Shadowvein

By: L. Ann

Release Date: June 12, 2025

Publisher: Raven Ink Publishing

Author FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/

5 Stars

From the start Shadowvein was about unraveling the truth. Filled with mystery, treachery, duty, loyalty and true calling wrapped up in a cloak of magic and fantasy all was not as it would seem. 

Taken from a different world and thrust into one filled with intrigue and danger Ellie Bennett found herself at the mercy of questionable prisoner Sacha Torran with a seemingly dark agenda. Yet the immediate and undeniable bond this pair had, at first due to circumstances but later due to choice, defined their relationship and created a complicated web of emotions that were as enticing as they were cautious.

Ellie and Sacha's symbiotic dynamic kept this story interesting and anticipatory. The slow build up of the foundation of this world and its complexities in normal scenarios would have felt lagging but in this work it felt necessary and invigorating as a new world was built along with the new relationship between Ellie and Sacha. L. Ann did a wonderful job of fabricating a new world and providing an immersive reading experience. As this work moved forward the action and adventure increased creating a gradual escalation that was exciting to see play out and ultimately lead to a jaw dropping explosive ending for book one.

As a longtime reader of this author it has become clear there is really not any genre L. Ann cannot write! With a meticulous eye for details her stories leap off the pages captivating her audience with the scope of her imagination. L. Ann's venture into romantasy with Shadowvein will enchant old and new readers alike!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*This work is book one in the Veinbound trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger.*

Breathtaking

By: Bella Matthews

Release Date: May 22, 2025

Publisher: Bella Matthews

Author Website: https://www.authorbellamatthews.com/

5 Stars

Reader’s expectations will be exceeded in book six of the Red Lips & White Lies series, breathtaking, leaving them wanting more of the Kroydon Hill’s world that Bella Matthews does so well!

Maddox "Madman" Beneventi was everyone's favorite bad boy. Hot blooded and hot tempered this guy kept the Bella Matthews universe spicy and steamy with his rizz! When it came to love when Maddox fell he fell hard bringing out a protective and devoted side to him that everyone loves in a hero.

Lennon Windsor literally carried the weight of a kingdom on her shoulders. Forced into a life of duty over love Lennon was willing to sacrifice her happiness to do so. This was a character that had a strong sense of responsibility and proved to be stronger than anyone gave her recognition for.

Maddox and Lennon's attraction started out as all encompassing and doomed. This pair was kept apart due to outside circumstances but found it impossible to resist each other ultimately putting them in a situation where they could no longer escape their unspoken love. When Maddox and Lennon were together the world faded and their heat was scorching, leaving everyone thinking how did they resist each other as long as they did!

There is a special and unique quality to how Bella Matthews handles friendship and family bonds! This writer's keen sense of what it means to be there for your inner circle through good times and bad times resonates in and elevates her works. Who needs fairytales when you have Bella Matthews’s books like Breathtaking to keep you reaching for the perfect love!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *

*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous books in this series and in the other series related to this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*

My Favorite Bad Decision

By: Elizabeth O’Roark

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Publisher: Elizabeth O’Roark

Author Website: https://www.elizabethoroark.com/

5 Stars

Elizabeth O'Roark makes ordinary interactions extraordinary and uniquely her own with her storytelling in My Favorite Bad Decision!

Outwardly Kit Fischer was a dutiful daughter and loyal sister resorting to unfiltered snark when the occasion called for it and often when it did not. Kit was a handful and yet underneath her bravado was a vulnerable person afraid to lose the approval of her friends and family but most importantly afraid of being hurt by opening her heart to love.

Miller West was the guy everyone crushed on for good reason he was even better than his initial impression. Handsome, smart and with a conscience he was the guy who all the women wanted but with his elusive tendencies wore the title of the one who got away.

When a seemingly happenstance encounter brought long time adversaries, Kit and Miler, together dormant sparks started to fly and feelings disguised as intense dislike became exposed for the mutual attraction they truly were, this story took off. The banter and outlandish moments surrounding this couple were wonderfully contrasted with deep hurt, unresolved issues and tumultuous emotions. The energy between this pair was kinetic, pushing them toward their inevitable meant to be status. 

