doren is the classic billionaire CEO with a reputation, heโs the โsluttyโ one in the family (his words, not mine), the guy who never settles and keeps his private life very private.
When his son Rhodes completely unravels after Bennett gets hurt in a hunting accident, family doctor Mark (George Markanich) shows up to help.
What starts as medical care quickly turns into something far more charged.
The setup is brilliant, forced proximity while Mark nurses Bennett, combined with that electric moment when Auden and Mark realize they share the same dark, intense kinks that most people only fantasize about in secret.
They negotiate an arrangement to explore those fantasies safely while Mark is on site.
What follows is raw, primal, and unapologetically filthyโฆ. chase scenes, power exchange, being overpowered and held down, all executed with intense chemistry and surprisingly thoughtful aftercare.
The spice is off the charts, but it never feels over the top. Thereโs real negotiation, consent, and vulnerability as Markโs defenses come down.
I loved how Crea Reitan weaves this into the larger Van Doren universe. If youโre already hooked on the family (with their chaotic, protective, sometimes unhinged energy, Rhodes and his pack of massive wolves alone had me grinning), this feels like a natural extension.
Audenโs son takes after his father in ways that add a layer of danger and family loyalty when things escalate. The attack on Mark brings real stakes, blending the erotic with suspense without derailing the romance.
Auden is commanding and experienced but surprisingly reflective about his reputation and his relationship with his son. Mark is the composed, professional doctor who harbors these hidden, submissive/primal cravings, heโs breathtaking when he lets go.
Their connection is scorching hot, but also tender in the quieter moments.
At around 221 pages, itโs a quick, addictive read, perfect for โjust one more chapterโ sessions that turn into staying up way too late.
Itโs not a slow burn slow build epic, itโs more like a tightly packed, intense novella length story with a lot of heat and some emotional payoff.
If youโre new to the Van Doren books, it still works as a standalone entry point into this kinky CEO world, (though if your not familiar, the characters it maybe a little overwhelming) i loved the family cameos ๐
I did love the mature MM romance (both men are established adults), heavy kink/BDSM elements (primal play, power dynamics, etc.), billionaire tropes with real bite, and a touch of danger/family drama.
Overall, I had a fantastic time with this one. It delivers exactly what the blurb promises, secret fantasies coming to life with dangerous consequences.
The chemistry between Auden and Mark is magnetic, the kinks are powerfully written, and it left me eager for more in the CEOs of Kink series.
If you enjoy Crea Reitanโs signature blend of chaotic family vibes, heartfelt moments beneath the filth, and unfiltered spice, this is a must read.
Itโs steamy, addictive, and a great kickoff to a new kinky corner of the Van Doren world. ๐
Highly recommend if youโre in the mood for something primal and satisfying.
Forbidden Forget-Me-Not: An Age Gap Mafia Forbidden Bodyguard Romance (California Made Men Book 3) by Brooklyn Cross
Description
I was her bodyguard. I never meant to become her greatest weakness.
I was born into power.
Raised to obey.
Taught that love was a weakness. And marriageโฆnothing more than a weapon.
My father never asked. He commanded. And my future was negotiated in boardrooms and bloodlines, measured in profit and obedience.
But I broke his rules.
I claimed what I wanted.
I married in secret.
Goran was never supposed to be mine. He was my brotherโs best friend. My bodyguard. A soldier sworn to protect me. He was meant to stand behind me and die for me if necessary, but he was to never touch me, want me, or love me.
Now the truth is a loaded gun between us, poised to destroy us both.
Suitors circled. Deals made. My father tightened his grip.
And the man I chose, the man I love, was standing in the line of fire.
In the Mikhailov world, power always collects its debt, and choosing Goran didnโt end the control my father demanded.
Instead, my defiance started a family feud.
And mercy had never survived a war with my father.
Publication Date 9/4/2026
Forbidden Forget-Me-Not: An Age Gap Mafia Forbidden Bodyguard Romance (California Made Men Book 3) by Brooklyn Cross
My Review
For me, Brooklyn Cross delivers another intense, high stakes ride in the California Made Men series with Forbidden Forget Me Not.
Itโs an age gap/mafia/forbidden bodyguard romance that leans hard into the โhe was never supposed to touch herโ trope, and executes it with plenty of heat, tension, and emotional turmoil. ๐
Lani (Kaylanis) is the Mikhailov mafia princess whoโs tired of being a pawn in her fatherโs power games. Her father arranges marriages like business deals, treating love as a weakness and obedience as currency. But thatโs not the life for her, so she takes matters into her own hands, and starts a feud!!
Enter Goran, her brotherโs best friend and her assigned bodyguard, whoโs meant to protect her with his life but never crave her, claim her, or love her. (We all know what happens next ๐) He really did try to be a good bodyguard, until he wasnโt ๐
What starts as a forbidden attraction explodes into a secret marriage that defies every rule in their dangerous world. The fallout? A brewing family feud, circling suitors, tightening control from her ruthless father, and the very real threat that their defiance could get them both killed!
There were high heat scenes, possessive/protective energy, and moments that left me emotionally wrung out. The banter was intense, witty, charged, and fun even amid the danger.
Lani comes across as someone who refuses to be controlled. She actively grabs what she wants rather than waiting passively, which I found refreshing and refreshing.
If you enjoy, Mafia romance with real teeth, Large age gap, forbidden love, Bodyguard /brotherโs best friend tropes, Strong, defiant heroines and intensely protective heroes, Dark, spicy stories that mix heat with genuine emotional and external conflict โฆthen Forbidden Forget Me Not is a great addition to the series.
Itโs a compelling, fast paced forbidden romance that delivers on the promise of its dramatic blurb. The chemistry sizzles, there is danger in this mafia world, and the emotional payoff hits hard.
Would I reread or continue the series? Absolutely. Brooklyn Cross knows how to hook you and keep those pages turning.
Claimed by the Mountain Men: A Reverse Harem Romance (Claimed by… Reverse Harems) by Adelaide Brooke
Description
Three mountain men. One woman running from her past.
And a cabin thatโs too small to keep their hands to themselves.
Maya came to the mountains to disappear.
New name. New life. No past.
Just a quiet cabin buried in snowโฆ and the hope that no one will ever find her.
Because what was done to her? It doesnโt stay buried. It follows. It spreads. It destroys.
Then they find her.
Reid: The kind of man who fixes problems before they reach you.
Jace: He pushes. He provokes. He doesnโt let her hide.
Owen: Quiet. Controlled. The one who sees straight through her wallsโฆ and doesnโt look away.
They werenโt supposed to want her.
And she definitely wasnโt supposed to want all three of them.
But this mountain doesnโt leave room for distance.
And the closer they getโฆ
โฆthe harder it becomes to pretend this is just temporary.
Because Maya isnโt the only one hiding something.
And when her past finally catches up to her, these men wonโt just protect her.
Theyโll claim her.
CLAIMED BY THE MOUNTAIN MEN is a high-heat reverse harem romance featuring:
โฐ๏ธ Three possessive, protective mountain men ๐ช One strong heroine rebuilding her life โฐ๏ธ Forced proximity in an isolated mountain cabin ๐ช Secret millionaires / hidden power โฐ๏ธ Touch-her-and-die energy ๐ช Emotional healing + found family โฐ๏ธ Slow burn that turns explosive ๐ช Explicit scenes, no choosing required
Claimed by the Mountain Men is a high-heat, high-stakes reverse harem romance featuring a protective alpha heroes and a fierce heroine. Expect forced proximity, secret millionaires, explosive chemistry, explicit scenes, no jealousy between the men, and a guaranteed HEA.
Perfect for readers who love: reverse harem / why choose romance, forced proximity, dominant alpha heroes, touch-her-and-die protection, and high-heat contemporary romantic suspense. 18+ only.
Publication Date 9/4/2026
Claimed by the Mountain Men: A Reverse Harem Romance (Claimed by… Reverse Harems) by Adelaide Brooke
My Review
Maya is running from a nightmare she desperately wants to leave behind. New name, new life, and a tiny snowed in cabin in the middle of nowhere, thatโs her plan for disappearing. What she doesnโt plan on is three very different, very intense mountain men basically turning that quiet little cabin into the least private place on earth.
Thereโs Reid, the steady protector who just handles problems before they even reach you.
Jace, the cocky one who loves pushing her buttons and refuses to let her hide behind her walls.
And Owen quiet, intense Owen, who sees straight through all her defenses and still doesnโt look away.
Each of them hits different spots for me, and together they make the forced proximity trope feel electric.
I loved how the story starts with that slow, tense build up. Four people stuck together in a cabin that suddenly feels way too smallโฆ the air gets thicker with every page.
What begins as wary coexistence slowly turns into something hotter, deeper, and way more complicated than Maya expected. The chemistry between all four of them felt well-balanced, each relationship has its own flavor, which is something I always appreciate in reverse harem books.
On the spice sideโฆ. ๐ฅต whew. Adelaide Brooke doesnโt hold back. It starts as a slow burn but once it ignites? Itโs explosive, explicit, and frequent. If youโre here for high heat why choose scenes with possessive, touch her and die energy, this one delivers. No jealousy between the guys, just pure focus on Maya and making her feel safe, wanted, and thoroughly loved.
I loved the found family vibe with the three men alongside all the steam. Thereโs a suspense element when her past catches up, and the way the guys step up protective, possessive, and ready to claim her gave me all the butterflies.
The secret millionaire twist added some nice โoh wowโ moments too.
That said, if youโre looking for a super complex plot or lots of outside world building, this stays pretty focused on the cabin and the four of them which worked perfectly for me, but might feel a bit contained for some. Also, heads up for content warnings around past trauma and stalking if thatโs something that affects you.
Overall, I had such a good time with this one. Itโs the perfect weekend read when you want dominant mountain men, forced proximity, emotional healing, and a whole lot of heat. I finished it with a big smile and that happy, satisfied sigh you get from a solid HEA.
If you love reverse harem romances with protective alphas, snowed in cabins, and no choosing needed endings, definitely pick this up. Itโs pure indulgent fun with heart.
Fink: A Contract Killer Clown Dark Romance by Victoria Jayne
Description
Killer clowns fromโฆ
Does it really matter where theyโre from? Theyโre clowns who murder people!
Sydney stormed into her bossโs office with a plan: resign. Taking part in his demise was a bonus. The blood, fresh on her hands, sparked a new obsession: a dangerously mysterious lover in face paint named Fink.
Fink was in a rut and going through the motions until Sydney crashed his hit. Now the contract killer craved more than adrenaline rushes. He hungered for the delectable siren in the red wig and clown makeup.
Being together is a liability.
Separating is unthinkable.
Murder is their foreplay.
How long can they keep playing this game?
Victoria Jaynes delivers a steamy,grumpy/sunshine, morally gray, contract killer clown, dark romantic comedy, standalone with Fink. You need to dive into this book TODAY.
Fink contains scenes written for mature audiences only.
Publication Date 7/4/2026
Fink: A Contract Killer Clown Dark Romance by Victoria Jayne
My Review
I went into this one fully aware of the premise, killer clowns who murder people, a woman who storms into her bossโs office planning to resign but ends up with blood on her hands, and a grumpy contract killer in face paint named Fink who suddenly finds himself obsessed.
