* Review * FLAME by Chelle Bliss

* Review * FLAME by Chelle BlissFlame by Chelle Bliss
Series: Men of Inked: Heatwave #1
Published by Bliss Ink on September 17, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Gigi Gallo’s childhood was filled with the roar of a motorcycle and the hum of a tattoo gun. Her dream has always been to work at her family’s tattoo shop — Inked. But on her first day of work, she runs into someone from her not-so-innocent past.

Pike Moore is a bossy biker with a cocky attitude and an even bigger ego. He came to Inked to start over. New town. New job. New roots. None of that included coming face-to-face with the hot chick who spent a week in his bed before she vanished without a trace.

But when they are forced to work together, feelings they thought had been extinguished come roaring back and ignite a spark neither can stop.

 

An unforgettable meet cute for the first next generation Gallo love story! If you thought Chelle Bliss had your attention with her Gallo family in the first series, just wait until you see what the kiddo’s have in store for you now that they are all growing up and taking off into the big bad world. This book centers around City and Suzy’s kid Giovanna and I couldn’t have loved it more! Gigi is sassy and opinionated just like her Mama and she is used to wrapping the men in her life around her little finger, so meeting a big bad biker like dude at a bar on a dare is more than she bargained for.

I loved the characters, the sass, the danger and most of all the heart that Bliss delivers in this story. There’s lots of emotion and depth as Gigi and Pike fall in love, but there’s also family drama, danger and shocking revelations that no one was expecting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a family centric romance where they love hard and fight for each other no matter what!

five-stars

* Review * 4th SILENCE by Misty Evans and Adrienne Giordano

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * 4th SILENCE by Misty Evans and Adrienne Giordano4th Silence by Misty Evans, Adrienne Giordano
Series: Schock Sisters Mystery #4
Published by ALG Publishing, LLC on September 9, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

In this gripping fourth installment of the Schock Sisters Mystery Series, Meg and Charlie Schock confront a decades-old murder buried by privilege, power—and a killer still watching.

A glittering party. A dead girl. A cold case that won’t stay buried.

Thirty years ago, eight-year-old Tiffany was found murdered during her family's lavish holiday party—her body hidden among the champagne and secrets of D.C.’s most powerful elite. The case faded, buried by money, influence, and silence.

Now, as the anniversary of her death looms, sisters Charlie and Meg Schock are pulled into their most chilling investigation yet. When their mother launches a campaign to reopen the case, it ignites a media storm and political backlash. Ordered to stand down by U.S. Attorney JJ Carrington, the sisters do what they do best—dig deeper.

What they uncover is a legacy of privilege and lies… and a killer hiding in plain sight, ready to kill again.

In a city where truth is deadly and silence protects the powerful, the Schock sisters must decide: How far will they go to speak for the dead?

 

Attention grabbing from start to finish! It didn’t take long in the company of the Schock family to be hooked on their brand of disfunction and hilarity. I was quickly drawn into the cold case that was garnering their attention and causing so much drama in their lives. Charlie is under pressure to get justice for this case her mother is determined to shine a light on, but it’s putting her in a tough spot with her boyfriend and his bigwig bosses. I enjoyed the characters, but wanted a bit more background on them and on their relationships to get a complete picture on who they all were and to make it a truly standalone story. The drama and mystery leading up to the big finale of catching the killer was really interesting, but I felt a disconnect with the abrupt ending between Charlie and JJ. An enjoyable read overall that held my attention and kept me entertained.

four-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * MISTAKEN IDENTITY by Lani Lynn Vale

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * MISTAKEN IDENTITY by Lani Lynn ValeMistaken Identity by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Content Advisory #5
on September 9, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

From the moment Creole Williams met Audric Ingram, they were inseparable.

But not the way one would think.

They shared a best friend.

What they did not do, however, was like each other.

You could say that it was a war to win the best friend title.

The only problem was, their best friend would never choose a clear winner. So they spent their teenage years fighting it out. What Audric didn’t know, though, was that Creole was desperately in love with him.

The same went for Audric. He wanted Creole more than his next breath.

But it was never the right time.

Then life happened, and it kicked them both in the teeth.

One second they’re acting, and the next the anger is real, and neither one of them can stand to be near the other.

For years, they fight it out, one-upping each other to the point where neither one of them can be in the same room with each other without things going to hell.

Then one day their best friend dies, and they have to figure out a way to live without her.

There’s no fighting anymore, at least verbally. Physically, however? They let their bodies duke it out the fun way.

But in the end, neither one of them wins.

 

Dramatic and heartfelt! The next book in Vale’s Content Advisory Series brings Audric’s story. We knew it was going to be emotional because of the loss we knew he had suffered, but there is so much backstory that we had no clue about that makes it even more drama filled and addictive. The characters are quick to catch the reader’s attention and the plot is thick with strife and redemption. I really liked both Audric and Creole and their happily ever after was magical.

