Review: Secret Haven by Catherine Cowles

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.

Review: Scorned Beauty by Victoria Paige

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!

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

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.

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#DGRFave & Review: Beautiful Torment by A. Zavarelli

BEAUTIFUL TORMENT
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Author: A Zavarelli
Release Date: September 26, 2025

They call him Il Diavolo

When the devil dressed in black crashes my wedding

I know he didn’t come to offer me his blessing

He came to collect what was always his

For months, he’s watched me from the shadows

Haunting me

Biding his time

Planning his revenge

Before he was King of the Cosa Nostra

I was fated to be his queen

I promised him forever

Now, he’s here to remind me what forever really means.

 

AMAZON

Beautiful torment. That’s what he is.

The way I have been waiting for this story! If you’ve read Zavarelli’s Society Trilogy, you may remember Angelo. And if you’ve read Kingdom Fall then you should definitely remember Angelo as Alessio’s best friend and a man set on revenge to find those who are responsible for setting him up and stealing years from his life.

He radiates darkness—the kind most people cross the street to avoid. It’s in the way he moves, the unmistakable imprint of danger some men carry in their DNA.

They call him Il Diavolo for a reason. He’s ruthless, methodical, soulless. His only focus is his vengeance. Once upon a time, Angelo and Abella were everything. And then she became his ruin and he became her most cherished memory.

Something feral lives inside him. It’s more than obsession. It feels like starvation laced with fury.

You will also remember Abella from Kingdom Fall and I loved being inside her head in her own. Even though she knows the fate of a woman inside the society is to be nothing more than an ornament, she’s made peace with it. Or at least in the only way she knows how. She’s engaged to a man who she will never love because the only man she ever did is lost to her forever. Until he shows up at her wedding to steal her away and to make her pay for the role she played in his downfall years ago.

Now let me tell you, the chemistry between these two was INCENDIARY. The way that Angelo hates that he wants her and yet can’t stay away from her is simply delicious. I couldn’t get enough of the push and pull between them.

Oh God,” she whimpers.
“I like it when you remember to say your prayers,” I tell her. “Such a respectable Italian principessa.”

I absolutely devoured this book. And I mean DEVOURED. I finished it in one sitting both needing answers and dreading being done. A Zavarelli’s books are simply my crack and I will never get enough. And now a new Society series spinoff? I am SHOOKETH and obsessed.

If you love dark mafia/secret society romance with an obsessed stalker, touch her and die vibes, and all the steam, look no further!

She was the softness to my brutality.


A. Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.

When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.

She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.

Connect w/A. Zavarelli: 

Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter | Mailing List | Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub 

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Review: Finding The One by Kristen Ashley

FINDING THE ONE
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: River Rain #7
Author: Kristen Ashley
Release Date: September 9, 2025

Their parents being family friends, American/English aristocrat, Blake Sharp, and Scottish playboy Alasdair Wallace were thrust together all through their childhoods.

Blake thought Dair was a filthy, obnoxious, little boy bully.

Dair thought Blake was a spoiled, prissy wee miss.

Then Blake grew up to be a beautiful, loving woman who took care of everyone and made amazing pistachio muffins. And Dair grew up to be a protective, fun-loving, hard-living professional rugby player.

In the meantime, they’d both been deeply betrayed by lovers.

When their paths cross again, Blake is still reeling from her fiancé’s treachery and what she learned about herself during it.

Dair thinks he’s recovered from a marriage to a woman who was not at all what she seemed, and now he’s smitten by the woman Blake has become.

So smitten, he has every intention of exploring what they can grow to be together.

But their combined family history is filled with secrets and lies. Secrets and lies that explode in their faces.

And while they deal with that, ghosts from the past rise up and threaten to haunt their future.

Is what they built together strong enough to hold true?

Or will their personal demons tear them apart?

AMAZON | iBOOKS | NOOKKOBO | GOOGLE PLAY

 

You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. But when you laugh, I see a wee bit of that little girl I knew, except she isn’t unhappy like she was always unhappy.”

Now I love me a good redemption story ARC, particularly when it’s a female one. And Blake had a beautiful story to boot. Growing up with the mother she had and the family dynamic she did, it’s no wonder that she had some rough years. But seeing the way it molded her into the woman that she is today; caring, compassionate, yet oh so vulnerable to the hurts of the past, was all that more satisfying.