Elizabeth O'Roark has become a fan favorite with her highly approachable characters even when her portrayals are frequently in positions that her audience may never encounter in their real lives. With this author wit and angst go hand in hand driving her stories and captivating her readers. Everyone needs a mountain worth climbing for love and Elizabeth O'Roark found one in My Favorite Bad Decision quite possibly making this a favorite story of hers for old and new readers alike!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Protecting What’s Mine

By: Siobhan Davis

Release Date: May 5, 2025

Publisher: Siobhan Davis

Author Website: http://siobhandavis.co.uk/

5 Stars

Siobhan Davis has never been one to hold back the punches but in Protecting What's Mine she lets them fly with no restraint for a story full of angst, tears and glimmers of hope!

Don Cristian DiPietro was a respected and feared member of the Cosa Nostra who wore two hats, that of a cold and deadly mafia leader and that of a loving and caring father, family member and friend. Cristian lived in a gray area where he could both be both a hero and an antihero making him intriguing and questionable.

College student Sloane Barton's life took a turn from carefree and full of dreams to one of horror and fear when she and her mother were kidnapped by a drug cartel with a dark agenda while on vacation in Mexico. Sloane’s determination and inner strength focused on surviving were mind blowing.  This character fought for her and her mother's lives, never giving up despite the seemingly insurmountable hurdles thrown at her. Her love and loyalty were exemplary especially considering the circumstances she was in.

Dark and brutal, the road to love for Cristian and Sloane was not for the faint hearted. Their physical attraction was instantaneous but more so it developed into a multifaceted relationship that had depth and a genuine emotional attachment. The caring and trust that built despite a life threatening secret made this story tense with all that could be lost and an undercurrent of danger. The combination of suspense and subterfuge that tainted this couple's love kept this story continuously on edge. It was hard to not be drawn into Cristian and Sloane's unpredictable dynamic. Ms. Davis did an excellent job of keeping the status of this pair's relationship cryptic as new developments constantly strained it. What was clear from the start is that both Cristian and Sloane loved deep and hard.

Siobhan Davis has built a writing career on stories that push limits. Her plot twists are exceptional and her readers know that nothing is off the table in her stories. This author has created a detailed and compelling Mafia world that is addicting in her Mazzone Mafia Universe. Siobhan Davis' Protecting What's Mine boldly takes on the darkest of nightmares and brings it into the light for a story that proves that love can defeat almost anything for an edgy and captivating read!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*While this story can be read as a stand alone it is connected to the Mazzone Mafia Universe. Readers overall reading experience would be enhanced by reading the Mazzone Mafia series prior to reading Protecting What's Mine.*

Walk the Line

By: Paula Dombrowiak, Natalie Parker

Release Date: April 22, 2025

Publisher: Dark Angel Publishing LLC

Author Website / Author Facebook Page:

https://www.pauladombrowiak.com/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Author-Natalie-Parker-100063718428634/

5 Stars

Paula Dombrowiak and Natalie Parker take on a labor of love in the launch of the Blood & Bone Legacy series in Walk the Line for a book that will reel their audience in for more of this world!

Every Romance reader needs a Felix Krasinski in their library! Sincere and unjaded when Felix fell in love it was the real deal. Self-effacing charm wrapped up in a gorgeous rocker package the only question to be asked is how readers wouldn't fall in love with this guy.

Maggie Morgan came out of the pages like a sledgehammer smashing the world with her talent and likability. Outwardly full of life and mischief there was an underlying fragile vulnerability to her that was touching. Maggie had all the makings of a strong woman but still had the remnants of an unsure and untried young girl.

This couple were both in a place of transitioning into their dreams, becoming adults and making life-defining choices. In a nice twist Ms. Dombrowiak and Ms. Parker did a great job making Maggie prone to recklessness and making Felix the grounded sensible one in a scenario where traditionally and stereotypically the rock star character is the one to push boundaries. The physical and emotional connection between Felix and Maggie was off the charts from first contact building as this story progressed with wonderful witty dialog and meaningful moments between this couple!

