Archives for November 2025

* Review * CHRISTMAS COTTAGE GETAWAY by Tara Taylor Quinn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CHRISTMAS COTTAGE GETAWAY by Tara Taylor QuinnChristmas Cottage Getaway by Tara Taylor Quinn
Series: The Cottages on Ocean Breeze #3
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on November 25, 2025
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five-stars

Christmas, canines and courtship…

Dale Wilson’s life hasn’t been “good” since his beloved wife died—at least until Millie Monroe moves to Ocean Breeze. Dale and his dog Juice can’t help but be drawn to the pediatric nurse. A widow herself, Millie understands not wanting romance. Finding unexpected common ground has given them both a friendship they’ve craved. Plus, their respective pups have become friends, too! But Dale has a secret—he’s bestselling author WG Gunder. Not something he readily wants to admit to the woman in his heart…and his bed. Perhaps the Christmas spirit can teach him that sometimes happily-ever-after is disguised as a new beginning…

 

Heart-wrenchingly beautiful! This is the third book in Quinn’s Cottages on Ocean Breeze series by Harlequin Special Edition. It’s the first I’ve had a chance to read in the series, but I didn’t find it troublesome to pick up because it was well developed in who the neighbors are along the beach and how they connect to each other. Dale and Millie are each widowed and still craving solitude as they pick up the pieces of their lives years after their losses. They connect innocently and with several canine companions to bring comfort and interaction along the way. This is definitely not a lighthearted holiday read, so don’t go into it thinking that it is. Instead, it’s a pathway of healing and a beacon of hope that you can find life and sometimes even love and happiness again after loss. It’s beautifully written and highly emotional. Loved their happily ever after!

five-stars

* Review * THE CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Melinda Curtis

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Melinda CurtisThe Christmas Cowboy by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Cowboy Academy #9
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on November 25, 2025
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Will he find the ultimate present…

Or lose his heart?

Zane Duvall has one goal this Christmas: attend all Twelve Parties of Clementine and win the grand prize—a small ranch he’s always dreamed of owning. But his plan hits a snag when his well-meaning family decides he needs a holiday romance to go with his holiday cheer. Lily Smith has come to town to confront a man claiming to be her father—and ends up facing a lot of questions she’s not ready to answer. When Zane proposes a fake relationship to keep nosy citizens and matchmakers at bay, Lily agrees. After all, it’s just pretend…right? But when family secrets and old wounds come to light, will their budding romance survive the season?

 

Heartfelt and emotionally riveting! The next book in The Cowboy Academy series brings my favorite couple of the series so far! There’s just something about Zane and Lily that call to me. They both have kind hearts and are searching for their place in the world and the instant they connect, it’s clear they are going to goad each other into great times together. There is humor mixed with heartache as well as buttinsky matchmakers putting roadblocks in their way as their friendship develops over the weeks leading up to the holidays. I loved the backdrop of the festivities around town and the twist of the magical horse. Really enjoyed and highly recommend this book as well as the series as a whole!

* Review * BOSS’S CHRISTMAS BABY ACQUISITION by Dani Collins

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BOSS’S CHRISTMAS BABY ACQUISITION by Dani CollinsBoss's Christmas Baby Acquisition by Dani Collins
Series: The Sauveterre Siblings
Published by Harlequin Presents on November 25, 2025
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four-half-stars

Not on her Christmas list…
A baby with the boss!

Securing her dream job demanded celebration. Cue Siobhan Upton’s sultry Spanish night with a stranger. She starts her first day with his touch still branding her skin—only to discover he’s Joaquin Valezquez, her new CEO. And the season’s surprises don’t stop there!

Siobhan’s pregnancy complicates things for ultra-rich Joaquin. Though children weren’t on his agenda, he won’t continue his father’s cycle of volatile callousness. Supporting his heir is his duty. But every professional and personal rule puts Siobhan off-limits—even if she is Joaquin’s most forbidden festive desire…

 

Fast paced and addictive! A one night stand with the man who will unexpectedly soon become her new boss leads to temptation and more. I highly enjoyed Siobhan and Joaquin’s story. There’s passion, angst and family drama all rolled into one. The characters definitely peaked my interest from the very first page and I enjoyed their connection. I wanted more development of family especially on her side, as well as with his bro’s kids to make it a bit more heartfelt and rounded, but overall a very enjoyable read and a satisfying happily ever after.

four-half-stars

* Review * MERRY MAYHEM by Erin Nicholas

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MERRY MAYHEM by Erin NicholasMerry Mayhem by Erin Nicholas
Published by EN Fiction on November 21, 2025
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four-stars

In Rebel, Louisiana, Christmas isn’t a holiday—it’s a full-contact sport.