Alasdair Wallace was a typical KA alpha but with a Scottish brogue. Did we get the usual “babe”, no we got “hen”, and I was so here for it.

This was a beautiful story of redemption and soul mates, and I loved the way that Blake and Dair got together. They grew up together, but there was no love lost between them. Well, mostly Blake, who felt like Dair picked on her when they were kids. Now here they both are, years later, at Blake sister’s wedding. Dair, now divorced for several years and knows exactly what he wants and who he wants it from. Blake, narrowly escaping a disastrous wedding to a cheater and not looking for a repeat. Dair sees Blake and goes after her with a single minded intent. And while she tries to fight the pull for a little while there, Dair is impossible to resist.

If you’ve read any KA book, then you already know how well she can write a beautiful relationship development and this was no different. I loved the way that the family dynamic was effortlessly woven in to their story to make it all that much better. The interworking of Dair and Blake’s broken families healing something in this book was incredible to read about. And right as I was starting to grow a bit bored with everything being just too relationshipy for these two, we got the tension in the best of ways.

I have to say that I loved the conflict in the romance because it also just fit. It fit both of these characters so well that the conflict happening felt as natural as them resolving it.

If you’re looking for a beautiful romance with some crazy family twists, amazing secondary characters, a conflict with a delicious grovel, and a two characters who are entirely too easy to root for, you’ve found your next read!

Review: Brutal Reign by Monica Kayne

BRUTAL REIGN
Series: Bratva Kings #3
Genre: Dark, Mafia Romance
Author: Monica Kayne
Release Date:
September 12, 2025

Hope King was supposed to die by my hand. Instead, she became my obsession.

For five years, I’ve hunted the Triad princess. The daughter of my enemy. The woman who haunts my every waking moment.

When I find her on her wedding day, I don’t eliminate her like I was ordered to—I marry her instead.

She thinks I’m the monster who destroyed her world, and she’s right. But she also shattered mine—carving a void in my soul that only she can fill.

Now she’s trapped in my compound, in my bed, in my life. She can fight me all she wants, even plan her escape. But Hope is mine now, and I’m never letting her go.

Brutal Reign is a dark mafia romance that includes forced marriage, accidental pregnancy, and a secret child. It has no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Can be read as a complete standalone.

AMAZON 

“You can run from me, angel moy. I love to chase. But when I catch you, and I will, I won’t let you go.”

Oh but I am loving this series. Monica has quickly become of my favorite dark mafia romance authors and this book hit every spot, even those I didn’t know I had.

Hope and Pavel’s story was deliciously addictive. A Triad princess and the Bratva king? Yes please!
Pavel’s syndicate and the Triad ran by Hope’s father have been at war, until everything comes to a deadly end one night. When the syndicate realizes that the woman who managed to escape was the daughter of the now dead triad leader, Pavel is sent in to eliminate the threat. But when he comes face to face with Hope, he knows he can’t kill her, so he lets her go. Only to come crashing back into her life on her wedding day to the next Triad leader and marry her instead, whether she wants it or not.

The story was such a thrill ride of a story. It had non stop action and I loved the dynamic between Hope and Pavel so much. The way that he’s so ruthless and deadly but will burn the world down for her? Swoon. And while she hasn’t yet come to terms with her reality, you see her feelings for the brutal man who’s fiercely protective of her bleed through every passing day.

And the mouth on this man? Lord have mercy. The dirty talk was definitely hitting. I also loved Hope’s tenacity. She wasn’t brash or impulsive, but quietly thoughtful. I appreciated that she wasn’t the cliche FMC in a forced marriage that runs into danger at the slightest inconvenience. I loved her balance of vulnerability and understated strength.

If you’re looking for a dark and sexy mafia romance with great characters and an addictive story, look no further!

Review: Wild Card by Elsie Silver

WILD CARD
Series:
Rose Hill #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Elsie Silver
Release Date:
September 9, 2025

Sebastian Rousseau is a grumpy, hot as hell fire pilot who is too damn good with his hands.

It’s the perfect combination. But unfortunately for me, he’s also my ex-boyfriend’s dad.

A chance meeting brought us together and a missed connection has kept us apart.

One year later, a stroke of fate has us living under the same roof—which makes everything between us downright messy.

Because even after all this time, he’s still the man I think about when I fall asleep. The one I can’t get over no matter how hard I try.

