Book Reviews – Page 7

* Review * TRAVIS by Josie Jade

April 23, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Travis by Josie Jade
Series: Warrior Security
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing - Protector Romance Circle on April 24, 2026
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Travis Hale has four computer monitors, a caffeine addiction, and zero interest in human interaction.

He hasn't left his compound in two years. Whatever the CIA did to him—or made him do—sent him underground, literally, into a Montana bunker disguised as a ranch house where the surveillance system is military-grade and the man who once ran field ops now doesn’t leave his own driveway.

Or so everybody thinks.

He’s vital to Warrior Security operations from within his fortified walls. He’d die for them and knows the feeling is mutual. But even his brothers-in-arms don’t know the truth...

When predators slip into the shadows, Travis follows.

He fights the battles that never make it to daylight. The system has rules. He doesn’t. And no one ever traces anything back to him.

It costs him more than anyone knows. So be it.

But when a ghost from his past shows up on his doorstep—soft where he’s sharp, open where he’s guarded—Travis will learn that even men who choose the dark can still step into the light.

Emotionally gripping and sure to please! The next book in Josie Jade’s Warrior Security series is Travis’s story. He’s a bit of a mystery and even more so than anyone ever thought with an agenda that has him living recklessly until a blast from the past comes asking for help and blows the life that he knew to pieces. Sera is easy to like and has a compelling story herself. The best part of the book might just be Marge, the computer program he built that gives him more sass than a life partner ever could. I adored their relationship … and Sera wasn’t too shabby either! Great characters, a fast paced storyline and lots of danger and drama 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 and co-workers who have formed a brotherhood of love and laughter behind their mission to protect the innocent and continue their mission long after they return home.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A DROWNING IN EMERALD POOL by Nichole Severn

April 19, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A DROWNING IN EMERALD POOL by Nichole Severn

A Drowning in Emerald Pool by Nichole Severn
Series: Red Rock Murders #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on April 28, 2026
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At the scene of a watery death

…he’s in too deep.

While investigating a drowning, Zion National Park ranger Harvey Knight is surprised by the coroner who shows up—Drennan Hawes, his recent one-night stand, now pregnant. Fatherhood? Knight wants no part of it, except providing financial support. In fact, the traumatized ex-soldier is convinced he’d only be a danger to the woman who wants a lasting relationship. But when the drowning is ruled a homicide, it’s the killer who endangers Drennan. Working together to solve the murder, will the lovers realize that there’s more between them than a single night—maybe even a path to forever?

This just might be my favorite of the series! Harvey is a good ranger, but he doesn’t trust himself with happiness because of the life he was raised in. Drennan had it good once upon a time until an accident changed her family dynamic and times were never idyllic again. When a casual one night stand brings more than they ever bargained for and a chance meeting puts them in each other’s realm again, Harvey and Drennan have to see how it all plays out while trying to keep one step ahead of the danger that is lurking around this case they stumbled upon. I liked them a lot, but I did feel like we could have had a little more of a dive into what made her walk away from the life she knew and forge ahead with this one. Overall, they were attention grabbing and the suspense was top notch.

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* Review * CROSSROADS by Carrie Ann Ryan

April 19, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CROSSROADS by Carrie Ann Ryan

Crossroads by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Ashford Creek #2
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on April 20, 2026
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When Kiera West needs a place to hide from the media and her ex, she never thought Bodhi Ashford—the man the small town of Ashford Creek once thought a murderer—would be her salvation.

The reclusive, bearded, mountain man has secrets of his own and with one growl, she knew she’d be safe. Sure, he might only talk to her to ask who hurt her, but at least the quiet will let her heal.

When the elusive drummer from one of the biggest rock bands in the world shows up on Bodhi’s doorstep, he needs her to leave yesterday. As soon as he sees the bruises, he knows she needs to stay.

A fire took everything from him once, and the town he thought he could trust turned on him before he could grieve. Falling for a woman in the spotlight is the last thing he needs.

Yet it might be the one thing that could save them both when the darkness of their pasts finally catches up with them.

