Archives for February 2026

* Review * ONE QUICK OBSESSION by Carrie Ann Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONE QUICK OBSESSION by Carrie Ann RyanOne Quick Obsession by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: The Cage Family #4
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on March 9, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

“Who Hurt You?”

When Hudson Cage asked those words, I shut him out just as I did the rest of those who cared for me. It’s been a year since I made one of the worst choices of my life but now I am stronger and following the path I’ve carved myself.

As manager of the Cage Resort, I want to bring the company into a new era and show the larger than life family that I worth so much more than what my father and ex said I was.

Only to do that, I have to deal with Hudson. The man I can’t get off my mind.

And my neighbor in this small town of ours.

We fight more than we speak to one another, and his over protectiveness is starting to become far too attractive. He holds secrets within those stormy eyes and the part of me that knows it’s a mistake wants to dive deep and know more.

When one lack of control turns to another, there’s no turning back from what we could have. Yet the darkness on each of our paths are closing in.

I don’t want to love Hudson Cage, but if we don’t give in and learn to trust, we both could risk losing it all before we even have a chance.

**One Quick Obsession is an enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, small town romance featuring Hudson and Scarlett. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**

 

I’m loving this family more with every book! The fourth book in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Cage Family series is centering on Hudson and his enemy turned lover Scarlett. I love the closeness this fam is starting to show with every interconnection with both groups of siblings. They are growing and supporting and just making for a very happy setting for us to join in on like we are one of the fam. This particular book had a lot of emotion with both of their back stories and with things going on in both families currently as well. I loved the connection they grew to have once they let their guards down and truly got to know each other. The family is big, but getting more familiar with each siblings book, and the closeness they are achieving against all the odds they were given is really heartwarming. Great characters, lots of turmoil to work through and a sexy happily ever after. The flash to set up the next book has me super anxious for that one to come!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming family backdrop as each sibling sets out on finding their happily ever after. They started out estranged and unknown to each other, but they are becoming one big caring unit that I’m loving spending time with!

four-half-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * ALMOST RUINED by Abby Millsaps

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * ALMOST RUINED by Abby MillsapsAlmost Ruined by Abby Millsaps
Series: Men of Evercrisp Orchard #3
on February 25, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

I told Mercer I’d never forgive him, and I meant every word of that promise.

He hurt Tytus in the most awful, deleterious way while Noah just stood by and let it happen.

All three men in my life have contributed to the toxic, unnecessary agony of our collective heartache, but I’m the one who brought them together. This is all my fault. Everything is ruined, and I have no one to blame but myself.

I almost captured that once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, and I was lucky enough to experience it three times over. But almost has never been enough.

I’ll miss Mercer’s bold, dominant attentiveness just as much as I’ll yearn for Noah’s sweet, gentle brand of care. I’ll spend the rest of my life craving Ty’s intense possessiveness.

It all ends now.

I refuse to choose between them, so I’m opting out entirely. I’d rather break my own heart and mourn the loss of them for the rest of my life than let them hurt each other ever again.

 

The highly anticipated conclusion to the Men of Evercrisp Orchard trilogy is addictive and attention grabbing for sure! We are quickly thrust back into the turmoil from the cliffhanger of book two and taken on a roller coaster ride for the first couple of chapters to see what the outcome for Tytus is going to be. Sawyer quickly disappointed me and buried her head in the sand and went back to her wild ways to cope with the trauma of the time. I really thought she had grown during her time with Mercer and Noah, but the communication they had instilled in her quickly crumbled. That part of the book in and of itself tainted my enjoyment, and unfortunately she didn’t redeem herself much at all. I loved the connection that Noah manages to forge with Tytus and feel like if the development of the entire story had stayed on that same wavelength it would have flowed much better. Instead, we had a whole lot of her desperation, too much physical emphasis being put forward in the story instead of giving it the depth it needed with some true communication and spoken affirmation of what everyone was feeling, wanting and deserving. Some true therapy needed to be happening here. Overall, I enjoyed the trilogy and was truly hooked throughout to see what was going to happen, but this conclusion needed more depth and growth to make me walk away feeling fulfilled with what this relationship is truly going to be moving forward. I’m walking away with some disappointment.

 

 

 

Almost Ruined by Abby Millsaps is now live!

Mutual destruction makes way for hope and healing in Almost Ruined, the third and final book in the new dark, why choose, college hockey romance series from bestselling author Abby Millsaps.

I told Mercer I’d never forgive him, and I meant every word of that promise.

He hurt Tytus in the most awful, deleterious way while Noah just stood by and let it happen.

