Book Reviews – Page 8

* Release Blitz/Review * CLEAR SHOT by Kat Mizera

August 11, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * CLEAR SHOT by Kat Mizera

Clear Shot by Kat Mizera
Series: Lauderdale Knights #9
on August 11, 2025
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The deal was simple: marry my teammate’s sister, fake the fairy tale, get her a green card, and part ways like it never happened.

No feelings. No strings. No complications.

Yeah, well… that didn’t go according to plan.

We caught feelings. Big ones.

Now she’s pregnant, with my baby. And just when I’m ready to admit this might be more than just a deal, she drops a bombshell: she’s leaving. Headed back to Slovakia.

And she’s taking my kid with her.

That’s not happening.

She might think it’s over—but this story? It’s just getting started. Because they’re both mine, and I’m not letting go without a fight.

Fast paced and attention grabbing! Mizera is delighting her fans by bringing to life the instant connection that we felt between Hana and Aiden back in her brother Johan’s book with the next book in the Lauderdale Knights series. Each character has an interesting back story with bad luck and trauma taking center stage in the roadblocks they face. I always enjoy the group of teammates that step in with friendship and aid when needed in this series, and this book was particularly interesting because even the owner of the team had a presence. Well developed characters, real life problems and a satisfying happily ever after. Great series!

I really enjoyed Aiden as main character because he wasn’t ashamed to talk about his issues and take the steps he needed to in order to address what he needed to feel secure.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a sexy hockey romance with a core group of teammates who always step up in support and camaraderie as one after another falls for their forever love while living the dream of pro hockey.

CLEAR SHOT

Kat Mizera

Release Date: August 11

The deal was simple: marry my teammate’s sister, fake the fairy tale, get her a green card, and part ways like it never happened.

No feelings. No strings. No complications.

Yeah, well… that didn’t go according to plan.

We caught feelings. Big ones.

Now she’s pregnant, with my baby. And just when I’m ready to admit this might be more than just a deal, she drops a bombshell: she’s leaving. Headed back to Slovakia.

And she’s taking my kid with her.

That’s not happening.

She might think it’s over—but this story? It’s just getting started. Because they’re both mine, and I’m not letting go without a fight.

Grab Your Copy!

https://geni.us/ClearShot

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 * KNIFE IN THE BACK by Karen Rose

August 10, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Knife in the Back by Karen Rose
Series: New Orleans #4
Published by Berkley on August 12, 2025
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Officer Naomi Cranston was framed for stealing cocaine from the evidence locker and coerced—through threats to her young son—into not fighting the charges. After five years in prison, she has tried to put the ordeal behind her, but the crooks who framed her have returned, this time demanding she move drugs along with her flower shop’s deliveries. They threaten her son once again, but this time she’s not capitulating quietly. She hires Broussard Investigations to protect her and her son, to prove her innocence, and to put the real bad guys away.

As a former cop, Burke Broussard is well aware of the corruption in the New Orleans police department. He had always believed Naomi Cranston to be guilty and isn’t inclined to take her case. Until he sits down to listen to her side of things. Until he sees her tortured innocence written all over her beautiful face…

A relationship born amid an investigation is a fragile thing. Will it survive the danger and the threats? Will it survive the truth?

Rose weaves a top notch suspenseful tale from start to finish! With the fourth book in her riveting New Orleans series, we head back to Broussard Investigations for a case that turns the agency upside down as trust is questioned, danger is around every corner and everything they thought they knew goes right out the door. I loved the lead up of Naomi’s case and how the storyline evolved into so much more than just that one case including a connection with Burke. Visiting the family that this team of co-workers has become is always a pleasure and seeing them connect on an even tighter level was special. The characters were well developed, the plot was mildly twisty and intriguing at first and them a major secret plays out that really turns it all on it’s head. I loved every minute and can’t wait to see this team again!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a whodunnit with lots of build up and secrets that always plays out to a happily ever after for at least some of them throughout the story.

