Book Reviews – Page 16

* Release Blitz/Review * FORMULA DREAMS by Sawyer Bennett

November 18, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * FORMULA DREAMS by Sawyer Bennett

Formula Dreams by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Race Fever #4
Published by Big Dog Books on November 18, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

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

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

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

November 17, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

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

Under 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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Goodreads

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!

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* Review * EVERY LAST ONE by Carolyn Arnold

November 17, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * EVERY LAST ONE by Carolyn Arnold

Every Last One by Carolyn Arnold
Series: Sandra Vos #2
Published by Bookouture on November 18, 2025
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Goodreads

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!

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* Review * CHRISTMAS SECURITY by Lisa Childs

November 17, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CHRISTMAS SECURITY by Lisa Childs

Christmas Security by Lisa Childs
Series: Bachelor Bodyguards #16
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on November 25, 2025
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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!

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* Review * PHANTOM’S HEALING by Chelle Bliss

November 15, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PHANTOM’S HEALING by Chelle Bliss

Phantom's Healing by Chelle Bliss
Series: Hurricane Heat MC #2
Published by Bliss Ink on November 25, 2025
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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.

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* Review * JUST ONE MORE DATE by Carly Phillips

November 15, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE MORE DATE by Carly Phillips

Just One More Date by Carly Phillips
Series: Sterling Family Holiday Novella, Sterling Family #7
Published by CP Publishing on November 17, 2025
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Leo Watson needs a pretend wife for a business Christmas party.

Could the cute barista who serves his favorite coffee drink play the part?

Camille Hendricks is willing… for a price—an interview at his sister’s PR company.

The game seems easy but their attraction is all too real.

When sexy lines are crossed, both Leo and Cammie stand to lose something more important than business.

They risk losing each other.

A delightful holiday dip into The Sterling family series! Fast paced and novella length, this fake dating turned all too real story is sure to please and is an easy read even if not previously familiar with the series. There’s an attention grabbing draw between the characters that is fun to watch and the holiday backdrop is really heartwarming. I of course wanted more of them because a novella just can’t dig as deep as a full length book, but I enjoyed the characters a lot, felt they were well developed and the plot was sweet, sexy and addictive all at the same time. I highly recommend if you’re looking for a sexy jaunt for the holidays that won’t interfere with your shopping, wrapping and baking!

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* Release Blitz/Review * MAYBE ONE DAY by Catherine Bybee

November 11, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * MAYBE ONE DAY by Catherine Bybee

Maybe One Day by Catherine Bybee
Series: The D'Angelos #5
Published by Montlake on November 11, 2025
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Mari D’Angelo’s life is complete. Her children are all married. Two grandbabies fill her days, with two more on the way, and her thriving family restaurant is running on autopilot. Not once in the ten years since she’s become a widow has Mari considered another love of her own. Until she sets sail on a singles cruise to placate her recently divorced best friend. Then James comes crashing into Mari’s world.

Charming, witty, and with two daughters of his own, James isn’t looking for love either. But Mari is as irresistible as she is beautiful. As their simmering attraction grows, Mari’s resolve to ignore the spark James has ignited slowly breaks away. She promised her beloved late husband she’d find someone new. Maybe that impossible day has come.

Knowing her protective sons would not approve, Mari chooses to keep the romance a secret. After all, there is no reason for her family to know about James if their relationship doesn’t work out. It’s up to James to prove he can be trusted with the heart of a woman he’s come to cherish. But without her family’s approval, their love doesn’t stand a chance.

I adored this story!!! If you’ve been reading Catherine Bybee’s The D’Angelos series, you’ll have grown to love this family wholeheartedly just like I have. Seeing the siblings all find their forever love and fight hard for their happily ever afters was rewarding and sweet, but this book was so much more. Mari is an adoring Italian mother and grandmother who absolutely lives for her family. Losing the love of her life a decade earlier just made her love the kids that much harder and had her dedicating her life to making sure they were all fulfilled and happy. Now the time has come that attraction has crossed her path, and she honestly doesn’t know what to make of it. This story is heartfelt, heartwarming and eye opening to love after 50 and all the beauty it can entail. I am so happy Bybee gave Mari a story and I enjoyed the warmth of it so much. James is such a great guy! Maybe we’ll see Rosa again in the future??? Let’s hope!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a loud, buttinsky loving family who loves hard and isn’t shy about voicing their opinion as one after another brings forever into their sights. Well developed characters, wholesome and loving plots and lots of endearing love and passion to sink your teeth into.

Maybe One Day
By Catherine Bybee | November 11, 2025

A Caribbean cruise opens a widow’s heart to a love she never expected in a breathtaking novel about second chances by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee.

Mari D’Angelo’s life is complete. Her children are all married. Two grandbabies fill her days, with two more on the way, and her thriving family restaurant is running on autopilot. Not once in the ten years since she’s become a widow has Mari considered another love of her own. Until she sets sail on a single’s cruise to placate her recently divorced best friend. Then James comes crashing into Mari’s world.

Charming, witty, and with two daughters of his own, James isn’t looking for love either. But Mari is as irresistible as she is beautiful. As their simmering attraction grows, Mari’s resolve to ignore the spark James has ignited slowly breaks away. She promised her beloved late husband she’d find someone new. Maybe that impossible day has come. Knowing her protective sons would not approve, Mari chooses to keep the romance a secret. After all, there is no reason for her family to know about James if their relationship doesn’t work out. It’s up to James to prove he can be trusted with the heart of a woman he’s come to cherish. But without her family’s approval, their love doesn’t stand a chance.