All three men in my life have contributed to the toxic, unnecessary agony of our collective heartache, but I’m the one who brought them together. This is all my fault. Everything is ruined, and I have no one to blame but myself.

I almost captured that once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, and I was lucky enough to experience it three times over. But almost has never been enough.

I’ll miss Mercer’s bold, dominant attentiveness just as much as I’ll yearn for Noah’s sweet, gentle brand of care. I’ll spend the rest of my life craving Ty’s intense possessiveness.

It all ends now.

I refuse to choose between them, so I’m opting out entirely. I’d rather break my own heart and mourn the loss of them for the rest of my life than let them hurt each other ever again.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://bit.ly/4nBzkn4

Start reading Almost Ravaged, book 1 in the Men of Evercrisp Orchard series!

https://geni.us/AlmostRavaged

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Lt48ZL

four-stars

* Review * BLOODLUST by Sandra Brown

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BLOODLUST by Sandra BrownBloodlust by Sandra Brown
Published by Grand Central Publishing on March 17, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

Two years ago, Detective Mitch Haskell lost his wife to a vicious act of retribution, and has since attributed her murder to two men: Roland Malone and the unidentified mastermind of the crime known only as Oz. Malone, a ruthless executioner and drug dealer who fronts as a restaurant owner, neutralizes so cleanly that he doesn’t leave a trace. And he performs his handiwork at the biddings of Oz, the faceless kingpin of a drug trafficking operation whose name alone evokes terror.

Obsessively vowing to avenge his late wife’s murder, Mitch has been on a downward spiral, jeopardizing his closest relationships and drinking excessively to numb his pain. After going one step too far, Detective John Bowie, his former best friend and now his boss, has forced Mitch to get therapy to sort himself out.

Dr. Dylan Reede is immediately empathetic to the pain she senses beneath Mitch’s cavalier attitude and wisecracking. She’s determined to make the most of his mandated sessions. But from the moment Mitch breezes into her office, Dylan finds it a struggle to maintain the professional and personal boundaries that keep her own tragic past at a safe distance.

As Mitch begins to close in on Oz and Malone’s operation, they’re prepared to stop him by any means necessary. And when it’s revealed that Dylan might hold the key to bringing them to justice, Mitch and Dylan’s irresistible attraction to each other may not only compromise both of them professionally, but place them in Oz’s bullseye.

 

Action packed and heartfelt! I was quickly hooked as we are thrust into Detective Mitch Haskell’s life of him still trying to pick up the pieces after his wife’s death. The book was a little unorthodox as it let us in on some tidbits of what really happened and of the inner workings of one of the perpetrators right from the start and throughout the majority of the book instead of keeping us totally in the dark as is often the case. It was interesting and added angst to the story. I was intrigued from start to finish and felt like the characters were attention grabbing and the plot set up well. I felt like his friendship with John added a lot to the story and made him feel approachable. I wanted a bit more at the end where it felt abrupt and up in the air a bit, but overall really enjoyed the book.

four-half-stars

* Review * DUKE by Jessica Peterson

* Review * DUKE by Jessica PetersonDuke by Jessica Peterson
Series: Lucky River Ranch #4
Published by Peterson Paperbacks, LLC on December 2, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

One chance meeting on a Texas ranch.

One wild, too-charming cowboy.

One snowed-in night that changes everything.

Wheeler Rankin isn’t here for romance—she’s come to Lucky River Ranch to visit her best friend, wrangle a business deal, and prove herself to everyone who ever doubted her. But when she collides with Duke Rivers—resident heartbreaker, restless cowboy, and brother to her best friend’s new flame—sparks fly hotter than a Texas summer.

Duke has always dreamed of more than dusty trails and small-town life. He’s itching to see the world, but one unforgettable night with Wheeler changes his course. When a blizzard and a business road trip leave them stranded together, their no-strings flirtation ignites into something deeper.

But passion brings complications—and unexpected news threatens to upend everything Wheeler’s built. As family pressures, old wounds, and new dreams collide, Duke is determined to stand by her side, ready to forge a future neither of them ever imagined.

Can two fiercely independent souls trust in love, face their fears, and find home in each other’s arms? Or will the ghosts of the past keep them apart for good?

 

Just when I thought I had found my favorite Rivers brother in Sawyer, along comes cinnamon roll Duke who falls hard and fast for love when he least expects it. He had me from hello!