The blurb had me at โmurder is their foreplay,โ and honestly? It delivers exactly what it promises, but with more chaotic charm than I expected.
Sydney is the sunshine to Finkโs grumpy storm cloud. Sheโs bold, impulsive, and surprisingly resilient once the adrenaline (and literal blood) hits. Walking in on (and inadvertently assisting in) a hit flips her world upside down, but instead of running screaming, she leans into the madness. Her red wig and clown makeup moments are hilarious, and the โwhat have I gotten myself into?โ energy.
Fink, on the other hand, is the definition of morally gray character. Heโs been in a rut, just going through the motions of hits, until Sydney crashes his carefully controlled world. The way he shifts from detached professional to possessive, hungry for more obsession is delicious.
The face paint and clown aesthetic could have felt gimmicky, but leaning all the way in, making the killer clown vibe feel strangely seductive rather than cartoonish. Their chemistry is off the charts, steamy scenes are spicy, creative, and laced with that dark edge where danger and desire blur.
What surprised me most was how well the dark romantic comedy balance works. Yes, thereโs violence, moral ambiguity, and high stakes tension (being together is absolutely a liability), but thereโs also sharp humor, ridiculous situations born from the clown motif, and moments of genuine connection that keep it from feeling too bleak. Itโs unhinged in the best way blood slicked chaos that still manages to be fun and oddly romantic.
The โhow long can they keep playing this game?โ question drives the plot effectively. The push/pull between their undeniable pull and the very real dangers of their lifestyle creates solid tension without dragging.
Itโs billed as a standalone, and it feels complete while leaving just enough of that addictive vibe that you wouldnโt mind more in this world.
If youโre into dark romance with a heavy side of absurdity, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and characters who are enthusiastically unhinged together, Fink is a wild, entertaining ride. Itโs not trying to be profound, itโs trying to be spicy, funny, and a little deranged, and it succeeds.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you like your romance with a side of โschmurderโ and clown paint. Just know it leans hard into the dark comedy elements, so if killer clowns (even hot ones) are a hard no for you, maybe skip. Otherwise, dive in.
Victoria Jayne served exactly what the cover and blurb promisedโฆ. chaotic, steamy, murderous fun.
Vamps and Vendettas Star-Crossed Chronicles Book 3 by AK Nevermore
Description
Karma sucks.
Ophelia Diamondรฉ never asked to be summoned to Havers-by-the-Sea, but when the node makes her an offer she canโt refuse, she officially becomes stuck representing the crappy little town. Having to clean up their messy legal issues isnโt what she wants to be doing, but anythingโs better than being returned to the vampire courtโs clutchesโor at least she thought so before she met the opposing counsel.
Gideon Sperry isnโt known for his patience or his giving nature, but he is one hell of a lawyer. Unfortunately, all that goes out the window when Ophelia shows up, and the lawsuit between Havers and Fayet becomes personal.
But the facts arenโt adding up. When it becomes clear that karmaโs had a hand in bringing them together, they need to find a way to build a case against whoโs really at fault for the turbine debacle. If they canโt, itโs not just the town itself thatโs in danger, but every residentโs very lifeblood.
Magic happens and sparks fly in the small town of Havers-By-the-Sea when a sharp-tongued vampire crosses paths with a broody gargoyle. VAMPS AND VENDETTAS, a spicy slow burn paranormal romance novel in the Star-Crossed Chronicles series by AK Nevermore.
๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โฆ Sassy Vampire FMC โฆ Overprotective Gargoyle MMC โฆ He Falls First โฆ Hidden Powers โฆ Loads of Snarky Banter โฆ Touch-Her-and-Die โฆ Forced Allies โฆ Dark Secret โฆ Second Chance Romance โฆ Slow Burn โฆ Small Town
๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ = ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ Explicit Scenes ~ Very Hot
Publication Date 12/3/2026
My Review
Vamps and Vendettas is a standalone spicy slowburn paranormal romance, it delivers exactly what the blurb promisesโฆ. enemies to lovers tension between a sharp tongued vampire lawyer and a broody gargoyle opposing counsel, wrapped in small town supernatural drama with high stakes. ๐๐
Ophelia Diamondรฉ, is a vampire, who has been reluctantly pulled into representing the quirky (and cursed?) town of Havers by the Sea in a lawsuit over a turbine debate. Sheโs hoping itโs going to be an easy case, then sharply returning homeโฆ.
Enter Gideon Sperry, the no nonsense gargoyle lawyer on the other side, whose patience evaporates around her. Why? ๐
What starts as a professional clash turns personal when karma (literally) intervenes, forcing them to team up against the real culprit behind the chaos.
I loved it, it had me laughing at work (reading on my break) The story blends legal intrigue, magic, small town vibes, and classic paranormal elementsโฆ. vampires, gargoyles, (some kind of magical/power source), and a touch of fate/mates energy. Ticked all my boxes and then some ๐
The slow burn romance builds, with snarky banter, spark flying tension, witty dialogue, and that satisfying shift from adversaries to allies (and more).
Iโve not read any of the other books in Star Crossed Chronicles, but Iโm going to be adding it to my (Huge and Never ending TBR)
If you enjoy paranormal romances like those with monster elements (gargoyle love interest!), enemies to lovers, or small town supernatural settings, this hits the mark.
๐ฆ
Prologue
Greenthorn Indoctrination Center, Vampire Tribal Lands
Ophelia sat on a hard plastic chair, clenching a mangled pamphlet between her sweaty palms. The silence in the stark, cream and beige waiting room was beyond oppressive. Sheโd been there since six that morning, and the hour hand on the clock above the frosted glass door had made almost a full circuit.
She riffled her hair. The wait was fucking ridiculous. What the hell was going on back there? All her forms had been completed, every legal requirement satisfied. Sheโd even taken the intro course to their bullshit religious instruction and been blessed by one of their preoti. This part shouldโve gone faster, especially after her more-than-generous donation to the cause.
Fucking bloodsuckers.
God, she just wanted to burst through that stupid door and get this over with. Damn it. No. Breathe. She struggled to bite back her temper. Be contrite, Phe. Try to channel fucking worthiness. She snorted. Like that was hard. She was a hell of a lot farther up the food chain than the rest of the losers thatโd shown up to volunteer.
Throughout the day, seats filled with indigents and the dying had slowly emptied to the right and left of her until only herself and two other people were in the room.
One of them was laid out on a hospital gurney. Bags of saline and lord knew what else hung from an IV stand beside him. The other, a woman and presumably the infirm manโs caregiver, slowly flicked through her tablet. By the way she was chewing her lower lip and shifting in her seat, whatever she was reading was juicy.
Ophelia scowled, hooking the long, jagged bangs of her pixie cut behind an ear. What the woman should be doing was reading up on how to properly care for the soon-to-be-corpseโscolostomy. Even across the room, the stench of shit was eye-watering.
What a cunty little campfire scout, all prepared for the wait. Ophelia flicked her nails and picked at the black gel tips, begrudgingly admitting that sheโd been too confident sheโd be one of the first volunteers called and hadnโt thought about how to pass the time. Normys looking to join the vampiric tribes and subscribe to their fucked-up religion were usually either vagrants, on deathโs door, or some special kind of desperate.
Ophelia was a very healthy twenty-nine, a rising star in the litigation world, and fell squarely into the last category.
She was also positive that her soon-to-be-husband would completely lose his shit if he knew she was here, and every second that ticked past increased the probability of him figuring out where she was. Ophelia wiped her sweaty palms against her thighs, all too clearly imagining him bursting through the door, full-on gargoyle.
Her eyes flicked to the clock. These assholes needed to hurry the fuck up.
The bullshit work conference sheโd invented wasnโt going to hold up to close scrutiny, but it was the best she could do on short notice. The approval for her to join the tribes had come through almost immediately, and she needed that goddamned virus.
She slowly exhaled and flipped open the mangled pamphlet for the umpteenth time, smoothing it over her bespoke, tailored slacks, glad her phone had died after the first few hours, nixing any temptation to call Deo and come clean about what she was doing.
Fuck around and find out never went over well with him, but thatโand his absโwere one of the many reasons she was head over heels for the guy. No one else had ever cared enough to call her on her shit. She chewed a nail, knowing exactly what he would say about all this, but screw him. He wouldnโt understand. How could he? He was a supe and she wasnโt. This needed to happen. She could feel it in her bones. It was the next step.
She couldnโt lose him, couldnโt think about him with someone else after the fact, and her mortality guaranteed that was gonna happen.
Yeah, over her undead body.
Her gaze dropped to the pamphlet. Rereading it was stupid. At this point, she could recite it verbatim.
โVampirism is a sacred gift.โ
Ophelia didnโt quite snort, but damn, that line got her every time. Bit of a stretch there. Though, she had to admit, the tribes had a killer marketing team. She did snort at that, running a hand over her face. God, sheโd been here too long, but Vampiric Syndrome wasnโt a gift, sacred or otherwise. It was caused by a virus carried by gravers, a rare species of centipede from the eastern continent that fed on dead bodies.
Gotta love nature, right? Gross, but nothing special. Well, unless they chowed down on someone that hadnโt quite passed into the hereafter. That was unfortunate, and probably unpleasant if said undead were a supe, but if one had the questionable honor of being born a normy like her?
Hello, vampire.
Ophelia put a hand to her churning stomach. She wasnโt particularly looking forward to ingesting one of the fucking things, but if the Victorians could down tapeworms to drop a pound or seventeen, how bad could this be? Granted, tapeworms didnโt have twelve rows of razor-sharp teeth, butโฆ
Fucking A. Who was she trying to kid? It was gonna be horrible.
God, stop being such a pussy. To be with Deo forever, sheโd chase the fucking thing with a shot of broken glass if thatโs what it took.
Ophelia blew out her cheeks and slumped, her tailbone throbbing from the hard plastic. It was a serious bummer sheโd been inoculated for Vampiric Syndrome as a kid. Before the Purge, all you had to do was bang someone already infected to contract VS.
Which was what had kicked off the Purge, the development of the vaccine, was the reason all corpses were now cremated, and a whole host of other shit.
Including the tribesโ need for volunteers to maintain their population.
A shadow moved behind the frosted glass. Ophelia sat up as a brunette vamp with a severe bun and a nurseโs uniform straight out of the 1940s pushed through with a clipboard. A name tag at her breast read โCrake,โ and the tatuaj around her eyes radiated to her temples like a spiderโs web. The markings looked like a tattoo but werenโt. It was how the virus presented itself and was the basis for their fucked-up caste system.
โMs. Diamondรฉ?
It was about goddamn time. โHere,โ Ophelia said, raising a finger before she stood. She wiped her palms on her slacks and grabbed her purse.
Nurse Crake tongued her cheek, her unnaturally red lips pressed together. She looked Ophelia up and down before checking off something on her clipboard and gesturing for her to follow.
