* Review * NOT SO FAST by Karen Booth

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * NOT SO FAST by Karen BoothNot So Fast by Karen Booth
Published by Afterglow Books by Harlequin on April 1, 2025
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four-half-stars

Mia Neal is a champion overthinker. Find something, fixate on it and spiral down. Fortunately, she puts that energy to good use: in a podcast about Formula One, her favorite sport in the world. There’s nothing about racing Mia doesn’t adore. The speed. The drivers. The fierce competition. The single-minded ambition. Ironic for a woman who’s changed careers more times than she can count.

Only now, her salty takes on gorgeous Brit driver Xander Bishop have gone viral, and the podcast feels more and more like what she’s meant to do… Then Xander’s teammate invites her to the Miami Grand Prix to see F1 up close—and get in Xander’s head. He’s not exactly delighted at the shade she’s been throwing his way.

It should be all-out war. Instead, Mia and Xander are stunned by the sudden crackle of…something sexual arcing between them. It’s irresistible, unbelievably hot—and Mia’s warning flags are waving. Because this reckless attraction is coming at Mia all too fast…

 

Entertaining, snarky and fun! Karen Booth is taking the racing world by storm with her delve into F1 racing and podcasting. The concept is fresh and the characters are drama filled and easy to sink your teeth into.  I especially loved Xander and his family oriented mind-set. Mia was entertaining, but she also had conflicting messages. She was all for speaking freely and not shying away from the truth, but at other times she let people walk all over her (her mom, the fan club, etc.) which didn’t coincide with her mantra. Overall, I enjoyed the story very much and wouldn’t mind heading back into the pit again with some of the other drivers getting a story.

four-half-stars

* Review * K-9 GUARDIANS by Nichole Severn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * K-9 GUARDIANS by Nichole SevernK-9 Guardians by Nichole Severn
Series: New Mexico Guard Dogs #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on April 1, 2025
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four-half-stars

A violent cartel’s bloody reign of terror must be stopped

But these K-9s and their partners don’t scare easily

When King Elsher’s murdered partner falls in Scarlett Beam’s path—literally—the DEA agent and security expert find themselves in a deadly cartel’s crosshairs. The message is clear: stop interfering with their business or they’ll be the next victims. The past taught King to keep professional and personal separate. But Scarlett’s wit and determination tempt him to break his code. And then his son is kidnapped, raising the stakes even further. One wrong step can get them killed. Can King get justice…and keep them all alive?

 

Non-stop action from start to finish! The next book in Severn’s New Mexico Guard Dogs series for the Harlequin Intrigue line is attention grabbing and exciting. The characters both have powerful back stories and are easy to like. I felt like the intrigue of the book was top notch and very easy to hold my attention, but the relationship between them in the end was fairly unbelievable because of the lack of relationship development. I enjoyed them overall and loved the outcome of their story.

four-half-stars

* Review * LOADED LACES by Elise Faber

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LOADED LACES by Elise FaberLoaded Laces by Elise Faber
Series: Eagles Hockey Novella
on March 31, 2025
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four-stars

A decade ago she broke me.
Now she’s back…with a kid in tow.

Belle Harrison dumped me right before I got my first big contract, breaking my heart and sending me straight into a life of singlehood.
Once bitten and twice shy, and all that.
Of course that was before she showed up after a decade, asking questions in the locker room after a game.
Questions that make me rethink everything I thought I knew.
And remind me why I never wanted to let her go in the first place.
And why I won’t ever let her go ever again.

 

Attention grabbing and drama filled! I’m loving Elise Faber’s Eagles Hockey team and the mix of characters she’s bringing to the pages. I was instantly hooked on West and Belle and rooting for them the entire way through. I feel like their story wasn’t as developed as it could have been due to the novella length, but key things were missing that made the story feel somewhat incomplete. I wanted more, but I did really enjoy their story regardless. Great character connections and an interesting core plot.

four-stars

* Review * MAID TO MARRY by Dani Collins

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MAID TO MARRY by Dani CollinsMaid to Marry by Dani Collins
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 1, 2025
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four-half-stars

How to avoid scandal?
Marry the Greek!