He’s working on mending a fragile relationship with his son and we both know acting on these urges would be the ultimate betrayal.

But I see the heat in his eyes. That look of need that never fails to send a shiver down my spine.

The mutual longing is borderline unbearable and the simmering heat between us is downright palpable.

We both know there are rules when it comes to situations like this.

But then again…following the rules never has been my strong suit.

AMAZON 

You’re a fucking wild card. Unpredictable and never what I expect.

Elsie definitely saved the best for last with Bash, because I can say with my whole chest that this was my absolute favorite MMC in this series. The way I loved him!!

Soon, all I can hear is her breathing, and it makes me realize I’m not breathing at all. After all the time I’ve spent dreaming of this moment, I need someone to pinch me so I know it’s real.

Now the ex boyfriend’s dad trope can be a hit or miss for me, depending on how it plays out. And it hit so good in this book. While it didn’t have that taboo feeling to it, it had the forbidden and angst vibes which I gobbled right up. Especially since the age gap wasn’t that wide with Bash being 40 and Gwen is 27 (Bash’s son is 20).

A chance meeting at an airport initially brings Gwen and Bash together, but fate is not in their corner. Then when they run into each other by chance a year later, they both receive the shock of a lifetime to realize their new connection.

Gwen was impossible not to love. She was this perfect combination of fierce and vulnerable. She’s not had an easy life but she didn’t let that beat her down. I loved the way that she stands firm for who she is and what she wants. I loved the way that she doesn’t easily cave but isn’t brash or impulsive about it either.

Bash’s son, Tripp, took me a minute to warm up to. Frankly put, I mildly tolerated him, until I hated him for a minute, and then ultimately he grew on me a bit too. Clyde, was easily my favorite side character ever. I loved the way he filled that fatherly missing piece for Gwen and I absolutely adored his connection with Bash.

The romance was very much a slow burn, which made it all the more delicious when it finally happened. The tension between these two was so palpable that it almost hurt. I loved the emotion and tension of it all. I would have loved to spend more time seeing Bash in his element as a firefighting pilot, but at least we got a good dose of that towards the end.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this book thoroughly and fell hard for Bash and Gwen. The epilogue was absolute perfection too!

#DGRFave & Review: Fair Trade by Millie Perez

FAIR TRADE
Series:
New York Monarchs #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Millie Perez
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Nicholas Stonehaven is the devil.

The man was supposed to remain a stranger. A fond memory of a night I’ll never forget. Instead, I’m mortified to learn that my dirty little secret is now the new owner of the New York Monarchs, making him my boss. I tell myself I can handle this new development. I didn’t become the first female general manager in Major League Baseball without knowing how to handle a curveball. I make trades and close deals better than any other GM in the league. But when the arrogant billionaire offers me a contract I can’t refuse, it seems like I’ve earned myself another fancy, although temporary wife.

Luisa Álvarez is heaven sent.

When she’s not calling me Lucifer, that is. I can be a lot to handle. Hell, I use that to my advantage in the boardroom. But my experience as the CEO of a media enterprise did me no good when I inherited a professional baseball team from my estranged grandfather. I would have sold it off immediately, but even from six feet under, the old man held something over my head, and I couldn’t let it slip through my fingers. That’s how I found myself married to my Angel. She may be hung up on the fact that we made a deal and signed on the dotted line. But there is nothing fake about the way I feel for her or how she comes alive under my touch. We agreed to a fair trade, but now it’s time to renegotiate. Because when it comes to my wife, I never vowed to play fair.

AMAZON

I may be the devil, Luisa, but I am your devil. And don’t you forget it.”

I need you to stop everything that you’re doing right now and read this book immediately. EXPEDITIOUSLY! I’m so serious. This book is about to become my entire personality for the next several weeks and I need everyone to experience the greatness that was Luisa and Nick.

What’s your poison, Stonehaven?”
“Trust me, Luisa. If I had a poison, it would be you.”

Let’s talk about the trope candy here for a second, because we got: one night stand, enemies to lovers, hate lust, pining (all of the male pining), marriage of convenience, office romance (GM/Team Owner), and an absolute ball buster, fiery and take charge FMC that I loved almost as much as the MMC did

Oh, and Luisa? Please be careful when you call for the devil.” His tone is laced with amusement and warning all at once. “Because he just might show up.”

