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

Facebook: https://geni.us/ALJacksonFBB 

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Review: The Lost Kings by Ashley Munoz

September 27, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

THE LOST KINGS
Series: Stone Riders MC #3
Author: Ashley Munoz
Genre: Dark, Mafia Romance
Release Date: September 26, 2025

From the creator of the bestselling Stone Riders series comes an all-new romantic suspense described as “John Wick meets The Summer I turned Pretty,” with an angsty love triangle between twin brothers.

I was always told people grew roots where they were planted.

But mine developed between the hearts of two brothers.

For as long as I could remember, they were my protectors, living on the opposite end of the manor.

It was when I turned eight that I realized the truth. The twins were never supposed to protect me. It was the other way around and I would grow up to be the one that kept our family safe.

As time went on, they were forced to watch while I was broken and reshaped into the weapon needed to break us free from the cage our family had been forced into.

I always assumed the twins understood.

But when I became old enough to accept my fate, they slapped it away and tried to show me a different choice.

Even with my heart in their hands, I tried to make them see that there was no other path for me to walk.

They left, abandoning the family and destroying those roots that had kept us together.

Without them, we were forced to align with a powerful enemy.

But the twins returned when it was discovered how close I became with our rival.

I assumed it was to reclaim my heart, but it was to declare war.

We stood on opposite sides, but somewhere in the middle was my broken heart, still held between two lost kings.

AMAZON

I just simply couldn’t understand the draw of being with one man when two was an option.

If you’ve read Ashley’s Rake Forge University series, you’re going to love the next gen spinoff featuring the daughter of The Joker.

I have been eagerly devouring any hints into this book for months now. It’s an MFM and it’s a love triangle and I was desperate to find out more. Is the love triangle between the twins? Or is the love triangle between the twins and another man? And after reading this book, I’m still desperate for answers.

I didn’t want him looking at her. I didn’t want him falling for her. He couldn’t. Not when I was fairly certain I already had.

Presley is the daughter of Kyle “The Joker” and with the weight of her father’s empire and sins on her shoulders. From the time she was old enough, she was training to take it over and all the dangers that come with it, including her father’s enemies who never stop coming for him.

Gio and King are the twin sons of Taylor and Juan from King of Hearts and are Presley’s best friends. And from the time they’re old enough to recognize the emotion, they’ve been in love. Though the odds are forever stacked against them with who Presley’s family is.

The story is told in equal parts of past and present. Though I’m not usually a big fan of a lot of flashbacks, it really worked here to give you just enough understanding of their past in order to connect with what is happening in the present.

It was an angsty, slow burn of a story that tugged on the heartstrings right before it ripped them to absolute shreds. I have no idea what I’m going to do with myself until the conclusion. I love the usual spin on mafia male heir with Presley being the tough queen that she is. Her training at the hands of her father’s uncle was ruthless and she grew into a fiery woman but one who can still get her heart crushed by the two men who she never got over.

If you love a forbidden romance with plenty of angst, emotion, and heat, then you’re not going to want to miss this one!

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Review: Brutal Reign by Monica Kayne

September 12, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

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!

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Review: Wild Card by Elsie Silver

September 9, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

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!

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Review: Wicked Ends by Mila Kane

August 20, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

WICKED ENDS
Series: Hellions of Hade Harbor Book 4
Author: Mila Kane
Genre: Dark Romance, New Adult Romance
Release Date: August 20, 2025

My class… His rules.
Hade Harbor was supposed to be my clean slate–a quiet, hockey-obsessed Maine town where I could disappear.
Then I walked into my first lecture and saw him.
The bartender from last night.
The one I should’ve never touched.
Marcus Bailey isn’t just another college jock–he’s an Ice God.
Goalie for the Hellions. Arrogant. Vicious. Addicted to winning.
And now? He’s set his sights on me.
He’s not interested in boundaries. Not when he could break them.
Not when he could break me.
He could have me fired. Exposed. Ruined.
And he knows it.
Every rule I make, he shatters.
Every line I draw, he crosses.
Because Marcus doesn’t want obedience. He wants obsession.
And I’m exactly what he craves.
But my past isn’t finished with me.
It’s dangerous, it’s catching up, and when it hits–I won’t be the only one destroyed.

