Book Reviews – Page 4

* Review * PRETEND IT’S FOREVER by Carrie Ann Ryan

August 29, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PRETEND IT’S FOREVER by Carrie Ann Ryan

Pretend it's Forever by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: The Cage Family #5
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on September 7, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Sophia Cage doesn’t need a protector—she needs a night to pretend her world didn’t splinter. After her world burned, she found herself a single mom, a struggling dance studio owner, and unable to do the one thing that had brought her out of the darkness.

Dance.

When Carson walks into her life, all she can see is the broken person she’d been when they’d first met. She’s stronger than the ghosts of her past, at least that’s what she tells herself. Yet with each accidental encounter with the mysterious and dangerous man who’s inserted himself into the Cage family orbit, she’s finding it harder to walk away.

Carson Woods doesn’t trust people. He’s spent his life protecting his sister from their family and the world all while making sure his businesses are the best in their fields.

Then he meets her.

One wrong move with the shattered yet pieced together Sophia could not only fracture his working relationship with the only friends he has but harm the woman he tells himself he cannot crave.

Carson had me from hello! The next book in The Cage Family series is highly emotional as Sophia picks up the pieces of her life and builds anew. When Carson walks into her life again after that tainted day she first saw his face, she doesn’t know what to make of the different things he makes her feel. In all honesty, I wanted more angst and emotion from her. I wanted to feel the pain of her devastation and not feel like it was glossed over a smidge and then moved on from. I wanted her to rip my heart out with her pain and then let Carson piece me back together along with her. It didn’t happen that way, but I loved him, her girls and her family as a whole so much that it still worked for me. The series is great, the family is just the best and the happily ever afters always work no matter how we get there. Always looking forward to more to come in the series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * WILD SANCTUARY by Pamela O’Rourke

August 29, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WILD SANCTUARY by Pamela O’Rourke

Wild Sanctuary by Pamela O'Rourke
Published by Boldwood Books on September 4, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

I swore I’d never come back to Blackstone Creek.

Officially, I’m here to write a feature on Glacier Ridge Ranch for my editor. Unofficially, I’m following a lead. No matter what anyone says, I never believed my father’s death three years ago was just an accident.

I came back to Blackstone Creek for answers. Not for Wyatt Hartley.

He’s still quiet strength wrapped in worn denim and guarded eyes. Still the man who can make my heart race with a single look. And still completely off-limits.

We couldn’t be more different. Wyatt is gruff, guarded, and happiest alone. I’m the girl who fills every silence and refuses to back down, no matter how many times he pushes me away.

Until the night everything changes.

The deeper I dig into my father’s death, the more dangerous this town becomes. Someone is watching me far too closely.

And the closer I get to Wyatt, the harder it is to tell what’s more dangerous: the truth… or the man I’m falling for all over again.

Attention grabbing from start to finish! My first book by Pamela O’Rourke will certainly not be my last, because I am officially hooked on Glacier Ridge Ranch! Mystery surrounds us from the very start when Daisy returns home and reconnects with Wyatt while simmering over questions regarding her father’s death a few years back along with his dad. While working on a journalist assignment about generational ranching, she digs to uncover additional info and stirs up trouble where she least expects it. Along the way, she and Wyatt stop fighting the feelings they’ve always hidden away and join forces to get the answers they all want. Great characters, not a lot of development of their romantic relationship, but the mystery is exciting enough to carry them through. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE BILLIONAIRE AND THE RUNAWAY BRIDE by VH Nicolson

August 29, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BILLIONAIRE AND THE RUNAWAY BRIDE by VH Nicolson

The Billionaire and the Runaway Bride by VH Nicolson
Series: Elite Eagles Legacy #1
Published by Boldwood Books on September 1, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

I’m Leon Hill, ex-hockey player, sports agent, and in so much trouble! I have been in love with my best friend’s little sister for as long as I can remember. But she’s off limits. Forbidden. And now she’s getting married. Until she’s not.

Erika Johansson becomes a runaway bride, ending up in my arms. I should turn her away. Tell her no, but the idea of having her is all too tempting. Instead, we do something crazy and I finally get the woman I’ve craved all these years. But if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that our timing is never right. And a bang on the head, where I forget everything, is just another reminder of that.

Right now, my heart is as battered as the puck in the closing minutes of the Stanley Cup, and I’m starting to wonder if maybe this love story was just never meant to be.

Forbidden love at it’s best! The cover of this book is a very deceiving, because it’s not a hockey romance. He’s a former player who retired 10 years ago and is now a sports agent, but there is so little sports discussion in the book that I wouldn’t even qualify it as a sports romance … however, it’s a really good book! My first by the author will definitely not be my last if the series continues. The characters were well developed, their love story played out just like we wanted it to and the plot was a great pace to keep me interested throughout. The little twist at the end was very unexpected, but it played out well and only made me panic a smidge. Loved them together!