Creole was my favorite. She’s sweet and sincere to those who know her, but she’s had a hard life and doesn’t forgive when she’s wronged. I liked seeing her and Audric get to a place of uncovering misunderstandings and letting their attraction flare into a loving relationship.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a dramatic romance with great characters, a plot filled with so much to talk about and a happily ever after that will have you swooning!

 

 

Title: Mistaken Identity
Series: Content Advisory #5
Author: Lani Lynn Vale
Genre: Mafia Romance
Tropes: Mistaken Identity
Cinnamon Roll Hero/He Falls First
Release Date: September 9, 2025
BLURB

 

From the moment Creole Williams met Audric Ingram, they were inseparable.

 

But not the way one would think.
They shared a best friend.
What they did not do, however, was like each other.
You could say that it was a war to win the best friend title.
The only problem was, their best friend would never choose a clear winner. So they spent their teenage years fighting it out. What Audric didn’t know, though, was that Creole was desperately in love with him.
The same went for Audric. He wanted Creole more than his next breath.
But it was never the right time.
Then life happened, and it kicked them both in the teeth.
One second they’re acting, and the next the anger is real, and neither one of them can stand to be near the other.
For years, they fight it out, one-upping each other to the point where neither one of them can be in the same room with each other without things going to hell.
Then one day their best friend dies, and they have to figure out a way to live without her.
There’s no fighting anymore, at least verbally. Physically, however? They let their bodies duke it out the fun way.
But in the end, neither one of them wins.

 

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
 

 

ALSO AVAILABLE

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

COMING SOON
Releasing October 7
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

 

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
FACEBOOK
five-stars

* Review * DON’T SAY A WORD by Allison Brennan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DON’T SAY A WORD by Allison BrennanDon't Say a Word by Allison Brennan
Series: Angelhart Investigations #2
Published by MIRA on September 16, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

The police ruled Elijah Martinez’s death an accidental drug overdose, but the teen’s grieving mother isn’t convinced. With the case officially closed, Angelhart Investigations is the only one who can help her find the truth. Margo Angelhart’s sure this will be an easy solve—she’ll talk to Elijah’s friends and employer, retrace his steps, and figure out what happened in his final hours.

Except none of his friends believe he did drugs, and the teacher who’s been vocal about the police mishandling the case turns up dead. Every thread Margo pulls leads back to a dangerous drug ring that once ran through the school.

When Margo’s brother Jack, a former cop, can’t get straight answers out of the police, they don’t know if it’s because of an active case…or a cover-up. Margo’s only sure of one thing—she has to find out what really happened to Elijah before more teens become pawns in a twisted scheme.

 

Quick to grab your attention and entertaining throughout! The next book in Brennan’s Angelhart Investigations series is sure to please fans of the series. We have had one previous novel and two novellas that have given us a good feel for the foundation of this family of investigators and they are quickly endearing themselves to reader hearts. The family is close knit but have enough drama surrounding parts of their life that keeps everyone on their toes as conflict is quick to flare on occasion. The cases they solve always have intricate situations surrounding them that deliver unexpected surprises and danger often. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a family centric whodunnit that always delivers an emotional case as well as good natured family time along the way. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

five-stars

* Review * PITCHER PERFECT by Tessa Bailey

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PITCHER PERFECT by Tessa BaileyPitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey
Series: Big Shots #4
Published by Avon on September 9, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Boston Bearcats rookie Robbie Corrigan is living the dream. He’s made it to the NHL, his best friend/teammate and fellow “orgasm donor” is his roomie—and the women of Boston love them both. Life is sweet. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige, division 1 softball pitcher, girl least likely to take anyone’s bull…and the one member of the opposite sex immune to his charms. Robbie might be dazzled by the badass pitcher, but Skylar pegs him as a filthy player and wants nothing to do with him.

When he discovers she’s carrying a serious torch for her brother’s best friend, Robbie knows he should just go back to clubbing and whipped cream bikini parties, but he can’t seem to leave Skylar to flounder on her romantic quest to land another man. Nor can he miss out on the opportunity to spend time with her and hopefully redeem himself. Before Robbie knows it, he’s agreed to be Skylar’s fake boyfriend/love coach at an upcoming family wilderness competition where her crush will be in attendance. What could go wrong?

Through a series of contests that require them to trust each other, Robbie and Skylar grow closer and closer until their fake relationship starts to feel like the realest thing they’ve ever known and the sizzling lessons in sensuality burn out of control.

But it’s all just pretend…right?

