Review: Overtake by S.J. Sylvis

February 12, 2026 by · Leave a Comment

OVERTAKE
Series: Vanstone Racing #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: S.J. Sylvis
Release Date: February 12, 2026

A sexy Rivals to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Formula One romance from Amazon Top 50 bestselling author SJ Sylvis

Rome Pierce is Formula One’s golden boy—reckless, ruthless, and wrapped in an ego as polished as his race suit. Arrogance isn’t just a trait; it’s his personal trademark.

As the daughter of Vanstone Racing’s chairman, I’ve spent my life loathing everything about him—and the family name he carries. The rivalry between our teams runs deeper than lap times and podiums. It’s personal.

So when my father steps back for health reasons and hands me a front-line role, I don’t hesitate to prove to the world that I’m more than just the pretty Halston daughter in the paddock.

I plan to beat Rome Pierce fair and square.

Except the promotion comes with a catch I never saw coming.

Rome Pierce isn’t driving for his father anymore.

He’s driving for mine.

Now I’m the crew chief for the one man I swore I’d never work with—the rival who knows exactly how to get under my skin. Every race is a power struggle. Every briefing feels like a war. And somewhere between late nights in the garage and two hundred mile an hour battles on the circuit, the thin line between hatred and heat starts to blur.

I think Rome Pierce came here to overtake my team.

I just never expected him to also alter the course of my heart.

AMAZON 

I follow after her, but before she leaves, I grab her from behind and press her back against my chest. My mouth hovers over her ear, “I expect you to be in my room after this race, Princess.”
Her voice is quiet. “I think that depends on how well you race, don’t you?”

I cannot remember the last time that I read a book in one sitting. I’ve been firmly in my drag ass era for over 10 weeks now and I thought I would be there forever. And here comes this delicious BANGER of a book and I suddenly remember what it’s like to be so engrossed with the characters that you can’t help but read it cover to cover in one sitting. And this book deserves 5 stars just for that alone.

Now if you love an F1 romance, this one will hit all the spots you didn’t even know you had. And if you’ve never read an F1 romance, prepare for this book to hit all the spots you didn’t even know you had. It was rivals to lovers gold; the banter, the chemistry, THE SIZZLING CHEMISTRY! That and the family chat had me giggling and kicking my feet like a giddy teenager the entire time.

First we have Rome Pierce, a talented Formula One driver who suddenly joins Vanstone Racing, his father’s biggest rival who also happened to be his father’s best friend for years. There is definitely no love lost between these two families, but Rome is determined to make it work with Vanstone. It also brings him back face to face with Tessa, daughter of Vanstone Racing’s chairman and his new head engineer.

Tessa has just learned that her father is stepping back as chairman and giving his kids the chance to step up. So the last thing she needs is Rome and his arrogance getting in her way. But Rome is definitely not all that he seems, and still waters (and secrets) run deep with this man. And it doesn’t take long before their banter rivalry begins to turn up the heat.

Are you racing me, Princess?”
I stop dead in my tracks, but this time, I make an effort not to pop my hip and cross my arms. I wouldn’t want him to call me a brat again. “Stop calling me that,” I say, voice chilled.
A few steps behind me, he asks, “What should I call you, then?”
I grin and peer over my shoulder. He’s waiting with his eyebrows raised high. “How about boss?”
His hot chuckle hits the back of my neck, and goosebumps rush to my arms. “Not a fucking chance.”

I loved this book. I genuinely found myself checking to see if it was a novella when I finished because of the way I devoured it so quick. But while it read quick, it was still wholly satisfying. The romance, the story, the family dynamics, the racing, all of it was woven together seamlessly to make one unputdownable read full of banter and heat.

I fell so hard for this family and can’t wait for more in this series. Leave it to SJ to own hockey romance and then come in and make F1 her b*tch. Because ohmygawd was this so much fun! Can’t recommend it enough!

S.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her new adult romances. She currently resides in Arizona with her husband, two small kiddos, and pets! She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book! 