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* Review * FLIRTING WITH TROUBLE by Melissa Foster

August 5, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Flirting with Trouble by Melissa Foster
Series: The Silvers at Silver Island #1
Published by World Literary Press on August 6, 2025
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Forgetting playboy Wells Silver was supposed to be easy. If only he didn’t make it impossible. Secrets are made on the sandy shores and in the sweet small towns of Silver Island, where friendships run deep, passions run hot, and the sexy Silvers are considered island royalty. Love in Bloom novels are written to stand alone and may also be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right in and devour this fun, steamy romance.

Being born into the Silver empire comes with certain expectations, but charming restaurant owner Wells Silver has always taken pleasure in breaking the rules—in his personal and his professional life.

Victoria Braden never expected to become a widow at thirty-two, much less still be trying to figure out how to move on five years later. She’d planned to drown her sorrows in alcohol on what would have been her anniversary, not flirt with trouble and lose herself in a night of passion with Silver Island royalty, playboy Wells Silver. Forgetting Wells was supposed to be easy. But apparently the pushy player didn’t get the memo.

Emotional, fun and flirty while tackling hardcore life with heart and sincerity! Melissa Foster has been teasing us with the thought of Wells Silver every time we’ve visited Silver Island alongside her for awhile now and to see him fall hard and even fall first is simply adorable. He’s temptation and kindness and humorous cockiness all rolled into one amazingly hot man who stole my heart right along with Victoria’s. I love his support system of family and friends and the genuinely good man that he is. Victory thought she had loved and lost and had her chance in life already. To find a connection like this with Wells is more than she expected … and not at all what she wanted. The characters are easy to like, the plot is fast paced but real and the overall feel of the story is happiness. Lots of ups and downs along the way towards that happily ever after. I’m looking forward to more to come in this new series!

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* Review * HE FALLS FIRST by Jill Shalvis

August 5, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

He Falls First by Jill Shalvis
Series: Colburn Brothers #1
Published by That's What She Said Publishing, Inc. on August 5, 2025
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No one is going to convince her to fall in love again...

Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who’s a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He’s got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.

Ryder doesn’t mind playing the hero for the skittish, scarred chef Penny. Maybe it’s the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he’s compelled to get closer.

Penny’s learned her lesson and now she’s paying the price. That’s why she’s sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It’s a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there’s amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?

One thing’s for sure, she’s never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she’s built.

Shalvis always delivers on heart, humor and honest emotion! I’m hooked already on the Colburn family, their drama and their love for each other. I can’t wait to see the other two brothers get a story, and hopefully their sis will find love again as well. The main characters of this story were quick to catch my attention, and their supporting casts of humorous family members kept me reading even more. I loved the depth of emotion that each character had going on with family obligations, personal strength and their friendship along the way even while she fought her feelings. Her background could have maybe used a hair more development in places, but overall the story was well laid out with a solid plot to carry it forward organically. I can’t wait for more to come in the series!

My favorite character had to be Grandma Nell. She was spunky, sweet and sincere all rolled into one. She was there to step forward for her grandkids without a doubt, yet she still kept her sense of humor and goodwill throughout to offer her witty opinions on life to anyone she could wrangle into her inner circle. Great foundation of love right there!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a character who has family obligations they never slip on and who knows how to love hard regardless of life’s ups and downs. Family centric, humorous and sweet.

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* Review * THE ROGUE by Maisey Yates

July 31, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Rogue by Maisey Yates
Series: Four Corners Ranch #11
Published by Canary Street Press on July 29, 2025
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What's a little honeymooning between friends?

Rue Matthews has it all. A cute little yarn store to call her own, her upcoming wedding and the best friend on earth. Sure, most people might not understand her relationship with Justice King, but he’s always been there for her. And now he’s going to be her best man…until her fiancé calls off the wedding just before the guests arrive.

Justice loves Rue more than anything in the world. But that love has always stayed platonic because he knows full well she deserves better than him. Though when her fiancé breaks her heart and Rue asks him to show her what passion is really like, he can’t resist. But going on a honeymoon with her turns out to be a lot more intense than either of them bargained for. She’s always been his best friend… Could she be everything?

Best friends forever takes on a different meaning in this emotional and addictive friends-to-lovers delight from Maisey Yates! It’s always fun to visit a portion of the Four Corners Ranch collective and this time we’re back at King’s Crest with Justice and Ruby. They’ve been best friends since childhood and have each other’s backs always … but having her wedding blow up just as she’s readying to walk down the aisle just changed the dynamic of who her forever love is.