An illicit kiss with Atlas Voudouris got chalet maid Stella Sutter fired. When she bumps into him five years later, she’s still furious! Except as she accuses him of ruining her life, long-dormant desires come alive…

Atlas is about to announce the convenient wedding that will secure his inheritance. However, once paparazzi photos of his and Stella’s heated encounter go public, Atlas is left short a bride. The only answer? Make Stella his wife! But are his diamond and their dangerous passion enough to bridge the gap between their very different worlds?

 

Tempting, sweet and sexy! Dani Collins delivers a satisfying marriage of convenience/star crossed lovers storyline that will quickly have you hooked on the down-to-earth characters and their back stories. I liked Atlas and Stella a lot, and though the storyline is a bit cookie cutter, they had a swift connection that was electrifying and kept me reading. There was drama in the mix, attraction and lust but also a gentle connection between the two that led to friendship and love. I was happy with the story.

four-half-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * SOMEONE TO LOVE by Michelle Major

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * SOMEONE TO LOVE by Michelle MajorSomeone To Love by Michelle Major
Series: The Skylark Series #1
Published by Romilda House on March 27, 2025
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five-stars

One month. One fake boyfriend. One shot at forever.

I’ve got four weeks to cross one thing off my bucket list—and it isn’t exactly PG.

I’m not the type to take risks, but when a friend battling cancer dares you to go big, you don’t say no. My mission? Lose my V-card before my baby sister’s wedding. Did I mention she’s marrying my high school crush? Yeah. There’s no way I’m walking into that ceremony as the awkward, untouched older sister.

Enter single dad Ian Barlowe—my sinfully hot, NFL legend neighbor, who owes me big time after his daughter breaks into my house. He offers to make amends by playing my fake boyfriend. How can I say no?

It should be easy enough—except nothing about Ian feels fake. The chemistry? Explosive. His unexpected sweetness? Heart-melting. And the way he seems to like me just as I am? Ruh, roh.

Here’s the thing—I don’t do vulnerability, and neither does he. But as the line between pretend and real starts to blur—especially in the bedroom—I wonder if happily-ever-after is a game we can win. I set out to score one for the bucket list, but now I’m playing for keeps. And if we’re not careful, I might lose my heart in the final play.

 

Filled to the brim with emotion, friendship and a sexy man next door, Michelle Major’s kick off of a brand new Skylark, Colorado series is heartfelt and endearing! I loved the concept of friends from a book club right from the start, and add in a former NFL quarterback, a moody pre-teen and dogs galore and I was so there. I loved that the sisterhood of friendship was brought into the core of the story before we ever even get a glimpse of the hunky man and all the drama he might bring. It set the stage of the smalltown backdrop very nicely and let us get to know Sadie and her kindheartedness from the start.

Sadie was obviously my favorite character for so many reasons. Her allegiance to family, friends and animals for one. Her innocent soul who didn’t think twice to offer a helping to hand to pretty much anybody. Her ability to see to the heart of the matter. She’s the friend we all need!

Ian and his precocious child were also easy to like once we got beneath the surface. I loved his relationship with his brother and his ability to go with the flow.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a smalltown romance with a cast of friends and family behind the scenes pulling for true love to win out.

 

 

 

 

One month. One fake boyfriend. One shot at forever.

I’ve got four weeks to cross one thing off my bucket list—and it isn’t exactly PG.
I’m not the type to take risks, but when a friend battling cancer dares you to go big, you don’t
say no. My mission? Lose my V-card before my baby sister’s wedding.
Did I mention she’s marrying my high school crush? Yeah. There’s no way I’m walking into that
ceremony as the awkward, untouched older sister.
Enter single dad Ian Barlowe—my sinfully hot, NFL legend neighbor, who owes me big time
after his daughter breaks into my house. He offers to make amends by playing my fake
boyfriend. How can I say no?
It should be easy enough—except nothing about Ian feels fake. The chemistry? Explosive. His
unexpected sweetness? Heart-melting. And the way he seems to like me just as I am? Ruh, roh.
Here’s the thing—I don’t do vulnerability, and neither does he. But as the line between pretend
and real starts to blur—especially in the bedroom—I wonder if happily-ever-after is a game we
can win.
I set out to score one for the bucket list, but now I’m playing for keeps. And if we’re not careful,
I might lose my heart in the final play.