Connect with S.J. Sylvis

Website | https://www.sjsylvis.com/

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Review: On The Brink of Bliss by A.L. Jackson

February 10, 2026 by · Leave a Comment

ON THE BRINK OF BLISS
Series: Moonlit Ridge #5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: A.L. Jackson
Release Date: February  10, 2026

A sizzling single mom, fake marriage, heroine in danger romance from New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, A.L. Jackson

The last thing I expected when I found the trespasser bathing in my river was for it to be her…

Daisy Adair has always been my dream girl. From when we were best friends in high school to finding her now.
A gorgeous mother who shows up on my property with three kids in tow.
But I became a recluse for a reason.
The life I chose is full of wickedness and peril. The last thing I need is the object of my every fantasy invading my space and risking her life because of me.
Only when she tells me she’s on the run from her ex, I promise to do anything to keep them safe, even marry her to protect her kids.
That single kiss at the altar rips through every barrier, our passion unleashed.
Now, living under the same roof blurs the lines I’ve drawn.
Each glance of her down the hall and I am splintering.
Each brush of her hand and I am brought to my knees.
Our future—bright, hopeful, and almost within reach—hovers on the edge of becoming real…
Until we discover the threat surrounding her is grimmer than either of us imagined.
Now I’m fighting to save her and her children before our second chance at forever is burned to the ground…

What to Expect in On the Brink of Bliss:

Single Mom
Fake Marriage
Grumpy Recluse x Sunshine Wallflower
Morally Gray Hero
Heroine on the Run
Roommates-to-Lovers
Mutual Pining
Ex-Motorcycle Club
Found Family
Small Town
Secret Society

AMAZON

He was like a falling star that blinked out too soon. So bright and blinding in my life before he faded away. And here I was the fool who wanted to stand in the remnants of his glow.

This was such a bittersweet read because (1)Cash was one of my most anticipated MMCs but (2) his story marks the conclusion of the Moonlit Ridge series.

Now if you know anything about me, it’s that I love a tortured hero. And Cash is the epitome of that. This is a man who has lived through the worst tragedy and came out on the other side a different man. Once a high school football star golden boy, now he’s a recluse who has hidden his heart deep beneath his pain and demons. Until the past comes back in the shape of the one woman he could never forget.

Daisy was his childhood best friend who he hasn’t seen since the fateful night that everything changed. Now she’s back and begging him for help. On the run from her dangerous ex husband, she wants Cash to marry her, so that if anything were to happen to her, he can get guardianship of her three small children.

The story builds with bits and pieces of the past, seamlessly woven in to help the reader understand the road that brought Cash and Daisy to where they are today. And while I fell head over heels for Cash instantly, Daisy took a minute for me to connect to. Granted, timid FMCs aren’t generally my cuppa, but I just struggled with Daisy a bit more than expected. Especially so when we got the flashbacks of young Daisy. I felt for the shy girl she was in high school but I also hoped for more from the grown woman she became. She did grow on me by the end, but I just didn’t love her the way I hoped I would.

Much like everything AL Jackson writes, I absolutely love her voice. The lyrical and romantic whimsy that she weaves into her writing is absolutely dreamy, even when writing the most gritty of stories.

And I stood on the brink of bliss. Teetered on the edge. Before I tumbled right into it. Then I kissed my wife like I fucking meant it.

And the set up for the next series? OMG the way I need it. I can’t wait for Silas and his MC to get their stories.

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, and REDEMPTION HILLS novels. Get her latest enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, NEVER LOOK BACK, available now!

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookClubB  or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

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Review: Bad Medicine by Kristen Ashley

December 17, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

 

BAD MEDICINE
Series: Avenging Angels #4
Author: Kristen Ashley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 16, 2025

Willow Knightley has just been through it with her ex-mooch of a boyfriend. But sadly, he’s just the latest in a long string of men (starting at birth) who didn’t treat her right.

She decides her only recourse is to give up on men forever.

The problem is, her friend/acquaintance/one-time bodyguard, member of the Nightingale Investigations & Security team, Gabriel Stark, has targeted her as His One.

Gabe’s been through it at the hands of women too, so he knows exactly what he wants.

And he wants Willow.

Willow states her case against them being an us, but she doesn’t count on the fact that not only does Gabe love a challenge, he lives for them.

Up against an onslaught from a man who rinses his own whiskers out of the sink, Willow might not stand a chance.

But then, while the Angels are trying to figure out what’s got one of their informants very jittery, she gets a hint that there are demons in Gabe’s history, and she has to know.

The bets are on…

And luck favors a Stark.

AMAZON

You can lie to yourself,” he went on. “You can lie to me. You can fight this. Fuck, I want you to fight it. But we both know, you are not gonna win.”

