Book Reviews – Page 2

* Review * JUST A LITTLE DESIRE by Carly Phillips/Erika Wilde

December 14, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST A LITTLE DESIRE by Carly Phillips/Erika Wilde

Just a Little Desire by Carly Phillips
Series: A Sterling Family Crossover #2
Published by CP Publishing on December 16, 2025
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I wasn’t the type of woman who indulged in one-night stands, but the irresistible Liam Powers managed to charm me right into his bed—then disappeared before sunrise. I convinced myself the night was nothing more than a reckless lapse in judgment…until he walked into my office weeks later, looking every bit as sexy and confident as I remembered.

Only this time, Liam wasn’t just the man who’d wrecked my self-control. He was the wealthy investor interested in saving my family’s struggling tech company.

I told myself I could handle working with him. That I could ignore the spark between us and the way he looked at me. Like he still remembered every place on my body that he'd touched. I warned myself not to fall for that flirtatious smile a second time. Liam Powers didn’t do relationships. And I didn’t do heartbreak.

But partnership has a way of breaking down defenses. Late-night strategy sessions turned into banter and stolen glances. A business trip together had me falling into bed with him once more. Because Vegas revealed a softer, unexpected side of him—one that made me question everything I thought I knew about love, trust, and taking risks.

Then came Liam's secrets. His betrayal. And his revelation about someone I loved. And I had to decide whether to walk away…or believe in the man who was fighting for us with everything he had.

Because somewhere between enemies, lovers, and second chances, Liam Powers became the one thing I never expected...My future.

Fast paced, sexy and heartfelt! Phillips and Wilde are back with another delicious Sterling Family Crossover novel. Liam Powers and Morgan Starling have a passionate encounter that leads to more than they bargained for when he becomes a hands-on investor in her family’s struggling business shortly after leaving her behind as a one night stand. Temptation abounds no matter how much they each try to resist and before they know it they are secretly dating. Secrets and lies begin to unravel and their fledgling romance gets caught in the crossfire. The characters are both endearing with strong family connections and are well developed. The plot moves quickly and held my attention throughout. I loved every minute of their story!

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* Review * YOU CAN SCREAM by Rebecca Zanetti

December 14, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * YOU CAN SCREAM by Rebecca Zanetti

You Can Scream by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: Laurel Snow Thrillers #5
Published by Zebra Books on December 16, 2025
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Laurel’s family was never simple—but her half-sister, Abigail, a brilliant, unpredictable psychopath, just made it lethal. Accused of murdering their father, a man she always called a monster, Abigail claims
self-defense. As the trial unfolds and long-buried family secrets explode into headlines across Washington State, Laurel’s hard-won privacy is shattered. And the nightmare is just beginning.

Even as Abigail’s trial consumes public attention, new dangers close in as the murder of a prominent scientist and the illegal poaching of a rare Pacific plant point to something insidious. Laurel turns to Washington Fish and Wildlife captain Huck Rivers, her partner in work and life, for help. But the deeper they dig, the more the case seems to echo the chaos unraveling Laurel’s world.

With danger tightening around her, Laurel faces an impossible choice: trust Abigail in one crucial, treacherous alliance, or risk losing everything. Her career, her relationships, even her life hang in the balance. The clock is ticking—and if the threat breaks loose, nothing will be fast enough to stop it.

Highly intense entertainment! Visiting FBI agent Laurel Snow again is always a highlight. She’s personable and qualified and takes every case to heart as she sets out to find the wrong doing and take down the perps. The co-workers she surrounds herself with are more like family and they always have each others backs. Her boyfriend Huck is right by her side as the Fish and Wildlife captain for the area. This particular book picks up after they’ve lived through some turmoil to let us see how Laurel and Huck are picking up the pieced and growing through their pain. Her evil half-sis is caught up in turmoil that Laurel hopes will finally reveal her for the evil mastermind that she is. There are several smaller mysteries going on that eventually merge together into one major scandal that Laurel has to decipher. Lots of drama, heartfelt moments and unrest that Abigail stirs up will keep you reading from start to finish! I can’t wait for more in the series!