Buy Link:
https://a.co/d/9RsZkOH
Available in KU

 

 

 

Meet Michelle Major:
USA Today bestselling author Michelle Major loves stories of new beginnings, second chances and
always a happily ever after. An avid hiker and avoider of housework, she lives in the shadow of the
Rocky Mountains with her husband, two teenagers, and a menagerie of spoiled fur babies. Connect with
her at www.michellemajor.com.

Connect with Michelle Major:
https://www.instagram.com/michellemajorauthor/

five-stars

* Review * BITTER BEATS by Gina Azzi

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BITTER BEATS by Gina AzziBitter Beats by Gina Azzi
Series: Dating the Drummer Trilogy #1
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on March 26, 2025
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five-stars

Being forced to share my band's townhouse with a gorgeous third-year law student wouldn't be so terrible, but Mckenna Byrne is a pretentious, by-the-book know-it-all. Sadly, she's also the key to helping me save The Burnt Clovers.

My drum kit, my bandmates, and our arenas of fans mean everything to me. When a scandal jeopardizes The Burnt Clovers’ success, I’ll do whatever it takes to overhaul my image. Even fake date my reluctant roommate.

Sure, McKenna might despise me, but while she’s living under my roof, I’ll do anything to protect her.

Our arrangement is simple. I pay off McKenna’s tuition in exchange for her pretending to be my girlfriend to soften my bad boy, rockstar reputation.

But my wholesome, down-on-her-luck significant other is more than I bargained for. As days turn into weeks, mocking her dull sweaters, type-A personality traits, and boring social life morphs into a possessive need and a hot desire I can’t ignore.

When a threat from Mckenna’s past emerges, I’ll cross every line to keep her safe. Even if the outcome tears me apart.

***
Please note: This material was originally published on Kindle Vella as Bitter Rockstar. Additional scenes have been added and Mav and Mckenna's entire story will release in three installments throughout 2025.

 

Fast paced and quick to hook you! Fans of Gina Azzi’s Burnt Clovers trilogy will recognize the key players in this book as it is Maverick’s story. It was previously published on Kindle Vella and is now being added to and re-released as a Dating the Drummer trilogy throughout 2025. This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and Book 2 will pick up where this one left off. The characters are both easy to like and have drama-filled lives to juggle. He’s a rockstar and scandal seems to follow him everywhere. She’s a law student who is struggling to pick up the pieces of her life while her parents fight their way through a divorce and forget she’s even around. Seeing this enemies to lovers story develop is humorous and heartwarming as they first learn to become friends and then connect on a deeper level. We have hints of more drama to ensue when book two comes around on a couple of different fronts. Both their relationship and her past are raring to flare up. I enjoyed the characters, their story and the overall feel of the series. Great to see the Burnt Clover guys again!

five-stars

* Review * EDGE OF FOREVER by Kat Mizera

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * EDGE OF FOREVER by Kat MizeraEdge of Forever by Kat Mizera
Series: Crimson Edge Prequel Novella
on March 24, 2025
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four-stars

The first time I laid eyes on Kirsten, I knew she was going to be mine.

But I had to wait until she was ready.

Now she is, but I’m about to go on tour and she’s going off to college—how the hell are we going to make this work?

The odds are stacked against us, but I’m willing to risk it.

I just don’t know if it’s fair.

To either of us.

We’re teetering on the edge of forever…but is our love strong enough to keep us from going over the edge?