Luisa has fought tooth and nail for her career. As the first female GM not only does she have to deal with doubts and judgment because she’s young but also being a woman. She doesn’t shy from putting men in their place and I loved her take charge attitude.

Now let’s talk about Nick. After the death of his grandfather, Nick finds himself the new owner of a baseball team. As a self made billionaire, he’s a success in his own right, but he takes on the challenge. And Luisa is in for a shock of a lifetime when her fiery one night stand that she never expected to see again is now her new boss. And let me tell you, the sparks fly. OH BUT DO THEY FLY.

These two give as good as they get, and while Nick is pining, Luisa is fighting the attraction left right and center.

My flying heel barely misses Nick as he ducks. “Woman, are you mad? What the hell was that for?”
“I didn’t have a chancleta nearby, so a flying Louboutin will have to do.”

I’m not going to ruin the book for you by telling you anything else, but I will tell you that I had a big goofy smile on my face from cover to cover. It had everything; incredible banter, sizzling chemistry, fast paced story, great characters, male pining, and did I mention the pining? BECAUSE OMG THE PINING.

Lucifer,” I warn. He doesn’t stop until he rounds my desk and pins my ass to it. “Angel,” he all but growls.


It was one of those light hearted reads that just hit the spot so right and I can’t stop thinking about. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone looking for a book that has a little bit of everything; humor, chemistry, tension, emotion, and an MMC with an English accent and a FILTHY mouth. Le swoon.

Review: A Wreck You Make Me by Saffron A. Kent

A WRECK YOU MAKE ME
Series:
Bad Boys of Bardstown #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Saffron A. Kent
Release Date: August 8, 2025

I have been in love with Shepard Thorne since I was twelve.

He’s my best friend’s hot older brother, and I am the weird redhead who low-key follows him everywhere. He’s soccer’s bad boy, and I am stuck in a dead end job, serving drinks at the local strip club.

Our paths aren’t meant to cross.

Until one day I catch him getting a lap dance at the club and jealousy makes me ruin his fun.

Now he’s made it his mission to make my life hell and no matter what I do, there is no escape.

Everywhere I turn, there he is, waiting for his payback.

He threatens to kiss me one second, and choke me the next.

He promises to bring me to my knees and make me beg.

What started as a little harmless prank turns into a twisted game of blackmail that’s toxic but oh-so-good.

But it has to end.

Because I have a secret…

That ties me to my tormentor in an irrevocable way, and if he ever finds out, it will wreck everything I now crave.

Even his revenge.

 

Note: This is a STANDALONE set in the world of Bardstown

AMAZON

Why does it feel like I’m…”
Intensity swirls in his eyes as he whispers, “You’re what?”
“I’m more yours than I am mine. That you own me.”

Did I finish this book or did it finish me?

If you’re like me and like your fictional men extra toxic walking red flags, you’re going to gobble this right up!

That fuckface was your date.”
“He’s not a fuckface,” I protest. “His name is⁠—”
“You say his name,” he growls, his voice low and threatening, “and I’ll hunt him down and make him forget yours.”

Did I do things back*asswards yet again and read this book first before the rest of the series? Yes, yes I did. And I had no problems jumping right into the deep end and getting immediately sucked into the story.

Now when I tell you that these two were absolutely toxic together, I mean there were TOXIC together. I don’t know who I wanted to hit more at certain times; Shepard or Jupiter. Well, it was probably Shepard, because the man was the definition of hot and cold, but I digress.

Jupiter has been in love with Shepard since the moment she was old enough to recognize the feeling. I loved Jupiter so much. Here was a girl that had all the odds stacked against her; a family from hell and no emotional support. And yet she works multiple jobs so she can give her sick sister a better life. She’s also spent years carrying a secret that ties her to Shepard and his family.

Shepard was always the man she could never have. He’s a famous professional soccer player, older, and at one point; engaged. He also doesn’t mince words when he tells her that he wants nothing to do with her. But while Jupiter is wholly obsessed with Shepard, she doesn’t know that he is stalkingly obsessed with her right back. It the most toxic of ways.

He chases her down, he pushes her away only to pull her right back. The push and pull between these two was absolutely deranged. And to be honest, if it wasn’t what he would do for Jupiter without saying anything, I may have judged him more harshly for his words. But while he’s mean and ruthless in words, he takes care of her in ways that no one ever has.