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* Release Blitz/Review * HE’S A MEAN ONE by Lani Lynn Vale

December 9, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * HE’S A MEAN ONE by Lani Lynn Vale

He's A Mean One by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Content Advisory #8
on December 9, 2025
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For a solid five years, Jasper Madden has done nothing but look the other way when it comes to Calliope Hodges. At first, she was way too young for him, barely eighteen the first time he laid eyes on her. It also didn’t help that he’d witnessed her at the lowest of lows, practically making peace with rock bottom.

But as time goes by, he realizes that Calliope is different. She’s a brave, stunning young woman that has slowly captured his heart while he was watching from the shadows.

He knows that it’ll take time for her to realize that he’s not the enemy, but instead her saving grace. So he decides to play the long game.

For years, he’s waited in the periphery for her to be ready. He stands right there, knowing that one day she’ll look up and finally see him as the man that is desperately in love with her.

But that chip on her shoulder keeps her from looking everywhere but his direction.

Luck finally leans his way when she moves in next door, and a battle of the neighbors ensues.

Where she sees war in the form of a friendly holiday decorating competition, he sees the opportunity of a lifetime.

All it takes is one bed, a freak snowstorm, and a Christmas miracle for her to realize that he’s been there all along. A silent knight in shining armor willing to take on the world just to make sure she never has to feel unworthy ever again.

The wrap up to another enthralling series from LLV! If you pick up a Vale novel, you are guaranteed love, lust and laughter throughout. There’s going to be a whole lot of heart, angst and addictive characters along the way too. This book is Jasper’s story and is the last book in the Content Advisory series. I have whole-heartedly enjoyed every book and highly recommend this series to anyone looking for fast paced, intense and super satisfying. Vale’s hero is always alpha, always kind and always good to the very core. This series was loosely a MC series, but there’s never any true development of the duties or club, etc. It’s just a deep brotherhood, friendship and family that supports each other through the ups and downs of each member’s life. I loved getting to know Calliope and her fam! Great characters, well developed plot and a satisfying ending to the series as a whole. Loved it!

Title: He’s A Mean One

Series: Content Advisory #8

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tropes: Holiday Romance, One Bed, Forced Proximity

Grumpy (Her)/Sunshine (Him), Snowed In

Release Date: December 9, 2025

BLURB

For a solid five years, Jasper Madden has done nothing but look the other way when it comes to Calliope Hodges. At first, she was way too young for him, barely eighteen the first time he laid eyes on her. It also didn’t help that he’d witnessed her at the lowest of lows, practically making peace with rock bottom.

But as time goes by, he realizes that Calliope is different. She’s a brave, stunning young woman that has slowly captured his heart while he was watching from the shadows.

He knows that it’ll take time for her to realize that he’s not the enemy, but instead her saving grace. So he decides to play the long game.

For years, he’s waited in the periphery for her to be ready. He stands right there, knowing that one day she’ll look up and finally see him as the man that is desperately in love with her.

But that chip on her shoulder keeps her from looking everywhere but his direction.

Luck finally leans his way when she moves in next door, and a battle of the neighbors ensues.

Where she sees war in the form of a friendly holiday decorating competition, he sees the opportunity of a lifetime.

All it takes is one bed, a freak snowstorm, and a Christmas miracle for her to realize that he’s been there all along. A silent knight in shining armor willing to take on the world just to make sure she never has to feel unworthy ever again.

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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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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * CASH by Jessica Peterson

December 8, 2025 Leave a Comment

Cash by Jessica Peterson
Series: Lucky River Ranch #1
Published by Bloom Books on August 22, 2024
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My dad and I have been estranged for years. But as his only living relative, it’s no surprise I inherit his massive cattle ranch when he dies. Something that is a surprise? The stipulation in his will, which requires me to live on the ranch and actively manage it for a year before I can access my inheritance money.