 

Slightly angsty and addictive! Kat Mizera is kicking off a brand new rockstar series with a prequel novella with a familiar heroine that we met in her sister Sydney’s story. I really enjoyed getting to know Kirsten and Sam and get a little jumpstart into knowing the guys in Crimson Edge a little bit, but it’s going to drive me a little crazy to not get the rest of their story until Book 5. I enjoyed their connection and the glimpse into her life and his career so far, but there was a really abrupt ending and now a delay for several books to wait for more. I’m sure they’ll be worth it … but I might kick and scream along the way to getting there. First love, slight age gap, rockstar.

four-stars

* Review * THE TWO OF US by Lori Foster/Maisey Yates

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TWO OF US by Lori Foster/Maisey YatesThe Two of Us by Lori Foster, Maisey Yates
Published by Kensington Books on March 25, 2025
Buy on Amazon
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four-half-stars

The Odd Couple * LORI FOSTER
Ford Caruso agrees to an unusual favor—playing the part of new boyfriend for his adamantly single, irresistibly sexy neighbor Skye Fairchild, whose clueless ex refuses to accept his fate. But as Skye starts dropping by to use Ford’s pool, and even plan dates, the charade begins to feel satisfyingly real, complete with choosing rescue dogs together—a giant mutt and a fierce little chihuahua who adore each other. From one odd couple to another, some things are destined . . .

Force of Nature * MAISEY YATES
Rescuing animals is in Lydia Clay’s blood, so when a mournful old cattle dog named Hank shows up at the shelter, she knows exactly where to take him: to cattle rancher Remington Lane, her brother’s hot, and usually grumpy, best friend. Hank belonged to Remy’s estranged father, which is one strike against him, but when Lydia offers to help the man ease into dog ownership, he can’t say no. And as he and Lydia work together, it looks like an old dog can actually teach this brooding cattleman some heart-warming new tricks . . .

 

** Reviewing THE ODD COUPLE by Lori Foster **

Fast paced and adorable! You’re always guaranteed a good read when there’s an animal on one of Lori Foster’s covers. She writes with heart and humor always, but there’s an even more special something there when an animal is involved. It’s always fun to see a familiar face that with friends with a hero in a previous book come back for their story, and this time it’s Ford Caruso’s turn. It was great to see Marcus, Knox and Bray again briefly. I really enjoyed Ford and Skye and their adventures with their furry friends. I wanted a smidge more development of their backgrounds and a little more time with them to solidify their relationship development, but a novella length is always harder to reach that perfection. I really loved them and enjoyed their story!

four-half-stars

* Review * ALWAYS A FAKE BRIDESMAID by Carrie Ann Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ALWAYS A FAKE BRIDESMAID by Carrie Ann RyanAlways a Fake Bridesmaid by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Clover Lake
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on March 17, 2025
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four-stars

The moment Ewan McBride entered my life, my world tilted on its axis.
When we part, I promise him I owe him anything for saving my daughter’s life.
What I didn’t expect?
Being his fake date to a wedding—in two days.
It was only supposed to be a favor, but we can’t deny the attraction.
Only he lives a state away and my life is in Colorado with my daughter and the Montgomerys.
This can only be one night that feels all too real.
Yet I know walking away will be the hardest thing I ever do.

**Always a Fake Bridesmaid is a next generation, single mom, grumpy rancher, fake dating romance set in the Montgomery World & Clover Lake series featuring Livvy & Ewan. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**

Livvy Montgomery is Shep and Shea's daughter from Ink Inspired.

 

Kicking off a brand new Clover Lake series with the help of familiar faces from Ryan’s Montgomery Ink Legacy family! Heartfelt and addictive is the only way to describe this fast paced novella taking us on a quick dive into Livvy and Ewan’s relationship. I wanted a bit more set up of his family (names and a tad of their backstory and all that jazz at the very least) to really sink my teeth into anticipating this new series, but I did enjoy Ewan and Livvy for sure along with the humor of her kiddo. Drama, fake dating, single parenthood, friends to more. I’m here for the continuation!

four-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * FORMULA CHANCE by Sawyer Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * FORMULA CHANCE by Sawyer BennettFormula Chance by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Race Fever #2
Published by Big Dog Books on March 11, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Nash Sinclair abandoned the world of formula racing after a deadly crash left him injured and on a long road to recovery, both physically and mentally. Even prior to the crash Nash was healing in another way, putting together the pieces of a broken heart. They say time heals all wounds and when Brienne Norcross, owner of the newly acquired Titans Racing team approaches him about a job, he decides it might just be time to reclaim the life he once loved.