No one, and I mean no one, writes an MMC quite like KA. Do they all mostly sound the same? Sure. Do I care? Not even a little. This woman has a formula that is downright addictive when it comes to her characters, and I will never get enough of it.

Bad Medicine was such a swoony read. I love when a man knows what he wants and goes after it with single minded intent. And when Gabe sets his sights on Willow, she has no hope in resisting. Though resist she tries. Willow hasn’t known a good man, though she knows what they look like, since she works with the hot commandos. Unfortunately for her, she always goes for the ones who don’t deserve her. And her most recent ex has her self esteem so far below gutter, she doesn’t know if she’ll ever date again. She wants to concentrate on herself and her business. But when the broody and handsome Gabe makes it know he wants to take it there with her, it’s too good to be true. And so she treats it as such, by pushing him away at every turn. But Gabe will have none of it. And being related to Luke Stark from Rock Chick Revenge, you know you’re in for a good time. Because those Starks don’t mess around when it comes to their women and getting what they want, or their protection. But I digress.

This was one of those stories that felt like a cozy warm blanket. There was no unnecessary drama, outside of the standard trouble the Angels find themselves in. There’s a good man who fights for his woman and the woman finally coming to realize her worth and fighting for it right along with him.

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Review: The Christmas Playbook by S. Massery & S.J. Sylvis

November 7, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

HEART OF THORNS
Series: Shadow Valley U
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: S. Massery & S.J. Sylvis
Release Date: November 7, 2025

One cabin. One week. One fake relationship.

Winter break was supposed to be one last trip with my best friends, a little snowboarding, maybe some hot cocoa spiked with something stronger. No drama, no strings.

Then my cabin got double-booked.

Enter Mira Winters—my childhood neighbor and crush. And somehow, the girl managed to get even prettier since the last time I saw her.

She’s got one her family makes mine look like a walk in the park, and she’d rather fake a boyfriend than deal with their constant judgement.

Guess who she asks to step up? Yours truly.

It’s supposed to be for show. Hold her hand. Steal a kiss under the mistletoe. Pretend I’m head over heels for her.
Easy. Right?

Except the more we play this game, the more I want it to be real. And suddenly I’m less worried about the score her family is keeping and more about what happens when the week is over—because for the first time in a long time, I’m all in.

This Christmas, I don’t just want to win the game.
I want the girl.


This spicy, forced proximity holiday romance is a sweet companion novella to the Shadow Valley U series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone.

AMAZON 

Fake dating or not, that kiss was a sucker punch I wasn’t prepared for.

This was a cute, spicy and quick little novella that put me right into the holiday spirit and anxiously anticipating the next full length installment in this series.

Having LOVED Heart of Thorns, I was so excited for more in this world, and of course for more cameos of Briar and Thorne. Now admittedly, this definitely had a much different tone to it than that book. Not in a bad way, but it was definitely different, and it worked with a novella. It was a light hearted read with an MMC who doesn’t take much seriously. Rhys had some golden retriever energy which I enjoyed, even if it I did find his humor and dialogue a bit cringey in parts.

Rhys and Mira get double booked in the same cabin in the funniest run in.

She turns and her gaze snaps to me. Namely, my naked body. Shit, I’m fucking naked! She screams. I scream, too, because that seems to be the appropriate response. “I have a weapon!” she shouts, lunging for her bag. “I don’t!” I yell back, torn between raising my hands in surrender or covering myself. “Get out of my cabin!”

But it’s also a reunion since they used to be neighbors, and had a crush on each other unbeknownst to the other.

The novella definitely had an insta feel to it, which I struggled with slightly. It wasn’t even how fast things came together. I expect that in a novella. But it’s how quickly everything moved and progressed. But I also struggled to really connect to both Rhys and Mira. I can’t exactly put my finger on why, but it just never fully clicked. I enjoyed them, but I just didn’t fully connect with them either.

I also absolutely LOATHED Mira’s family. I swear, they almost ruined the book for me. I wanted Mira to stand up for herself so bad and it frustrated me to no end. I loved when Rhys stuck up for her, but I wanted her to also draw a line. It just never really resolved for me and so it felt slightly unsatisfying at the end.

All in all, it was still a good time with plenty of spice and laughs and hit the spot in my wait for the next full length. So if you’re looking for a spicy holiday novella, this one will hit the spot for you too.