Paula Dombrowiak and Natalie Parker complimented each other's writing styles for a smooth blend of their worlds. Angst was abundant yet there was a lighthearted feel of people embarking on the beginning of their lives with a fearlessness that transitioned into one of questioning and weighing when things started to matter. Wonderful cameos of beloved past characters from both authors’ book catalogs fleshed out this work. Every secondary character contributed to this work from Dusty to the Velvet Drift band members to a bunch of legacy offspring for a story layered in depth and legacy.

Walk the Line set the stage for upcoming books in the Blood and Bones Legacy series by providing the proving grounds for the next generation to make their marks as their parents legacy provided the common driving force to do so. Walk the Line pulls out the substance, sass and a whole lot of rock and roll for a great series debut!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *

Knight

By: L. Ann

Release Date: April 18, 2025

Publisher: Raven Ink Publishing

Author FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/

5 Stars

L. Ann's Knight was high-octane entertainment with a plot twist on every page!

Knight Chambers was a bit of a mysterious recluse in the first two books of the Chambers Brothers Trilogy building up curiosity about him. Knight, like his brothers, had a dark quality but he came off as a bit more of a wildcard in the direction of how his character would go. Ruthless and intelligent Knight was a fierce opponent. Evangeline Porter was a character whose unassuming and quiet demeanor held a wealth of courage and strength. Her loyalty and compassion were a wonderful contrast to the detached and gruff Knight.

Both Knight and Eva served as a catalyst to bring each other out of their self imposed shells. The development of their intuitive understanding of each other was well done by this author and allowed this couple the ability to find someone who they could be vulnerable with. Their interactions were full of sarcasm and bold comebacks keeping their relationship feisty! The desperate pull Knight and Eva had toward each other mimicked the danger of their situation to perfection!

With dizzying intent L. Ann's strategic precision in Knight was a fantastic feat. The details and intricacy of this story were consuming. There was an impressive amount of research on this author's part to give her work an authentic feel and credibility. A well-devised suspense element powerfully drove Knight.

L. Ann is an author full of surprises in her vast repertoire of works. The intensity and angst of her characters is one of her signature traits as a writer. L. Ann's addictive and innovative imagination shines in Knight for a brilliant finale to the Chamber Brothers Trilogy!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While this book can be read as a standalone reading the previous book in this series first would enhance the overall reading experience.*

Brutal Legacy

By: Mila Kane

Release Date: April 2, 2025

Publisher: White Nights Publishing Ltd

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

5 Stars

Once again Mila Kane proves it is impossible not to be caught up in her stories in Brutal Legacy book two in her Original Sin series.

Elio Santori learned that life could be cruel from an early age but the nail on his coffin was the consequences of loving Georgia Bellisario. Elio's descent into darkness covered up the scars of his broken heart. This was a hero who teetered on the edge of irreparably broken yet glimmers of his humanity could not be contained.

Georgia Bellisario on the surface appeared to be the spoiled daughter of wealthy many but seeing past her facade was a strong woman willing to sacrifice everything for those she loved. Georgia was resilient and a woman that life could not batter down.

The merciless spicy angst between Elio and Georgia took on a life of its own in this story. Grudges and devotion were contrasted exceptionally by this author, as this couple just could not erase their attachment. The mutual profound hurt and tortured existences resulting from this couple's separation was heartbreaking. The road to their reunion was full of hurdles that kept this work full of twists and guaranteed that this author's audience was caught up in this story. Lots of action kept this story moving quickly.

Mila Kane knows how to pack a punch and keep them coming. This author wears black well and her stories reflect that. Brutal Legacy shows the power of love for an intense and satisfying read!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*While this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone.*

Game Face

By: Ginger Scott

Release Date: March 27, 2025

Publisher: Little Miss Write, LLC

Author Website: http://www.littlemisswrite.com/

5 Stars

As the love story of Wyatt Stone and Peyton Johnson continued life threw challenges at them that would crush a lesser love but allowed them to conquer all with theirs.