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a best friend’s sibling romance with lots of heart.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BRING THEM HOME by Carolyn Arnold

August 24, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BRING THEM HOME by Carolyn Arnold

Bring Them Home by Carolyn Arnold
Series: Detective Amanda Steele #16
Published by Bookouture on August 27, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

When a seemingly ordinary family goes missing in plain sight, Detective Amanda Steele is called in to find them before it’s too late. The only evidence left behind is the mother’s abandoned car in a mall parking lot—her phone and purse on the front seat. But why would anyone target a loving mother, a dedicated father and elementary schoolteacher, and a teenage girl?

Amanda and Trent speak with friends and family but can’t unearth any reason the family would disappear on their own. Their darker suspicion is confirmed when they find CCTV footage of the mother and daughter being bundled into an unmarked black van, driven away at speed. They are looking at an abduction.

Soon human remains are discovered in a field outside of town, and Amanda uncovers a lead that could blow the investigation wide open. If she’s right, this case is linked to a woman who went missing ten years ago—and closer still, to someone within the police department. But can Amanda and Trent put all the pieces together in time to stop a twisted killer before more lives are lost?

Highly addictive, top-notch suspense! Arnold always delights me with a new visit with Amanda and Trent as I try to keep up with them as a new case wraps itself around their mind and settles in for the long haul. Still no closer to seeing them admit their feelings for each other, but every interaction was satisfying this time.

This story brings some familiar faces into play occasionally throughout as a missing family case turns increasingly ugly when they realize a connection that brings it all too close to home and suspect corruption in their own back yard. I really enjoyed the high octane feel to the case as well as the small amount of downtime that we get to see Amanda having to deal with the fallout of her job at home.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a talented female detective who always solves her case no matter how much the bad guys try to stop her. I always leave already looking forward to seeing her again!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A LICK OF SENSE by Gillian Archer

August 24, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A LICK OF SENSE by Gillian Archer

A Lick of Sense by Gillian Archer
Series: Long Licks Rock Stars #2
on August 27, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

I’m supposed to be getting to know my newfound rock star father—
only I can’t take my eyes off his drummer. Oh boy.
On the worst day of my life, the father I never knew I had shows up.
And he’s a rock star.
I wish I could talk to my mom about her lies but she’s dead—hence the worst day of my life.
Now I’m in LA partying with rock stars, dodging my crazy stepmom, and avoiding my newfound father because…I don’t know why.
Everything is just so hard.
And heavy.
And awkward.
It doesn’t help that I can’t keep my eyes off his new drummer.
And drummer boy—well, man, definitely man—is looking back at me too.
Somehow I don’t think dear ol’ Dad is going to approve.
But I’m not sure I care.

Heartfelt and addictive! I was hooked on Izzy’s story right from the moment Beau walks up to her to introduce himself. She’s sweet, super smart and fun to be around. Hunter is a perfect match for her because he appreciates all that she is and loves her dearly for being herself. I loved getting to see them grow in the affection for each other and build a stable relationship even though they were keeping it on the downlow.

The weakness of the story was literally no background was given of how the band came to be in the spot it’s in other than a glossed over version of Gio being gone. I wanted more to remind me how it all went down in the prior book and a background of how they got together and gelled in the first place. Beau was a disappointment for sure … but he improves moderately by the end. I’m looking forward to more to come from the guys, but I hope the development to keep all aspects of the band at the reader’s fingertips is put into the series going forward.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * STUCK WITH HER IMPOSSIBLE EX by Kandy Shepherd

August 24, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * STUCK WITH HER IMPOSSIBLE EX by Kandy Shepherd

Stuck with Her Impossible Ex by Kandy Shepherd
Series: Outback Kings #3
Published by Harlequin Romance on August 25, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Out-back together?

When celebrity chef Jess’s ex appears at her cookbook signing, their history comes flooding back—the heartbreak and their once-forbidden attraction. Housekeeper’s daughter Jess hasn’t seen ranching heir Logan since their teenage plans to elope were thwarted by their families. Now the billionaire’s interest in her is strictly professional. But his business proposal has her returning to his remote outback estate! There Jess becomes wrapped up in Logan’s world anew, caught between the untold secrets of their past and their reigniting spark…

Reunited love takes center stage as Kandy Shepherd delivers the third installment of the Outback Kings series. The main couple are easy to like and quick to catch the reader’s attention once their past connection is told and the angst starts to simmer. I enjoyed them quite a bit and loved their happily ever after but there were some parts of the story that did drag a bit. Overall a strong addition to the series and a fulfilling love story.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BAD NEWS BAD BOY by Jessica Lemmon

August 24, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BAD NEWS BAD BOY by Jessica Lemmon

Bad News Bad Boy by Jessica Lemmon
Series: Evergreen Cove #4
Published by Oliver Heber Books on August 25, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Hazel Anderson braves a blizzard to check on the library's resident tortoise, but being snowed in with Evergreen Cove's newest bad boy was not on her BINGO card...

Lynx Dane is no one's hero. He's in town for a fresh start—and a fresh cup of coffee, which is when he bumps into the town librarian. Hazel's sharp tongue, red hair, and freckles sweep every thought from his head. Before Lynx knows what hit him, he offers to see her safely to her destination.