S. Massery:

S. Massery is a dark romance author who loves injecting a good dose of suspense into her stories. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her dog, Alice.

Before adventuring into the world of writing, she went to college in Boston and held a wide variety of jobs–including working on a dude ranch in Wyoming (a personal highlight). She has a love affair with coffee and chocolate. When S. Massery isn’t writing, she can be found devouring books, playing outside with her dog, or trying to make people smile.

Author Links:

Website: http://smassery.com

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/smassery

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/smassery

Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorsmassery

Facebook Group: http://facebook.com/groups/smasserysquad

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Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authorsmassery

S.J. Sylvis:

S.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her angsty new adult romances. She currently resides in Arizona with her husband, two small kiddos, and dog. She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book!

Author Links:

Instagram: @authorsjsylvis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjsylvisbooks/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorsjsylvis

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Review: Stand Your Ground by Kandi Steiner

October 24, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

STAND YOUR GROUND
Series: Kings of the Ice #5
Genre: Contemporary, Sports Romance
Author: Kandi Steiner
Release Date: October 24, 2025

I wrote up the contract myself.
Legally binding. Crystal clear.
No strings. No feelings.
Just sex — and two million dollars in exchange for my time and expertise.

Carter Fabri may be Tampa Bay’s newest rising star, but off the ice, he’s all Bambi eyes and inexperience. He’s a virgin in desperate need of lessons in dominance, seduction, and everything in between.

And I happen to be just the woman to teach him.

I don’t need his money.
But I do need what it can give me.

I’m thirty-two, cut off from my family, and one bill away from drowning in student debt. The fantasy I’ve built around my lifestyle is getting harder to maintain. This pay day would secure the lifestyle I’ve worked too hard to let slip through my fingers and finally give me the chance to save for something I’ve always wanted — something I’ve never told anyone about.

So, I take Carter on as my student. I lay out every rule, every boundary, every carefully controlled term of our arrangement.

What I don’t plan for is how quickly he’d catch on — or how much I’d enjoy letting him take the reins.

This was supposed to be a lesson in power.
But somewhere along the way, I stopped being the one in charge.

I thought I could keep my heart out of it.
I thought I’d accounted for every risk.
But some consequences you can’t predict — no matter how carefully you draft the terms.

AMAZON

We were exact opposites; her dominant and me submissive, her confident and me insecure, her living carefree while I struggled to feel adequate every day I woke up.

My whole heart right now. Carter Fabri stole it and I never want it back!

Livia Young was elite in every way, and I’d been ruined from the first sight of her.

Would you believe me when I tell you that this was the book I was least looking forward and almost decided to skip on? I know, I’m judging my own self right now. But in my defense, my fictional tastes tend to gravitate towards dominant men. I love them possessive, dominant, cocky, and a little mean. And Carter? He’s the golden retriever that I never saw coming. So while a Domme FMC with a submissive MMC isn’t usually my cuppa, something about this blurb just called to me. And I am so glad that I gave it a shot because it just became one of my favorite books in the series.

Livia Young was impossible not to love. I. love a strong and fierce FMC, and this woman was a true bad b*tch. A woman who made an amazing career for herself, was confident, and had no qualms about taking what she wants when it came to her sexuality. So was it any wonder that inexperienced and bumbling Carter was infatuated with her.

Haven’t you figured it out yet?” I leaned in, my voice low and steady. “I’ll give you anything you ask for.”

And while golden retriever MMCs aren’t usually my thing, I fell so hard for Carter and his insecurities. And there’s just something about an eager to please virgin MMCs, especially when said MMC is the rising star in the NHL. I loved his quirkiness, his insecurities, his honesty, and his pining. GOD did I love his pining.

Carter goes to Liv with an unorthodox proposal; to teach him how to be confident and to be a rockstar in the bedroom. Enter a mutually beneficial contract for them both that doesn’t quite stay as emotionless as Liv hopes.

The more I learned about Livia, the more I realized that still waters run deep with her. My heart broke for her in parts but I absolutely loved the way that Carter was there for her. He’s so supportive of her and notices her every quirk, even those that her closest friends may miss. I loved the way that he knew her.

I was in love with Livia Young. And I had no fucking clue how to survive it.

Their chemistry was absolutely incendiary and this may have been one of the spiciest books in the series. Because those spicy lessons of theirs? HOLY OVARIES on fire batman!