While this couple took their inevitable next steps in their relationship there was no shortage of hurdles for them to take on. Wyatt, a once in a generation quarterback, was faced with decisions that were heartbreaking. His ability to prioritize Peyton to the expense of all else showed his true colors and the depth of their love. Peyton's strength and determination to not only overcome her personal trials but to put Wyatt first was inspiring. This couple showed a maturity and selflessness that was rare and believable thanks to this author's ability to convey their story.

Ms. Scott did a wonderful job of evolving all her portrayals showing their growth without reinventing them. A solid cast of secondary characters added wonderful layers to this story giving it a real sense of family, friendship and community 

Ginger Scott continues to take on real life with strength and understanding. This author does not walk away from the difficulties of her portrayals but shows their capabilities to take them on. Ginger Scott's Game Face took her The Waiting series to the next level and allowed her audience to fall even harder in love with its amazing characters!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*For an enhanced reading experience reading the previous book in this series is recommended.*

Rydeville Elite Epilogue

By: Siobhan Davis

Release Date: February 28, 2025

Publisher: Siobhan Davis

Author Website: http://siobhandavis.co.uk/

5 Stars

When a well-loved series such as the Rydeville Elite series comes out with an epilogue it feels like catching up with old friends. Lives that are far from perfect but filled with love and support are showcased in this epilogue touching base with the hard earned love of each of its characters. Through thick and thin this tightly knit group of friends and family navigated the good and bad in life and seeing that they are all still standing and conquering whatever life throws at them is the best reader high you could ask for!

Well done Siobhan Davis and thanks for a glimpse into the lives of a cast of characters that has left its mark on the hearts of your readers. The Rydeville Elite Epilogue is not a maybe but a must for fans of this series!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*This book is part of a series and it is necessary that the previous books in the series be read first.*

Captivating

By: Bella Matthews

Release Date: February 13, 2025

Publisher: Bella Matthews

Author Website: https://www.authorbellamatthews.com/

4.5 Stars

Childhood sweethearts separated for over a decade bring their simmering hurt to a head in Bella Matthews Captivating for an angsty show of heartache!

Killian St. James' gruff exterior hid a heart yearning for the one woman who held his heart yet he could not have. Killian was a still waters run deep kind of guy, holding in his pain and loyal to an extreme. Lilah Ryan was everyone's sweetheart from her family to her fans few people were immune to her beauty, charm and kindness.

Killian and Lilah were always meant to be but a lack of maturity, miscommunication and stubbornness took hold before circumstances put them back together. In many ways this author showed that while this couple suffered in the end it afforded them time to achieve their individual goals and evolve enough to handle the magnitude of their love for each other. Both Killian and Lilah came from extremely supportive families, each affording them a place where they could be accepted for who they were and supported for what they wanted to be. This author did a great job of conveying all their pent up hurt and in contrast all their pent up love for each other, this couple had an exceptional connection.

The second part of this book really took off and the grudging attraction that had been at bay burst forth for some hot, angsty and reluctant capitulation. Unexpected twists set this book off from a sedate pace to an on the edge of your seat one. True love showed the difference from misunderstanding and the real meaning of what's important in life. Sacrificing yourself for love was a prominent thread in this story. What would you do for love?

In Bella Matthews' world everyone is in everyone's business. Nothing stays a secret for long in this closely-knit community of friends and family. The exceptional witty banter of her characters continues to drive this author's stories and keep her plots moving at a lightening speed. Captivating brings another Bella Matthews couple to happiness for love at its best.

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous books in this series and in the other series related to this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*

The Accardi Twins

By: Siobhan Davis

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Publisher: Siobhan Davis

Author Website: http://siobhandavis.co.uk/

5 Stars

Set in Siobhan Davis' Mazzone Mafia universe, the Cold King of New York, book one in the Accardi Twins duet, showcases Don Joshua Accardi, the oldest Accardi twin, for a danger-filled and suspenseful story!