As a firefighter, I thought I’d seen holiday chaos before—fires caused by too many string lights, a Santa stuck in a chimney, one unfortunate incident with a candy cane—but this small town takes Christmas to a whole new level.

It all starts when I'm asked to pose as a fake boyfriend for the town’s annual holiday competition. Easy gig: play games, drink cocoa, smile big, take home the trophy.

But my "date's" plans go sideways—literally—and while she’s in the hospital, I’m left to handle all the plastic candy canes, Grinch impersonators, and deconstructed gingerbread houses with her sister instead. Single mom Thea is the calm, practical one who wants nothing to do with small-town drama… or me.

Too bad sparks fly anyway. Between her no-nonsense attitude, that soft heart she tries to hide, and the way she looks at me in the dark hallway when everyone else is asleep? It's not the tree at risk of going up in flames. Because this feels real and now I know exactly what I’m asking Santa for this year.

Christmas in Rebel isn’t just Merry—it’s absolutely Mayhem.

 

Humorous and downright addictive! Nicholas sure knows how to deliver on unforgettable characters and humor! This book will hit a particular high for her die hard fans because we get a cameo from a few of our favorite cajuns! I loved the premise of the book and it was fast paced and highly entertaining. The development of their backgrounds and their relationship wasn’t top notch, but it was enough to make me feel comfortable with them and want to see them succeed and be together. There’s almost a separate story playing out with the fun loving comedy of the holiday contest event being front and center, but the side note of trying to get Josh and Thea panned out into a believable match up. I loved their characters and loved the laughter. If it was an ongoing series, I would definitely want better development, but as a one off filled with Christmas spirit, I was happy!

four-stars

* Review Blitz/Review * IRRESISTIBLY WICKED by Melissa Foster

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review Blitz/Review * IRRESISTIBLY WICKED by Melissa FosterIrresistibly Wicked by Melissa Foster
Series: The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #7
Published by World Literary Press on November 19, 2025
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five-stars

When the woman who helps save his life needs a little saving herself, Zander takes on a role he never saw himself playing—husband of convenience. Irresistibly Wicked may be enjoyed as a standalone romance or as part of the larger series.

Zander Wicked lives life fast, on his bike, on the job, and with women. But one split second shatters his world and forces him to face truths he’s spent a lifetime outrunning. His family doubts he can change, but Zander knows better, and when the woman who helped save him needs more than a little help herself, he sets out to prove everyone wrong.

Shauna Flores knows what it means to fight for survival. As an EMT and a person in recovery, she’s rebuilt her life piece by piece while carrying the weight of a best friend she refuses to give up on. The last thing she expects is to end up bound to a man like Zander Wicked, or to find herself in a marriage of convenience that blurs every line between right and wrong.

Two people with checkered pasts, an arrangement that ties them together, and a future neither sees coming—one that will test their limits, their loyalties, and the lengths they’re willing to go to for the people they love.

 

I loved them so hard! Foster delights her readers time and time again with her kindhearted hunks and the women who steal their hearts the second they lay eyes on them, but Zander and Shauna just might be my favorite Foster couple yet! If you follow my blog and see me devour her books often, you’ll understand just how powerful that statement is. Zander is a player who has a life changing moment that makes him see life for just how precious it is and decide to step forward with a different outtake. Shauna grew up in a horrible way and went on to self medicate the pain but has turned the corner and gotten her life together and is on a path to success for once in her life. Crossing paths with Zander feels meant to be and she can’t resist the imaginary tie that keeps pulling her to his side. Each has an interesting back story and a family and like-family connection that binds them. I loved their intensity and the pure kindness and likability they shared with each other from the start. This fake romance turns all too real and I loved every single minute of it! I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys as much heart poured onto the pages as romance. Great family and love that lasts forever!

 

 

 

five-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * FORMULA DREAMS by Sawyer Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * FORMULA DREAMS by Sawyer BennettFormula Dreams by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Race Fever #4
Published by Big Dog Books on November 18, 2025
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five-stars

Things heat up on and off the track when the first female driver in Formula International history goes head-to-head with one of the sport’s biggest names. Formula Dreams is a high-speed enemies-to-lovers standalone romance.

Francesca Accardi is rewriting the record books at Titans Racing. With the first female team owner in her corner and the weight of history on her shoulders, she knows the only way to silence doubters is to win. Every lap. Every race.

Ronan Barnes dominates on Sunday and dares the world to judge him on Monday. Arrogant, electric, relentless, he has no time for niceties—or for the rookie who refuses to yield. Forced together for press tours and charity laps, their sniping becomes a spark neither can shake. But rival teams don’t tolerate distractions, sponsors spook fast, and one misstep could cost Francesca her seat and Ronan his shot at the championship.