Justice has always been the fun-loving cad of the King family who is always there to give support when needed, but knows he’s always going to be a love ’em and leave ’em type. I loved getting to the heart of his hang ups and seeing the beauty of him being able to finally release them and love Rue for who she’s always been.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a cowboy romance with a close knit family and friend circle who have all had their share of turmoil throughout the years but who are surging through and finding love they never thought they deserved. Great characters, a lovely setting and so much heart built into each and every family member’s story!

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* Review * NEW YORK FLING WITH THE TYCOON by Andrea Bolter

July 31, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

New York Fling with the Tycoon by Andrea Bolter
Published by Harlequin Romance on July 29, 2025
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A FAIRY-TALE ENDING FOR CINDERELLA?

Since one night of passion with Ash wrecked her heart, events manager Annie has been careful—too careful. Ten years on, Ash is a charismatic Wall Street billionaire, and she’s…stagnated. So when Ash needs help planning a high-profile gala, she makes herself say yes. Not expecting their connection to still be burning hot, she’s sure she can handle a reunion, provided they keep things short but oh-so-sweet. Only, the longer their strictly temporary fling goes on, the more she’s tempted to dream of forever…

Friends to lovers and back again! The work friendship Ash and Annie have maintained for years after a camaraderie and one time fling back in their just after college days is sweet. They knew each other well once, and though they are work colleagues from different parts of the country now, it’s automatic that he call her when he needs a little help. Their friendship was easy and their connection was visible the minute they were in the same building. I liked that they could easily converse and relate with the other’s thoughts. I wanted a smidge more development on the overall characterization and ending, and felt the Zara aspect of the story was more of a distraction than adding anything to the plot … but overall it was a fun read with an interesting story to tell.

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* Review * THE SINGLE DAD’S PROMISE by Anna J. Stewart

July 27, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Single Dad's Promise by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Hawaiian Reunions #5
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on July 29, 2025
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Could a single dad and daughter

Be her unexpected future?

A Hawaiian vacation is just what police officer and single dad Silas Garwood needs, but five-year-old Freya is more anxious than excited about their holiday. Until she sees Jana Powell swimming in the moonlight and becomes convinced the ethereal beauty is a mermaid. Suddenly Freya is on board for a magical adventure, and the trip is looking sunnier for Silas, too. Jana is drawn to the strong, capable man who clearly adores his little girl. But due to a recent illness, a ready-made family hasn’t been in her plans. Will she give up her peaceful life for the chaos of an instant family?

Stewart might have just written her most adorable kiddo ever! I have quite the affinity for Anna J. Stewarts Hawaiian Reunions series for Harlequin Heartwarming because she paints a picture with words that makes me feel like I’m right there breathing in the ocean air beside her. The cast of friends she has developed for this series, by showcasing the emotional foundation of losing the core to them all, has been a powerful transition into a beautiful love story for many of them as their family connection grows. I hope this series continues for years to come!

Silas met Remy and the gang in college and made one magical trip to Nalani the summer after they graduated and has held the memory in his heart ever since as life led this San Francisco cop through trials and tribulations. His precocious five year old Freya was my favorite character of the book. Stewart did an amazing job of telling Freya’s story and endearing this lil’ character to all of our hearts.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves an emotional love story that has real life issues and situations as a backstory to an idyllic paradise happily ever after. Great characters, well developed town and always the very best time with family and friends!

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* Review * ONLY THE DEAD WITHIN by Lisa Childs

July 27, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Only the Dead Within by Lisa Childs
Series: The Grave Diggers #2
Published by Kensington Books on July 29, 2025
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Between mysterious missing persons cases, unsolved murders, and the menacing specter of an eternally blood-thirsty grave digger’s ghost, the town of Gold Creek, Michigan, has a grim reputation, and so does the wealthy, ruthless Gold family, who run the local funeral home and cemetery—and may be behind it all . . .

Yet another teen has gone missing from the Gold Memorial Gardens, and Child Protective Services Investigator Claire Underwood isn't giving up until she finds him. For Claire, solving the case is more than business. Years ago, she lost a friend in that cemetery.