About the Author

Catherine Bybee is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of forty-five novels that have collectively sold more than eleven million copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school to become a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite series, the Weekday Brides series, the Most Likely To series, the D’Angelos series and the First Wives series, among others. For more information, visit www.catherinebybee.com

Maybe One Day
by Catherine Bybee
Montlake | November 11, 2025

351 pages Trade Paperback Original | ISBN 9781662517204
$5.99 Kindle e-Book | ASIN B0F2JBBH6S
$30.09 Digital Audio | ISBN 9781511355841

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Blitz/Review * DANIIL by Kat Mizera

November 10, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Release Blitz/Review * DANIIL by Kat Mizera

Daniil by Kat Mizera
Series: Royal Protectors #5
on November 10, 2025
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My reputation as Europe’s most charming playboy suits me perfectly. As a prince, a member of Parliament, and a Royal Protector, my life is a constant balance between danger and duty.

Relationships have no place in my world. Until Courtney.

I wanted the fiery, red-haired beauty from the first moment I laid eyes on her. My sister-in-law’s military helicopter pilot friend is like no one I’ve ever met.

It only took one touch to know, once wouldn’t be enough. Then she disappeared without a word--twice.

Now she’s gone—completely off the grid—and no one has heard from her in months.

I’m called in to find her, but it takes no persuading. Because this hunt… it’s personal.

And I’m in no way prepared for the secrets she’s been keeping.

She doesn’t just dislike me—she despises everything I stand for. Everything I am.

But it doesn’t matter because I’m not a man who backs down.

Especially when the stakes are this high.

Heartfelt, rewarding and decadently steamy! Kat Mizera is bringing all the feels with the last book in her Royal Protectors series and I loved every single minute of it. I loved the main characters, the interaction with all of our friends from previous books in the series and the twists and turns that no one was expecting. Great plot, endearing follow through and exhilarating turnabouts in a well developed series. Daniil is King Erik’s cousin and Sandor’s brother, so I was already very familiar with him and ready to love everything about him … and I did. I felt for him during the angsty parts and rejoiced for him when he gets closer to that happily ever after. He’s a sincere guy and I found it really easy to root for him. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a good protector series with lots of royalty involved as each member of the team finds their forever love. I can’t wait for the spinoff series to come!

DANIIL

Kat Mizera

Release Date: November 10

My reputation as Europe’s most charming playboy suits me perfectly. As a prince, a member of Parliament, and a Royal Protector, my life is a constant balance between danger and duty. Relationships have no place in my world. Until Courtney. I wanted the fiery, red-haired beauty from the first moment I laid eyes on her. My sister-in-law’s military helicopter pilot friend is like no one I’ve ever met. It only took one touch to know, once wouldn’t be enough. Then she disappeared without a word–twice. Now she’s gone—completely off the grid—and no one has heard from her in months. I’m called in to find her, but it takes no persuading. Because this hunt… it’s personal. And I’m in no way prepared for the secrets she’s been keeping. She doesn’t just dislike me—she despises everything I stand for. Everything I am. But it doesn’t matter because I’m not a man who backs down. Especially when the stakes are this high. Grab your copy! https://geni.us/DANIIL

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

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* Review * LAST ONE ALIVE by H.K. Christie

November 8, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Last One Alive by H. K. Christie
Series: Val Costa #4
Published by Bookouture on November 13, 2025
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When the lifeless body of a young girl is discovered at an abandoned warehouse close to Red Rose County, FBI Agent Val Costa races to investigate. Setting eyes on the victim, Val’s heart stops as she spots the jagged letter S carved into her ice-cold chest. Slowly, she runs her fingers across her own identical scar. She’s been waiting for the Bear to leave his mark again, and now he finally has.

Determined to catch the man who’s haunted her dreams for years, Val promises to end his killing spree once and for all, but when more bodies are found bearing the same deadly carving, she fears she may already be too late. And then Val receives a call that turns her blood to ice—her best friend Sally is missing, and the killer has left a note addressed to her. Follow these rules and she lives.

Desperate to find Sally, Val faces her biggest challenge yet. Will she need to defy orders and track down the Bear alone before it's too late?

Non-stop exhilarating entertainment! With the fourth book in Christie’s Val Costa series we get to the heart of her nemesis The Bear who held her hostage and tormented her before her retirement from the FBI. We went into this segment already knowing a lot and suspecting a bit more, so it wasn’t quite as haunting as it could have been. I thoroughly enjoyed the chase, but I wasn’t on the edge of my seat. That said, I enjoyed the series as a whole and highly recommend it to newcomers. There’s mystery, there’s diabolical wit and there’s loads of heart and warmth from Val and her friends and family.

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* Review * CARELESS by Carrie Ann Ryan

November 8, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Careless by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Ashford Creek Prequel
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on November 9, 2025
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On my 21st birthday, I know there's only one wish I'm making when I blow out my candles.
A chance with him.
Only I'm his best friend's little sister, so that means I'm beyond off limits.
And did I mention he's older?
I'm ready to be seen as my own person and to take the next step.
But I know it can't be with him.
Yet when I'm backed in a corner, there's only one person I can call for help.
Him.

Careless is the prequel to the Ashford Creek series. Learn how Callum Ashford and Felicity Carter fall into a careless mistake before their full story in Legacy.

I’m intrigued! In this short prequel novella to a brand new Ashford Creek series starting soon, Carrie Ann Ryan introduces us to Felicity and Callum and gives us a small segway into their family/friends and a little bit of the set up of the series. As a novella length, it was too short to really develop the plot and had an abrupt ending, but the setting is there and I’m hungry for more when their story continues in the first full length book in the series, Legacy. I’m looking forward to the continuation!

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