Wheeler is a doll. She’s hardworking, supportive and intent to make her dreams come true. She has a troubled family life that makes it difficult for her to believe in happily ever after, but Duke slowly eases his way under her skin and has her second guessing her attitude. When life hits her with yet another roadblock, she has to dig deep and let Duke support her enough to be able to find her way through the turmoil to be able to see a forever. There is a touchy topic in play during a good bit of this book that might trigger some.

Highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family of cowboy brothers who work, play and love hard. Each brother is finding their forever and bringing them into the Rivers fold and it’s absolutely heartwarming to spend time with them.

five-stars

* Review * SAVAGE’S SALVATION by Chelle Bliss

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SAVAGE’S SALVATION by Chelle BlissSavage's Salvation by Chelle Bliss
Series: Hurricane Heat MC #3
Published by Bliss Ink on March 3, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Surrender. Redemption. Salvation.

Savage never wanted the responsibility of a family. but when a weapons deal brings him face-to-face with a terrified woman and her infant daughter trapped in a sweltering truck, his instincts take over.

Claire’s a single mother used to living under the thumb of violent men. When a biker buys her freedom, she worries she’s been traded to another monster. She starts planning her escape, convinced no man does anything out of the kindness of his heart.

But Savage is determined to prove her wrong. He offers her safe haven and a promise: no one will ever hurt them again. And the moment baby Aurora’s tiny fingers wrap around his, the hardened biker knows the future he’d planned isn’t the only thing in jeopardy.

 

Savage just might be my favorite of this MC! The third book of Bliss’s Hurricane Heat MC series brings Savage to the forefront and gives us his backstory as he stumbles across a damsel in distress who ends up winding herself around his heart. I felt like Claire could have had a smidge more development on her past, but overall the characters were well laid out and enjoyable. Seeing his gentle side come into play was really endearing, especially when he reconnects with his past. I always want to see a bit more of the MC, but the tension was a bit higher this time so that added to the excitement.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys an MC romance filled with heart, passion and some angst and danger thrown in here and there. Fast paced and addictive!

five-stars

* Review * SAWYER by Jessica Peterson

* Review * SAWYER by Jessica PetersonSawyer by Jessica Peterson
Series: Lucky River Ranch #3
Published by Peterson Paperbacks, LLC on April 24, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

As a recently divorced single mom, I have zero interest in flirting with guys while on a rare girls’ weekend away with my sisters. I just want to have fun, celebrate my new job, and listen to live music at a honky tonk.

But when I literally stumble into the most gorgeous guy ever on the dance floor, those plans go up in smoke. Growing up on the barrel racing circuit, I’ve seen my fair share of sexy cowboys. But this particular one is hot as hell: Sawyer’s got a mustache, tattoos, and a very filthy mouth.

Needless to say, we end up naked in his swanky hotel room. It’s the best sex of my life. And the way Sawyer treats me like a queen? A girl could get used to that kind of adoration.

Good thing he’ll only be a one-night stand I can look back on with a smile. I’m rebuilding my life from scratch, and I need to focus on my three-year-old daughter and the dream job I just landed.

Imagine my surprise, then, when I move to Hartsville and run into a tattooed cowboy with an adorable daughter of his own. Now, Sawyer wants more than the occasional playdates between our girls. But the closer we become, the more determined this sexy single dad is to keep me forever.

As much as I’m falling for Sawyer, I’m terrified. I’ve been down this road before with my ex, and I wonder if I can trust this cowboy. Will he rope the moon for me? Or is my heart destined to be trampled all over again?

 

My favorite Rivers brother … so far! Cash and Wyatt were fun, but Sawyer is just the best. He’s a great father, a goodhearted human and accepts all of the stress in the world onto his shoulders and just keeps on trucking. I loved seeing him find love and get to relax and enjoy the life he’s been blessed with.

Ava is a doll. She has an adorable daughter June who fits right into the pack as she becomes Ella’s little bestie and she has a mind filled with what she wants out of life now that she’s starting over.

Both characters are well developed, their meet cute was sexy and adorable and their warmth and affection as they grow into their relationship is really heartwarming. I can’t wait to see more of this lil’ fam in the series yet to come. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a down to earth cowboy romance with lots of humor, love and passion.

five-stars

* Review * DISTANCE by Luna Mason

* Review * DISTANCE by Luna MasonDistance by Luna Mason
Series: Beneath the Mask #1
Published by Kensington Books on November 19, 2024
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

Keller
From a poor, underground street fighter, I rose to fame as the world heavyweight boxing champion. No one knew I was also a monster who hunted in the shadows. Trapped in the mafia until my debts were paid. A simple deal held my freedom- unify my belts. It seemed simple until an enchanting British firecracker landed on my lap, knocking me sideways. Wanting her was dangerous for us both, but I took her anyway. Leaving me with the choice, fight for my freedom or hers. When the truth is unmasked, could she still love me? Would love be enough to battle our demons and come out on top?

