Book Reviews

* Review * TOP SHELF STUD by Kate Meader

February 15, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TOP SHELF STUD by Kate Meader

Top Shelf Stud by Kate Meader
Series: Chicago Players #3
Published by Kate Meader LLC on February 24, 2026
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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!

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* Review * BUSINESS-DEAL BRIDE by Dani Collins

February 15, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BUSINESS-DEAL BRIDE by Dani Collins

Business-Deal Bride by Dani Collins
Series: Business Proposals #1
Published by Harlequin Presents on February 24, 2026
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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.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * DEAD WOMAN WALKING by Carolyn Arnold

February 15, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEAD WOMAN WALKING by Carolyn Arnold

Dead Woman Walking by Carolyn Arnold
Series: Detective Amanda Steele #15
Published by Bookouture on February 25, 2026
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Preparing the empty house for another viewing, she knows she’s taking a risk showing it at night. She never told anyone she was here, but she desperately needs this sale. If she pulls it off, she can finally give her daughter the life she deserves. But as she climbs the stairs, goosebumps spread down her arms. She’s not alone…

When the body of realtor Christine Lane is discovered in one of Woodbridge’s most affluent homes, Detective Amanda Steele is left reeling. The victim was dating Amanda’s half-brother, making him an immediate suspect. They’ve never been close but Amanda knows he’s not a killer.

As forensics move in to process the crime scene, Amanda is ambushed by a well-dressed woman desperately trying to get inside the house. Dominique Sharp is a successful lawyer and expected her house to be sold by the time she returned from a business trip to DC. Could she have been the intended target?

Delving into Dominique’s business, Amanda and Trent discover a long line of disgruntled employees and a dark web of secrets that lead them to a killer who will stop at nothing to get their deadly revenge on her.

But can Amanda take the greatest risk of her career to lure the killer back into the light? And will she have to sacrifice someone close to her to ensure justice is finally served?

Top notch suspense as always from Arnold! Detective Amanda Steele is always a great series to pick up because you are always going to be drawn in quickly to the intrigue and kept entertained throughout. This one was a little unorthodox because it involved someone in Steele’s extended family so while the normal pull of spouse or kiddo wasn’t present so much, the outside pressure of family was hot on her heels. The draw between Amanda and Trent was downplayed a bit in this story but I hope to one day still see them unable to deny their connection and realize that they can be together outside of work and still be the perfect work duo as well. Her boss still holds some mystery as well. He was back to his old self a bit in this one and super supportive, but there have been times of late that he has treated her strangely … so I still wonder what’s up with that. Overall, always a great story with lots of emotion and caring mixed in. Love this series and need lots more to come for them!

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* Review * LOVE FOR HIRE by Nikki Castle

February 15, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LOVE FOR HIRE by Nikki Castle

Love for Hire by Nikki Castle
Series: The Price Brothers #1
on February 23, 2026
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She’s an escort.
He’s the professional athlete who hired her.
With every date, the lines are blurring.

Scarlett Adler was nineteen when she boarded a train for a better life. New York City was supposed to be the place where she’d finally become her own person. But three years later, she’s working as an escort, numb to the world and still struggling with the issues of her past. Until her newest client walks through the door.

Nico Price is feeling aimless. Even with a loving family and successful career as an MMA fighter, he’s desperate to find a purpose. No one is more surprised than him when the first spark of desire comes at the hands of an escort. One date turns into two, then three, and before long, he’s asking her out for real.

But after a lifetime of distrusting men, it’s not easy for Scarlett to accept Nico’s intentions. While she works to overcome her fears, Nico has to balance his feelings for Scarlett with finding new purpose in a world she’s shaken up.

Will Scarlett and Nico give themselves a chance to fall in love? Or will their initial arrangement sow the doubt that ends it all?

An addictive connection from start to finish! The first book in Nikki Castle’s Price Brothers series has MMA fighter Nico stepping up to center stage. His career is taking off and he should be on top of the world with his supportive brothers right beside him every step of the way, but it’s leaving him feeling empty. Looking for love with dating apps, matchmakers, and just with life in general have all fallen flat … until a lark has him calling an escort service and she walks into his life. One look into Scarlett’s eyes and he’s a goner … but she’s a pro and doesn’t allow herself to feel. The characters both have an enigmatic personality that draws the reader to them from the start. He’s soft and knows he wants her for keeps very early on, but she’s hard and conditioned to the life she leads and the boundaries she has made steadfast. Watching her slowly start to believe in him and the feelings he showers on her is heartwarming. I wanted more development of both of their lives outside of each other to truly feel connected to their story. We got the highlights, but more depth would have built their backstories to grab the reader wholeheartedly. Overall, it was a solid read and built a foundation into the series. I’m looking forward to his brother’s both getting their happily ever after!