I haven’t stepped foot in Hartsville, Texas, population one thousand, since my parents split when I was six. Now a city girl through and through, I never imagined having to move back to cowboy country. But I need the money to invest in my company, and a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

There’s just one giant roadblock to my plan: the ranch’s foreman, grumpy cowboy Cash Rivers. I don’t care how good he looks in his Wranglers and chaps. He’s rude, he’s growly, and he wants me gone. I’d fire him in a heartbeat, but I need this cowboy to teach me the ropes of running a ranch.

We’re enemies from the get-go. But turns out, Cash is really good at this ranch thing. He’s got strong hands, an intelligent mind, and let’s just say everything really is bigger in Texas. Working alongside him leads to conversations beneath the stars. Throw in some cheek-to-cheek dancing at the local dive bar, and it all feels so right that I start to fall in love with life on the ranch. And maybe with him, too.

But my stay in Hartsville is only temporary. And you know what they say about cowboys: they may break horses, but they also break hearts. If only Cash hadn’t already lassoed mine…

A downhome, sexy romance that will leave you yearning for more cowboys! Cash is the first in the Lucky River Ranch series by Jessica Peterson and I was hooked quickly. It is an enemies to lovers story that takes place in Texas with delightfully sinful cowboys around every corner. We are quickly entrenched into Mollie’s story as she returns to settle the affairs of her estranged father after his death and finds herself thrust into a situation she wasn’t expecting. Foreman of her dad’s ranch Cash can’t stand her city girl vibes and particular dislikes the way she treated the man that was like a second father to he and his brothers. The characters both have interesting back stories and plans for their futures that have them settled in far from each other places, but the more time she spends connecting with her inner cowgirl, the more she finds herself aching for the cowboy who she loves to hate! Great characters with a supporting cast that has the ranch and town feeling like family that this reader wants to revisit quickly. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a steamy cowboy romance with lots of heart and several more cowboys who already steal your heart in this book. Three more books are already released in the series and one more is on the way to finish off the line up of Cash’s brothers!

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* Review * SECRETS YOU CAN’T KEEP by Debra Webb

December 8, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SECRETS YOU CAN’T KEEP by Debra Webb

Secrets You Can't Keep by Debra Webb
Series: Vera Boyett #3
Published by Thomas & Mercer on December 9, 2025
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A cabin in the woods. Three dead, one in critical condition. Property owned by not just any Tennessee local, but one of the richest men in the country.

Vera Boyett isn’t quite sure what it means. But that’s why Sheriff Gray “Bent” Benton called her: to figure it out. Criminal analysis is what she does best. Even when the town is in panicked shambles, even when the case is more delicate than most…and even when it’s not the only case on her plate.

Vera’s family is caught in a deadly mess of its own. And while her pregnant sister seems an unlikely culprit, each new detail seems to point to her guilt. Desperate to protect her, Vera vows to find out what really happened.

As evidence emerges in both cases, Vera and Bent work to unravel a dangerous web of secrets to get to the truth. But their investigations reveal more than they ever expected…

Exhilarating twists in one case while another hits too close to home! The third book in Vera Boyett’s world was my favorite in the series. It is still a little lax in bringing the reader up to date on details of the first couple of books, but I felt it flowed a little smoother in the transition this time. The main case that Vera and Bent are working on is filled with conspiring culprits with lots of surprises coming in and out of the storyline. The second case that hit closer to Vera’s heart was complex and heartfelt. I felt a bit of disconnect with Jerome not being on screen much even though he was the one most affected, but overall the storyline was strong and came to a satisfying conclusion. I’m not sure if we’ll be seeing more of Vera and Bent or not, but I whole-heartedly enjoyed reconnecting with them and seeing them shine. Highly enjoyable!