When red flags started popping up in the well organized world that Joshua Accardi operated in it was clear that forces that he was unaware of were at play and needed to be eliminated setting off a series of events no one could have imagined or prepared for. Calling in highly skilled, tough as nails Gia Bianchi to perform reconnaissance in enemy territory seemed like the logical solution until hearts got involved and things turned deadly.

Reserved and calculating, Joshua found himself flustered, baffled and intrigued by his attraction to clever, capable and ballsy Gia. This couple's chemistry was a surprise to both of them with lots of edgy moments of circling their desire. From tense confrontations to the emotional capitulation to their feelings for each other Joshua and Gia were a couple that readers will buy into and love.

Cold King of New York was full of surprises and all the dark scheming you would expect from a Siobhan Davis book. Great characters expanded this work adding depth and interesting interactions. This author's anticipation build up is always top notch and she did so with exceptional flair in this story!

One of the things that is often a feature of Siobhan Davis books is her empowerment of women in traditionally male dominated roles and environments. Her female portrayals are as formidable as they are memorable. You can always expect smart plotting and unexpected twists from this author and she does them exceedingly well. Siobhan Davis' Cold King of New York gives readers an intensely satisfying read with a whole lot of intrigue and spice!

Book Two

Don Caleb Accardi was rash and reckless and some might say heartless if they did not see his devotion to Elisa Salerno and his family. His darkness was impossible to contain and led him to a self destructive path. Elisa was sweetness personified a direct contrast to Caleb's brutality. Sensitive and caring, her love of Caleb from an early age directed her life course and proved to be one of her greatest strengths.

Caleb and Elisa's relationship was fraught with emotional trials and self imposed obstacles. The evolution of this pair's intense friendship over the years was a strong foundation for their inevitable capitulation to their feelings and mutual acceptance of their love. This couple had tons of chemistry but it was their emotional attachment that was the driving force of their love story.

From the start this work had a strong suspense subplot that played a big part in Caleb and Elisa's story. This author's ability to surprise her audience with unexpected twists was present and the supporting cast added to this work with their rich character presences.

Siobhan Davis continues to show her writing's durability and long lasting appeal. Stories that jump off the pages and hold her audience captive are to be expected from this author. Cruel King of New York was the well deserved HEA and perfect conclusion to the Accardi Twin's duet!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*It is necessary to read both books in this duet.*

Malicious Vows

By: Shauna Mairéad

Release Date: January 29, 2025

Publisher: Shauna Mairéad

Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/shaunamairad

5 Stars

Shauna Mairéad dives in where she left off in Malevolent Hearts for an emotional and complicated love story in Malicious Vows!

True love always finds a way and Shauna Mairéad proved that despite the seemingly insurmountable hurdles her leads Cadden and Beibhinn faced in achieving their happily ever after. Sensitively and realistically examining coming to terms with actions that most would find unforgivable, this author made a strong case for this couple to be together.

Cadden Connelly heir to a rival mafia family wore the title of villain in spite of his contrary heroic inclinations. His love of Beibhinn Devereux took precedence showing time and time again that his love for her would always come first even at the cost of his own happiness. Beibhinn stood on her own in a man's world insisting on being an equal and never tolerating less than those she interacted with. This was a heroine who had the ability to be vulnerable but the power and confidence to show it and not allow it to be a weakness.

The dynamic between Cadden and Beibhinn was intense with a history of shared sorrow, betrayal and tragedy that kept them on the edge of doom and ultimate happiness. The back and forth between following their hearts and letting go of the past that held them back moved this story quickly. The pages vibrated with their physical and emotional intensity. There was a depth to this relationship that made readers think as this pair struggled with their consciences and morals.