I adored this book. And the preview into the next one? I AM FERAL. FERAL. I need it!

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Review: Test The Ice by S.J. Sylvis

October 23, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

RUSH THE EDGE
Series: Blue Devils Hockey #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: S.J. Sylvis
Release Date: October 23, 2025

A flirty, fake-engagement, single-mom, hockey romance by Amazon Top 50 and USA Today Bestselling Author S.J. Sylvis

I swore off men the second I trusted the wrong guy and ended up pregnant by a wealthy playboy. I was ready to prove I didn’t need him–or anyone else.

At least, until Malaki Young, Chicago’s hottest pro hockey star, slid into the backseat of my car and proved me wrong.

He’s relentless on and off the ice. Especially when it comes to pursing me. Not to mention his charming smirk and annoyingly smooth one-liners have me testing the ice and thawing every boundary I swore I’d never cross again.

But my ex is out for revenge… and Malaki makes an offer I never saw coming: a fake engagement.

One oversized diamond. One perfectly fabricated love story. One mission: convince the world–and my revenge driven ex–that this single mom just landed one of Chicago’s most sought-after bachelors.

Malaki swears it’s just pretend. But the deeper we get, the harder it is to tell where the lies end and we begin. And I can’t help wondering how long before the ice beneath us gives way.

AMAZON 

The last thing I think about before falling asleep myself is how on earth can I get this girl to be my real fiancée, instead of my fake one?

This was, hands down, my absolute favorite book in this series. And considering I love this series so much, that’s saying something. But the giddiness that I felt reading Malaki and Reese’s story simply cannot be matched. And Malaki Young just shot up on my top five favorite MMCs list. The man was PERFECTION.

…I’m willing to give her whatever she asks for. Money? It’s hers. My bed? As long as she doesn’t mind sharing. My last name? Let’s make it official.

If you love a fake dating trope, this is easily one of my favorites. Reese is a single mom who is barely making ends meet by driving an uber at night. If you’ve read Rush the Edge, then you’d remember Reese and the way she quickly became besties with Daisy. Well now you get to see her through Malaki’s eyes, and the man was instantly enraptured with her the first time he laid eyes on her. And this reader? WAS SO HERE FOR IT.

My pretty Uber driver with secrets that she’s unwilling to spill is doing nothing but tempting me by running off like that. She’s about to find out the hard way that I’m relentless.

The way that Malaki relentlessly pursued Reese, even though she fought him at every turn. Reese was burned by her ex and father of her baby and to say that the ex was insufferable was an understatement. I have never wanted a secondary character to get hit by a bus more. Alas, he lives, but he does get what’s coming to him. But I digress.

The romance between Reese and Malaki was very much a slow burn, but the chemistry between them felt electric. I loved their banter and their dialogue made my whole heart happy. Malaki gives total golden retriever vibes, and I loved the way he was always there for Reese. And don’t even get me started on his connections with her adorable daughter. But did I mention his chemistry with Reese?

You’re insane.”
“I’m not insane,” he argues. “I’m persistent.”
“You mean annoying,” I quip.
“Charming.”
“Irritating.”
“Handsome.” I can’t help but laugh.
He shows me his heart-stopping smile. “I’m funny too.”

Reese had it tough growing up, so she definitely struggles with Malaki’s attention. She’s fierce and strong, but there’s also this layer of vulnerability to her that I connected with. But nothing made me happier than the way Malaki never shied away from his feelings and his interest.

Hey, fiancée.”
Reese, to my surprise, smiles. “Are you ever going to stop calling me that?”
I grin. “Yes. When we get married, I’ll just start calling you wife.”

The romance was everything. EVERYTHING. And the story was sheer perfection. I loved Reese’s adorable daughter and I also loved her close relationship with her sister (who I’m hoping get a story next).

If you’re looking for a swoon, steamy, and absolutely unputdownable romance with an MMC who would move mountains for his woman, then look no further. This series and this book is not to be missed!

S.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her new adult romances. She currently resides in Arizona with her husband, two small kiddos, and pets! She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book! 

Connect with S.J. Sylvis

Website | https://www.sjsylvis.com/

Goodreads | https://bit.ly/40mP8yW

Amazon | https://amzn.to/40riM5R

Facebook | https://bit.ly/3JT0SUh

Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/42pdvhj

Instagram | https://bit.ly/3lvTcOt

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Review: Half-Light Harbor by Samantha Young

October 23, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

HALF-LIGHT HARBOR
Series: Scottish Isles #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Samantha Young 
Release Date: October 23, 2025

I went to Scotland looking for answers about my past. The last thing I expected was getting trapped on a private island with my stoic, brooding, gorgeous contractor.