Quick to catch your attention and addictive throughout! The next book in Ryan’s Ashford Creek series is Bodhi’s story. We knew coming in that it was going to be a bit heart-wrenching, but we didn’t know exactly what had happened to him previously in life. He meets his match when temptation comes hiding out on his property in the form of rockstar drummer Kiera West. Both characters have angst in their life whether it be happening at the current time, or previously that draw the reader in and have us turning page after page to see what’s going to happen. I enjoyed them very much, but I did feel like they both could have been fleshed out a bit more to truly show the meat of both of their back stories. I was satisfied with them, I just see some potential for true greatness had we gotten to feel more turmoil. Great characters, angsty goodness and a heartfelt happily ever after in the end. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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* Release Blitz/Review * LICK IT UP by Gillian Archer

April 16, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * LICK IT UP by Gillian Archer

Lick It Up by Gillian Archer
Series: Long Licks Rock Stars #1
on April 16, 2026
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I left for my “honeymoon” solo but came home married to a rock star. Oh boy.

My entire world collapses a week before my wedding.
My ex is not the man I thought he was, and I have the shiner to prove it.
Heartbroken, I board my honeymoon flight alone and spend my days sitting on the beach, wondering how I never saw it coming.
Enter Mal.
I’m not sure how I didn’t recognize the biggest guitar player in the world.
I just know I feel safe in his arms, and he’s as different from my ex as can be—gentle, giving, spontaneous…
Planning to marry someone I thought I knew didn’t work, so why not marry a stranger?
But when his world gets rocked in the worst possible way, and he goes back on the promises he made to me on that beach, I have to choose between stability and the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me…for all the right reasons.

Lick It Up kicks off the Long Licks series. Grab this angsty, elopement with a rock star, age gap, spicy romance about two people finding themselves and love despite tragedy coming at them from every direction.

I loved them … but … Okay, this book started out exciting with two characters that grabbed my attention quickly and had me all in for whatever trouble they were going to get into together. Yes, it was fast, it was unrealistic, it was exaggerated … but I loved them … until tragedy struck in his life back home and the ball was totally dropped on the plot after that. Instead of explaining what was going on in his head, he basically closed the door on what had been developing between them and left her to flounder out in left field for the majority of the rest of the book. There’s a couple decade age gap here and it’s a stereotypical rocker romance but there was so much potential here for angst and drama that pulled your heartstrings majorly, but it fell flat. I really wanted to love this book from start to finish, but I could only partially love it. I’m hoping the rest of the series will improve and the flow will stay electrified throughout. We’ll see.

LICK IT UP

Gillian ARcher

Release Date: April 16

I left for my “honeymoon” solo but came home married to a rock star. Oh boy. My entire world collapses a week before my wedding. My ex is not the man I thought he was, and I have the shiner to prove it. Heartbroken, I board my honeymoon flight alone and spend my days sitting on the beach, wondering how I never saw it coming. Enter Mal. I’m not sure how I didn’t recognize the biggest guitar player in the world. I just know I feel safe in his arms, and he’s as different from my ex as can be—gentle, giving, spontaneous… Planning to marry someone I thought I knew didn’t work, so why not marry a stranger? But when his world gets rocked in the worst possible way, and he goes back on the promises he made to me on that beach, I have to choose between stability and the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me…for all the right reasons. Lick It Up kicks off the Long Licks series. Grab this angsty, elopement with a rock star, age gap, spicy romance about two people finding themselves and love despite tragedy coming at them from every direction. Grab your copy! https://books2read.com/lick1

Meet Gillian Asher:

GILLIAN ARCHER has a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering but prefers to spend her time on happily ever after. She writes the kind of stories she loves to read—the hotter the better! When she’s not pounding away on the keyboard, she can be found chasing her grade-schooler, or surfing the couch while indulging in her latest reality TV fixation, or reading awesome romance ebooks by her favorite authors. Gillian lives in the wilds of northern Nevada with her amazing husband, gorgeous little girl, and goofy dog. Keep up with Gillian Archer and subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.gillianarcher.com/newsletter/ To learn more about Gillian Archer & her books, visit here! Connect with Gillian Archer: https://www.gillianarcher.com/contact/

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Blitz/Review * BE THE FULL PROBLEM by Lani Lynn Vale

April 14, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Be The Full Problem by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Don't Date Him #4
on April 14, 2026
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I blame getting pregnant on my sister getting mauled by a bear.