The hallway beyond was as stark as the waiting room had been. White walls, sanitary molding, doors with stainless steel kickplates. All of those had bars dropped across them, moans and thumps coming from within. One of the long fluorescent bulbs flickered above.
โBirthdate?โ the nurse asked, her dark eyes on the clipboard.
Something hit one of the doors as they passed, and Ophelia adjusted her purse higher onto her shoulder. โUh, November third, 2015.โ
โAnd youโre here becauseโฆ?โ The nurse flicked through a bunch of papers, and Ophelia caught a flash of her signature at the bottom of one of the many consent forms sheโd signed.
She wet her lips. โVampirism speaks to me,โ she bullshitted, though it wasnโt totally a lie. The part where it extended oneโs existence indefinitely was absolutely calling her name. The rest of it could fuck off, but if she had to eat a bug then drink blood to make that happen, so be it.
Nurse Crake glanced at her askance like she knew Ophelia was full of shit. Well, at least she wasnโt stupid. She stopped at a door and pushed it open, gesturing for Ophelia to go in.
The room beyond looked like every other doctorโs office sheโd ever been in. Padded, papered table, crappy cream and blue wallpaper, a wheeled, stainless steel table, and a little laminate counter area with a tiny sink and canisters of swabs and cotton balls.
โRemove your clothes and put them and the rest of your belongings in here,โ Nurse Crake said, handing over a clear plastic drawstring bag with Opheliaโs name scrawled on it. โThereโs a gown on the table, ties in the back. The doctor will be with you shortly.โ
The door clicked shut behind her, and Ophelia took a deep breath before beginning to undress. Her hands shook as she unbuttoned her slacks and wriggled out of them. Deo. Think about Deo. A visual of the mountainous, gruff blond man flashed across her mindโs eye. The way his stubble glinted on his square jaw, his intense turquoise eyesโฆ
โIt doesnโt matter how much time we have together, Phe. Weโll make the most of what we have, and Iโll love you until the endโฆโ
But it did matter. She flicked a hand across her cheek. The thought of growing old while he stayed eternally youngโthere wasnโt a fucking chance she was going to subject him to mashing up her food and changing her diapers. And he would, damn him. No. This would take all of that off the table. It was the only way they could be together without her fucking mortality hanging over them like a shroud.
She tied the gown and sat on the table, paper crinkling beneath her. Her pulse raced. He was going to be so angry with her, but heโd get over itโฆright? He always did. And then they could be together forever. With her credentials, whatever tribe she was assigned to would give her a dispensation to work outside the tribal lands.
The mandatory tithe her position at the firm would provide all but guaranteed that. Sheโd done the research. Save for two she couldnโt track down, every volunteer since the Purge with a high-paying career had returned to their normy lives. Tithing was how the tribes were funded, and her salary was three times what the majority of them made.
Then why are you sweating so much?
Fuck. She raked a hand through her hair. Did it matter? Introspection was pointless and not her jam to begin with. For better or worse, this was happening.
A soft knock sounded at the door, and a moment later it was pushed open. A thin, dark-haired vamp in a lab coat came into the room with another, younger male and Nurse Crake behind them. She carried a stainless steel tray. A crimson velvet cloth covered whatever was on it. She set it by the padded table, then busied herself by the counter.
The dark-haired vamp flipped through her chart, pursing his lips, and pushed up his glasses. The tatuaj beneath them were the same webbed design as Nurse Crakeโs and the other vampireโs. Guess there was a tribe of medics.
โMs. Diamondรฉ,โ the dark-haired vamp said. โIโm Doctor Wong, and this is my intern, Louis. Heโll be observing today, unless you have any objection?โ
โNope.โ As long as they made her into a vampire, Ophelia didnโt care if they did it on stage and sold tickets.
โWonderful.โ He smiled, the tips of his pointed incisors gleaming. โI apologize for the wait, but in cases such as yours, we like to give the applicants time to fully consider their commitment to our cause.โ
Seriously? Thatโd been some kind of test? Ophelia bit back a snarky retort, the paper drape crinkling beneath her. โOf course.โ She smiled back, hoping it looked more genuine than it was. โCompletely understandable. However, I am fully committed.โ
The doctor nodded, and Nurse Crake took Opheliaโs arm, swabbing it to install a port for an IV. Ophelia winced at the pinch. The woman might not be particularly pleasant, but she was efficient.
โWell, then everything appears to be in order,โ the doctor said, flipping through pages as the nurse sent a burst of frigid saline through the IV. Louis scanned the chart over the doctorโs shoulder, reading along with him and taking notes. โI see youโve completed the first course of religious instruction as well. Highly commendable. Are we ready to proceed?โ he asked Crake. At her nod, his eyes flicked to Ophelia.
She swallowed roughly, her mouth dry. โPlease.โ
Doctor Wong and Nurse Crake exchanged a glance.
โThen lie back to be secured,โ the doctor said, reaching for a box of blue gloves on the counter. โThe process doesnโt take very long, and as soon as weโve finished here, youโll be transported to the applicable tribeโs sect for recovery. That usually takes two to three days, and your reintroduction will be evaluated based on how well you adapt to reanimation.โ
Ophelia nodded, fighting a sudden burst of anxiety. The wedding was in a week, and there wasnโt a chance in hell she was missing it. You can do this, Phe.
She lay back, and Nurse Crake moved to her side, pulling thick leather straps from the sides of the table. She buckled them around Opheliaโs torso and forehead, then pulled out others for her arms and wrists.
โFor your safety.โ Crake smiled, her grin much more predatory than the good doctorโs and about as legitimate as Opheliaโs had been. The nurse filled a hypodermic, then plinked it.
โAh, what is your preferred orifice?โ the doctor asked.
Ophelia started, her gaze fixed on the needle. โWhat is that?โ
โA lethal injection,โ he murmured, pushing up his glassesand still scanning her chart. โWhere would you prefer the vessel to make entry? Itโs not listed here.โ
โI-I thought I had to eat it?โ Ophelia stammered.
โAny hole will do,โ the nurse murmured with a smirk, setting the needle aside to transition the end of the table flat andsecure Opheliaโs legs. A slot opened beneath her rear and Crake yanked up the drape leaving Opheliaโs bare ass to dangle.
Her nether regions clenched. She hadnโtโ โMouth. Mouth is fine.โ
The doctor grunted and reverently folded back the crimson cloth. He murmured something and made a solemn gesture before lifting a low jar thatโd been nestled on a cushion.
Opheliaโs breath sped at the writhing contents, reconsidering all of her life choices. No. She could do this for Deo. For them, for their future.
The doctor shook the jar, sending the churning mass to the bottom before setting it back on the cushion and opening the lid. Decay laced the air. He picked up a pair of long, silver tweezers and plucked out a flailing insect. Its fanged maw gaped as it struggled, twisting and curling up on itself.
โInjection please.โ
Nurse Crake jammed the needle into the IVโs port, and a horrible, searing burn sped up Opheliaโs arm. She whimpered at the rush of heat cresting over her, her heart stuttering. Its fluttering beat a mantra: For Deo, for Deoโฆfor Deoโฆ
The doctor held the irate centipede above her. โWaiting for pupil dilationโฆand open.โ
Her lips refused to cooperate.
The doctor frowned and gripped her jawโ
The centipede fell from his grasp and hit Opheliaโs face with a cold, chitinous slap. She recoiled as it flipped, its tiny legs scrabbling to grip her skin. Its length conformed to the contour of her cheek and then skittered sinuously to her nostril. Her arms jerked against her restraints, her head unable to thrash, and a terrible lethargy stealing over her. Heart slowing, her vision grayed, fingers twitching, mind screaming: get it off, get it off, GET IT OFF!
It wriggled into her nasal cavity, clawing into her sinuses, and a garbled moan slipped from her lips. Blinding agony seared across her vision, and she screamed, sharp teeth feasting inside her skull. Her eyes watered. No, it was too hot for tears, the scent of copper thick, cloying the back of her throat. Her pores wept, her skin coated with a slick, sticky film, and the air redolent with the scent of blood.
Nurse Crake licked her lips.
An unnatural numbness bloomed from the bridge of Opheliaโs nose, radiating from her eye sockets, and the rest of her body seized. Foam flecked her lips, her eyes rolling back into her head. A bright, white light shone down for a moment and was ripped away, along with any sense of peace sheโd ever felt. Nothing was left but searing, burning, unrelenting pain.
Emotion dissolved beneath it, thoughts a murky haze, her body unresponsive. She was hollow, her mind a void. Empty.
โVery good. Itโs taking well. Note the patient has entered rigor. Her sudden pallor coinciding with the sheen of blood-fever and the emergence of the tatuaj around her eyes, there and thereโฆโ the doctor said, pointing with his pen, his voice distant and tinny. A godawful cramp went through her body, and a horrific, spattering stench filled the air. โBowels voidedโฆโ He frowned. โSomeone didnโt fast as instructed.โ
The urge to laugh burbled up Opheliaโs throat, spittle foaming from her mouth. Agony morphed into a bizarre euphoria, her limbs leaden and the feeling of an immense weight crushing down on her. Her heart, still.
Dead.
A wrenching shudder wracked her body as her heart spasmed, once, twice, then sluggishly began to beat again. She strained against the straps pinning her to the table, her chest heaving with the effort.
โVery good,โ the doctor murmured.
The room came back into focus, sounds sharper than they should be. The flow of ink from the doctorโs pen as he wrote. Loose strands of Crakeโs hair rubbing against one another. The slow scrape of Louisโs blink.
โWhat the fuck?โ Ophelia gasped, her tongue thick and her eyes darting, colors far more vivid than they had been. Bright, everything was too damned bright.
โWelcome back, Ms. Diamondรฉ. Disorientation is a normal side effect of transitioning,โ the doctor said absently, busy making notes. โRest assured, any increased sensitivities you may be experiencing will lessen over the next thirty-six to forty-eight hours as the virus continues the reanimation process.โ He stabbed the pen against the clipboard, finished with whatever he was writing, and set it aside with a wide smile. โNow, letโs see where weโll be sending you, shall we?โ
Crake wheeled over a tray. The doctor snugged his gloves before taking a pair of hemostats from the nurse and dipping a wad of gauze into a yellow solution. He dragged it across Opheliaโs brow, then discarded it almost immediately for another, the tiny pad thick with gore.
Ophelia winced at the rough drag of it across her skin. Jesus Chriโ
Agony flared through her skull, and she cried out. The doctor hummed above her and swapped out the gauze again. โYou need to put a call in to Vesper,โ he murmured.
โVesper?โ the nurse spat out behind him, incredulous. โAre you sure?โ
โMmmโ he hummed again, swabbing. โThe tatuaj are gifted as the Great One wills, and whom are we to judge which tribe sheโs been deemed worthy of?โ
โButโโ Crake pushed forward, her eyes narrowing above pinched lips. โIโll alert the court.โ She scowled and left the room. Louis raced after her, his face white.
โWhatโwhatโs happening?โ Ophelia lisped, her tongue fumbling against sharp incisors. A terrible thirst had overcome her, making it hard to think. She licked her parched lips, the acrid taste of her own sweat roiling her stomach. Vesper? She couldnโt remember a tribe called Vesper.