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* Release Blitz/Review * ON THE BRINK OF BLISS by A.L. Jackson

February 10, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * ON THE BRINK OF BLISS by A.L. Jackson

On the Brink of Bliss by A. L. Jackson
Series: Moonlit Ridge #5
Published by A.L. Jackson Books Inc. on February 10, 2026
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The last thing I expected when I found the trespasser bathing in my river was for it to be her…

Daisy Adair has always been my dream girl. From when we were best friends in high school to finding her now.
A gorgeous mother who shows up on my property with three kids in tow.
But I became a recluse for a reason.
The life I chose is full of wickedness and peril. The last thing I need is the object of my every fantasy invading my space and risking her life because of me.
Only when she tells me she’s on the run from her ex, I promise to do anything to keep them safe, even marry her to protect her kids.
That single kiss at the altar rips through every barrier, our passion unleashed.
Now, living under the same roof blurs the lines I’ve drawn.
Each glance of her down the hall and I am splintering.
Each brush of her hand and I am brought to my knees.
Our future—bright, hopeful, and almost within reach—hovers on the edge of becoming real…
Until we discover the threat surrounding her is grimmer than either of us imagined.
Now I’m fighting to save her and her children before our second chance at forever is burned to the ground…

Such a dramatic and heartfelt conclusion to an amazing series! Book 5 in Jackson’s Moonlit Ridge series finally gives us some answers of why Cash is the way he is. His backstory is powerful and emotional and brings so much depth into the series. Daisy is a sweetheart and I loved her from the very start. Her kiddos are so adorable and added so much joy into their painful storyline. We get a glimpse into the past throughout the book every other chapter or so which isn’t exactly my favorite method of storytelling, but for them it worked without feeling broken up. There’s quite a twist at the end that I wasn’t expecting at all. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a morally gray hero who finds love that he never was looking for but couldn’t deny once it hit. They’re a found family who step up for each other on the regular and love so very hard. Great series with lots of turmoil, danger, emotion and passion. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys again down the road!

On the Brink of Bliss by A.L. Jackson is now live!

A sizzling single mom, fake marriage, heroine in danger romance from New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, A.L. Jackson

The last thing I expected when I found the trespasser bathing in my river was for it to be her…

Daisy Adair has always been my dream girl. From when we were best friends in high school to finding her now.
A gorgeous mother who shows up on my property with three kids in tow.
But I became a recluse for a reason.
The life I chose is full of wickedness and peril. The last thing I need is the object of my every fantasy invading my space and risking her life because of me.
Only when she tells me she’s on the run from her ex, I promise to do anything to keep them safe, even marry her to protect her kids.
That single kiss at the altar rips through every barrier, our passion unleashed.
Now, living under the same roof blurs the lines I’ve drawn.
Each glance of her down the hall and I am splintering.
Each brush of her hand and I am brought to my knees.
Our future—bright, hopeful, and almost within reach—hovers on the edge of becoming real…
Until we discover the threat surrounding her is grimmer than either of us imagined.
Now I’m fighting to save her and her children before our second chance at forever is burned to the ground…

Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited

Amazon: https://geni.us/OTBOBAmznOP

Also available in audio!

Narrated by: @seanmastersaudio & @ms_brentmoor

Listen today: https://geni.us/OTBOBAudio

Enter the release day giveaway!

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* Release Blitz/Review * PEOPLE WE AVOID by Lani Lynn Vale

February 10, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * PEOPLE WE AVOID by Lani Lynn Vale

People We Avoid by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Don't Date Him #2
on February 10, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

All Birdee Calvert wanted was to be normal.

She wanted the parents who didn’t divorce when she was a kid and make her life a living nightmare. She wanted the sisters who actually liked her. She wanted to live in a town where everyone loved her and didn’t have a single bad thing to say about her.

That was not the life Birdee was given.

She had the exact opposite life. The kind of life where she slunk through the grocery store with a hoodie on so no one would recognize her. The kind of life where men like Creed Daugherty didn’t give her a second look.

After years of abuse and heartache, she built walls. Big, huge, thick ones that no one could ever breach. If she didn’t put forth the effort to get to know someone, she couldn’t be hurt.