Hazel knows Lynx's brother, so trusting him to escort her for a few snowy blocks shouldn't be a big deal. But as the storm worsens, the power goes out, leaving them stranded in the dark library together until morning.

Between flashlight confessions and shared drinks, the night heats up faster than a malfunctioning generator—leaving them to wonder whether what they found in the dark was ever meant to survive the light of day.

Delightful dip back into Evergreen Cove! This is a really short novella, and if you’ve recently read the series, you will probably be able to follow along easily … I however read it years and years ago, so I could have used a bit more refresher tidbits built into the storyline to remind us who is who and what’s happened in the past a bit. For being such a short story, it does set a nice foundation for Lynx and Hazel to begin their dating journey, so that was satisfying. I would recommend you go catch up on the earlier part of the series first to make sure you get a full picture.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE FAMILY HE ALWAYS WANTED by Lisa Childs

August 21, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE FAMILY HE ALWAYS WANTED by Lisa Childs

The Family He Always Wanted by Lisa Childs
Series: Bachelor Cowboys #4
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on August 25, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Can his family of four…

Become her new home?

Attorney Nolan Stokes doesn’t want his children to become too fond of another woman who’ll just walk away, especially not a fiery singer who holds him in contempt. Frankie Dempsey resents Nolan for how he handled her uncle’s estate and has sworn to leave Willow Creek for the open road. But when Nolan reveals his biological ties to her best friend’s family, Frankie’s curiosity is piqued—and his three spirited children begin to claim her heart. Nolan fears he’s risking everything for a woman destined to leave, but can he give his heart to Frankie, who just might bring his kids and him everything they ever dreamed of?

Heartfelt and so emotional! I absolutely loved Frankie and Nolan from the start and knew their story was going to be powerful from the lead up to it in previous books in the series. I loved her instant connection to his kids and the camaraderie that led to the storyline. The characters were well developed, but their storyline was too quick for me. Insta-love doesn’t even describe it. In the reality of it there was no dating, no talking to any great degree, just an adoration of his kids and then instantly declaring their love for each other. I wanted more for them to paint a complete picture of what they could be, but the little family they made with his kids was adorable nonetheless.

Great series overall!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * FROZEN SECRETS by Nichole Severn

August 21, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FROZEN SECRETS by Nichole Severn

Frozen Secrets by Nichole Severn
Series: Cold Hollow Investigations #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on August 25, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Past secrets can't stay buried…

Once the ice shatters.

Clearing her late father's name is the sole reason for Winnie Hutton's return to the hometown she'd left behind. And the only investigative help available is from the person she never wanted to see again—her ex-fiancé, Adrial Tucker. Determined to push aside their tangled emotions—for now—the reluctant partners pursue dangerous leads in the one cold case Winnie's father failed to solve. A case filled with secrets, lies, corruption…and now, a killer's brutal attack. But the biggest challenge to their reunion may be Adrial’s admission of a devastating truth that could shatter any chance at a new future with Winnie.

An emotionally riveting kick off to a brand new series! Severn is on fire with the drama in this series starter and I loved every minute of it. We’re thrown a hint of a mystery right from the start that only builds in depth as more and more is uncovered and corruption is discovered. Danger lurks just out of reach, only strike when they are east expecting it. I was hooked right from the start and loved every minute of uncovering answers in this cold case turned all too hot. The main characters are great, their past adds a lot to the story as do his secrets. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast paced mystery with hints of romance and loads of unexpected twists. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A COWBOY TO REMEMBER by Melinda Curtis

August 21, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A COWBOY TO REMEMBER by Melinda Curtis

A Cowboy to Remember by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Bluegrass Blackwells #2
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on August 25, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

His family’s legacy…

Is their chance at love

Desperate for work, jockey Tamara Vaughn reluctantly agrees to train horses at the revered Blackwell Stables. She can’t avoid its connection to a smaller outfit in Texas, where her career veered off course and romantic feelings went unnoticed. Widowed horse breeder Nathan Blackwell never expected to work with Tamara again after the tragedy with his prized horse—but a doping scandal back home in Gold Finch, Kentucky, has left the ranch with few options. As they’re forced to team up, an undeniable chemistry builds, especially as Tamara helps his twin boys find their stride in bluegrass country. With her reputation and the ranch’s future riding on an emotionally charged high-stakes race, can she and Nathan also dare to become something more?

Highly emotional and wonderfully addictive! The second book in The Bluegrass Blackwells series picks up right after the first as the family continues to try to figure out the drugging scandal of their prized race horse as bad publicity and snarky opponents do more and more damage to the business reputation each day. Big E convinces Nathan to return home to try to help and his adorable twins stir up fun and chaos along the way. There’s a building mystery as this series goes along and each sibling that returns continues to build on the family chemistry. I am loving hanging out with Big E again and getting to know the bonus family along the way. Highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who loves a sweet romance with a family centric plot as one sibling after another finds love!

Filed Under: Book Reviews