If she hadn’t been attacked that day, I wouldn’t have come home to check on her. I wouldn’t have run into Boone Windsor at that bar. I wouldn’t have gone home with him, ready to drown my sorrows in a different, more satisfying way.

I wouldn’t have given him that second chance.

Not after he’d so badly burned the first chance.

I would’ve gone back to work half the country away, and I would’ve kept my head in the sand where Boone was involved.
But my sister did get attacked. I did give Boone a second chance.

And I almost died because of it.

After my memories are lost in an accident that almost takes both of our lives, Boone makes me fall in love with him all over again.

And since I didn’t know all the hell that awaited me, I didn’t guard my heart.

I fell, and fell, and fell until there was nowhere else to go but down.

Then, when those memories come back and I’m faced with the consequences of my actions, I didn’t falter.

I knew he was hell, yet I chose to burn with him anyway.

Tumultuous at it’s best! Nettie Wheeler has loved Boone Windsor for what feels like her entire life, but she refuses to let him be a part of her life in any meaningful way. Once bitten, twice shy as they say. High school sweethearts turned virtual strangers while life continues to turn around them and heartbreak continues to fester year after year. Both characters have a strong backstory on their own and a really powerful one together. I liked them both and felt for them for the suffering they went through apart and the turmoil they are living now. I enjoyed their reunion that eventually comes about and the drama that unfolds. I wanted a little more to be told about her parents ugliness considering what we learned in her twin sis Eddy’s book. Many twists and turns and so much drama and gossip to sink your teeth into. I can’t wait for more of this series! This particular book isn’t about one of the freed convicts, but it’s about Eddy’s sister who we met in the previous story. The amnesia side of the story didn’t add much to the plot and really could have been skipped.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a juicy, far fetched and dramatic telling as passion ignites, friends and family rally around and drama holds center stage as a happily ever after is achieved beautifully.

Title: Be The Full Problem

Series: Don’t Date Him #4

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tropes: Secret Baby, Second Chance Romance

Grumpy/Sunshine, Small Town

Release Date: April 14, 2026

BLURB

I blame getting pregnant on my sister getting mauled by a bear.

If she hadn’t been attacked that day, I wouldn’t have come home to check on her. I wouldn’t have run into Boone Windsor at that bar. I wouldn’t have gone home with him, ready to drown my sorrows in a different, more satisfying way.

I wouldn’t have given him that second chance.

Not after he’d so badly burned the first chance.

I would’ve gone back to work half the country away, and I would’ve kept my head in the sand where Boone was involved.

But my sister did get attacked. I did give Boone a second chance.

And I almost died because of it.

After my memories are lost in an accident that almost takes both of our lives, Boone makes me fall in love with him all over again.

And since I didn’t know all the hell that awaited me, I didn’t guard my heart.

I fell, and fell, and fell until there was nowhere else to go but down.

Then, when those memories come back and I’m faced with the consequences of my actions, I didn’t falter.

I knew he was hell, yet I chose to burn with him anyway.

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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 * OFF THE RECORD by K E Osborn

April 13, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Off the Record by K E Osborn
Series: The Sunshine & Sparks Duet #2
on April 13, 2026
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Effa isn’t just the lead singer of Luminous—she’s the woman who rewired my heart and set fire to everything I thought I could control. And I’m Kaden ‘Mercs’ Mercury, the man who was never supposed to fall… especially not this hard.

Touring with Luminous was meant to be a job. A distraction. A paycheck.
Instead, it became everything.

Now the spotlight feels harsher. The stakes higher. And the consequences of loving her heavier than I ever imagined.

Everything is unraveling.
One catastrophe after another.
Mistakes I can’t take back.
The road ahead is darker than any stage I’ve ever lit.

But even when breathing feels impossible, the thought of a life without Effa is worse.
She makes it hard to breathe.
The question is—am I enough for her to choose me when everything falls apart?

The epic conclusion of Kaden and Effa’s love story! This book picks right up at the cliffhanger spot from the first book. We’re are quickly thrust back into the angst and trauma that is happening around them and along for the ride through fear, healing and change. Many of the secrets Kaden has been keeping to himself are revealed along with swift and stunning aftereffects. The characters and all of their supporting cast is really attention grabbing throughout this entire duet, and it’s filled with lots of angst, passion and love. I loved them as a whole and enjoyed their story throughout. There’s great sadness, hearty healing and emotional turmoil throughout. I recommend the duet to anyone who enjoys a rockstar romance with lots of heart and side stories that they have to deal with along the way.