AMAZON

Call me Marcus, Professor… like you did the night we met, or better still…” He leaned in and ran his nose up the side of my cheek, breathing in the smell of my skin. “Scream it.”

I just knew Marcus would be my favorite in this series so far, and UGH, I was so right. I loved his feral obsessive and possessive self.

What? What do you want?” I rushed out.
He smiled, and there was something dark and wicked in it. “Nothing too strenuous… just you, whenever and however I want you.”

I love a forbidden trope, and a student/teacher one always hits the spot. There is also the small age gap with Aria being 25 to Marcus’s 20. Though from the very beginning, it’s very clear who the power belongs to in this dynamic and it very much is NOT Aria.

Aria comes to Hade Harbor in the hopes of a chance and an adjust professor job gives her just that; a chance to start over. But one night throws a heck of a wrench in her plans when she becomes the obsession of a man she thought she’d never see again. The sexy bartender from what was meant to be a quiet way to celebrate her 25th bday is a student in her new class and the goalie of the Hellions hockey team.

I was immediately intrigued by Marcus because of his ties to the MC and his brother being at the helm. I also really hope we get his brother’s book soon because NEED. But I digress. Marcus’s childhood had been everything but idyllic with his father now in jail and his brother at the helm of a dangerous MC. I am so curious about the story of the MC because just being on the periphery of it was gritty enough. But I digress again.

Marcus is immediately obsessed with Aria, especially since she’s determined to run from him at every turn. Aria is clearly hiding a dark secret and with every layer that gets peeled back from that, the more I was glued to the pages. Admittedly Aria’s moral compass was a bit too much at times with her feeling like she was taking advantage of Marcus where it was clear as day who was running circles around who. But I also just gobbled up their dynamic so it didn’t bother me much.

I devoured this book in one sitting and this may just be my favorite installment in this series yet! I can’t wait for the next book especially with the preview we get. That trope?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I need it. But if you’re looking for a deliciously dark hockey romance with an obsessed MMC with a dirty mouth, look no further!

 

I’m obsessed with cats, coffee, and anti-heroes just the right side of insane.

I write dark and dirty romance with the alpha-holes of your most filthy nightmares.

While I like my heroes obsessed and powerful, I like my heroines smart and independent. My headstrong, capable women will bring their own personal demons to their knees, and capture their hearts at the same time.

I only write SAFE stories, there is never a place for another woman in my heroes sights, once he’s caught the scent of the heroine, and there will always be, no matter how dark and twisted the story might be… a HEA guarantee xx

 

Connect with Mila

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

Amazon | https://amzn.to/44E1nt6

Facebook | www.facebook.com/MilaKanewrites

Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/3NOGG6C

Instagram | www.instagram.com/milakanebooks/

TikTok | www.tiktok.com/@milakanebooks

Pinterest | www.pinterest.co.uk/MilaKaneWrites/

 


 

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

August 8, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

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.

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Review: The Secrets We Bury by Lucy Smoke

August 1, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

THE SECRETS WE BURY
Series: Scorpion Kings #3
Genre: Dark, Why Choose Romance
Author: Lucy Smoke
Release Date: August 1, 2025

The deeper we dig, the darker the secrets.

Silverwood is filled with nothing but liars and deceivers.
I thought I could trust them. I thought I could have them.
Now, I know … none of it was ever truly mine to keep.

There is a thin line between love and obsession.
The Scorpion Kings have crossed it.
And I fear I’m not far behind.

*This is a Dark Enemies to Lovers WhyChoose Romance*

*Trigger If you are sensitive to content common in dark romance (content such as SA, graphic depictions of violence, murder, drug and/or alcohol abuse, physical abuse, mental and/or emotional abuse, traumatic events, unhealthy coping mechanisms, dubious consent etc.) then this book may not be for you. Please read responsibly.*

AMAZON

At five years old, I wanted to marry Juliet Donovan. At nearly nineteen, I’d slit the throat of anyone who thinks to take her away from me.