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* Review * SNOWED IN WITH MY BEST FRIEND by Carrie Ann Ryan

December 1, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Review * SNOWED IN WITH MY BEST FRIEND by Carrie Ann Ryan

Holiday Friend Zones by Carrie Ann Ryan
on December 1, 2025
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Get out of the friend zone with ALL NEW holiday novellas from some of your favorite romance authors!

Carrie Ann Ryan, Emily Silver, Claire Hastings, Lily Miller, Claudia Burgoa, Gia Stevens and Piper Rayne!

** Reviewing Snowed in with my Best Friend (A Montgomery Ink Legacy Romance) by Carrie Ann Ryan

Super short holiday seduction! This is a really quick read in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Montgomery Ink Legacy series. If you’ve been reading the series, you will recognize the key players and friends, but there is no true development of their lives because it’s so short. You’re told a little background, then a weekend trip happens that changes everything and then you get a glimpse into the future. Super satisfying if you know the series!

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* Release Blitz/Review * OVER THE EDGE by Kat Mizera

December 1, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Release Blitz/Review * OVER THE EDGE by Kat Mizera

Over the Edge by Kat Mizera
Series: Crimson Edge #3
on December 1, 2025
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As the rhythm guitarist for Crimson Edge, while my bandmates chase the spotlight, I stick to the shadows. Keeping the beat, keeping out of trouble, and keeping my heart off-limits.

At least, that was the plan... until our tour bus broke down in the middle of nowhere.

She’s a no-nonsense waitress who couldn’t care less about fame, doesn’t recognize me, and definitely doesn’t fall for my smooth lines. She calls me out and flips my world on its axis with nothing more than a look and a cup of coffee.

Two unforgettable days. One reckless night. And then the tour moves on.

I figured that was the end of it… until she calls with two life-altering words: I’m pregnant.

Now everything’s changed. I thought I knew what I wanted—music, freedom, no attachments. But she’s in my head, under my skin, and carrying the one thing that could break me wide open.

This isn’t about the band anymore.
This is about her.
Our baby.
And the man I want to become.

Adorably sexy! Tate Jeffries is up next in the Crimson Edge series by Kat Mizera, and I loved Summer for him so much. Their meeting was really cute, they had an instant connection and it felt like they were destined to be more from the very beginning. The development of their story was a bit rushed, and underdeveloped here and there. Both her dad and his fam in general felt like a branch left dangling up in the air considering how often they were mentioned and the hang ups each had from their past. I loved her diner fam and the sweet sides to her Mom’s story that played out on the pages. Overall, I left them feeling happy and secure in the fact that they are going to take their rocky start and prosper because they love each other enough to hold on through the shakiness until their roots are deeply planted. I’m enjoying this series and can’t wait for more to come.

OVER THE EDGE

Kat Mizera

Release Date: December 1

AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

As the rhythm guitarist for Crimson Edge, while my bandmates chase the spotlight, I stick to the shadows. Keeping the beat, keeping out of trouble, and keeping my heart off-limits. At least, that was the plan… until our tour bus broke down in the middle of nowhere. She’s a no-nonsense waitress who couldn’t care less about fame, doesn’t recognize me, and definitely doesn’t fall for my smooth lines. She calls me out and flips my world on its axis with nothing more than a look and a cup of coffee. Two unforgettable days. One reckless night. And then the tour moves on. I figured that was the end of it… until she calls with two life-altering words: I’m pregnant. Now everything’s changed. I thought I knew what I wanted—music, freedom, no attachments. But she’s in my head, under my skin, and carrying the one thing that could break me wide open. This isn’t about the band anymore. This is about her. Our baby. And the man I want to become. Grab your copy! https://geni.us/overtheedgekm

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 * CHRISTMAS COTTAGE GETAWAY by Tara Taylor Quinn

November 24, 2025 Leave a Comment

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Christmas Cottage Getaway by Tara Taylor Quinn
Series: The Cottages on Ocean Breeze #3
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on November 25, 2025
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Christmas, canines and courtship…