Ramsay McRae is a man with secrets. He prefers the company of his dog to people and silence to any semblance of politeness. He says I’m too young, too sweet, too innocent.

Only he doesn’t know the truth. That I’m haunted by a crime that tore my life apart two years ago. I’ve come to Half-Light Harbor not just to start over, but to bring the monster who killed my parents to justice.

The last thing I need is a tortured Scot distracting me from my mission. But when his restraint snaps and my walls crumble, the results are explosive.

We say it’s only a no-strings-attached affair. A temporary moment to burn out this fire between us.

However, when my search for the truth brings danger to my door, it’s Ramsay stepping in to protect me. But it might be the secrets from his past that tear us apart forever…

AMAZON

“You don’t have a ‘me problem.’ You just want a domineering bastard in your bed.” He took a step toward me. “Domineering bastard at your service and happy to oblige. Now take off the bra.”

A brand new series from one of my favorite authors? YES please and thank you. And make it a romantic suspense, with a broody, reclusive, and mysterious alpha male with a dirty mouth and a past shrouded in dark secrets? *kicks feet giddily*

You, sir, have a very dirty mouth.”
His eyes roamed my face. “You liked it.”
“I did.” I blushed inwardly. “To my surprise.”
“I liked how much you liked it.”

Tierney is a woman who grew up not wanting for much, with successful parents and the life of a socialite. But they also raised her to appreciate everything that she has, so this is not your spoiled society princess. When the tragic death of her parents turns out to be something more than it seems, Tierney is determined to get to the bottom of it. She moves to Half-Light Harbor not only to escape but also to continue to work to bring those responsible for tearing her world apart to justice.

Tierney was impossible not to love. There was such a fierceness to her. This woman is loyal to her friends and loved her parents. She’s not afraid of doing the right thing, even when it costs her everything.

Ramsay is the island recluse. No one knows much about this man and his past is shrouded in mystery. He won’t ever let anyone close enough to know what still haunts him, aside from his best friend Quinn. When Tierney hires Ramsay as the contractor for her in, the sparks between them is immediate. And while the attraction definitely goes both ways, Ramsay is determined to fight it. He thinks Tierney is too good for him, too young for him, and just too close for comfort. So what’s a man to do? Agree to a no strings hookup situationship, that definitely is going to have strings that are going to come out in the best of ways.

Her gaze dropped to my crotch where my c*ck proudly tented my joggers. “Well, you certainly have a lot of stamina for a man of your advanced years.”
Little brat. I curbed my smile, covering it with a glower. “In ten seconds, I’m going to take care of my situation myself and leave you to deal with your own. Unless you bend the f*ck over.”
“You know you should really psychoanalyze why you are able to string together so many fully formed sentences when it comes to sex but not when it comes to normal, everyday conversation.”

We also get to meet secondary characters, like Ramsay’s best friend Quinn, his sister, and Tierney’s best friend, London. And while I’m excited for all of their books, I’m especially excited for Quinn and his second chance romance because you just know that the grovel should be epic. But I digress.

There is a strong suspense element that runs flawlessly in parallel with the romance. And I absolutely loved the way it all came together. Would I have loved a bit of a longer grovel from Ramsay? Sure. But he also did make up for everything in a way that only he was capable, so I couldn’t stay mad at him.

I’m also a sucker for dogs in books, and I loved Ramsay’s adorable alaskan malamute pup who also fell for Tierney as hard as he did. 

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She’s been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. Samantha writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction and is currently published in 31 countries.

She resides in Scotland.

 

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Review: Secret Haven by Catherine Cowles

October 21, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

SECRET HAVEN
Series: Sparrow Falls #6
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Catherine Cowles
Release Date: October 21, 2025

The first time I met Kyler Blackwood, he was a bruised and battered boy with fire in his eyes and nowhere safe to land.

Since the first time he kissed me, he was my best-kept secret, my quiet rebellion, my haven in the storm.

But fate forced us apart, making us pretend to be strangers because it hurt too much to be anything else.