โYour transition may have very well just signed the death warrants of everyone who witnessed it,โ the doctor said, snapping off his gloves. โPrince Kremlyn suffers no rivals for his concubineโs attentions.โ
What? Opheliaโs mind raced. No. She couldnโt be aโDeo. The wedding. Sheโd left her engagement ring by the sink. That last fight theyโd had. Heโd think she abandoned him, that sheโdrun. โNo, no. I-Iโm not a concubine, Iโm an attorneyโโ
โYou are whatever the tatuaj has decreed,โ the doctor said firmly, moving to the door. โSomeone will be in to take you to seclusion. Whatever call to vampirism you felt, I very much hope it keeps you warm at the citadel. You wonโt be leaving it.โ
The door shut behind him with an ominous click, and Opheliaโs breath stuttered. The citadel? No, that was impossible. What had she done, what had she done? Oh, Godโ
Agony bloomed through her skull at the word, and she whimpered, tears tracking from the corners of her eyes. The awful reality of her actions crashed down around her, and an insatiable thirst gnawed at her hollowed insides.
The names of the women she couldnโt track downโthe two who had disappearedโflitted through her mind, along with a very bad feeling that sheโd be joining them.
AK Nevermore enjoys operating heavy machinery, freebases coffee, and gives up sarcasm for Lent every year. A Jane-of-all-trades, sheโs a certified chef, restores antiques, and dabbles in beekeeping when sheโs not reading voraciously or running down the dream in her beat-up camo Chucks.
Unable to ignore the voices in her head, and unwilling to become medicated, she writes Science Fiction and Fantasy full time.
She pays the bills editing, wielding a wicked hot pink pen and writing a column on SFF. She also belongs to the Authors Guild, is a chapter treasurer for the RWA, teaches creative writing, and on the rare occasion, sleeps.
The Highlander’s Wicked Ways (Spellbound Hearts Book 3) by Julie Johnstone
Description
When Murieall Buchannan asks for my protection, I offer her the only thing I have leftโa bargain carved from sin.
This Spellbound Hearts romance features:
– A cursed heroine bound to dangerous magic
– A grief-stricken, morally gray Highlander hero
– A forbidden bargain / sinful deal for protection
– Forced proximity and a one-bed arrangement
– Witchcraft, curses, and perilous magic
– A slow-burn, emotionally intense romance
– A redemption arc for a broken hero
– High heat, high stakes, and deep emotional healing
– A guaranteed happily-ever-after
Murieall
I stole a witchโs magic goblet to save my mamaโs life and paid for my folly with a curse that binds me to the dead.
The voices never stop. Their grief claws at my mind, and now people whisper Iโm mad. My betrothal has been shattered, my reputation destroyed, and time is running out to break the curse before I lose everything.
The witchโs answer to my pleas for forgiveness is as cruel as it is impossible: I must make the wickedest Scot in the Highlands feel again. Munro Ross is grief-hardened, sinful, and dangerous. He wants nothing to do with redemption, but to save myself, I must save him.
Entry into his domain comes at a wicked price: one month in his bed. I tell myself I can endure anything for freedom. What I donโt plan for is the honorable man I find under the dark surface, or the way his touch strips away my careful control, or how falling for him may cost me far more than the curse ever could.
Munro
I lost my wife. I lost my son. And I buried my heart with them.
I donโt believe in witches. I donโt believe in forgiveness. And I donโt save desperate women who come begging at my door. So when Murieall Buchannan asks for my protection, I give her the only thing I still know how to offerโtemptation wrapped in shadows and desire.
Sheโs meant to be a distraction, a fleeting indulgence to dull my pain. But by day, I see a patient, brave woman. And night after night, the ice Iโve built around my heart begins to crack. When she starts whispering truths I was never meant to hear, I realize this bargain may destroy us both.
Because if I let myself feel again, Iโll have to face the lies and betrayals that surround us. And the secrets that unite Murieall and me may be the very ones that tear us apart.
This is book 3 in the Spellbound Hearts series
Three desperate wishes. Three curses cast by a vengeful witch. Three Highlanders who may be the only way to break them.
Each book follows a different cursed heroine and the dangerous Highlander who may be her salvation.
Start with The Laird’s Magical Lass, continue with The Highlander’s Enchanted Healer, and discover the dark bargain at the heart of The Highlander’s Wicked Ways.
All books can be enjoyed as standalone romances with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
Publication Date 26/2/2026
The Highlander’s Wicked Ways (Spellbound Hearts Book 3) by Julie Johnstone
My Review
The Highlanderโs Wicked Ways by Julie Johnstone is her third book in the Spellbound Hearts series itโs a Scottish historical romance that centers on grief, healing, and the raw vulnerability of learning to feel again.
This final installment in the Spellbound Hearts series delivers an emotionally intense journey that will bring tears as two broken souls find their way back to life and love.
Murieall Buchannan is haunted, (literally) by a curse she brought upon herself when she stole a witchโs magic goblet to save her mother. The voices of the dead now claw at her mind day and night, destroying her reputation and leaving her desperate. To break the curse, she must accomplish the impossible, make the most grief hardened, emotionally frozen Highlander in the Highlands feel again. (Simple ๐)
Munro Ross has buried his heart with his late wife and son. He offers Murieall no noble protection, only a dark, sinful bargain, one month in his bed in exchange for whatever โsafetyโ he can give.
What begins as a transaction born of desperation slowly becomes something far more profound, a tender, aching exploration of pain, patience, honesty, and the terrifying risk of opening oneโs heart once more. (I sobbed in parts ๐ข)
Munro is a classic tortured hero, morally gray, angry at the world, and convinced he has nothing left to offer, but as we peel back his layers, we watch the ice around his heart crack night after night. Murieallโs quiet bravery and whispered truths reach the man beneath the grief, had wanting to shake the highlander and tell him to love her!
Murieall is resilient yet deeply vulnerable, she carries the constant torment of the curse while fighting not to lose herself. Her journey isnโt just about breaking the curse, itโs about hope, and the ability to love without fear.
The redemption arc for Munro feels earned and profoundly satisfying, while Murieallโs strength shines through her compassion and quiet courage.
The magical curse adds high stakes and a haunting atmosphere, but it ultimately serves the emotional heart of the story, turning what feels like a punishment into a path toward healing and connection.
If you love Highland romances that prioritize deep emotional healing, vulnerable heroes, and heroines who heal through love rather than just magic, this book will stay with you.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a romance that doesnโt just entertain but moves you, perfect for curling up with a cup of tea (and maybe a tissue or two).
Two reviews on one post. Iโm hoping book three comes out soon. ๐ค
The Rise of Lazarus by B. W. Jackson
Description
A gripping tale with a simple moral: hope for the future is steeped in knowledge of the past.
Aaron, an indifferent but brilliant student at a small college in New England, is led step by step into a mysterious cave of history. Over the course of several weeks, and through several rounds of storytelling, Aaron learns the fascinating and impossible narrative of a Holocaust survivor named Lazarus from his college professor, Professor Freeman, and his colorful grandfather, Grandpa Moshe. In the end, Aaron discovers that the story of this intriguing Lazarus figure is much more personal than he ever could have imagined.
Publication Date 3/2/2025
The Rise of Lazarus by B. W. Jackson
My Review
I picked up The Rise of Lazarus on a whim, (Iโm trying new genres) honestly, the title alone hooked me, with its biblical echo of resurrection layered over what promised to be a modern mystery.
What I got was something far better, a gripping, story that feels like sitting in on late night conversations with people whoโve lived through historyโs sharpest edges.
By the end, I was genuinely moved, and wanted the next book straight away.
The story centers on Aaron, a college kid in New England who gets pulled, almost against his will, into a web of storytelling that spans decades, continents, and centuries.
Through his professor and his grandfather Moshe, Aaron hears the โimpossibleโ tale of Lazarus, a Holocaust survivor whose life refuses to stay neatly in the past.
The tale unfolds in these almost fireside style rounds of stories, each one peeling back another layer, each one leaving you itching to turn the page and uncover more.
The reveal is slow, but it builds and builds, and I couldnโt put it down until it was done. We arenโt aware of whatโs legend, of whatโs memory, and whatโs about to happen right now!
Professor Freeman and Grandfather Moshe were great additions to the story, I loved his grandfather, he was funny. I could hear his voice in my head, equal parts mischief and wisdom. ๐
And Lazarus himselfโฆ well, without spoiling anything, the way his story intertwines with Aaronโs personal life is the kind of twist that makes you sit back and whisper โno wayโ when it clicks. ๐ค
The book moves between the quiet college campus and the sweeping, sometimes harrowing backdrop of European history, secret societies, and survival against impossible odds!
At just under 200 pages, itโs a quick but immersive read, I finished it in two sittings (work and real life intrude!) and immediately wanted the next installment (Book Two, The Brotherhood of Barnabas, is already calling my name).
Would definitely recommend especially if youโre the historical reader, mixing a little fact with fiction.
Canโt wait to see where Aaronโs journey goes next.
๐ฆ
The Brotherhood of Barnabas (The Rise of Lazarus Book 2) by B. W. Jackson
Description
In The Brotherhood of Barnabas,Book Two of The Rise of Lazarus, Aaron wanders even deeper into the hidden workings of the society of Lazarus.
But just when Professor Freeman begins to uncover another eerie mystery, he suddenly goes missing, leaving Aaron and Grandpa Moshe and Miriam on a desperate mission to track him down.
Along the way, they encounter the ancient origins of the Brotherhood of Barnabas and the rise of an enemy organization known as the Crimson Ribbon.
Dubious clues lure them into a precarious adventure to the Old World, amidst the living history of Lazarus and Tabitha.
But their quest is upended when a secret from the past is resurrected, challenging everything they thought they knew about the legend of Lazarus.
Publication Date 29/1/2026
The Brotherhood of Barnabas (The Rise of Lazarus Book 2) by B. W. Jackson
My Review
The Brotherhood of Barnabas delivers a solid follow up that deepens the mystery while keeping the pages turning. I was able to pick up the second book right after the first one, so I could keep everything fresh in my mindโฆ..
Picking up from the first book, Aaron dives further into the shadowy society surrounding Lazarus. And just when they think they have a breakthrough, the professor disappears (kidnapped?)
Aaron, along with his grandfather start a frantic search. Without the professor they seem stuck!
Crimson Ribbon is the society that wants to keep this all a secret, and will do what it can to keep Aaron quiet. The Crimson Ribbon send Aaron on a tense journey to the Old World, where past secrets collide with the present in surprising ways! ๐ฎ
What I enjoyed most was the mixing of contemporary characters with historical and legendary elements, and the cliffhanger style chapter endings made it hard to put down.
That said, the pacing occasionally slows (too much info? ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ) with the ancient lore and secret societies, and some plot threads rely on convenient clues. It works best if youโve read Book 1, as it continues directly from there.
It was a good book, I donโt think as good as the first, and Iโm hoping we donโt have to wait too long for book three. ๐ค
If you like mystery/adventure stories with historical/religious undertones and a touch of the eerie, itโs worth picking up.