Bexley Toliver just joined the Titans’ team as their chief race strategy engineer. As a woman working in a male-centric sport, Bex is no stranger to a man’s eyes on her. Whether it’s in silent awe, not-so-silent disgust, or somewhere in between, Bexley has earned her way. But there is one set of eyes that Bex hasn’t seen in years and when Nash Sinclair walks into the conference room for a team meeting, old memories are hard to ignore. As the heat between them becomes all-consuming, they are unable to resist the temptation to fall once again.

Bex and Nash’s history is…complicated. Young love that turned into the promise of forever crashed and burned long before the race that ended Nash’s career. Years apart dulled the pain of their failed union but some things aren’t meant to be forgotten, no matter how hard one tries. When the same issues that broke them apart re-emerge and spin them full-speed toward a barricade, Bex and Nash need to make a decision—hit the brakes and walk away or race forward to their happily ever after.

 

An exhilarating and emotional reunion! With the second book in her new car racing series, Sawyer Bennett stretches her wings and settles in with a strong heroine who is making her mark on the industry and forging a new path. A surprise reunion with a past love rocks the boat, but can’t keep Bexley down for long. Nash has overcome a lot in the years they’ve been apart and is set to retake his life with a roar if all goes well. The characters both have interesting back stories and loving family support systems and the history between them makes for a fun set up when they first set eyes on each other again. I felt like there could have been a bit more resolution between what happened in the past and a tad more development in their new relationship going forward, but overall I really loved their story and felt fulfilled throughout. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I equally loved Bex and Nash as they each worked to overcome obstacles in their path professionally and fell quickly back into the foundation of their love for each other once it was possible for them to put past heartache aside and actually forgive. They were both passionate and sweet and I enjoyed them a lot.

I highly recommend this book as well as the previous book in the series to anyone who enjoys sports romance and wants a change from the norm of hockey, football, baseball, etc.

 

 

 

In the second book of New York Times Bestselling Author Sawyer Bennett’s Race Fever series, she turns up the heat when a familiar name looks to shake up the world of formula racing. Buckle up for this heart stopping, second chance ride in Formula Chance.

Nash Sinclair abandoned the world of formula racing after a deadly crash left him injured and on a long road to recovery, both physically and mentally. Even prior to the crash Nash was healing in another way, putting together the pieces of a broken heart. They say time heals all wounds and when Brienne Norcross, owner of the newly acquired Titans Racing team approaches him about a job, he decides it might just be time to reclaim the life he once loved.

Bexley Toliver just joined the Titans’ team as their chief race strategy engineer. As a woman working in a male-centric sport, Bex is no stranger to a man’s eyes on her. Whether it’s in silent awe, not-so-silent disgust, or somewhere in between, Bexley has earned her way. But there is one set of eyes that Bex hasn’t seen in years and when Nash Sinclair walks into the conference room for a team meeting, old memories are hard to ignore. As the heat between them becomes all-consuming, they are unable to resist the temptation to fall once again.

Bex and Nash’s history is…complicated. Young love that turned into the promise of forever crashed and burned long before the race that ended Nash’s career. Years apart dulled the pain of their failed union but some things aren’t meant to be forgotten, no matter how hard one tries. When the same issues that broke them apart re-emerge and spin them full-speed toward a barricade, Bex and Nash need to make a decision—hit the brakes and walk away or race forward to their happily ever after.

Buy Link:

https://geni.us/FormulaChance

Available in KU

 

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