Over time, the authorities deemed all the disappeared teens runaways, while local legend blamed the ghost of the murderous grave digger—much to the satisfaction of the Golds, also known as the “Ghouls.” Claire has always suspected the Golds were involved, including in some recent murders among their own. She went to high school with Noah Gold. He was very quiet, and very intense. Like someone with something to hide.

Noah is sick of being cast in the same light as his conniving, money-hungry family. He’s still a bit anti-social, but he’s just as determined as Claire to unearth the truth—and finally bury the legend of the grave digger. With a common goal, he and Claire join forces, but it’s a quest that puts them in mortal danger. Only with the help of the local sheriff—whose own brother vanished years ago—do they have a chance of surviving. Yet, the truth that awaits them is more terrifying than any ghost . . .

Lisa Childs will have the hair raising on the back of your neck! With the second book in The Grave Diggers series, Childs delivers a suspense filled story with multiple twists and turns that leaves the reader stunned with the final revelation. This can definitely be read as a stand alone book, but to get to the heart of the family I highly recommend going back and reading the first book in the series The House by the Cemetery to get an in depth picture of who and what is happening. This book held my attention easily and brought a satisfying story to life. I’m not sure if there is more planned in the series or not. If there is not, there were many holes left in the plot … but there is definitely room here for several more books about this quirky fam. Overall, well developed characters, a spooky backdrop and multiple edge of your seat moments to keep you entertained. Highly recommend the series!

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* Review * TEMPTED BY HER BEST FRIEND BILLIONAIRE by Michelle Douglas

July 27, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Tempted by Her Best Friend Billionaire by Michelle Douglas
Published by Harlequin Romance on July 29, 2025
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A LUXURY CRUISE—WITH HER FRENEMY!

Growing up, Blake Carlisle was Nina’s best friend—until he let both her and his grandmother down. Now his gran’s will has instructed them to cruise the Mediterranean together and fulfill her dying wish! It’s a holiday Nina desperately needs…but having the tech billionaire in tow is bringing up their painful pasts—and their undeniable attraction! Nina’s tempted into a “holiday with benefits” arrangement, but with Blake’s life on the other side of the world, can they ever be anything more than friends?

Michelle Douglas always delivers on emotion and wit! When two childhood best friends reconnect over honoring the people that meant the most in their lives, confusing new feelings begin to flare as drama unravels their best laid plans. The characters are quickly easy to like and each has a back story that endears them to the reader’s heart. There is sadness and regret mixed with adoration as they set out on the trip of a lifetime and confront past mistakes and a new depth of feelings. Fast paced and very satisfying! I highly recommend this book if you love visiting exotic locations from the comfort of your home through the eyes of a couple finding their happily ever after.

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* Review * SECOND CHANCE WITH HIS CITY NURSE by Susan Carlisle

July 25, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Second Chance with His City Nurse by Susan Carlisle
Published by Harlequin Medical Romance on July 29, 2025
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ANOTHER SHOT AT FOREVER?

When Chicago ER nurse Lily finds herself on an emergency medical assistance program at a clinic in Yosemite National Park, she’s shocked to find that her course leader is the man who once left her at the altar! She’d vowed to forget Cade, but when a trek in the forest turns into an unexpected camping trip, a night under the stars sparks a reconnection and an openness far deeper than before. And with that honesty Lily must decide—is she ready to take a leap of faith?

Susan Carlisle never fails to wrap a character around my heart! Long time readers of Carlisle will probably recognize this books heroine Lily Smythe. She is the daughter of Grant and Sara from Carlisle’s Married for the Boss’s Baby book from a decade or so ago. It’s always really fun to reconnect with characters that you haven’t seen in awhile, but recognize as you begin to recount their story again. Lily is forging out on her own outside of her comfort zone for some training she is sure will further her career as well as add some cred to her bio. She never expects to be reunited with the man that broke her heart 5 years ago. The characters are both endearing and have backstories that intrigue all on their own. Together they are magic and their passion for each other soon reignites and is impossible to resist. I loved the multifaceted aspect of the medical setting, the familiar characters, the turmoil they each endured and the burn of attraction and love they still felt for each other. Great reunion story!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a medical backdrop as two people work through life’s issues to find their forever.

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