 

Tessa Bailey always delivers on adorable sass! The fourth book in her Big Shots series delivers a fake dating trope with a touch of enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend, and unrequited love thrown in as a bonus. Robbie is your typical playboy hockey player who turns over a new leaf the second Skylar walks into his world and blows it away. Definitely a cute take on he falls first! The characters are really easy to like, their banter and spark keep the reader entertained and the happily ever after is swoon worthy. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fast paced snarky story with lots of humor, heart and happily ever afters!

five-stars

* Review * BEYOND HER REACH by Melinda Leigh

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BEYOND HER REACH by Melinda LeighBeyond Her Reach by Melinda Leigh
Series: Bree Taggert #10
Published by Montlake on September 16, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

In a quiet suburban neighborhood in upstate New York, single mom Kelly Gibson is slain in her home—the victim of a rage killing. Right away, Sheriff Bree Taggert has three persons of interest: an angry soon-to-be ex-husband, a furtive rebound boyfriend, and an obsessive neighbor.

But as Bree and investigator Matt Flynn work together to narrow the field, there’s a shocking twist in the case: a second woman is murdered in the same brutal fashion.

While investigating, Bree is attacked and left for dead. When another woman is kidnapped, Bree and Matt must act quickly to unravel the deceptions in Kelly’s life and death and find a killer before someone else dies.

 

Leigh’s Bree Taggert series is always a top notch read! A gruesome local murder brings Bree and her investigative team to center stage once again as they race against time to figure out who is behind the subterfuge in time to stop additional killings. The case is laid out with lots of twists and turns that bring excitement to the happenings of the team. I love the family and human aspect that is always shown along with the working side of things when Bree and Matt are together. I was a tad surprised that we didn’t get to see a reaction from one person in the middle of the case to wrap it all up into a neat bow at the end, but it didn’t disrupt my enjoyment of the book at all. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a top notch female cop who brings heart and integrity to life during every case she works on.

five-stars

* Review * LAST CHANCE SEDUCTION by Carrie Ann Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LAST CHANCE SEDUCTION by Carrie Ann RyanLast Chance Seduction by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Montgomery Ink Legacy #9
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on September 8, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

The last time I saw Lexington Montgomery, he held my sister in his arms as my fiancé left me at the altar.

Neither one of us knew it would be two years until we saw each other again. Or that it would be the last time my sister was part of our core group.

Grieving, I’m back in Colorado trying to start over. I have no family and have no intention of dating ever again.

Only fate has other plans because Lexington Montgomery is my new neighbor.

I want to stay away from him, but there’s no chance of that now. Especially when his ex shows up to rub her new husband—and the chance at his dream job—in his face.

I didn’t mean to do it, but now I’m Lex’s fake girlfriend over the holidays and there’s nothing fake about the attraction between us.

Except once we finally give in, it turns out the past I ran from wasn’t so far away after all. And the dangers we never saw coming might end what we have—fake or not—before we even have a chance.

Lexington Montgomery is Beckett and Eliza’s son from Inked Obsession.

 

Sweet, sexy and sincere in all the right places! The next book in Ryan’s Montgomery Ink Legacy series brings a friends to lovers trope to life with several twists in the middle. I loved the two main characters and the supporting cast of a lot of cousins and fam was easy to follow and added a lot of heart. I wanted more development in both key happenings that occurred on the day the book starts because both were light in details and left a lot of emotion and drama on the table that was not settled satisfactorily. Overall I loved their book and the outcome of Lex and Mercy’s relationship. I look forward to more to come in the series!

Lexington was my favorite character. He’s really kind and has had some bad luck with relationships in the past, but watching him allow his feelings for Mercy to come to life was really sweet and heartwarming. Loved the addition of his parents snark.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone enjoying a fast paced, dramatic love story that is heavy on family camaraderie.

four-half-stars

* Review * JUST ONE MORE TIME by Carly Phillips

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE MORE TIME by Carly PhillipsJust One More Time by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sterling Family #6
Published by CP Publishing on September 8, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

One night. One heartbreak. One man she could never forget.

Years ago, Brooke Snyder gave her heart — and her innocence — to Aiden Sterling, her best friend’s older brother. For one perfect night, he was hers. Then he walked away without looking back.

Heartbroken, she focused on her career, and tried to move on, while he was half a world away. But no man ever measured up to Aiden, and the one time she tried, ended in disaster.

Now, he’s back to help his ailing father, and avoiding him isn’t an option— not when they’re forced to work together and definitely not when she’s sleeping in the bedroom next to his.

The past crackles between them, charged with everything they never said and everything they still feel. Every look dares her to remember. Every touch reminds her exactly what she spent years trying to forget.

Giving him her body is easy. But how can she protect her heart… when the man who broke it is the only one who can put it back together?