When Ronan’s private life—and his mother’s addiction—become an issue he can no longer avoid, Francesca is there as his emotional support. Compassion cracks his armor. He defends her in the paddock; she stands beside him when it matters. Enemies become allies. Allies become something no rule book can define.

With a title on the line, they must choose: her hard-won seat, his crown, or a future together—if they dare cross the line.

 

By far my favorite in the series! Sawyer Bennett is delivering on high octane drama with her Race Fever series and I’m highly enjoying every minute. This particular book hit me in the feels, particularly one major event that is very emotional and unexpected and that leaves a whole in what could have been in the series. I connected easily with both Francesca and Ronan and couldn’t have enjoyed their characters more. They were well developed with a lot of heart put into the groundwork that made them who they are. The supporting cast was a mix of family, co-workers, and distractions. There’s a lot of action in this series since it takes place around the race track a lot, but there’s also a lot of camaraderie and friendship. I’m hoping there’s a lot more to come in the series because it just keeps getting better.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to a fan of racing, exhilaration and co-workers who keep finding their forever loves when they least expect it.

 

 

 

FORMULA DREAMS
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: November 18

Things heat up on and off the track when the first female driver in Formula International
history goes head-to-head with one of the sport’s biggest names. Formula Dreams is a high-
speed enemies-to-lovers standalone romance.

Francesca Accardi is rewriting the record books at Titans Racing. With the first female team
owner in her corner and the weight of history on her shoulders, she knows the only way to
silence doubters is to win. Every lap. Every race.

Ronan Barnes dominates on Sunday and dares the world to judge him on Monday. Arrogant,
electric, relentless, he has no time for niceties—or for the rookie who refuses to yield. Forced
together for press tours and charity laps, their sniping becomes a spark neither can shake.
But rival teams don’t tolerate distractions, sponsors spook fast, and one misstep could cost
Francesca her seat and Ronan his shot at the championship.

When Ronan’s private life—and his mother’s addiction—become an issue he can no longer
avoid, Francesca is there as his emotional support. Compassion cracks his armor. He defends
her in the paddock; she stands beside him when it matters. Enemies become allies. Allies
become something no rule book can define.

With a title on the line, they must choose: her hard-won seat, his crown, or a future together—if
they dare cross the line.

Buy Links:
��Ebook https://geni.us/STORE_FormuDreamsEbook
�� Audio https://geni.us/STORE_FormuDreamsAudio

 

Meet Sawyer Bennett:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life
experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary
romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just
about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur,
stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to
her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter
(sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer Bennett:
https://geni.us/SawyerBennett

 

five-stars

* Review * UNDER THE MARSHAL’S PROTECTION by Anna J. Stewart

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * UNDER THE MARSHAL’S PROTECTION by Anna J. StewartUnder the Marshal's Protection by Anna J. Stewart
Series: The McKenna Code #2
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on November 25, 2025
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four-half-stars

He wants to protect her…

From herself

US Marshal Howell McKenna has every reason to mistrust federal prosecutor Kara Gallagher. He’s also dedicated to his job. When she asks for his help convicting a mobster, he agrees—because it’s the right thing to do, and because her emotional attachment to the case means she’s in danger. Working together, they discover that putting their past behind them is easier than ignoring the heat that simmers between them. And, as an already-menacing case takes unexpected twists, Howell’s not always sure that Kara wants justice more than she wants revenge…

 

The suspense grabs you from the very beginning! The second book in Stewart’s McKenna Code series brings us Howell’s story when he connects with a federal prosecutor who wants his help with a case that’s very personal to her. Danger begins following their every move very early on in the book and continues to be just around every corner throughout the majority. The characters are both interesting and well developed, but I really wanted a little more development with his kids, ex-wife, ex work partner, etc. to leave all of my curiosity satisfied. Overall though, well developed and thought out plot with twists I wasn’t expecting. I highly enjoyed their story and look forward to more to come in the series!

four-half-stars

* Review * EVERY LAST ONE by Carolyn Arnold

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * EVERY LAST ONE by Carolyn ArnoldEvery Last One by Carolyn Arnold
Series: Sandra Vos #2
Published by Bookouture on November 18, 2025
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four-half-stars

As a top negotiator for the FBI, Special Agent Sandra Vos is skilled at talking hostage takers down. But when four gunmen storm into Founders Hospital, plunging it into lockdown, she knows just how many lives depend on her.