Sienna
Newly single and focusing on building my life in New York, I’ve sworn off men for the foreseeable. No one had ever stuck around long enough to let me believe in fairytales anyway. That was until him. He tried to hide himself from me but I couldn’t stay away. When the mask shattered and the truth was revealed, could I still stay? Even if it meant my life was at stake. Could we get past our fear of love and fight for our Happily Ever After?

 

The characters are quick to draw you in with drama galore! The first book in Luna Mason’s Beneath the Mask series was fast paced and definitely addictive. While there was a whole lot of various things going on at once that did distract from the main characters, I was still drawn to them and turning page after page to find out what was going to happen next. I feel both characters could have been developed a tad more, she in particular didn’t have a huge amount of back story. I’m hooked on the group and will be back to see what the second book has in store.

four-stars

* Re-Release Blitz/Review * ACE by Kat Mizera

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Re-Release Blitz/Review * ACE by Kat MizeraAce by Kat Mizera
Series: Royal Protectors Companion Novel
on February 23, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

He lives in the shadows.
She’s the one he never forgot.

Life as a CIA operative is full of danger but it’s also painfully lonely. Living under the radar doesn’t leave room for relationships, let alone the white-picket-fence future she wanted.
There was someone once.
I walked away.
And I never stopped regretting it.
Now my years of service are catching up with me, and I’m finally ready for something different. I just never expected that change to be Shannon—or that she’d be in serious trouble.
One kiss. One mistake. One feeling I can’t shake.
The man in me still wants her.
The soldier in me will protect her at all costs.
She doesn’t want my help. She doesn’t trust the life I live. But I’m done walking away—especially when someone is watching her, closing in, and pushing us toward a confrontation neither of us is prepared for.
Even if saving her means losing her… again.

Author's Note: Ace falls into the Royal Protectors series as book 1.5 and was formerly published under the title "Cocky Protector" as part of the Cocky Heroes Club series.

Suspenseful and quick to catch your attention! This book is a companion novel to Mizera’s Royal Protectors series because he knows and talks with King Erik and company during the book, but this particular story doesn’t have a lot to do with Limaj or the royal family, just a side bit about plans, etc. I was quickly hooked by Shannon’s stalker and on their past connection. There’s a lot to like about their backstory, but there’s also bits that are distracting that didn’t really play out well … like the outcome of who was doing what for what reason. It fell a bit flat. I enjoyed seeing them find their way to each other and get their happily ever after though!
  • Takes you a ways back in time of the Royal Protectors series and was previously released as Cocky Protector as part of the Cocky Heroes Club series
     

ACE

Kat Mizera

Release Date: February 23

Available in Kindle Unlimited

He lives in the shadows. She’s the one he never forgot. Life as a CIA operative is full of danger but it’s also painfully lonely. Living under the radar doesn’t leave room for relationships, let alone the white-picket-fence future she wanted. There was someone once. I walked away. And I never stopped regretting it. Now my years of service are catching up with me, and I’m finally ready for something different. I just never expected that change to be Shannon—or that she’d be in serious trouble. One kiss. One mistake. One feeling I can’t shake. The man in me still wants her. The soldier in me will protect her at all costs. She doesn’t want my help. She doesn’t trust the life I live. But I’m done walking away—especially when someone is watching her, closing in, and pushing us toward a confrontation neither of us is prepared for. Even if saving her means losing her… again. This romantic suspense features second-chance love, a protective alpha hero, high-stakes danger, and a woman who may be the key to his redemption—or his undoing. Author’s Note: Ace falls into the Royal Protectors series as book 1.5 and was formerly published under the title “Cocky Protector” as part of the Cocky Heroes Club series. Grab your copy! https://amzn.to/3NR9BuC
Meet Kat Mizera:
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Kat Mizera was born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of Wanderlust. She’s lived from coast to coast, and everywhere in between, but home is wherever her family is. A devoted mom and wife to her wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max), Kat loves to travel the globe with her adventurous, hockey loving family. Greece is at the top of that list. She hopes to one day retire there, spending her days writing books on the beach. Kat is former freelance sports writer who now writes steamy hockey romance about her favorite fictional teams, the Las Vegas Sidewinders and the Lauderdale Knights. The library of novels she’s penned also include sexy contemporary stories about baseball stars, alpha sex club owners, bodyguards, rock stars, and royalty. Regardless of genre, her books about bad boys with hearts of gold will steal your breath, rock your world and melt your heart. To find out about Kat Mizera’s upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here For more information on Kat Mizera and her books visit: https://katmizera.com/ Connect with Kat Mizera: https://katmizera.com/pages/contact-kat Hosted By:
 