You Have My Attention: A Dark Stalker Romance by Rebel Rose
Description
I asked for obsession.
I didnโt know it came without boundaries.
The first note is an introduction.
The second, intimate.
By the third, Iโm addicted.
I have his attention.
But the disturbing part?
He also has mine.
I should be afraid.
Iโm not.
Something reckless stirsโhungry, wild, alive.
It starts as a game.
One Iโm too eager to play.
But when it turns darkโฆI want him more.
His name is a secret.
His faceโmasked.
The mystery is the thrill.
I donโt want to know what heโs capable of.
I want to feel it.
Then someone threatens me.
And the game?
It stops being pretend.
The law wonโt protect me.
But he willโbrutally.
I fight for justice in the light.
He hunts for vengeance in the dark.
And when a man like him decides youโre his obsession?
He doesnโt let go.
Publication Date 30/3/2026
You Have My Attention: A Dark Stalker Romance by Rebel Rose
My Review
You Have My Attention by Rebel Rose, delivers exactly what the blurb promises, and then some.
The story is pure catnip for dark romance fans, a woman who craves obsession gets pulled into a dangerous game with a masked stranger who starts leaving notes.
What begins as thrilling, boundary pushing flirtation quickly spirals into something far more intense, possessive, and morally gray.
The slow escalation from curious intrigue to full blown addiction is wickedly done. By the time the โgameโ turns genuinely dark, youโre already too invested to look away.
The FMC is refreshingly unapologetic. Sheโs not a naive innocent who stumbles into danger, she actively leans into the thrill, even when she knows she shouldnโt. That reckless hunger she feels? Itโs electric on the page, and it makes her feel alive in a way a lot of heroines in this genre donโt. Sheโs fighting for justice in her everyday life, yet sheโs drawn to the shadows where her stalker operates. The contrast between her โlightโ world and his โdarkโ one creates fantastic tension.
The MMC is the definition of a dangerous obsession. Masked, nameless at first, and utterly without boundaries, he ticks every box for a top tier dark romance anti hero, protective in the most brutal ways, possessive to an extreme, and completely fixated on her.
When an external threat emerges, he doesnโt hesitate to become her shield, violently so. The way he โhunts for vengeance in the darkโ while she operates in the light is ๐ค๐ป
No spoilers, but the shift from fantasy game to deadly reality hits hard and feels earned.
What I loved most is how the book leans into the psychological push/pull. The mystery of who he is and what heโs truly capable of keeps the pages turning, while the spice is intense, raw, and perfectly integrated into the power dynamic.
Rebel Rose doesnโt shy away from the disturbing aspects, but she also makes you root for this twisted connection. Thereโs a wild, alive energy to the whole story that matches the description perfectly.
If youโre in the mood for a stalker romance that starts seductive and turns viciously protective, with a heroine whoโs just as unhinged in her desires as the hero is in his actions, this one delivers.
Itโs not for the faint of heart, triggers are real here (stalking, violence, dubious consent vibes, etc.) but for fans of the genre, itโs a satisfying, pulse pounding ride with a hard won HEA that feels true to the characters.
If you love dark stalker vibes with mutual fixation, masked mystery, and a hero who will burn the world (or at least a few people) for his woman, this should be on your list.
Just knowโฆ. once he has your attention, good luck shaking it off. ๐
The Unwilling Love: A Best Friend’s Brother Romance (The Hamiltons : A Marriage of Convenience Billionaire Romance series) by L. Steele
Description
Heโs my best friendโs brother. Off-limits. Emotionally unavailable. Out of bounds.
James Hamilton makes my heart stutter.
Heโs six feet three inches of muscle. A decorated Royal Marine. with a jagged scar that hints at a troubled past, and glacial blue eyes that see right through my defenses.
Iโm the aspiring chef who spends my days drowning in dishwater and hiding my curves under an oversized apron while I strive for my big break.
James is also the definition of off-limits.
My best friendโs overprotective older brother and a man who has seen too much of the worldโs darkness to ever notice someone like me.
Or so I thought…
Because lately, those โprotectiveโ glances feel like so much more.
The air crackles when we’re alone, and the way he tensed when a stranger approaches me at the bar? That was more than brotherly instinct.
Iโve spent years watching him from afar, but Iโm ready to show him I no longer a girl who needs saving.
James, thinks heโs an antihero who canโt be tamed. Iโm about to prove that even a guarded billionaire marine has a breaking point…
The Unwilling Love is James & Harperโs story. The emotionally charged prequel novella to The Unwilling Bride in the brand new Hamiltons series by L. Steele.
Featuring a forbidden love, a fiercely protective hero, a heroine finding her confidence, slow-burn tension, found family, and all the delicious tension of falling for the one man you shouldn’t want.
Tropes
Best Friendโs brother
Grumpy x Sunshine
Opposites attract
OTT possessive hero
Curvy FMC
Delicious angst of a secret crush
High-tension
Found family romance
Publication Date 2/4/2026
The Unwilling Love: A Best Friend’s Brother Romance (The Hamiltons : A Marriage of Convenience Billionaire Romance series) by L. Steele
My Review
This short prequel delivers exactly what the tropes promise, a deliciously forbidden best friendโs brother romance packed with slow burn tension.
Harper is the curvy, sunshine aspiring chef whoโs quietly crushed on James for years. James is the grumpy, ex military billionaire, who emotionally guarded, fiercely protective, and very much off limits.
Their first real encounter crackles with instant chemistry. The story follows them wandering through London, building that high tension push/pull where every protective glance and accidental touch feels loaded.
Jamesโs OTT possessiveness starts showing early, especially when other men get too close, while Harper begins stepping into her confidence. And reading that had me chuckling, mine, but I donโt want you ๐
Itโs a novella, so the romance stays mostly in the emotional/sexual tension stage (zero to low spice here, more tease than payoff). The pacing is quick and engaging, since it ends on a hook for The Unwilling Bride.
If you love high angst, protective billionaire marines and the thrill of crossing that โbest friendโs brotherโ line, this is a fun, quick hit of romantic tension.
When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she doesn’t think it’s love at first sight. They wouldnโt even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realise they have the perfect set-up. He doesnโt want love, she doesnโt have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.
Never ask about the past.
Donโt expect a future.
They think they can handle it, but realise almost immediately they canโt handle it at all.
Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.
Publication Date 5/8/2014
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
My Review
Colleen Hooverโs *Ugly Love* is a tale of passion, heartbreak, and the unexpected boundaries of emotional connections.
This story dives deep into the complexities of human relationships, physical attraction and emotional vulnerability.
At the center of the story is Tate Collins, an aspiring nurse who is both independent and determined. When she meets Miles Archer, a handsome airline pilot, the chemistry between them is instantaneous. However, neither of them is looking for love. With Tate focused on building her career and Miles haunted by a painful past, they agree to a no-strings-attached arrangement that revolves solely around physical intimacy. This setup, they believe, is simple enough, governed by Miles’s two immutable rules: donโt ask about the past, and donโt expect a future.
What makes *Ugly Love* intriguing is its dual points of view that alternates between Tate’s present and Miles’s past. This technique gradually reveals the layers of Miles’s character, providing insight into his emotional baggage.
Colleenโs writing pulls you into the world of Tate and Miles. The dialogues are sharp and authentic, capturing both the hilarity and the heaviness of their budding relationship. The exploration of the rules they set creates a palpable tension that keeps us on the edge of their seats, eager to see how it all unfolds.
As the story progresses, it becomes evident that both Tate and Miles are grappling with their own demons. The rules they initially see as a safeguard slowly begin to unravel, leading to an emotional rollercoaster. *Ugly Love* doesnโt shy away from addressing themes such as grief, love, and the struggle of overcoming oneโs past.
Tateโs interactions with her brother and friends highlight her strong support system, contrasting sharply with Milesโs solitude.
However, the book is not without its critiques. I found the initial premise of a purely physical relationship becoming emotionally charged too predictable or reminiscent of other romance tropes.
In conclusion, *Ugly Love* is not just about romance, itโs about the complexities of love in all its forms, how it can be beautiful and ugly, liberating and suffocating.
Colleen has crafted a story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Perfect for fans of emotional romances.
๐ฆ
Book that I read on holiday. Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Talia Danvers is an engineer for a high-end dating app who hasnโt managed to code her own love life. Then she reconnects with Townsend Fuller: the one who got away.
Or, more accurately, the one who left her for someone else. But Townsend swears heโs a changed man, and Talia wants to believe him. Even if he is the prime suspect in the disappearance of Amanda Reade, the same woman who broke them up in the first place.
In cases like these, itโs always the boyfriend. Thatโs what Amandaโs sister Kaitlyn thinks. So does Taliaโs colleague Meera Ratnamโand sheโll risk everything to convince Talia that sheโs making a deadly mistake.
Then Talia starts receiving menacing texts from Amanda. Suddenly, no one knows what to believe. Is Townsend guilty? Is Amanda alive? Or is someone playing games?
Featuring unreliable narrators and written with acid wit and creeping unease, Yours Always is a mind-bending tale of dangerous love.
Publication Date 1/4/2026
Yours Always by Corinne Sullivan
My Review
I picked up Yours Always because the blurb sounded really good, a brilliant dating app engineer who canโt seem to debug her own romantic disasters reconnects with the ex who shattered her heart, only for him to be the main suspect in his current girlfriendโs disappearance. ๐ฎ
Add in creepy texts from the โmissingโ woman, friends warning her sheโs making a fatal mistakeโฆ. I was all in.
Talia Danvers is smart, sarcastic, and so logically wired from her tech job that you almost believe she can โcodeโ her way through this mess.
Reading as she desperately wants to believe Townsend has changed, despite every red flag waving in her face, was equal parts frustrating and heartbreaking.
I found myself yelling at the pages more than once, โGirl, run!โ
Townsend himself is charming in that polished, privileged way that makes you question everything he says. Is he reformed? Is he dangerous? Or is something far more twisted at play?
What really had me hooked was the creeping dread mixed with sharp, biting humor. The writing has this edge that had me snorting at Taliaโs inner monologue one minute and getting chills the next.
The texts from Amanda!? They ratcheted up the tension beautifully, sudden, menacing, and impossible to ignore. I loved how the story toys with who you can trustโฆ. Taliaโs colleague Meera, whoโs willing to risk it all to protect her, Amandaโs sister Kaitlyn, convinced itโs always the boyfriend, even Talia herself starts to feelโฆ slippery.
Itโs a mind bending ride that plays with obsession, second chances, and the stories we tell ourselves to justify dangerous love.
If youโre craving a psychological thriller thatโs clever, witty, and deeply unsettling rather than outright gory, this one delivers. Itโs the kind of book that lingers making you side eye your own exes and wonder how well you really know anyone.
Bottom line: Yours Always is a thriller about love, lies, and the terrifying blur between them. Perfect for fans of smart suspense (with a tech twist) and a few twists thrown in.
It was a good read, though a couple of threads felt a touch convenient in the final act!