With a total communications blackout and every aspect of the attack carefully planned out, it appears to have been an inside job. But when a surprise call comes from a victim trapped inside, Sandra realizes the situation is even worse than she imagined. A four-year-old girl is scheduled for life-saving heart surgery. If doctors can’t get to her by tonight, she will die.

With more pressure to bring this incident to a swift end, gunfire rings out, and it’s clear the hostage takers are prepared to kill to get what they want. But just when Sandra thinks all is lost, she learns the hostage takers’ motive is very personal.

Can Sandra use this information to urge them to surrender? Can she even meet their demands? With the clock ticking and countless lives at stake, this will be Sandra’s most heartbreaking negotiation yet.

 

High octane suspense at it’s best! The second book in Carolyn Arnold’s Sandra Vos series did NOT disappoint! The danger rears it’s ugly head from the very first chapter and the reader is taken on an emotional and tumultuous journey through several character’s lives as a catastrophic situation unfolds during a hostage situation at a hospital. The heart of the story is well laid out, developed throughout and easy to follow. There is tension, fear and desperation surrounding the scene throughout most of the book. I was hooked until the very end and really enjoyed the suspense. I wanted a little more downtime with Sandra to reconnect with her and her family again after the first book in the series shared her background with us, but overall the book was top notch with not much lacking. I highly recommend it as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced FBI procedural with lots of heart and dedication. I’m looking forward to seeing Sandra again soon!

four-half-stars

* Review * CHRISTMAS SECURITY by Lisa Childs

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CHRISTMAS SECURITY by Lisa ChildsChristmas Security by Lisa Childs
Series: Bachelor Bodyguards #16
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on November 25, 2025
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five-stars

They’re dodging a killer

And finding each other

Biophysicist Dr. Priscilla Pell fears for her life—and the life of her unborn child. Living in the mansion where she’s still unwelcome among her late husband’s family, she doesn’t know whether the threats are coming from inside or outside. That’s why she hires professional security. She’s grateful for Blade Sparks’s around-the-clock protection, but his constant presence makes it impossible to ignore the effect he has on her. After a Christmas-shopping excursion that should be a distraction takes a lethal turn, Priscilla and Blade can no longer pretend that their relationship is purely professional…

 

I was hooked from start to finish! Lisa Childs is adding a hunky addition to her Bachelor Bodyguards series just in time for the holidays. Blade is kindhearted and sincere and though he’s overcoming a past he doesn’t look back on fondly, he’s determined to do the job he loves and make life better for all around him. His current case is that of pregnant widow physicist Priscilla. Her situation isn’t at all what he was expecting, but it just makes the danger that much more difficult to pin down when he enters her mansion. There is danger lurking around every corner, and lots of twists and suspicion throughout. This was a fast paced story and held my attention throughout. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys lots of suspense with an addictive romance!

five-stars

* Review * PHANTOM’S HEALING by Chelle Bliss

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PHANTOM’S HEALING by Chelle BlissPhantom's Healing by Chelle Bliss
Series: Hurricane Heat MC #2
Published by Bliss Ink on November 25, 2025
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four-half-stars

Phantom’s more than a little rough around the edges, but his daughters keep him humble and on his toes. When his ex-wife ditches the girls and skips out on the bill, Phantom’s called in to set things right. The last thing he expects to find at the hair salon is a woman who makes his heart skip a beat. She’s beautiful and more than anything, she’s kind and treats his girls better than his ex-wife ever has in their short lives.

Poppy’s a single mother, juggling a business with little time for herself. After the death of her husband, she’s left to pick up the pieces and keep their lives running smoothly. She’s almost worn out when a handsome biker, flashing a killer smile and rippling muscles, does everything he can to sweep her off her feet.

And the sexy motorcycle man doesn’t like taking no for an answer, leaving Poppy’s head spinning and her heart beating a little stronger than it ever has before.

Phantom’s Healing is the story of two broken souls who find love and redemption in each other’s arms along with a happily ever after.

 

She had him from hello! Tough guy and MC prez Phantom typically only melts at the hands of his two teen daughters, but there’s just something about Poppy that has him the second he lays eyes on her. I loved the meet cute between her and his kiddos and then him too. There was angst and drama, but there was an equal amount of sweet innocence with their kids and a sensual love story for them. The characters were fairly well developed, although I felt like we could have seen more of the MC brotherhood for sure other than just when tension was high. The plot had good follow through with only a small hole or two. Overall a very satisfying and entertaining story. I can’t wait for more to come in the series!

I highly recommend this book as well as the first one in the series to anyone that enjoys a laid back MC with brothers that are there to help and there to party as each one finds their one to settle down with.

four-half-stars