Where has Lucy Smoke been all my life and how am I only discovering her with this series? Because let me tell you, I am wholly obsessed. OBSESSED. If you love fierce, absolutely kick ass heroines, then you need to meet Juliet.

I can show you that all kings were meant to fall eventually, even the three of you.”

The Secrets We Bury starts immediately where The Demons We Hide ended and what a doozy of an ending that was. I couldn’t wait to see how that unravels. Especially on the cusp of what Juliette finally realizes about her pseudo “uncle”. But I won’t be spoiling anything for you here.

I loved watching her men fall harder and harder for her in each book. You have Lex, the lovesick puppy stalker. You have Gio the playboy. And then there’s my baby Nolan, the hard edged one

You make this choice and that’s it for you, Jules. We will own you.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” He nods.
“Even with my demons?” I ask.
“Princess…” I close my eyes as his fingers graze my cheek. “I’ve been wanting to fuck your demons since the first day you set foot on Silverwood Public’s campus.”

The mystery of her dad’s innocence continues to unravel. There’s so much that happens in this book that I was glued to the pages from cover to cover. At a certain point, I feel like I was lulled into a false sense of security because I even started to feel it was getting predictable. Only for Lucy to hit me over the head with that ending and I no longer know which end is up.

All I know is that I desperately need the conclusion and I will not know peace until I do.

If you like dark, why choose romance with fierce heroines, a quick paced plot, and sizzling chemistry then you need this series on your TBR! 

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Review: Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles

July 22, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

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!

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Review: A Royal Mile by Samantha Young

June 19, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

A ROYAL MILE
Series: Return to Dublin Street #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Samantha Young 
Release Date: June 19, 2025

A steamy enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance from New York Times Bestselling Author Samantha Young.

It’s hard to stay in the friend zone when the attraction is this hot…

Going into my senior year of university at war with a member of the British royal family wasn’t in my carefully laid plans. Sebastian Thorne might be the grandson of a princess, but it’ll take more than a royal pardon to get me to forgive him for pretending to be someone he’s not.
 
But Sebastian is determined to be my friend. Even if it means signing up to a psych experiment just to get me to talk to him. Who knew a sincere apology and him saying my name in that posh English accent would make me weak in the knees?
 
This year was supposed to be about my dissertation and graduate school. Only, Sebastian has thrown my ordered world off kilter. He makes me bolder, more confident. A braver version of me.
 
Yet every lingering glance and stolen touch has me realizing one thing…
 
I’m falling for my best friend.
 
There’s just one problem. Sebastian has demons, ones that make him determined to keep me in the friend zone no matter the cost.
 
And even when temptation sends his walls tumbling down, the beauty we’ve found might not survive against the will of powerful outside forces…

AMAZON

Are you incapable of concentrating?” “I am very capable of concentrating.” He opened the note’s app on his tablet. “I’m going to prove it by staring at your mouth for this entire session as you talk.”

It’s official, I am completely and utterly obsessed with this series. Sam’s Dublin Street series is one of my all time favorites so of course I’m going to be just as obsessed with the second generation spinoff. A Royal Mile features Lily Sawyer, the daughter of Nate and Olivia from Before Jamaica Lane, which is my favorite book from the series. So to say that I was super excited for Lily’s book is a mild understatement.

If you’ve read On Loverose Lane, then you already got a peek into Lily. She’s the painfully shy and introverted to her younger sister’s boisterous personality. But as shy as she is, she’s no pushover, and I loved that about her. We start the book partially into Lily and Sebastian’s story. We know that Sebastian deceived her and she’s not giving him the time of day to apologize. But we don’t yet know why. That gets revealed as the story goes on and I loved the way those flashbacks were interwoven into the story. I also loved the nods and parallels to her parents’ story and I swear you would appreciate it so much having read their book as well. Trust me. But I digress.