Shauna Mairéad writes with a passion and sense of adventure that translates to her readers. Her exceptional sense of plotting and twists keeps her audience anticipating the endless possibilities of her stories' outcomes. Malicious Vows takes readers to the heart-racing conclusion of Shauna Mairéad's dark and tempting Heirs of the Emerald Isles duet for a story that will leave them eagerly awaiting the next book she has in store for them!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*Reading the previous book in this duet is necessary.*

In Shadows We Dance

By: Lee Ann

Release Date: January 10, 2025

Publisher: Raven Ink Publishing

Author FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/

5 Stars

Full of dark nuances Lee Ann's In Shadows We Dance firmly places her as a go to author of edgy romance!

Wren Carlisle was not your run of the mill hero with his alpha darkness permeating every corner of this story. Controlling and calculating he oozed sinister yet Lee Ann adeptly added depth to this character giving him ambiguity and ultimately a heart, just not a conventional heart. 

Ileana Moreno lived in the shadows that others avoided, always keeping to herself and fearing exposure. Appearing like a mouse, a lion lived deep inside her. This author little by little allowed Ileana's fierceness to unfold not only surprising Ileana but everyone who saw her transformation. 

Throughout this work there was an abundance of anticipation with well-plotted twists and turns that did not let up. A complex storyline took this from a typical dark romance to a book that stood out with its clever revelations and uncertainty. Lee Ann did a remarkable job of building the relationship between Wren and Ileana without diminishing the darker aspects of its foundation or dismissing questionable behaviors. Wren and Ileana's bond was earned with confrontations and yearnings.   

Lee Ann has an aptitude for characters that live on the fringe. With a large collection of antiheros under her belt this author always manages to walk the fine line between acceptable and unacceptable for some intriguing portrayals and no shortage of angst. Two things you can expect from Lee Ann is stepping out of her box and pushing her readers out of their comfort zones and In Shadows We Dance she does just that for a great read!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Dillon

By: Siobhan Davis

Release Date: December 26, 2024

Publisher: Siobhan Davis

Author Website: http://siobhandavis.co.uk/

5 Stars

Siobhan Davis continues to flesh out her All of Me series with insightful personal perspectives adding to the depth of her key characters and their motivations for a truly rewarding and immersive reading experience.

Ms. Davis brilliantly captured all the conflicting emotions that plagued Dillon creating a portrayal that wore his angst and anger on his sleeve yet still could not hide his admirable inclinations and traits. In the end the person that ended up being hurt most by Dillon's actions was Dillon as he fought the burden of being unable to see his worth. Surrounded by a loving family the core of who Dillon was obviously was shaped by this love ultimately shining through but not without a fair amount of drama and heartache. This author filled this work with an abundance of small details adding to an already robust story. 

In Dillon, Siobhan Davis gave readers a chance to see the potential that lived within this character and his hard road to achieving it for an emotional and gripping story

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*This book should not be read as a stand alone. The previous books in the All of Me series should be read prior to reading this book.*

King of the Cage

By: Mila Kane

Release Date: December 4, 2024

Publisher: White Nights Publishing Ltd

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

5 Stars

Mila Kane once again takes her readers on a quick paced, action filled read with Cage King leaving them wanting more!

Bran O'Connor and Giada Santori came from mafia families that were enemies. They should have looked in the other direction when their attraction to each other ignited but true to who they were they faced it head on bringing their full arsenal of warring emotions. This couple took no prisoners and were all about dominating and conquering each other's hearts but not without lots of bruises and danger. Both Bran and Giada were strong portrayals that stood out on their own and as a couple.

Mila Kane did a great job of fleshing this story out with a great underlying suspense component that she easily intermingled with her love story. Full of details and crazy connections this work was a compelling read. Her portrayals from past works and new ones from this work were interesting and added to the story being told.

Reading a Mila Kane book is full of high risk and big payout for her audience. This writer's edgy scenarios are not for the faint hearted and full of twists that are sudden and imagination pushing. Her characters walk the walk and take ownership of who they are on the dark paths this author favors. MiIa Kane's King of the Cage delivers a powerful story with the hope for more to follow in The Devil's Own series!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Ruthless Regret

By: L. Ann

Release Date: November 22, 2024

Publisher: Raven Ink Publishing

Author FB Page: https://lannauthor.com/

5 Stars

L. Ann explores how does one reconcile losing fourteen years of their life without sacrificing the rest of their life to anger and bitterness in Ruthless Regret for a gripping read!