 

Carly Phillips always delivers on relatable characters and dramatic love stories! The next book in The Sterling Family series brings globetrotting journalist son Aiden home and reuniting with childhood friend/turned fledgling love interest Brook. His latest assignment left a bad taste in his mouth and danger lurking when he least expects it. Reuniting with his family and friends is bittersweet when he realizes he just might have brought the bad guys to their door. There wasn’t a whole lot of relationship development here overall, but the story as a whole was both heartfelt and emotional and left me pulling for their happily ever after right from the start. I love this series and am looking forward to the next book.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a family centric romance that finds each sibling finding their forever love in dramatic ways as the family loves and supports from the sidelines.

four-half-stars

* Review * SHADOW’S PROTECTION by Chelle Bliss

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SHADOW’S PROTECTION by Chelle BlissShadow's Protection by Chelle Bliss
Series: Hurricane Heat MC #1
Published by Bliss Ink on September 2, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Shadow isn’t the type to mingle with people outside his world unless they owe him or the club something. But when his eyes land on a beautiful woman in need of a place to stay, he offers her shelter from the coming storm without a second thought.

Violet James needs a fresh start. She’s planned every detail—new job, new house, new city. But the one thing she didn’t expect was a hurricane to throw a wrench into everything. Stranded in a new city with no open hotel rooms for miles, she’s intrigued when a handsome biker offers her a safe place to stay.

Shadow never expected the woman to come with baggage in the form of an obsessive ex-boyfriend who will stop at nothing to get her back, including showing up at his club’s compound.

What starts off as a little fun to pass the time as a hurricane decimates the area around them turns into something deeper than either of them could’ve imagined. And Shadow will do anything to keep Violet safe, even if that means risking his life to save hers.

 

I was quickly hooked by down and dirty desire! Chelle Bliss is delivering a whole new cast of MC guys who are dangerous and mysterious and I loved every minute of the kick off to this Hurricane Heat series! An attention grabbing start nabbed me quickly and had me easily liking Violet and appreciating the fact that Shadow steps in to help her get out of danger. He’s mysterious, yet kind hearted and his club seems all in when one another needs support. We didn’t delve too deeply into the MC yet, but the groundwork was there of who does what around the place and how tight they are. I look forward to meeting each one more as the series progresses. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced story of passion as feelings start growing and changes are in the air. The characters were easy to like, the drama was top notch and the happily ever after was everything that I was looking for!

five-stars

* Review * THE COUPLE’S SECRET by Lisa Regan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE COUPLE’S SECRET by Lisa ReganThe Couple's Secret by Lisa Regan
Series: Detective Josie Quinn #23
Published by Bookouture on September 1, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

The couple in the photo smile at the camera, arms wrapped around each other, faces alight with happiness. They were two people getting a second chance at love, trying to blend their young families and start a new life together. Until their smiles became frozen for the camera forever as their lives were cut tragically short by a horrifying act of violence…

Seven years ago, Tobias Lachlan and his fiancée Cora Stevens went out for a romantic dinner together. They left the restaurant smiling and holding hands, Cora sent a text message to say they were on the way home… but they were never seen again, leaving their family and friends with broken hearts and unanswered questions.

Detective Josie Quinn is shocked when she’s called to investigate the discovery of their bodies in a submerged car in the river just outside Denton. The medical report soon shows that Tobias and Cora were brutally murdered, sending shockwaves through the community and reopening the case that police thought had long gone cold.

With no obvious clues, and no sightings of the couple after they left the restaurant that night, Josie draws a blank. Tobias and Cora’s children, now grown, can’t imagine who might have wanted their parents dead. The discovery of a tiny old-fashioned key in the remnants of Cora’s purse could unlock the mystery, but no one knows what the key might open, and Josie can’t figure out what it meant to Cora. But secrets don’t stay buried forever, and if Josie knows one thing to be true, it’s this: someone always knows something. As she digs deeper, Josie finds evidence that this perfect couple might have been keeping secrets. Secrets from their children, and secrets from each other.

But then another body is found—another member of the family, tragically silenced forever. Josie’s investigation has stirred up more than just the river bed, and she knows that the killer is now even more desperate to keep their secrets hidden. Who is trying to rip this family apart, and can Josie find out before it’s too late?

 

Lisa Regan never fails to steal my heart when I visit Detective Josie Quinn! She’s an ever evolving character who delivers strength and grit on the regular, but there’s a softer side of her as well who loves hard and collects friendship and love every day of her life. I always enjoy my return visits and watching her prosper no matter the hardships life has thrown out at her from a very young age. I can’t recommend this series enough!

This particular book nabbed my attention very quickly with a whodunnit cold case at the forefront while Josie was dealing with personal drama as well. The case is well developed with multiple key players who are keeping secrets and testing alliances. There are twists and turns along the way that will keep the reader intrigued as Josie pulls out all stops to get justice for the vics.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a strong female lead in law enforcement who solves case after case while building a happily ever after with friends, family and the love of her life.

five-stars