Book Reviews – Page 2

* 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

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* 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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* Release Blitz/Review * FORCED PROXIMITY by Lani Lynn Vale

November 4, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Forced Proximity by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Content Advisory #7
on November 4, 2025
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Finnian “Apollo” Reins met Dru Noel Rossi at his lowest.

She was a bright ray of sunshine in his darkest, cloudiest night.

He had no clue that he needed her. He was just struggling to keep his head above water, going from day to day, waiting for it to be his time to go.

But then she catches his eye in the swankiest restaurant in Washington DC. She’s wearing all black and sticks out like a sore thumb among the elitists’ otherwise dressiest affairs. She may have been severely underdressed, but that didn’t stop Finnian from following her every move and becoming obsessed.

So of course, when she leaves, he follows her. And wouldn’t you know it, she goes right back to his hometown.

But that’s not the first coincidence between the otherwise complete opposites. It’s just a long line of chance encounters that force them together, time and time again, and show them what they’re missing.

She’s the sweetest thing he’s ever met, and understandably, is hesitant to get anywhere near a Truth Teller like him.
The Truth Tellers MC got their hard, terrifying reputations for a reason.

But Finnian wears her down with his charm, while showing her what it’s like to be with someone that won’t hesitate to take out the entire world as long as it makes her smile.

He has to have her in his life, and he’ll do just about anything to make that happen. A little light stalking, financial blackmail and forced proximity never hurt anybody.

Lani Lynn Vale always wraps her characters around my heart very quickly! Apollo has been a character that I’ve been drawn to throughout this whole Content Advisory series because of things we’ve seen happen to him from other people’s perspective, so I was really happy to see him finally get his turn at that happily ever after. Dru is absolutely perfect for him and their intro was spectacular. I was invested in them from the start and enjoyed their story throughout. Their backgrounds were both fairly well developed and there was only a spot or two here or there that I would have liked to know what happened with a tidbit here or there that left a small hole. Overall, very intriguing and satisfying! I’m going to be sorry to see this series end for sure after the next book. Great characters, very interesting plot and lots of steam, passion and love to sink your teeth into. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit group of friends who love hard and always put out a helping hand. Watching them all find their love connection has been really heartwarming.

Title: Forced Proximity

Series: Content Advisory #7

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Mafia Romance

Tropes: Forced Proximity, Other Woman Drama

Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine

Release Date: November 4, 2025

BLURB

Finnian “Apollo” Reins met Dru Noel Rossi at his lowest.

She was a bright ray of sunshine in his darkest, cloudiest night.

He had no clue that he needed her. He was just struggling to keep his head above water, going from day to day, waiting for it to be his time to go.

But then she catches his eye in the swankiest restaurant in Washington DC. She’s wearing all black and sticks out like a sore thumb among the elitists’ otherwise dressiest affairs. She may have been severely underdressed, but that didn’t stop Finnian from following her every move and becoming obsessed.

So of course, when she leaves, he follows her. And wouldn’t you know it, she goes right back to his hometown.

But that’s not the first coincidence between the otherwise complete opposites. It’s just a long line of chance encounters that force them together, time and time again, and show them what they’re missing.

She’s the sweetest thing he’s ever met, and understandably, is hesitant to get anywhere near a Truth Teller like him.

The Truth Tellers MC got their hard, terrifying reputations for a reason.

But Finnian wears her down with his charm, while showing her what it’s like to be with someone that won’t hesitate to take out the entire world as long as it makes her smile.

He has to have her in his life, and he’ll do just about anything to make that happen. A little light stalking, financial blackmail and forced proximity never hurt anybody.

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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.

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* Review * THROWN FOR A LOOP by Sarina Bowen

October 30, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen
Series: New York Legends
Published by Forever on November 4, 2025
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Zoe Carson, former figure skating queen, needs a fresh start as a hockey skating coach. An NHL gig with the New York Legends is her big chance. Unfortunately, that means facing off against the star player who broke her heart ten years ago.

Chase Merritt knows his game is off, and he’s on the verge of losing sponsors. But he doesn’t need the ice princess from that intense college summer showing up and telling him what he’s doing wrong—even when she’s right.

On the ice, they’re magic. Off the ice, they’re nothing but heat and stubbornness, and everyone on the team is enjoying the show. But when an old video of Zoe and Chase’s figure skating routine goes viral, they’re forced to work together more intimately than ever before. Can the two get it right this time or will the whole world watch them crash and burn?

Heartfelt and emotional! With a reunion a decade in the making, we get to know New York Legends hockey star Chase Merritt and former Olympic figure skater Zoe Carson. I’ll be the first to admit that I sincerely dislike storylines that go back and forth between present time and the past and this one was particularly bad in that fashion because pretty much every other chapter was now and a decade ago, so I’ll admit I had to grit my teeth a tad throughout the majority of the book … BUT … I was so invested in Zoe and Chase that I overlooked it and enjoyed them wholeheartedly. Teen angst led to a summer they will never forget and meeting again after all this time is really emotional for both of them. I enjoyed their connection and their ability to hear the other side out eventually. The current storyline was intriguing and introduced several guys on the team that I really enjoyed getting to know. I was invested in their story from start to finish and loved their happily ever after.

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* Review * COLLIDING by Jami Davenport

October 30, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Colliding by Jami Davenport
Series: Portland Icehawks #7
Published by Cedrona Enterprises LLC on October 30, 2025
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He's fire, and she's ice. He's affable, and she's prickly. He's at the pinnacle of his career, and she's struggling to get there. The one thing they have in common--a mutual hatred for each other.

Drakos Lenkov, one of the premier forwards in the league, parties hard and plays harder. But his wings are about to be clipped, and he's met his match. The Icehawks are vying for a playoff spot, and he can’t afford distractions, yet a certain reporter’s constant criticism is getting under his skin and affecting his game.

Aria Reed is an ambitious sports reporter known for her ruthlessness. Her attacks on Drakos are relentless and appear unprovoked but Aria has her reasons and an explosive secret that she can never reveal without betraying her dead sister’s final request.

Fast paced and endearing! The next book in Davenport’s Portland Icehawks series brings us Drakos Lenkov’s story and it’s a doozy. For months sports reporter Aria Reed has been badmouthing him in her articles and he’s not sure why. It’s obviously personal, but he’s never even met her. Secrets are soon revealed that blow his mind and he’s forced to interact with his mortal enemy. Close contact makes them admit their attraction and soon they are cozying up and addressing life together. I enjoyed the characters a lot and was invested in their story. I think there were some holes here and there, but nothing drastic and though I wanted slightly more than the rushed feeling to the ending, I thoroughly enjoyed their story. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to hockey romance who love a team with a tight brotherhood that supports each other through thick and thin.