As Zain and Ashley's story continued they confronted their own truths by examining who they were and what they wanted from themselves and each other with merciless introspection. Their story took readers on a twisty journey with false leads and unexpected hope. Stepping into each other's shoes and viewing the world through each other's eyes added a nice degree of compassion to this story that made Zain and Ashley's relationship feasible and full of possibilities neither expected. This couple's strong draw to each other built their relationship up and was captivating to watch play out. The suspense component of this work was off the charts and this author skillfully kept her audience guessing to the very end!

L. Ann always has her finger on the pulse of her stories. She constructs works with an understanding and determination that puts her in a league of her own. This author's ability to share intense emotions in a variety of settings keeps her stories interesting and relevant. Ruthless Regret concluded L. Ann's Ruthless Games Duology in a way that is sure to make her audience happy and looking forward to what this author has in store next for her readers!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*It is necessary for readers to read book one in this duet prior to reading book two.*

My Darling Jane

By: Ilsa Madden Mills

Release Date: November 5, 2024

Publisher: Montlake

Author Website: https://www.ilsamaddenmills.com

5 Stars

Ilsa Madden-Mills takes two troubled pasts and brings out equal measures of angst and laughs for a rocky road to true love in My Darling Jane!

Jasper Jannich was a star quarterback and a man with enough rizz to fill a stadium twenty times over. Jane Darling was a single mom and former fashion model turned bookstore manager / matchmaker with a goal of creating a happy successful life for her and her daughter. Both Jasper and Jane suffered from tremendous childhood trauma that shaped how they approached relationships and formed their reluctance to be emotionally vulnerable yet that trauma was the very thing that bonded them in the end. Their mutual fear of abandonment and yearning for a true committed love was painful and heartwarming to watch.

Jane and Jasper had been knocking heads for quite some time building up for this pair to take their destined leap from hate to love. The snappy interactions between this couple gave the pages a nice jolt of adrenaline and extreme emotions. These two characters' determination to provoke each other provided a nice variety of reactions to this story, often ones that neither was expecting for an entertaining read. This pairs' chemistry was hot and both Jane and Jasper were bothered to an extreme extent by it, keeping this work moving quickly and readers anticipating their encounters.

Ilsa Madden-Mills' overarching theme of fated love continues to drive her stories and leave her readers with heart flutters and warm fuzzies. One of this author's strengths is her community of interconnected books and series. This author not only sees her characters struggles but feels them for an immersive reading experience. Ilsa Madden-Mills brings a well-deserved HEA and more characters to hold dear by her audience in My Darling Jane!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone, but for an overall enhanced reading experience reading the previous books in this series / interconnected series is suggested.*

The Sound of Secrets

By: Jay Crownover

Release Date: ‎ October 23, 2024

Publisher: Jay Crownover LLC

Author Website: https://www.jaycrownover.com/

5 Stars

Stories just don't get much better than Jay Crownover's The Sound of Secrets where sophisticated turns of events and emotional turmoil ruled the day!

Taking off where book one, The Silence of Monsters left off, this author further developed this plot in book two beautifully as she dug deep and exposed her characters from the obvious to the core of who they were perceptively and compassionately. Soul searching and self-introspection carried on where the dust settled from the twist driven storyline of the first book in this duet. The imperfections of Win and Channing flourished in the aftermath of book one's wreckage making them vulnerable and approachable to this writer's audience.

The Sound of Secrets showed a couple that experienced seemingly insurmountable issues questioning their relationships and the consequences of actions. Both Win and Channing did the best they could growing up with toxic parents, each manifesting how they dealt with their families dysfunction in different ways. Channing tried to take care of and protect her mother, sister, and Winnie to some extent, from her father, hardly making her Peter Pan when people saw the realities and responsibilities she hid from them. Win micro managed and took control of situations to the point of being dictatorial as a way to combat his mother's destructiveness.