At least, that was the theory.

She never counted on Creed Daugherty hitting her with his truck. Then, deciding that once he entered her life, he would never leave it.

Though Birdee should’ve known that Creed was too good to be true.

All it takes is one mistake on her part, and Creed freezes her out. Then forces the rest of the town to make it almost impossible for her to live in Sawtooth, Montana, anymore.

Birdee only thought it couldn’t get worse.

But Creed makes sure to show her that it can and will.

The thing about rock bottom?

Once you’re there, you have nothing else to lose.

And Creed Daugherty just made himself enemy number one.

Dramatic and scandalous but oh so good! The second book in Vale’s Don’t Date Him series is Birdee’s story, and if you read the first book in the series you never would have thought that you’d be able to like her, but I adored her and felt so bad for her and how everyone treated her … even her step-sister Mable who I loved in book one. I’m kinda pissed at her now in all honesty. Anyway … the plot is thick with tension as she meets Creed and falls hard once all is said and done between them. He’s great, even though he riles her up during a small stretch of time. I wasn’t expecting a few of the twists, and enjoyed the book wholeheartedly. I can’t wait to see what else these guys have in store for us in the series. Well developed, attention grabbing from start to finish and filled with heart and emotion! Highly recommend to anyone who loves their romance filled with tension, passion and twists of secrets and lies. Can’t wait for the next in the series!

Title: People We Avoid

Series: Don’t Date Him #2

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tropes: Forced Proximity, Secret Identity

Grumpy/Sunshine

Release Date: February 10, 2026

BLURB

All Birdee Calvert wanted was to be normal.

She wanted the parents who didn’t divorce when she was a kid and make her life a living nightmare. She wanted the sisters who actually liked her. She wanted to live in a town where everyone loved her and didn’t have a single bad thing to say about her.

That was not the life Birdee was given.

She had the exact opposite life. The kind of life where she slunk through the grocery store with a hoodie on so no one would recognize her. The kind of life where men like Creed Daugherty didn’t give her a second look.

After years of abuse and heartache, she built walls. Big, huge, thick ones that no one could ever breach. If she didn’t put forth the effort to get to know someone, she couldn’t be hurt.

At least, that was the theory.

She never counted on Creed Daugherty hitting her with his truck. Then, deciding that once he entered her life, he would never leave it.

Though Birdee should’ve known that Creed was too good to be true.

All it takes is one mistake on her part, and Creed freezes her out. Then forces the rest of the town to make it almost impossible for her to live in Sawtooth, Montana, anymore.

Birdee only thought it couldn’t get worse.

But Creed makes sure to show her that it can and will.

The thing about rock bottom?

Once you’re there, you have nothing else to lose.

And Creed Daugherty just made himself enemy number one.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

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UNIVERSAL

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UNIVERSAL

COMING SOON

Releasing March 10

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

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UNIVERSAL

AUTHOR BIO

Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.

AUTHOR LINKS

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TIKTOK

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT by Camilla Isley

February 8, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT by Camilla Isley

The Heat of the Moment by Camilla Isley
Series: The Meet Cute #2
Published by Boldwood Books on February 16, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

When a slow-burn attraction finally catches fire...

Four years after losing her husband in the line of duty, ER nurse Lily Finnigan has one goal: raise her daughter and keep her heart safely locked away. Romance—even a simple fling—isn’t on the agenda. Until Josh Collins walks into her emergency room.

Gorgeous, charming, and infuriatingly kind, he is everything Lily doesn’t want—but can’t seem to stay away from. When her apartment floods, her new helpful neighbor turns out to be the sexy firefighter she’s been dreaming of. Now he’s everywhere—offering help, stealing smiles, and slowly breaking down her walls.

Lily insists they can only be friends. She swore she would never fall for another firefighter. But the more time she spends with Josh, the more impossible that promise becomes. And when Josh risks his life fighting a wildfire, Lily’s heart shatters with the truth she’s been avoiding: she’s already fallen. The moment he walks back through her door battered and bruised but safe, Lily’s instinct is to run from her past and her future… But Josh won’t let her go that easily.