four-stars

* Review * TOP SHELF STUD by Kate Meader

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TOP SHELF STUD by Kate MeaderTop Shelf Stud by Kate Meader
Series: Chicago Players #3
Published by Kate Meader LLC on February 24, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

five-stars




The snail doc wants a baby. I volunteered to do the deed. But it isn’t long before I realize a “donation” will never be enough. I want to be a dad, but most of all, I want her.

Franky

When confronted with the cold, hard facts of her diminishing chances to be a mom, what’s a woman of science to do?

Make a spreadsheet of eligible donors, of course.

Finding a man for life is not in the cards, but one for this singular purpose? I can do that. As the daughter of a Chicago Rebels legend and an expert in the field of gastropods—more commonly known as snails and slugs—I have plenty of choices in the worlds of both hockey and academia. The selection process should be easy, especially as my methodology has already eliminated several options, including Jason Isner, childhood nemesis and recently acquired defenseman for the Rebels. I’ve always considered him arrogant, cruel, and to be honest, not the brightest bulb.

I’m rarely wrong. But I might have been mistaken about Jason . . .

Jason

I surprised even myself when I offered to be Franky St. James’s baby daddy, but fatherhood has been a dream of mine forever. If I can achieve my goal without the hassle of a relationship, even better. I won’t be one of those “pump and dump” donors, though. I want the whole package: nighttime feedings, shopping for cute onesies, teaching my kid to skate. I’m in it for life, and as Franky and I travel this road together, I start to imagine what that life might look like. Not just a baby, but a family of my own.

The thing is, the doc has all sorts of hypotheses about jocks and relationships, and it’s going to take a lot of persuasion—sexy and otherwise—to prove her wrong. She might think the mating rituals of her beloved snails are the only “coupling” worth studying, but I’m determined to show her that when it comes to seeking a mate, this player is as driven as any species in the animal kingdom.

Because making a baby is just the beginning . . .

 

Meader makes even her quirkiest heroine ever shine! Let’s be honest … lots of talk about snails mating is not romance book material … but Franky St. James is just adorable enough to carry it off and do it while making a sexy hockey god fall head over heals for her. Score!

The next book in the Chicago Players series still keeps Theo Kershaw’s family in the forefront by bringing his half bro Jason Isner to town to play with the Rebels and get mixed up in Franky’s baby daddy drama. He’s her childhood nemesis and barely tolerated, but he brings too many good selling points into the mix when he decides he should be the one to father her baby wannabe … and get to help raise it too! She can only resist him for so long before caving and realizing being in his presence isn’t nearly as bad as she thought it was going to be.

Great characters, lots of heartfelt family goodness and laugh out loud moments along the way. I loved them together and loved the family rallying around them even when they weren’t sure what was even going on. I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance filled with passion, heart and humor as well as tons of family and friends all up in their business on the regular. I can’t wait for more in the series!

five-stars

* Review * BUSINESS-DEAL BRIDE by Dani Collins

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BUSINESS-DEAL BRIDE by Dani CollinsBusiness-Deal Bride by Dani Collins
Series: Business Proposals #1
Published by Harlequin Presents on February 24, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

four-half-stars




A marriage contract signed…

and passionately sealed!

Tycoon Axel will claim ownership of the company he built—if he must marry his enemy’s secret daughter, then so be it. He just needs to persuade her to accept his strictly-business proposal!

Left destitute by her ex, dancer Joy has been working in a strip club to provide for her family. A year married to a stranger—even one as ruthless as Axel—seems a small price to pay for their financial security. Until they share a devastatingly fiery kiss, and Joy realises striking a deal with the devil means she’s going to get burned…

 

A calculated arranged marriage plan turns heartwarming when love steals the show and fake becomes real all too quickly. The first book in Collins’ Business Proposals duet has a down on her luck heroine who sells her soul to the lesser of two evils to care for her sick father. I enjoyed both Axel and Joy right from the start. We already had a slight affinity for him from the beginning when he was supposed to be marrying Mira, but once his boss/mentor pulls the rug out from beneath him, I still was invested in him and his outcome. I enjoyed the connection he and Joy grew into, and I still look forward to seeing Mira get her very own happily ever after in the second book of the duet. Solid characters, good back stories and lots of drama to sink your teeth into.

four-half-stars