April 19, 2026

* Review * A DROWNING IN EMERALD POOL by Nichole Severn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

A Drowning in Emerald Pool by Nichole Severn
Series: Red Rock Murders #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on April 28, 2026
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At the scene of a watery death

…he’s in too deep.

While investigating a drowning, Zion National Park ranger Harvey Knight is surprised by the coroner who shows up—Drennan Hawes, his recent one-night stand, now pregnant. Fatherhood? Knight wants no part of it, except providing financial support. In fact, the traumatized ex-soldier is convinced he’d only be a danger to the woman who wants a lasting relationship. But when the drowning is ruled a homicide, it’s the killer who endangers Drennan. Working together to solve the murder, will the lovers realize that there’s more between them than a single night—maybe even a path to forever?

This just might be my favorite of the series! Harvey is a good ranger, but he doesn’t trust himself with happiness because of the life he was raised in. Drennan had it good once upon a time until an accident changed her family dynamic and times were never idyllic again. When a casual one night stand brings more than they ever bargained for and a chance meeting puts them in each other’s realm again, Harvey and Drennan have to see how it all plays out while trying to keep one step ahead of the danger that is lurking around this case they stumbled upon. I liked them a lot, but I did feel like we could have had a little more of a dive into what made her walk away from the life she knew and forge ahead with this one. Overall, they were attention grabbing and the suspense was top notch.

* Review * CROSSROADS by Carrie Ann Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Crossroads by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Ashford Creek #2
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on April 20, 2026
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When Kiera West needs a place to hide from the media and her ex, she never thought Bodhi Ashford—the man the small town of Ashford Creek once thought a murderer—would be her salvation.

The reclusive, bearded, mountain man has secrets of his own and with one growl, she knew she’d be safe. Sure, he might only talk to her to ask who hurt her, but at least the quiet will let her heal.

When the elusive drummer from one of the biggest rock bands in the world shows up on Bodhi’s doorstep, he needs her to leave yesterday. As soon as he sees the bruises, he knows she needs to stay.

A fire took everything from him once, and the town he thought he could trust turned on him before he could grieve. Falling for a woman in the spotlight is the last thing he needs.

Yet it might be the one thing that could save them both when the darkness of their pasts finally catches up with them.

Quick to catch your attention and addictive throughout! The next book in Ryan’s Ashford Creek series is Bodhi’s story. We knew coming in that it was going to be a bit heart-wrenching, but we didn’t know exactly what had happened to him previously in life. He meets his match when temptation comes hiding out on his property in the form of rockstar drummer Kiera West. Both characters have angst in their life whether it be happening at the current time, or previously that draw the reader in and have us turning page after page to see what’s going to happen. I enjoyed them very much, but I did feel like they both could have been fleshed out a bit more to truly show the meat of both of their back stories. I was satisfied with them, I just see some potential for true greatness had we gotten to feel more turmoil. Great characters, angsty goodness and a heartfelt happily ever after in the end. I can’t wait to see what happens next!