Highly emotional and heart-string pulling! I loved every minute of Lily and Josh together. He was just the healing balm she needed in her life to let her let go and learn to love again. Her kiddo was absolutely adorable too. I loved the depth of emotion that she portrayed in her grief and yet the gentle soul he used to nudge her to smile again. Great characters, nicely developed but a little weak on his family side of things where I would have enjoyed seeing a bit more. I was invested in them from start to finish and enjoyed every minute. I will be going back to nab Josie and Dorian’s story for sure … this was my first by this author, but for sure won’t be my last! Highly recommend to anyone who loves a tear-jerker along with your happily ever after!

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* Review * ON THIN ICE by Kelly Jamieson

February 8, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ON THIN ICE by Kelly Jamieson

On Thin Ice by Kelly Jamieson
Series: The New Jersey Storm #3
Published by Boldwood Books on February 13, 2026
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Marek's world is on the ice, Nicki's is on the stage. But their worlds collide in one steamy night in Vegas ...

Marek

Playing for the New Jersey Storm I know how to handle the heat – on and off the ice. But nothing compares to Nicki Sullivan. We collided in Vegas: One wild night, no strings and a spark I couldn’t shake. We went our separate ways, but I never stopped thinking about her. When I see she’s involved in an accident that nearly takes her life, I drop everything and drive to New York. She’s broken, shaken… but still the woman who set my world alight. So I bring her home with me — to recover, to breathe… and maybe, to see if that spark between us still burns.

Nicki

After the accident, I can’t face the music — or the world. The last person I expect to show up is Marek — sinfully hot, too good to be real, and suddenly my rescuer. I should push him away. Instead, I let him take me to his apartment, where everything feels dangerously safe. But it’s not just comfort — it’s him. The heat between us is impossible to ignore and being with him feels right. But I can’t hide away forever. Falling for him is a risk because this time the ice beneath us may just crack.

One night turns into forever in the latest visit to the New Jersey Storm! I’m torn on my thoughts about this book. I loved Marek, absolutely loved him … his heart, his kindness, his love for his quirky sister, his willingness to do anything Nicki needed to feel whole again. But I didn’t love certain ways that Nikki strung him along, and I most importantly didn’t love the author’s tirade on toxic masculinity in hockey that was woven into the story. I read fiction particularly to get away from the ugliness of life, not to have it preached from one person’s point of view under the guise of a hobby meant to be enjoyment. Whether I agree wholeheartedly or not, this was not the time and place because it’s an entertainment field. It’s not the typical style of this author, whom I have read a lot from and always enjoyed … but it’s enough to make me second guess picking up the next book because I’m not sure what it will be filled with now. Disappointing for sure. Overall, I feel like he put his all into their relationship and she put about 50% and we really needed more time with them once they truly were all in to get a feel for her depth and investment in them after all was said and done.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE HOTSHOT by Piper Rayne

February 8, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Hotshot by Piper Rayne
Series: The Dugout #1
Published by Piper Rayne Inc. on February 17, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Raising my cousin’s three kids wasn’t in my five-year plan.
Actually, it wasn’t in any plan.

One minute I’m a single labor and delivery nurse living a quiet life and the next, I’m navigating guardianship hearings, meltdowns, and homework I’m pretty sure requires a math degree.

Enter Hayes Carlisle.

My best friend’s older brother.
Chicago Colts newest catcher.
And the man I once kissed and immediately pretended I didn’t.

So, when the custody battle I’ve been dreading becomes a reality, I shouldn’t be surprised that Hayes swoops in with a wild idea—a fake relationship. According to him, pretending we’re together will polish his image and prove to the court I’m not taking on an instant family alone.

But pretending to be Hayes’ girlfriend is a terrible idea.

Because he remembers how to make me laugh.
Because he looks at me like our kiss wasn’t a one-time mistake.
Because the kids start asking him to read bedtime stories.
Because my heart starts wanting things my life doesn’t have room for.

I can manage the chaos. I can fight for these kids.
But pretending not to fall for Hayes Carlisle?

That might be the one thing I can’t do.

Heart-wrenching, but sassy and addictive! In my first read by new to me author Piper Rayne, I dove into the first book in a brand new baseball series The Dugout and I was not disappointed! I left knowing I will definitely be reading more and looking forward to book two in the series dropping, hopefully soon! The characters and core plot were very quick to catch my attention and hold it throughout the entire story. It’s a cliche secretly crushing on your best friends older brother trope, but there’s so much more depth to it with heartbreak, healing and so much humor.