Maddox (Savage Kings MC Book 5) by Lane Hart D.B West Dalton (Savage Kings MC Book 6) by Lane Hart D.B West Reece (Savage Kings MC Book 7) by Lane Hart D.B West TBR List
Guarded Obsession: A Mafia Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity Romance (Enduring Vendettas Book 2) by Kaya Sable arc
Waiting for a Spy to Fall by Tabetha Waite arc
Sing Me Home: Why choose fantasy romance (Bonded to the Gods Book 3) by R.A. Raine arc
Curses (The Awakening Book 2) by Elizabeth Jeffery arc paperback copy
Fractured Soul (The Wolf Pack Book 3) by Helen Johnston arc
Rucking Obsessed: A Dark-ish College Rugby Romance (Knights of St. Killian Book 1) by London Snow arc
Dead Nights (Legacy of Deth Book 1) by Crea Reitan arc
Beast of Her Heart (Whispers of Destiny) by Ava Rouge arc
Show Me Forever (Chicago Railers Hockey Book 3) by Jennifer Sucevic arc
The Salamander (The Dawn of America series Book 2) by Regan Walker arc
Loch: A Best Friend’s Daughter, Mountain Mafia Romance (Belles & Bratva Beasts) by Kelly Finley arc
Feral for the Pack’s Omega: A Reverse Harem Omegaverse Romance by Callie Clark ARC
The Kilted Groom by Lauren Smith arc
Graduation No Face (Longwood U) by Crea Reitan arc
Black Heart Painted Gold (The Painted Sinners Series Book 2) by Elena Lawson arc
Flynn: An Irish Mafia Dark Romance (Discreet Cover) (The Irish Consortium (Book 2) by Joan Morven arc
Of Dragons and Lies (The Unbound Saga Book 1) by Penelope Knayme arc
Obsessed: A Falcon Pointe Novel by Jennifer Harrison arc
Dark Dare: Dark Stepbrother College Romance (The Dark Series Book 1) by A.L. Maruga arc
The Fly-Half and the Fling (The Latharna Ravens Book 1) by Lasairiona McMaster arc
๐BOOKS I READ IN MARCH๐
How much did you read this month? Is there anything on my list that looked interesting to you? Do you have any recommendations for April?
This review has three stories on one blog. Itโs an ongoing series, so Iโve read/reviewed/posted three, as there are a few stories in this series)
Maddox (Savage Kings MC Book 5) by Lane Hart D.B West Dalton (Savage Kings MC Book 6) by Lane Hart D.B West Reece (Savage Kings MC Book 7) by Lane Hart D.B West
Maddox (Savage Kings MC Book 5) by Lane Hart D.B West
Maddox (Savage Kings MC Book 5) by Lane Hart D.B West
Description
Who the hell is Deacon Fury?
Thatโs the question I asked myself when I was fifteen and saw his name on my birth certificate for the first time.
Deacon Fury may be long gone from this world, but at least he left behind a legacy โ the Savage Kings MC.
Deep down, I knew that I was destined to become a King too. Thatโs what brought me to Emerald Isle four years ago.
And after putting in the hard work, Iโm a breath away from patching in, becoming a brother.
That is, until she took my breath away.
One of my final orders as a prospect was to find Audrey OโNeil and keep her safe during the hurricane that devastated the coast.
War is not only my sponsor, heโs been like a father to me since I first came to town. Now, Iโm falling for his sister, and if War finds out, heโll kill me.
But how am I supposed to choose between following in my fatherโs footsteps with the MC or being with the one woman who makes me feel like Iโm already a Savage King?
This is the fifth book in the Savage Kings MC series, but it can be read as a standalone.
The suggested reading order is:
Chase
Abe
Torin
War
Maddox
Publication Date 4/1/2019
My Review
Maddox is a sweet, heartfelt addition to the Savage Kings MC series.
As the fifth standalone installment, it shifts focus to Maddox, a dedicated prospect on the verge of patching in as a full member after four years of proving himself. His journey ties into his mysterious father, Deacon Fury (a legacy figure in the clubโs history), fueling his drive to join the brotherhood.
The plot heats up during a hurricane when Maddox is tasked with protecting Audrey OโNeil, the younger sister of his sponsor and father figure War. (Who has a great book)
What starts as a protective duty turns into intense attraction and forbidden romance, Maddox falls hard for Audrey, knowing War would โkillโ him if he found out. Protection, not seduction ๐
Whatโs a biker to do? loyalty to the MC (and his fatherโs legacy) versus his growing love for the one woman who makes him feel complete?
Itโs definitely a lighter read, less club drama compared to some if the other stories Iโve read, emphasizing the emotional growth, instalove vibes, and the โprospectโ freshness that contrasts with the more hardened brothers.
We get plenty of heat and chemistry between Maddox and Audrey, alpha protectiveness, humor, banter, and the warm found family dynamic of the Savage Kings with cameos from prior couples. Maddox stands out as a sweet, gentle, yet determined hero, while Audrey brings strength and vulnerability.
And I loved this couple.
If you love MC romances with forbidden sibling tension, protective alphas who fall deep, emotional depth from family legacies, and the camaraderie of the Savage Kings , then this one is for you.
๐ฆ
Dalton (Savage Kings MC Book 6) by Lane Hart D.B West
Dalton (Savage Kings MC Book 6) by Lane Hart D.B West
Description
Ladies love me.
Thatโs not arrogance; itโs just the truth.
I give them a night theyโll never forget. One theyโll tell their friends about to make them jealous. A night their future husbands wonโt be able to live up to.
Oh, yeah, Iโm that good.
Tonight, though, Iโm actually on a mission for our club, the Savage Kings MC. And Iโm certain that the beautiful blonde ATF agent Iโm getting ready to approach at the bar isnโt going to want to share our hot little hookup story for anyone. Ever.
My good looks are my secret weapon. No one ever suspects that a pretty, charismatic bastard like me is actually an unrepentant thief who was born to be an outlaw.
Iโm a dangerous son of a bitch, but no one ever sees it coming.
This is the sixth book in the Savage Kings MC series but it can be read as a standalone. The preferred reading order is:
Chase
Abe
Torin
War
Maddox
Dalton
Reece
Publication Date 5/2/2019
My Review
Dalton is a sizzling, opposites/attract MC romance that brings the seriesโ charismatic โpretty boyโ thief and enforcer into the spotlight.
Itโs the sixth standalone in the Savage Kings MC lineup, following the clubโs ongoing fallout from wars with rival gangs and cartels.
Itโs not necessarily needed to read in order, but there are a few things going on throughout the series.
The story follows Dalton, the clubโs smooth talking, model gorgeous member whoโs a master at using his looks and charm as weapons, both for one night stands and club business. ๐
On a mission to protect the Savage Kings, he targets Peyton, a sharp, no nonsense ATF agent investigating the MC.
What starts as a calculated seduction (hot, steamy hookup with explosive chemistry) quickly complicates when real feelings sneak in.
Peytonโs tough exterior hides her own baggage, and Daltonโs playboy facade cracks as he realizes she might be the one woman who can handle and tame him!
As usual high heat explicit scenes with witty dialogue, humor, drama, and twists that keep the pace engaging. The banter between these characters had me chuckling. The enemies to lovers tension between a cocky outlaw and a law enforcement heroine adds conflict, while club loyalty and cameos from prior couples makes me smile. I love when couples still make appearances in the books.
If you enjoy biker romances with charming bad boys, strong heroines who challenge them, forbidden attraction (biker vs. fed), steamy fun, and the found family feel of the Savage Kings, then this is the book for you.
Itโs a little lighter than some of the other books, more comedy and less drama I thought.
But itโs a great addition to the series!
๐ฆ
Reece (Savage Kings MC Book 7) by Lane Hart D.B West
Reece (Savage Kings MC Book 7) by Lane Hart D.B West
Description
Former military specialist and recluse Reece Hunt takes his job of protecting the Savage Kings MC very seriously. When one of their regular girls go missing, he wonโt rest until he tracks her down and makes sure sheโs safe.
While Cynthia Collins has loved every second she has spent with the Savage Kings, the problem is that none of the men have ever really cared for her. The guys are all starting to settle down and sheโs not getting any younger. Whatever hope Cynthia had of becoming one of the Kingsโ old ladies is quickly dwindling as she gets ready to turn thirty; thatโs why she decides that itโs time to give up the club life in search of more.
After Reece shows up on Cynthiaโs doorstep, her plan of leaving the MC may unknowingly become more difficult than she expected.
For reasons Reece canโt even understand, he begins sabotaging Cynthiaโs plan of dating men who donโt ride Harleys or wear leather to try and lure her back to the club.
When Cynthia finds out what Reece has been up to, heโll have to either put up or shut up. Itโs been more than a decade since he let himself fall for a woman, and heโs not sure if heโs ready to go down that bumpy road again. Besides, he doesnโt have time for any distractions from monitoring the clubโs security.
Reece has apparently forgotten that sometimes love has a way of knocking even the most stubborn men off their feet, whether theyโre ready for it or not.
This is the seventh book in the Savage Kings MC series but it can be read as a standalone. The preferred reading order is:
Chase
Abe
Torin
War
Maddox
Dalton
Reece
Publication Date 16/3/2016
My Review
Reece is Book 7 in the Savage Kings MC Series. Itโs a steamy, heartfelt MC romance that gives the seriesโ tech savvy, reclusive security expert his long awaited shot at love.
You donโt need to read in order as they are standalones. But visits from previous characters might give the game away as to their HEAโs.
The story centers on Reece Hunt, a former military specialist turned club protector whoโs more comfortable behind screens and surveillance than in the spotlight.
When Cynthia, one of the clubโs longtime โregular girlsโ (a sweet but overlooked club girl whoโs been around for years without landing an old lady patch), decides itโs time to leave the MC life behind, sheโs tired of unrequited feelings as the guys pair off and her 30th birthday looms, she decides to start fresh somewhere else!
Reece, ever the vigilant guardian, tracks her down and insists on ensuring her safety.
What follows is a slow burn(ish) dance. Reece, for reasons even he doesnโt fully grasp at first, starts subtly sabotaging Cynthiaโs attempts to date โnormalโ non biker men. His jealousy and protectiveness bubble up, forcing him to confront over a decade of emotional walls built after past heartbreaks. Cynthia, strong willed and done being a side option, calls him out leading to a โput up or shut upโ moment that pushes Reece towards a life changing decision.
Reeceโs intelligence and quiet intensity made him a favourite of mine in this series, while Cynthiaโs went from overlooked to demanding what she deserves had me smiling. The banter is flirty and fun, with humor (some snort-laugh moments noted), and the clubโs loyalty shines through.
His backstory explained his reclusiveness, Cynthiaโs 10 date rule adding tension, and how it ties into the clubโs ongoing story without heavy drama.
itโs lighter on external conflict (more internal/relationship-focused) compared to some of the more grittier stories, but the steam and sweetness balance it well.
If you enjoy biker romances with protective, brooding heroes who fall hard once they let go, strong heroines claiming their worth, plenty of spice, and the camaraderie of a loyal MC family, this oneโs a solid, addictive read. It delivers the swoony โstubborn man knocked off his feet by loveโ story perfectly.