Just so you know, you’re a toxic snake.” He hums. “Yeah, but when I bite it hurts so fucking good you can’t help but want more.”

But man oh man were these two absolutely toxic together. Their constant push and pull was almost unbearable at times but I also couldn’t get enough of it. I know, right? My feelings went through a rollercoaster of love and hate reading this book. I devoured it. Totally devoured it in one delicious sitting.

This was the kind of toxic my bookish dreams were made out of and now I need to immediately read the rest of the series.

Review: Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles

CHASING SHELTER
Series:
Sparrow Falls #5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Catherine Cowles
Release Date:
July 22, 2025

I came here seeking sanctuary, I never meant to fall for the broody single dad next door.

I’ve spent my life hiding in plain sight, burying my past beneath layers of carefully constructed lies. Moving to Sparrow Falls was supposed to be a fresh start. A place to lay low. But when I end up living next door to the single dad who just happens to be one of my brother’s best friends, everything changes.

Trace Colson sees too much, asks too many questions, and his protectiveness is as infuriating as it is alluring.

And when danger comes calling, it’s Trace who stands between me and the darkness.

But being close to him is its own kind of risk. Because with every heated glance and every stolen touch, Trace tempts me to open my heart, to dream of a life I’d long since given up on. The only problem? Trace has his own demons, and when they collide with mine, the fallout could destroy us both.

Forever.

AMAZON 

You breaking the rules for me, Chief?”
“I knew you were going to be a bad influence.”

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Catherine Cowles books are my happy place. PERIOD. And her MMCs are the blueprint. Because every time I think I meet my favorite, she goes ahead and introduces the next one and I’m swooning head over heels. And Trace? Oh the swoon was so real.

I lifted a hand to her face, my thumb tracking under her eye, the same one that had been bruised yet hidden beneath coats of makeup. “Who hurt you?”

After the events of Beautiful Exile, I was so excited for Linc’s sister to get her story. Her character growth and journey to finding herself and her strength was one of my favorite things about this book. Right after her sassy mouth and immediate connection with Trace’s adorable daughter, Keely.

Don’t worry, Chief, I won’t tell.”
“It’s Sheriff,” I ground out.

Is it really frenemies to lovers when the attraction is there but the stubborn man just refuses to admit it?

Trace is determined to avoid the much too tempting Ellie. Not only does he not have time for women when he’s busy with his job as sheriff and raising his daughter, but she’s also Linc’s sister. But then as fate would have it, Ellie becomes his neighbor and bis impossible to resist.

Can I tell you something?” I asked.
“Anything.”
“I like when you say fuck.”
A low chuckle sounded over the speaker. “Fuck, baby.”

Ellie is determined to find herself outside of her despicable father’s influence and her abusive ex fiancé’s hold. She wants to make a life for herself around what she wants, not what she’s told. But while the small town is a perfect place to start, not every person is welcoming her into the fold. Her father’s legacy is not a pretty one. And when danger starts to nip at her heels, Trace is determined to protect her. And oh Trace, the man you are.

You deserve to be in your power.” His mouth trailed lower, featherlight touches until he reached my lips. And there he stayed, speaking against them. “You deserve someone on their knees for you, not someone forcing you to yours.”

The romance was a delicious slow burn that I loved oh so much. Although there was a point where I thought that if they were going to be interrupted one more time, I may riot. But the burn was so worth it because when they do finally get together, it was deliciously satisfying.

As always, the suspense was a gripping layer that built on top of the romance and made this one unputdownable read. The ending did catch me a bit by surprise and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it for a minute there. But then I love when something manages to surprise me, so can’t complain there.

And did I mention Loli? Because this hilarious grandma is one of my all time favorite secondary characters, EVER.

Hey, what’s wrong with my place?” Cope pouted.
Sutton patted his chest. “You built that monster mansion in the middle of nowhere, Hotshot. It would take twenty officers to surround it.”
“I hope that doesn’t mean you’re insecure because you’re lacking in other departments,” Lolli said, arching a brow.
Cope’s jaw went slack and then his face screwed up like he was a little sick to his stomach. “Did my grandma just insult my dick size?”

I gobbled it up and can’t wait for more. If you haven’t read this series yet, you’re seriously missing out!

Copyright © 2015 · Dirty Girl Romance

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