The very odds stacked against Win and Channing from achieving a happy and feasible relationship were the same ones that made one possible when they were able to support each other and see beyond their chaos. The gift of forgiveness to not only others but to oneself was a strong foundation to this work and was beautifully developed by Ms. Crownover. Win and Channing's tender and terrifying love that they carried for each other made this a love story that felt raw and fragile as this pair fought to find a way to not corrupt it with their past behaviors and histories. With more than their share of hiccups and a couple of unexpected twists this was a standout work.

Jay Crownover crafts stories that are multidimensional and gritty. Her portrayals often have their fair share of hardships yet persevere leaving them with hope as well as this author's readers. Jay Crownover's The Sound of Secrets was unexpected and worth every hour spent between its covers, a top read of 2024!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

*This is book two of The Monsters Duet and book one needs to be read prior to reading it.*

Text Appeal

By: Kylie Scott

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Publisher: Kylie Scott

Author Website: https://kyliescott.com/

5 Stars

Small town, big romance and a whole bunch of charming interactions add up to a great Kylie Scott story in Text Appeal.

Riley Cooper was a romance writer shaking up her world by bravely making a dream of hers come true, moving to a place by the water. Armed with her wit and a likeable personality this character was a hit from the start. Riley's ability to see life in practical terms yet still hold out for dreams that seemed out of reach made her someone that everyone could relate to. Connor was wonderfully basic with his minimal requirements in life. Nursing a broken heart this guy could feel and it was not complicated making Connor very attractive and genuine beyond his obvious good looks and sweetness.

When getting rid of an old phone number and getting a new phone number converged to bring Connor and Riley's lives to a head this pair met the challenge. Texting moved this work forward and kept its plot lively with well-devised catalysts and fun interactions. Riley and Connor had a great chemistry both on and off the phone providing lots of entertaining moments. What was nice about this couple was their ability to see past their exteriors and see each other's worth for who they were versus who they appeared to be. Ms. Scott had a good balance between meaningful and fun bringing a full picture to her audience. Every character in this work added to it and stood out in their own ways.

Kylie Scott's take on modern love and inclusiveness is always subtle yet integral to her work. With sharp wit and kind gestures feelings never are never undermined in this author's writing nor does she gloss over flaws. Kylie Scott's Text Appeal gives a spark to the mundane and offers a quick and delightful read to her audience!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *

The Deals We Make

By: Scarlett Cole

Release Date: ‎ October 17, 2024

Publisher: Kadelo Group Ltd

Author Website: http://www.scarlettcole.com/

4 Stars

A past confronts the present and dictates the future in S.Cole's The Deals We Make for an emotional and consequential read!

Tiberius "Vex" Williams had tried to make peace with his life's path but underlying his seeming acceptance was a feeling of unsettled business and what if's. Vex easily took on the mantle of devoted and loyal with his strong sense of responsibility. Calista Moray was too smart for her own good and accompanied by her beauty she was constantly on the defensive in life.

This couple came with past baggage that complicated their relationship. They were not even each other's the one that got away but the unfinished business that held their future happiness captive. Their steamy attraction fogged their clarity when it came to making rational decisions where their relationship was concerned and made for some feisty interactions. When this pair recognized their feelings for each other and accepted them they fell hard as all the obstacles of the past got swept aside.

As a series the Iron Outlaws dealt with an abundance of serious and dark issues but this author found a way to lighten the heaviness of her characters burdens with humor and the bonds of friendship. There were many comedic moments in this series in a subgenre that often does not have them. Socially aware Ms. Cole offered insightful story lines and did not shy away from confronting difficult subject matter.

S. Cole aka Scarlett Cole is all about exploring her character's feelings from every angle possible. With heartfelt writing this author offers genuine stories that are aimed at her readers' hearts. As the New Jersey chapter of the Iron Outlaws wraps up and the Colorado Chapter of the Iron Outlaws awaits its debut, S. Cole takes the bittersweet ending of one series and leaves readers eagerly anticipating another!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone, but for an overall enhanced reading experience reading the previous books in this series is suggested.*