MC romance fans, highly recommended in the series, as one of my favourites.
Guarded Obsession: A Mafia Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity Romance (Enduring Vendettas Book 2) by Kaya Sable
Description
I swore to hate him.
He vowed to protect me.
I never meant to fall in love.
Alexis
I hated him on sightโthe huge, tattooed mafia soldier and cousin to the man who killed my father.
Nickโs cousin destroyed my family, leaving my mother and me alone in a world with no protectionโฆ
Until heโs assigned as my bodyguard.
Living in a safehouse with a grumpy gangster who gets under my skin feels like a fate worse than death.
But as I slowly glimpse the man beneath the gruff exterior, I realize Nick isnโt the villain I imagined.
He has honor.
And when he looks at me with those simmering dark eyes, I feel things I never expected.
I vowed not to fall for my bodyguardโbut itโs a promise Iโm not sure I can keep.
Nick
Guarding the daughter of my rival was not on my bucket list.
Our first meeting was a disaster, and Iโm torn between shutting her pretty mouthโor teaching her just howโฆ pleasurable using those full lips can truly be.
Sheโs everything I canโt have: brilliant, innocent and far too young for me.
But the more time we spend together, the more I realize sheโs not the spoiled princess I assumed.
And when our enemies dare to harm her, Iโll stop at nothing to protect whatโs mineโand make them pay for every second of her fear.
If you love an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romance with a grumpy hero and a feisty, curvy heroine, youโll devour Alexis and Nickโs story. Settle in and enjoy the world of the Carusos and Rossis.
Content information can be found in the beginning of the book and on the authorโs website.
Publication Date 26/3/2026
Guarded Obsession: A Mafia Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity Romance (Enduring Vendettas Book 2) by Kaya Sable
My Review
Guarded Obsession by Kaya Sable delivers exactly what fans of steamy mafia romance crave, intense enemies to lovers tension, a possessive alpha hero who borders on obsessive, and a strong, curvy heroine who refuses to be anyoneโs damsel.
This is the second installment in the Enduring Vendettas series, and we catch up with the Caruso and Rossi family world introduced in Heated Redemption (Book 1). While it works well as a standalone, readers familiar with the first book will appreciate the deeper family vendettas and crossover vibes.
Alexis is still reeling from the violent loss of her father at the hands of a rival mafia figure, none other than a relative of the man now assigned to protect her.
Nick, a towering, tattooed mafia soldier with a gruff exterior and hidden depths of honor, is tasked with guarding her in a remote safehouse. What starts as mutual loathing (she sees him as guilty by blood association, he views her as a spoiled, feisty liability) quickly ignites into something far more dangerous, undeniable, combustible attraction!
Confined together 24/7, every shared meal, heated argument, and reluctant moment of vulnerability strips away their defenses. The safehouse becomes its own pressure cooker, amplifying banter, lingering glances, and the slow erosion of their emotional walls.
For me, Alexis stands out as one of the most relatable and compelling heroines in recent mafia romance. Brilliant, resilient, and unapologetically curvy, sheโs dealing with genuine grief and the fear of being left unprotected in a dangerous world. Sheโs feisty without being annoying, holding her own against Nickโs grumpiness and refusing to back down even when her body betrays her growing feelings.
Her internal conflict, vowing to hate the man tied to her familyโs destruction while slowly seeing his protective, honorable core, had me both smiling and wanting to tell her it will be ok.
Nick is the ultimate grumpy, protective hero. Older, experienced, and battle hardened, heโs torn between his duty and the forbidden pull toward a woman he believes is too young and too connected to his worldโs enemies. His โtouch her and dieโ protectiveness kicks into overdrive when threats escalate, revealing layers of quiet honor beneath the tattoos and mafia muscle. The way he wrestles with his obsession, wanting to silence her sharp tongue one moment and worship those full lips the next, creates delicious tension. ๐
Their banter is sharp, witty, and flirtatious, evolving naturally from icy barbs to playful teasing and raw emotional confessions. The age gap element adds forbidden spice without feeling over the top, and the โI canโt have herโฆ but I will burn everything to keep her safeโ dynamic was deeply satisfying.
The story balances romance and suspense really well. The mafia vendetta provides real stakes, attacks, danger, and the constant shadow of rival families, without overwhelming the central love story. Action scenes are tense and well paced, while quieter moments in the safehouse allow for trust building.
I loved being back in the Caruso/Rossi world, with enough references to Book 1โs events to keep me turning those pages.
Themes of grief, trust, vulnerability, and found safety shine through, giving the book more emotional weight than typical โlightโ mafia fare.
If you love possessive, dirty talking heroes who go from gruff to reverent with their heroine, Nick will not disappoint.
If you enjoyed Heated Redemption, this one amps up the obsession and steam while delivering another couple youโll root for fiercely.
Guarded Obsession is a fast paced, addictive delight, equal parts heart pounding danger, laugh out loud banter, and scorching romance.
Alexis and Nickโs journey from sworn enemies to โIโll protect whatโs mine at all costsโ is deeply satisfying and Iโm eager for more in the Enduring Vendettas world.
Highly recommended for romance readers who want high steam, solid emotional stakes, and that perfect โhate youโฆ now kiss meโ payoff.
Miss Astara Smith has only wanted one thing in life โ to be somebody. She was left on the steps of an orphanage when she was a baby and the quest for her true identity has been her sole purpose ever since. When she discovered The Lion Watch, she knew the long-awaited answers to her parentage would finally be answered with such resources at her disposal. However, it doesnโt take long before it becomes apparent she has a natural ability to read people and learn their secrets, especially criminals. She never makes a mistakeโbut when she does, it may just cost her dearly.
Knox Ancell, the Duke of Hampton, is rather stunned when a beautiful woman quite literally jumps into his carriage and starts making demands. He wants to be offended by her upstart attitude, but he finds it quite refreshing when compared to the proper ladies heโs currently been pursuing. Heโs always had a rebellious streak of his own, but as a duke, heโs been forced to subdue his darkest longings. But he discovers that in Astaraโs arms, the attraction is instantaneous and he can finally be the man heโs always yearned to unleash.
However, when Astaraโs past starts to come to light, the passion between them is in danger of unraveling.
Publication Date 9/3/2026
Waiting for a Spy to Fall by Tabetha Waite
My Review
Waiting for a Spy to Fall by Tabetha Waite is a steamy historical romance that blends Regency era intrigue, espionage, and instant attraction ๐
Itโs part of the โDuke of Liesโ series, and the book follows orphaned Astara Smith, a sharp witted woman driven by her lifelong quest to uncover her true parentage. Iโve not read any of the previous stories, and I donโt think it matters a great deal.
She joins The Lion Watch (a secretive organisation, tied to spying and intelligence work,) where her uncanny talent for reading people and extracting secrets makes her a natural operative, until one critical mistake threatens everything! All Astara wants to know is who were her parents, and why did they abandon her?! And she thinks the Lion Watch society is the answerโฆ..
Enter Knox Ancell, the Duke of Hampton, a nobleman with his own rebellious side.๐ Heโs bored with the ladies heโs usually seen with, and so Astara is a welcome changeโฆ..
Their meet/cute is unconventional to say the leastโฆ. Astara literally leaps into his carriage and starts issuing commands. ๐ What could have been a disaster turns into refreshing chemistry for the jaded duke, who finds in her the spark to unleash the man heโs always held back.
The attraction ignites fast and fierce. ๐
The story builds as Astaraโs mysterious past begins to surface, putting their budding romance at risk!
Although a novella, this story packs a whole lot inโฆ hidden desires, and trust, twists and then add in the spy element, and itโs a great afternoon read.
Astaraโs determination made her a joy to read, while Knoxโs internal conflict made me smile (itโs not often an MMC is confused ๐)
If youโre drawn to historical romances featuring spies, bold heroines, and steamy encounters, this will delight and entertain you.
Have you read other books in the Duke of Lies series ?
Sing Me Home: Why choose fantasy romance (Bonded to the Gods Book 3) by R.A. Raine
Description
TWISTS YOU WON’T SEE COMING. FMMM SPICE. GOD TRIALS. HURT/COMFORT. HEA BABIES.
REVENGE COMES TO THOSE WHO WAIT.
Taken by the Gods, Oona, Osear and Oriel, Dove finds herself without her bonds and the men she calls home, stuck in complete darkness in a land she never knew existed. With her mind and body in shambles, sheโs in no place to claw her way out to find her protectors. Surviving is a miracle in itself, especially since the Gods stripped all her bonds except her mate bond. The one that connects her to the wolf shifter, Gideonโthe only connection keeping her above ground.
The rhythm of time no longer makes sense to Dove, locked away, until she hears the voice of one of her protectors, Fury, down in the pits of her own turmoil. Unsure if itโs all just a dream or if he has finally come for her, Dove agrees to a trial to free herself from the Gods and their island.
Who can she trust when the Gods are at play? Without hope, stuck and bondless, Dove finds herself on a downward spiral sheโs unable to escape.
Until the truth shows itself, and Dove finally learns what forever means.
Sing Me Home is book three in the Bonded to the Gods trilogy, a fast-paced why-choose fantasy romance.
Publication Date 25/3/2026
Sing Me Home: Why choose fantasy romance (Bonded to the Gods Book 3) by R.A. Raine
My Review
The Bonded to the Gods trilogy by R.A. Raine wraps up with Sing Me Home (Book 3), delivering a high stakes, emotionally charged conclusion to Doveโs journey in this why choose fantasy romance. And you do need to read books one and two to fully understand and appreciate this one.
It picks up right where the previous book left us, leave off, plunging us into Doveโs darkest moments. Poor Dove is isolated in a nightmarish prison on the Godsโ island, stripped of most of her bonds except the crucial mate bond with wolf shifter Gideon. This single tether becomes her lifeline amid physical and mental breakdown.
Themes of trust, betrayal (especially with Gods pulling strings), feminine rage, and the meaning of โforeverโ drive the story at pretty fast pace. I couldnโt put it down,
Book 1 (Sing Me Awake) and Book 2 (Sing Me Free) earn praise for world-building involving fae, gods, shifters, and dragons, was just amazing. And this one was just as detailed, plus strong characters, found family vibes, and donโt forget the escalating tension/romance. ๐
This book, as itโs the conclusion, delivers on the trilogyโs buildupโฆ. those twists you wonโt see coming! The god trials! FMMM spice ๐ฅต, and a satisfying ending with revenge served cold, was just amazing!
If you love high emotional stakes, protective MMCs (Oona, Osear, Oriel, Fury, Gideon, yes you ๐ .) and a heroine who literally endures hell before claiming her happy is a rewarding finale. Expect tears, heat, and triumph. If youโve read the first two, this one feels like the ending youโve been waiting for.
So, if youโre into stories with bonded mates, divine interference, and polyamorous dynamics, this hits the marks.
Iโm sad to see this finish, but happy that I can reread without waiting for the next book ๐
Curses (The Awakening Book 2) by Elizabeth Jeffery
Curses (The Awakening Book 2) by Elizabeth Jeffery
Description
Hanna had thought she understood how the world worked. She’d had a grasp of what was real and what was fantasy. All of that had changed. Learning the existence of Lycans had been surprising enough but finding space in her troubled heart to love had been even more unexpected.