With a full cast of family, friends and teammates, there was a whole lot to sink your teeth into with this story. Each main character had a backstory that caught our attention, hers was more developed than his with the kiddos she now had in her care. I felt like the little mystery surrounding her cousin was a bit distracting and didn’t really add to the story, but the kids were so key in adding the heart to the entire book that really made them all come together and shine. I would have liked more details up front on what made his prior year so gutting to his career, but we eventually got enough of the story to satisfy our curiosity even if not all the details. His parents, particularly his mom was a doll and I hope we’ll see a lot more of them when we get Callie’s story in book two.

Overall, I enjoyed Hayes and Leighton and the kiddos very much and can’t wait to see them again down the road! Highly recommend to fans of sports romance, rom coms with heart and lusting from afar for many years.

TROPES ✨

⚾️ Baseball Romance
🤫 Fake Relationship
👀 Best Friend’s Brother
🙋‍♂️ He Falls First
👩‍👧‍👧 Single Guardian
🤞🏼Close Proximity

Add to Goodreads

Pre-order on Amazon

Pub date is February 17, 2026

BLURB✨

Raising my cousin’s three kids wasn’t in my five-year plan.
Actually, it wasn’t in any plan.
One minute I’m a single labor and delivery nurse living a quiet life and the next, I’m navigating guardianship hearings, meltdowns, and homework I’m pretty sure requires a math degree.

Enter Hayes Carlisle.

My best friend’s older brother.
Chicago Colts newest catcher.
And the man I once kissed and immediately pretended I didn’t.

So, when the custody battle I’ve been dreading becomes a reality, I shouldn’t be surprised that Hayes swoops in with a wild idea—a fake relationship. According to him, pretending we’re together will polish his image and prove to the court I’m not taking on an instant family alone.

But pretending to be Hayes’ girlfriend is a terrible idea.

Because he remembers how to make me laugh.
Because he looks at me like our kiss wasn’t a one-time mistake.
Because the kids start asking him to read bedtime stories.
Because my heart starts wanting things my life doesn’t have room for.

I can manage the chaos. I can fight for these kids.
But pretending not to fall for Hayes Carlisle?

That might be the one thing I can’t do.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HERO’S TOUCH by Janie Crouch

February 4, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Hero's Touch by Janie Crouch
Series: Linear Tactical: Oak Creek #6
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing - Protector Romance Circle on February 6, 2026
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Goodreads

He’s spent his whole life knowing everything.

Every variable. Every angle. Every threat he could calculate faster than most people could blink. Lincoln Bollinger built two fortunes before thirty, mastered the dark web, and designed systems that made governments nervous.

But the one thing he couldn’t solve?

People.
Emotions.
Her.

Mercury—the brilliant stranger he’s traded secret coded messages with for two years—vanished months ago. The quiet mind hidden inside poetry and algorithms was suddenly gone… until she sent him a desperate SOS encoded inside Emily Dickinson. A message only he could read.

Rescuing her is easy.
Surviving what comes next won’t be.

The trafficking ring wants her silenced. Corrupt officials want her erased. And the only person she trusts is a man who barely knows how to hold a conversation without someone telling him to use his “inside voice.”

But with Mercury beside him—quoting poetry when she’s scared, reorganizing his library when she’s overwhelmed, matching his brilliance with her own—Lincoln finds himself facing something he’s never been able to compute.

A woman who sees him.
A woman he’ll burn the world to protect.

And the enemy closing in fast.

A tumultuous thrill ride! Crouch is thrilling her Linear Tactical fans time and again as we get a glimpse of all of our old favorites as their kids settle into life with their forever loves one at a time in the Linear Tactical: Oak Creek spin-off. Next up is Lincoln Bollinger. Baby and Quinn’s son does not disappoint one bit! He’s amazingly smart and successful but so socially awkward … but that technical devotion is what led him to his secret, coded chats with an internet friend for the last couple of years. When he receives a cry for help, he will stop at nothing to get to her and make sure she’s safe.

Morgan has her own idiosyncrasies that often leave her on the outside looking in throughout her life, but the relationship she has developed with Linc means a lot to her. When danger comes knocking, she knows he’s her only chance of getting away from the bad guys.

Overall the book is fraught with tension and danger as they race against time to stop a plan of destruction. The characters are well developed and the plot is spot on. I loved the action, but also the gentle passion as they eased into knowing each other in person after so much time without faces or names. They make a really great couple, and the addition of his friends and family as a support system is really fun. I loved every minute of their story and highly recommend the entire series as well as the original Linear Tactical series to anyone who loves lots of danger and mystery wrapped up into a romance filled with passion and camaraderie.

Filed Under: Book Reviews