Previously published as Breathe, Luminous Rock Duet #2

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* Review * THEO by Victoria Denault

April 13, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Theo by Victoria Denault
Series: Hockey Royalty #6
on April 17, 2026
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I don’t deserve a second chance at hockey, or a first chance with Lola. I’m taking both anyway.

Theo
It took falling off a roof and doing catastrophic damage to my family, my body and my career, but I’m sober —and want to stay that way. My future is bleak until, out of nowhere, I’m given a second chance to be a hockey player. Problem is, I don’t know how to be a sober hockey player. I don’t know how to do anything sober. The last thing I expected, on top of everything else, was to trauma-bond with Lola Casco, the beautiful sister of not one but two of my teammates.
Her bold smile, her sweet laugh, her sometimes brutal honesty – it’s apparently what turns on sober me. But good things aren’t meant for me, I don’t deserve them, and Lola is the best of the best. So I should walk away. Do I have the guts to do it?

Lola
I used to think I had the worst luck with men, but after the last guy, I’m beginning to think it’s not luck —it’s me. I attract all the wrong men… except Theo. He’s one of the good guys. So when he needs a little help getting his confidence back in the bedroom, I volunteer as tribute. This is just be a friend helping a friend —no strings. So why can’t I stop thinking about him? Can I get him to realize that he may not be perfect, but he’s perfect for me?

Emotionally addictive and oh so satisfying! If you’ve read Denault before, you will more than likely recognize some of the key players in this book. An intermix of the kids from some of hockey royalty from years past is always a great chance to get to see those players and spouses that you fell for years ago step in as the supporting or judgmental parent to the current hero/heroine. I always love a second gen story for that very reason. This particular story delves into Theo who bombed his life and finally had to realize he needed to get sober and pick up the pieces scattered around him in a healthier manner. The heroine Lola is closely connected to family and friends around him, so when he steps in to help her out of an awkward situation, it doesn’t take long for them to get cozy and allow fate to intervene with continual situations of throwing them into each other’s orbit. His storyline is powerful and while the author didn’t get super angsty and dark with her rendition of his recover, she did bring meetings into play often and kept it front and center as a part of his daily life. I walked away enjoying their story and feeling a connection with their love and healing. Great characters, well developed side stories and a sweet reconnection. Only thing missing was getting to see Pete go down!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance filled with family hockey dynasties, great player camaraderie and sexy as all get out love stories!

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* Review * SOMEONE TO KEEP by Michelle Major

April 13, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Someone To Keep by Michelle Major
Series: The Skylark Series #7
Published by Romilda House on April 16, 2026
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AVAH:

When I walked away from my abusive ex, the last person I expected to carry me out of the wreckage was my best friend's billionaire brother.

Jeremy Winslow might be brilliant at business, but he's terrible at people. Trust me, I've been on the receiving end of his arrogance since the day we met.

Only now he's looking at me like I'm worth saving even though I've stopped believing it. I'm stress baking my way through life one cinnamon roll at a time, and I don't need complications.

But the man who can't make small talk seems to know exactly what to say to tear down every wall I've built.

JEREMY:

Avah Harris is the first person who seems to want me for more than my money. I know the men in her life have let her down--her ex with his fists and her father with his lies. She has every reason to keep me at arm's length, and she's damn good at it.

But something changed when I carried her off that beach, and I can't stop showing up whenever she needs someone in her corner. I've never been good at taking no for an answer, especially from her.

Her secrets could blow us apart, but I don't care. If she gives me a chance, I'll spend every day proving I'm the man who deserves to keep her.

Someone To Keep is Book 6 in The Skylark Series. A steamy small-town standalone with a guaranteed HEA. Forced proximity, one bed, billionaire romance, he falls first, humor, heart, and a black cat heroine who finally meets her golden retriever match.