Dale Wilson’s life hasn’t been “good” since his beloved wife died—at least until Millie Monroe moves to Ocean Breeze. Dale and his dog Juice can’t help but be drawn to the pediatric nurse. A widow herself, Millie understands not wanting romance. Finding unexpected common ground has given them both a friendship they’ve craved. Plus, their respective pups have become friends, too! But Dale has a secret—he’s bestselling author WG Gunder. Not something he readily wants to admit to the woman in his heart…and his bed. Perhaps the Christmas spirit can teach him that sometimes happily-ever-after is disguised as a new beginning…

Heart-wrenchingly beautiful! This is the third book in Quinn’s Cottages on Ocean Breeze series by Harlequin Special Edition. It’s the first I’ve had a chance to read in the series, but I didn’t find it troublesome to pick up because it was well developed in who the neighbors are along the beach and how they connect to each other. Dale and Millie are each widowed and still craving solitude as they pick up the pieces of their lives years after their losses. They connect innocently and with several canine companions to bring comfort and interaction along the way. This is definitely not a lighthearted holiday read, so don’t go into it thinking that it is. Instead, it’s a pathway of healing and a beacon of hope that you can find life and sometimes even love and happiness again after loss. It’s beautifully written and highly emotional. Loved their happily ever after!

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* Review * THE CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Melinda Curtis

November 24, 2025 Leave a Comment

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The Christmas Cowboy by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Cowboy Academy #9
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on November 25, 2025
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Will he find the ultimate present…

Or lose his heart?

Zane Duvall has one goal this Christmas: attend all Twelve Parties of Clementine and win the grand prize—a small ranch he’s always dreamed of owning. But his plan hits a snag when his well-meaning family decides he needs a holiday romance to go with his holiday cheer. Lily Smith has come to town to confront a man claiming to be her father—and ends up facing a lot of questions she’s not ready to answer. When Zane proposes a fake relationship to keep nosy citizens and matchmakers at bay, Lily agrees. After all, it’s just pretend…right? But when family secrets and old wounds come to light, will their budding romance survive the season?

Heartfelt and emotionally riveting! The next book in The Cowboy Academy series brings my favorite couple of the series so far! There’s just something about Zane and Lily that call to me. They both have kind hearts and are searching for their place in the world and the instant they connect, it’s clear they are going to goad each other into great times together. There is humor mixed with heartache as well as buttinsky matchmakers putting roadblocks in their way as their friendship develops over the weeks leading up to the holidays. I loved the backdrop of the festivities around town and the twist of the magical horse. Really enjoyed and highly recommend this book as well as the series as a whole!

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* Review * BOSS’S CHRISTMAS BABY ACQUISITION by Dani Collins

November 24, 2025 Leave a Comment

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Boss's Christmas Baby Acquisition by Dani Collins
Series: The Sauveterre Siblings
Published by Harlequin Presents on November 25, 2025
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Not on her Christmas list…
A baby with the boss!

Securing her dream job demanded celebration. Cue Siobhan Upton’s sultry Spanish night with a stranger. She starts her first day with his touch still branding her skin—only to discover he’s Joaquin Valezquez, her new CEO. And the season’s surprises don’t stop there!

Siobhan’s pregnancy complicates things for ultra-rich Joaquin. Though children weren’t on his agenda, he won’t continue his father’s cycle of volatile callousness. Supporting his heir is his duty. But every professional and personal rule puts Siobhan off-limits—even if she is Joaquin’s most forbidden festive desire…

Fast paced and addictive! A one night stand with the man who will unexpectedly soon become her new boss leads to temptation and more. I highly enjoyed Siobhan and Joaquin’s story. There’s passion, angst and family drama all rolled into one. The characters definitely peaked my interest from the very first page and I enjoyed their connection. I wanted more development of family especially on her side, as well as with his bro’s kids to make it a bit more heartfelt and rounded, but overall a very enjoyable read and a satisfying happily ever after.

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