Now a gaping wound sits in her chest in place of those she once treasured. Struggling with the grief of losing those dear to her, and the guilt of murdering a Lycan in cold blood Hanna’s magic lies restless inside her. It begs to be set free. To be used. Instead, she is trapped in a car with the enemy.
While the man she loves lies in a magical coma, Hanna and Rean must travel to the city of Stolton to find the one person who can set Lucas free. With the aid of an enigmatic club owner, a collective of lone wolves, and a sleek black business card, they are guided to a magic shop where Hanna’s reality breaks even further.
Meanwhile, Rich fortifies his efforts to reignite his version of the feared empire that haunts the dreams of Lycans far and wide. Whisperings of unrest litter the streets, and strange creatures run amok underneath the city.
Friends become enemies, enemies become friends, and acquaintances old and new surface as Hanna and her companions fight to keep Rich from causing chaos and destruction everywhere.
Publication Date 27/3/2026
My Review
*spoilers for book one if you havenโt read it*
Curses by Elizabeth Jeffery is the second installment in The Awakening series.
A paranormal romance featuring wolf shifters (Lycans), magic, grief, betrayal, and high stakes conflict.
And I think I liked this one just a little bit more than the first one ๐
Following directly from the first book Changes, it picks up with Hanna grappling with profound loss, guilt over killing a Lycan, and her restless magic.
With her love interest Lucas in a magical coma, Hanna teams up, albeit reluctantly with Rean (an โenemyโ of sorts) to journey to Stolton in search of a cure.
Along the way, they encounter an enigmatic club owner, lone wolves, and dive deeper into a world of escalating threats as the villain Rich schemes to rebuild a terrifying empire, unleashing chaos and strange creatures!
Hannaโs internal struggle with grief and guilt grabbed me from the first page.
The plot weaves in enemies to lovers dynamics, shifting alliances, found family elements, and a broader supernatural mystery involving necromancy vibes, underground threats, and a magic shop revelation that shatters Hannaโs reality further. (If this had been me, I think I might have just curled up into a ball and cried.)
Overall, if you enjoyed Changes or love paranormal romances with wolf shifters, magic, moral gray areas, and โcanโt put it down until itโs readโ, Curses looks like the compelling, and heartbreaking book for you.
If youโve read Changes, this one is poised to hit even harder.
Highly recommended ๐ฅฐ except for the CLIFFHANGER!!
๐ฆ
I was lucky enough to receive a promotional box with swag and the book.
Fractured Soul (The Wolf Pack Book 3) by Helen Johnston
Felix may wear the title of the Alpha of the Six, but beneath the surface he’s still the young wolf who survived the unthinkable.
As a young boy, he and his packmates were imprisoned in pens like livestock – prodded. tested, and beaten into submission. To protect the younger wolves, Felix took every punishment meant for them. He became their shield, their strength and eventually. their path to freedom.
He led them out. He kept them alive. And yet… he can’t save himself.
Now free but far from healed. Felix is haunted by nightmares that never loosen their grip. Every day he fights a rising tide of guilt and self-loathing, convinced he’s broken beyond repair. even as the Six begin to rebuild their lives, their Alpha is slipping deeper into a darkness he hides behind sharp edges and silence.
But fate has its eye on him.
Publication Date 26/3/2026
Fractured Soul (The Wolf Pack Book 3) by Helen Johnston
My Review
Fractured Soul by Helen Johnston is the third installment in the dark, erotic shifter romance series.
Bring tissues/blanket and chocolate, you will definitely need them!
Felix is possibly my favourite, a tortured soul (yes he is) alpha to the core (damn straight) and thinks heโs unworthy of love (ticks all those boxes)
This book focuses on Felix, a key member of the wolf pack (notably from โthe Sixโ referenced in earlier books), delivering a much darker, more intense story than the previous ones.
Felix is deeply tormented by persistent nightmares, overwhelming guilt, and self loathing that convince him heโs irreparably broken. ๐ข
The story explores his internal struggles with mental health, trauma from his past (including survival of horrific events as a young wolf), and the ongoing shadows that haunt the pack despite their hard won freedom and stability.
As the pack continues to navigate life after escaping captivity (established in book 1) and facing threats (book 2), Felixโs fractured psyche becomes central. The plot delves into his battle against his inner demons.
If youโve read book one and two, youโll know the level of spice/smut you can expect. And itโs delivered to you, with a side helping of ๐ฅต ๐ฅต
It does tie up a few loose ends from books one and two, and we do catch up with previous characters from the said books.
Iโm hoping we get a story (novella) about the rest of the โ6โ ๐
If you loved the protective alphas and heat in books 1 and 2 but want a grittier, more tormented heroโs journey to read, this delivers.
Rucking Obsessed: A Dark-ish College Rugby Romance (Knights of St. Killian Book 1) by London Snow
Description
MySongbird, 3,748 days. I know the number without looking it up.
Ten years, two months and six days since the first time I saw your face.
I track every aspect of your life like youโre my religion.
When I reveal myself, youโll understand that Iโll never worship anyone else.
You were always meant to be mine, my little songbird.
But for now, I have to settle for keeping you safe.
Yours in every lifetime.
Knights of St. Killian are elite rugby players who have an affinity for masks, trackers, and surveillance. St. Killian University is a fictional college in Ireland.
Book 1 features an American MMC, Book two features an Irish MMC, and book three features an MMC who is Irish and Italian.
Rucking Obsessed is a full length standalone, but there will be two more books in this world featuring other couples.
Please read Rucking Obsessed with caution as it contains dark themes, and please note that this book is not enemies to lovers and there is no malice between the main characters.
Hockey: Kings of Castlebrook
Pucking Obsessed
Pucking Possessive
Pucking Unhinged
Rugby: Knights of St. Killian
Rucking Obsessed (MMC is Tristan’s twin brother)
Rucking Possessive
Rucking Unhinged
Novellas:
Burn it Down
A Very Unhinged Christmas
Upcoming titles…
Hockey/Secret Society: Saints of The Black Crown Society
Unhinged Obsession
Unhinged Devotion
Unhinged Reverence
Publication Date 25/3/2026
Rucking Obsessed: A Dark-ish College Rugby Romance (Knights of St. Killian Book 1) by London Snow
My Review
Rucking Obsessed by London Snow is the kickoff to a new series that dives headfirst into the world of elite, rugby players at the fictional St. Killian University in Ireland.
If youโre into dark romance with heavy stalker vibes, obsessive heroes, and a college sports backdrop, this one delivers on those promises with a side of Irish flair.
The story centers on a deeply obsessive hero Sebastian (Bash) whoโs been tracking Livingston, his โlittle songbirdโ, for over ten years (precisely 3,748 days, as the opening note recounts). Heโs not just watching from afar, heโs going to infiltrate her life through surveillance, trackers, and whatever shadowy means he needs to employ to keep tabs on his obsession!
Livy has been on the run/in hiding for ten years! Foster homes/witness protection, and now hiding in a secluded university! She needs answers as to who killed her parents, and leads have led her hereโฆ.. But someone is watching her!!! Theyโve found her again!
When he finally steps out of the shadows at St. Killian, the dynamic shifts from distant devotion to intense, possessive pursuit. The story sets the tone perfectlyโฆ.. this is worship level fixation masked (literally and figuratively) as protection, with Livy gradually realizing the extent of his โdevotion.โ
Her Kings of Castlebrook hockey series isnโt a series Iโve read (yet!) but apparently they have broody, morally gray heroes whoโll burn everything for their love interest. (So thatโs me adding another series to my TBR ๐)
Overall, if the provided blurb hooked you (yes it did!) that creepy yet romantic letter, the ten year countdown, the promise of masks and trackers, this book is tailor made for you.
Proceed with caution if stalking tropes arenโt your thing, but if they areโฆ your new obsession awaits.
Dead Nights (Legacy of Deth Book 1) by Crea Reitan
Description
Everyone is a little broken
Dark Island holds secrets. In the summer months when the sunny weather draws in members of the boat club, the castle is filled with laughter and good times. As winter brings icy wind through Alexandria Bay, New York, the halls fall silent.
Four lonely hearts alone in the castle are drawn together by voices of the dead when they send up an alarm that someone is on the island who shouldnโt be. What begins with solitude has them coming together to protect their secrets.
If they can survive the harsh winter, the silent attacks in the night, and their own emotional baggage, there might just be a happy ending for the new year. IF they can survive.
***
This is a polyamorous LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Relationship Dynamics: Polyamorous MMMM
Tropes:
๐ Hook Ups to Lovers
๐ค Second Chance
๐ Secret Society
๐ค Touch Starved
๐ Broken Boys
๐ค Haunted Character
๐ Alone in a Castle on a Remote Island in the Winter
๐ค Kinks: DP, groupies, exhibitionism
Publication Date 19/3/2026
Dead Nights (Legacy of Deth Book 1) by Crea Reitan
My Review
Dead Nights by Crea Reitan is a new series, but still in her โCreaverseโ. Itโs a polyamorous MMMM romance that blends paranormal mystery, gothic isolation, and intense emotional/heated dynamics.
Set in a remote castle on Dark Island in Alexandria Bay, New York, during a brutal winter, it follows four broken men, Zephyr, Darwin, Matty, and Liam, who are drawn together by ghostly warnings of an intruder threatening their secrets!
The story unfolds through multiple POVs, which works well to showcase each characterโs inner turmoil, past traumas, and growing connections.
The backstory is greatโฆ. a haunted, snowbound castle where the dead speak up to protect the living (or themselves?), silent nighttime attacks add suspense, and the men must confront their emotional baggage while fending off danger!
Tropes like hook ups to lovers, second chance (with Matty and Liamโs history), touch starved vulnerability, and โbroken boysโ are delivered with the authorโs own flair, with Matty often positioned as the emotional center that binds the group.
The romance is central and steamy, you can expect high spice levels with elements like DP, group scenes, exhibitionism, and evolving poly dynamics that were ๐ฅต amid the tension.
The authorโs ability to balance mystery, blood, emotion, and eroticism without losing pace makes her an automatic on click for me. The writing is as clear, well developed, and entertaining, with interconnected nods to Reitanโs broader โCreaverseโ universe (familiar faces pop up and I love it).
If youโre into dark, atmospheric MM+ romance with paranormal elements, haunted settings, found family vibes, and unapologetic spice, this delivers.
Itโs not light reading, expect graphic content, trauma, and intensity, (there are trigger warning, please read before coming in) but it promises a satisfying readโฆ. if the group survives their winter of secrets!
Perfect for fans of poly romance and gothic-tinged suspense.
The โCreaverseโ just keeps getting bigger and better. Cameos/mentions of past/present and possible future characters are given a mention..
How the author keeps it all in order I have no idea (but I do marvel at her way of thinking.)
Is this new series of hers a little darker? Possibly, but if you read her Van Doren series, then youโll know those stories can be a little darker.
Itโs a strong start to the Legacy of Deth series.
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