Just about everything we could want in a romance … and more! Avah’s snark has been a humorous highpoint of getting to know the ladies in the Skylark, Colorado book club. We all knew there was something wrong in that relationship she had … we just didn’t know exactly how it was all going to play out. I absolutely loved Avah and Jeremy and how they got together, but there were definitely some holes left that could have made for an even more powerful story … seeing her Dad get his, getting justice from the Jon situation, getting at least one angsty scene between he and his sis to see how they worked on getting to a better place in their relationship, etc. Did it take enough away from this happily ever after to dock it though, absolutely not … just could have made it even more powerful. Overall, great characters who both had emotional backstories, an easy connection in what should have been awkward and such a heartwarming take on seeing two people who deserve it the most work out into a beautiful relationship. Loved every minute of them! I cannot wait for Sloane’s story!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance with a set of characters who really catch your attention from the very beginning of the series and hold it throughout. A great sisterhood of friends who stumble upon the love of their lives along the way.

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* Review * IN THE SPOTLIGHT by K E Osborn

April 11, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

In the Spotlight by K E Osborn
Series: The Sunshine & Sparks Duet #1
on April 13, 2026
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From the moment I laid eyes on her in that ridiculous giraffe onesie, I knew my world would never be the same.

Effa isn’t just any woman, she’s the lead singer of Luminous, the world’s hottest all-female rock band. And I’m Kaden ‘Mercs’ Mercury, their new lighting tech, stepping into a spotlight far brighter, and far more dangerous, than I ever expected.

Touring with Luminous might sound like a fantasy, but these women are fierce, unapologetic, and impossible to intimidate. And then there’s Effa. The blonde firecracker who owns the stage and somehow owns me too, even as my life offstage threatens to unravel.

Everything is spiraling. Old debts. Family pressure. A past that refuses to stay buried.

But through the chaos, Effa becomes my anchor… and my undoing.

Then an all-male opening band joins the tour, and suddenly the tension isn’t just onstage. Jealousy ignites. Boundaries blur. And the spotlight isn’t the only thing burning.

She makes my heart race.
The question is—am I strong enough to hold on when she does the same to mine?

Attention grabbing and fast paced! The first book in Osborn’s re-released rockstar duet (former The Luminous Rock Duet, now The Sunshine and Sparks Duet) was quick to catch my attention. If you read the series about the Recoil band previously, you will recognize the heroine of this book Effa from her songwriting/opening act days in that series. The sparks that fly when her new lighting director Kaden joins the tour is addictive, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. I did feel like there was a bit of a disconnect in that she was revealing her all and putting herself into this relationship full force, but he was keeping major secrets and endangering parts of his life that he should have trusted her with. The characters are very easy to like and become invested in, and there’s a cliffhanger at the end that will leave you ready for book two immediately. I enjoyed them, I just wanted more from Kaden to make the investment in their love mutual. Don’t miss the conclusion in the next book!

Previously published as Pulse, Luminous Rock Duet #1

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* Review * FALLING FOR REAL by Carly Phillips

April 11, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Falling for Real by Carly Phillips
Series: A Dare to Fall Novella #2
Published by CP Publishing on April 16, 2026
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One canceled date.
One overbooked hotel.
One fake boyfriend who feels way too real.

I arrive at a family wedding expecting maid-of-honor chaos—not to share a room with Tristan Hayes, the devastatingly charming nightclub owner I’ve crushed on for too long.

When the hotel runs out of rooms, Tristan gives his to an elderly couple without hesitation, and I see the kind of man he is.
So I offer to share my king-sized bed.

Just for the weekend. It’s totally innocent.
Until my ex shows up with a date.

Suddenly Tristan’s hand is on my waist, his smile lethal, and he becomes my fake boyfriend. It's temporary and perfect.
Except the chemistry isn’t fake.
And wedding weekends don’t last.

Or do they?

A fun, flirty wedding-weekend romance featuring fake dating, forced proximity, one bed, and a hero who always shows up—with a guaranteed HEA.

Fast paced and adorable! The second book in Phillips’ Dare to Fall series is again novella length, so moves quickly and is easy to devour in one sitting. Kaylee has been crushing on Tristin, and a situation at their mutual friend/family wedding makes for an interesting situation when they’re sharing one room with one bed before they know it. The characters are both easy to like, the chemistry between them is sweet and steamy and I liked them together a lot. No a huge amount of development into either of their back stories greatly, or in their relationship because of the short novella length, but I left enjoying the time spent with them.

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