Sebastian is determined to get Lily’s forgiveness and once he finally breaks down her defenses, they begin an amazing friendship. But no matter how amazing they are as friends, Lily can’t swallow her feelings for him. Feelings that she believes are not reciprocated.

I’d met my unicorn. The guy who made me feel so comfortable I could talk to him about anything. And yet whom I was so attracted to, I felt like every fiber of my being came alive in a way it never had until him. A bloody unicorn. Yet he didn’t feel the same way. Of course not.

I loved the way Sebastian was with Lily, even when I wanted to shake him for his hard headedness when it came to anything between them. Though, the more the layers get peeled back from him, the more you understand his fierce avoidance of anything beyond a friendship. I also loved Lily’s quiet and unassuming strength. She isn’t shy about putting Sebastian in his place and I loved the way she understood him and his behavior more than he understood himself.

They definitely had their moments when I wanted to shake them both to see reason, but I did love the way they find their way to each other. It was a delicious slow burn full of emotion and angst and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I also loved the way that Lily stood up for herself with her sister, because she had moments where I wanted to shake her too. Though I cannot wait to see the man that is January’s perfect match.

If you’re looking for a swoon, steamy, and highly emotional friends to lovers romance, this one will check every box. The series is now a favorite and I cannot wait for more!

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.

 

Connect with Samantha

Website: http://authorsamanthayoung.com

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Amazon: http://amzn.to/2H47kEP

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1520019958258238/

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Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2D241eO

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Verve: https://www.ververomance.com/app/authorsamanthayoung

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Review: Just Say Yes by Lena Hendrix

May 12, 2025 by · Leave a Comment

JUST SAY YES
Series: The Kings #5
Author: Lena Hendrix
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
Release Date: April 25, 2025

Getting tangled up with an Olympic rugby player seems like the perfect way to forget about how my life is falling apart. Until I discover he’s my ex-boyfriend’s best friend.

Logan Brown walked into my small town with a charming grin and mischief in his eyes. He’s a world-class flirt and his confident masculinity is almost as distracting as those rugby thighs.

Given my inexperienced history, I’m no match for our undeniable chemistry. I vow to keep him at arm’s length. But with Logan, every lingering stare—every forbidden touch—awakens something inside of me I thought I had buried for good.

We both know we shouldn’t cross that line, but I have spent my entire life being a good girl, and suddenly I’m tempted to be very, very bad.

Especially when Logan tells me to just say yes.

AMAZON

It hit me like a punch to the gut that I wanted to be the only one who ever got to see her like this.

Save a horse, ride a mustached professional rugby player. Or, you know, however that saying goes. Just be prepared to fall and fall hard for the greenest flag that is Logan Brown. And I couldn’t imagine a better match for MJ. Oh the swoon of it all.

You can take from me whatever you want.” My cock. My heart. Fuck, I would have given MJ anything she asked for in that moment.

I have been waiting for MJ’s story and while my expectations were already high, her story still blew them away. I loved the journey to her HEA and it honestly couldn’t have been with a better man than Logan.

When I tell you that this had the cutest and funniest meet cute, I mean it was EVERYTHING. The sparks were instant and Logan definitely manages to step into it with MJ when they first meet. Nothing better than a man who can easily admit when he’s wrong and not afraid to apologize. And I loved the way that Logan pursued her.

MJ is still working through the broken pieces left behind the damage of her ex. But man oh man did I love how Logan showed her what a real man is supposed to treat a woman like. He’s a gentleman in the streets and a beast in the sheets, and I loved him HARD. I also loved the way he handled every challenge, including the surprising connection they find of Logan being the best friend of the ex that put MJ through the wringer.

The book deals with some heavy themes and I loved the way that Lena wrote it with her signature humor without taking away from the darker themes. I loved the growth that both of the characters go through and I loved their journey to a much deserved HEA. A big rec to all my small town romance lovers out there!

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