Years later, time hasn’t dulled what we felt, has never erased the way we fit. And when Kye’s past collides with my present, everything shifts.

It’s a choice neither of us expected.
A bond that never really broke.
A line we were never meant to cross.

We tell ourselves it’s only temporary, that the arrangement is just a means to an end. But with each passing day, the lie feels more like the truth. And with each stolen touch, Kye feels more like mine. Because some things were never meant to be pretend.

And some dangers are closer than we ever imagined…

AMAZON 

I’ve been dreaming of you since I was sixteen. You’ve been my one spark of light in the hellish dark. The only good thing in my life.”

Oh the way I love this series. And I was beyond excited to learn this would be Kye and Fallon. Now if you’re looking at my rating and judging already, don’t be. I think most would absolutely adore this book. And don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy this story. But this was also a bit of my own personal tastes that entered the chat and I just couldn’t silence. But I digress.

It’s always been you, and it’ll always be you.”

These two give new meaning to the It’s Always Been You trope, because my whole heart. And while you may think, but they’re foster siblings, how can they? Well silence your non believing ways! Because trust me when I tell you that the second you learn their history, you will whole heartedly understand that they were always meant to be. Their connection started way before they ended up foster siblings and when Kye’s tragic circumstance lands him on the doorstep of Fallon’s loving foster family.

And while years may have passed, their connection never lessened. Fallon has given up hoping that the boy that she never stopped loving would see her the same way. And Kye still feels like he’ll never be good enough for Fallon because his history will always be the barrier between them that he can’t escape. But when Kye’s past comes back in the most unexpected way, Fallon may just be the solution and a marriage of convenience may be the answer. But is it really a convenience only when they both still have feelings?

I know most readers would absolutely love the way that both Fallon and Kye chose to spend their years apart. But I found it to be a bit of a stretch for my personal tastes. I struggle with this, especially on Fallon’s side. But ultimately I did also understand it.

The twist at the end definitely caught me off guard and it’s not often a twist catches me by surprise. I did not see that coming and I’m still not sure how I feel about it. It felt both like connecting a puzzle but also, almost out of left field. I can’t really explain it, but I didn’t fully love it.

Did I enjoy this book? Absolutely! I love Catherine’s blend of small town romance and suspense. And I do love me the pining of the it’s always been you trope. Were there parts of this book that didn’t fully work for me? Yes, but the romance stole the show and it helped smooth the edges of the parts that didn’t quite click for me.

Would I recommend this book? Without a doubt. Fans of this series will adore this story. And if you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend that you do yourself a favor and start from the begging. While each book is a standalone, you’d enjoy the connections so much more if you’ve met the other side characters already.

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Review: Scorned Beauty by Victoria Paige

October 8, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

SCORNED BEAUTY
Series: Scorned Fate #5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mafia
Author: Victoria Paige
Release Date: September 26, 2025

She can never be seen on his arm in public because she’s the hired help.

Sloane Scott has a reputation.
She’s the go-to cleaner for the New York mafia.
Discretion is unspoken if not written in blood.
No sleeping with my clients is her unwritten rule, so why the hell does the arrogant boss of the De Lucci crime family play a starring role in her steamy dreams.

Dominic “Dom” De Lucci has a reputation.
He’s the scion of two prominent crime families and New York’s most eligible villain.
Sought after for alliances, he has his pick in an arranged marriage.
But no one makes his blood simmer more than the off-limits beautiful cleaner for the mob with a voice made for seduction and a body made for sin.

When their attraction sparks to explosive levels, they give in and agree to certain rules.
What they have isn’t a relationship.
No dating. No giving gifts. No drama.
And, especially, no falling in love.
Just sex exclusively with each other.

So when Dom takes another woman as his “fake” date to formal events, Sloane understands because it helps cover their affair.
And their arrangement works for a while, until the most important rule is broken.

AMAZON 

I wanted to fight her demons, even if one of her demons was me.

When a grovel is listed as one of the tropes, you best believe I will be all over it. And all over it I was. I binge read this story in one sitting!

Debating what to do with you,” I murmured. “Debating what to call you. Girlfriend sounds so immature.”
“And what have you decided?”
“Wife sounds better.”

Sloane is a nurse student by day and a cleaner for the mafia by night. Her troubled brother inadvertently ensuring that she continues to stay in the crosshairs of the Russian Bratva, while her friendship with Bianca kept her in close proximity with the Italian mafia.

Dominic is Bianca’s cousin and a man who’s been obsessed with Sloane. I loved his single minded intention with her even though I wanted to throttle him for always keeping her at arm’s length. Sloane is not exactly looking for the complications of a relationship herself, so when Dom offers her a mutually satisfying arrangement that centers around multiple orgasms, she agrees. Though she keeps him at arm’s length herself.

But then Dom screws up and he does so epically. And as the dominoes of his mistake begin to fall, they unravel the man he knows himself to be. To say that he’s tortured by what happens is an understatement. I loved the way the author chipped away at his human side with the regret of his choices. But I will say, it made his grovel so much more satisfying.

I would call this mafia light. It touches on some dark undertones but doesn’t fully get immersed in the dark depths of it all. There is a sassy dialogue and witty banter with humor that adds another lighter layer which helps offset some of the darker themes and topics that are touched on in this story.

I loved Dom’s grovel to his HEA with Sloane and I loved the way that Sloane made him work for it. If you’re looking for a sexy mafia romance with a possessive MMC who messes up big but grovels bigger, definitely give this one a shot!

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Review: Beyond The Blue Horizon by A.L. Jackson

October 7, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

BEYOND THE BLUE HORIZON
Series: Moonlit Ridge #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: A.L. Jackson
Release Date: October 7, 2025

I should have known I’d break the promise I made when I found her stranded in a blizzard…

Feisty as hell and the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.
With the cutest kid and her grandmother in tow, she’s completely off limits.
I don’t get involved with women like that.
I learned long ago I don’t have the ability to love.
My life is sordid and danger is always hiding in the shadows.
Only I can’t turn my back on them when I realize she’s in trouble, and I insist on them staying in a cabin at the motel I own.
As penance for my sins, I promised my life to protecting others.
Except she becomes so much more.
A need I don’t recognize. A desperation that burns beneath my flesh.
One kiss, and I’m falling for her.
One touch, and I’m at her feet.
But when my dark past comes back to haunt me, I’m in a race against time to save the only woman I’ve ever loved. Only it may be the demons that have been chasing her that destroy what we built…

AMAZON

I told you I had nothing left to give, so why do I want to give you everything?”

Oh Theo Mallin, the man you are.

I have been obsessed with the Moonlit Ridge world since book one, and the chokehold it now has on me is beyond words. Ever since the small preview in the previous book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Theo’s book. And don’t you just love when a book you’re eagerly anticipating not only meets your expectations but blows them away.

Now if you’re like me and love the heroine in trouble trope, you’ll love this series but especially this book. Piper is clearly running from something when she comes crashing into Theo’s life. And I mean that literally. He rescues her when her car loses control on a snowy road and crashes with her adorable son and sassy grandmother. Luckily they’re all unharmed, but her car is totaled, and leaves her stranded. But of course, not on Theo’s watch, who immediately steps into rescue mode. Now while this had the insta attraction/connection vibes, which aren’t usually my cuppa, it simply worked here.

Theo is a protector through and through. He will stop at nothing to help Piper, even if she pushes him away at every turn.

I shouldn’t be thinking of you every second of the day and every long moment of the night. But there you always are, in the periphery of my sight.”

Piper is clearly running and her secrets run deep, but we don’t know the full extent of them. And I love the way that AL Jackson feeds you snippets of it, morsel by morsel, through flashbacks and revelations. The puzzle pieces slowly connect and the twists were absolutely jaw dropping. Though, I did put the pieces together pretty quickly, it was still a non stop action packed ride that I enjoyed thoroughly.

The chemistry between Theo and Piper was absolutely incendiary. It was a slow burn full of chemistry and angst.

Fine.”
“That seems to be your favorite word when it comes to me.” His mouth was suddenly back to my ear. “And I can promise if I had you, it wouldn’t just be fine.”

If you love heroines in trouble with an absolutely SWOONY protector MMC who will spare nothing to protect the woman he cares about, you need this book in your life. I adored Piper’s little boy. He was one of the best secondary characters and the connection with him and Theo was everything. And I also loved her sassy grandmother who doesn’t mince words.

The romance was epic and the action was non stop. I simply can’t get enough of this series and I’m already dying for the next book.

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, and REDEMPTION HILLS novels. Get her latest enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, NEVER LOOK BACK, available now!

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookClubB  or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Newsletter: https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookClubB

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