Archives for July 2025

* 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.

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

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

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

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

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* Review * ONLY THE DEAD WITHIN by Lisa Childs

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.

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

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

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

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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* Review * COUNTRY FAIR COWBOY by Melinda Curtis

July 25, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * COUNTRY FAIR COWBOY by Melinda Curtis

Country Fair Cowboy by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Cowboy Academy #8
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on July 29, 2025
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Will they win a blue ribbon…

For falling in love?

Dr. Wylie Newland loves being a vet, loves cheery Clementine, Oklahoma, but his crush on Dr. Hazel Hughes is a problem. The new resident has made it clear she’s a city girl at heart and won’t be staying. Working hand in hand at the fair is bringing them closer…and, hopefully, winning her over. Sure, Hazel is beginning to see that Wylie is pretty great, but he’s also stuck in many regards. With Hazel showing him new ways to look at the world, and Wylie showing her that settling down isn’t settling for less, could they take first prize for romance?

Melinda Curtis always delivers on warm and inviting characters! Love when they least expect it is putting it mildly when temporary veterinarian Hazel begins to have an impossible to resist attraction to her boss Wylie at the same time he’s decided he’s ready to settle down and hired the town matchmaker to find him a bride. She’s only in smalltown living to finish her training before heading off for bigger and better things … he’s read to settle into forever in the place that makes him feel fulfilled. Angsty yet adorable interactions make for a delightful quasi courtship and the town around them delivers a fun supporting cast. Highly enjoyed their story!

I loved Wylie and Hazel together right from the start. He’s hesitant to let himself believe in change and advancement and she’s determined to follow dreams that weren’t totally her own. They fit well and once they let love in, they were perfect.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire Cowboy Academy series to anyone who enjoys a smalltown romance with a whole town rallying around to see love prosper as one after another resident finds their forever.

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* Review * THE GREEK’S WIFE RETURNS by Dani Collins

July 25, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Review * THE GREEK’S WIFE RETURNS by Dani Collins

The Greek's Wife Returns by Dani Collins
Published by Harlequin Presents on July 29, 2025
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Their reunion was for show…

Will he reclaim her for real?

Heiress Carmel Davenport hasn’t seen Damian Kalymnios since their whirlwind marriage imploded as explosively as it began. Now the reformed wild child needs a fresh start. Which means facing her Greek husband to demand the divorce he refused her years earlier…

Damian will grant Carmel’s request…if they can call a temporary truce for his ailing grandmother’s sake. Only the ruse forces him to admit there’s more to his ever-tempting wife than she’s allowed him to see… Leaving Damian questioning whether to sign the papers—or set them on fire!

An emotionally riveting reconnection with her husband! Fans of Dani Collins will recognize Carmel Davenport from her brother Atlas and his wife Stella’s story previously. While this is a stand-alone story all on it’s own right, I do feel like you will get a feel for Carmel’s background much more if you go read Maid to Marry first. This book brings Carmel back into the realm of her quickie husband whom she hasn’t seen since shortly after the wedding five years ago. The characters are both quick to enchant the reader with a fast paced and dramatic reunion that turns into more than they bargained for. The tension is high, the lust is still burning and the emotional growth they endure is heartwarming. I really enjoyed their story!

Carmel is an interesting character. She went off the rails for a long time, but through the love of family she never really expected to connect with, she healed in ways she never thought possible. I really liked her and understood what made her tick. I’m happy she got the love and life she deserved in the end.

I highly recommend this book as well as Atlas and Stella’s story to anyone who enjoys a fast paced book filled with family drama and love finding a way through thick and thin.

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* Review * SOMEONE TO HAVE by Michelle Major

July 24, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Review * SOMEONE TO HAVE by Michelle Major

Someone To Have by Michelle Major
Series: The Skylark Series #3
Published by Romilda House on July 24, 2025
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I’ve spent my life hiding in the quiet corners of the library. It’s safer surrounded by books where the happily-ever-afters are guaranteed. Real life romance? Not so much.

But apparently, I'm tired of my hermit life because I do something spectacularly stupid and agree to get on stage. In front of people. All to catch my longtime crush's attention.

The only problem? I’d rather hug a grizzly bear than speak in front of a crowd.

Enter Eric Anderson. Hockey legend, walking temptation, and the last person I expect to come to my rescue. His solution? Confidence lessons. His methods? Flirting. Touching. Kissing. I’m supposed to practice being bold, and Eric’s all too happy to teach me.

But somewhere between his panty-melting grin and the way he looks at me like I’m the last cupcake in the bakery, I forget that he’s not the one I’m supposed to want. He makes me feel bolder, braver and dangerously close to falling for the wrong guy.

Now I’m standing center stage in more ways than one. And when you’ve spent your whole life in the shadows, stepping into the light is the scariest thing of all.

One-click for small-town steam, opposites-attract sparks, and a grumpy hockey hero who's destined to be your new book boyfriend.

Smalltown love always finds a way! With the third book in her Skylark series, Michelle Major is bringing this town and it’s residents to life one hookup at a time. This particular story has a brother’s best friend/unrequited crush trope as the book group bucket list promise continues to play out with another member. The characters are both easy to like and have a rich back story. I enjoyed the addition of his nephew Rhett into the storyline a lot. Easy to follow, well developed and lots of sentimentality in family and friends taking part in their lives. The ending was a bit rushed, but I enjoyed them so much overall. I can’t wait for more to come in the series!

Eric was my favorite character. I loved his kind heart and his loyalty to his sister even through hard times. His friendship with Toby was real and don’t even get me started on the love he poured out for his nephew with all the little things he did. He was just a really down-to-earth, caring man and I enjoyed him being who Taylor got to begin a life with.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a smalltown with a quirky cast of characters who interfere and love hard in each other’s lives.

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* Release Blitz/Review * EDGE OF HEAVEN by Kat Mizera

July 24, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Release Blitz/Review * EDGE OF HEAVEN by Kat Mizera

Edge of Heaven by Kat Mizera
Series: Crimson Edge #2
on July 24, 2025
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I have everything I’ve ever wanted—except the thing that matters most. Her.

Rock and roll is my life.
Playing bass for Crimson Edge is the best job in the world. Even when we’re on tour with our musical arch enemies.
Until the woman I’ve secretly been in love with for years starts dating one of them. I can’t stand the way he treats her, and I don’t know why she stays.
I can’t get involved—the band has too much to lose.
But I’m going to anyway.
One way or another, I’m going to make her mine.

An emotionally addictive, angsty delight! Kat Mizera is bringing all the feels with the next book in her Crimson Edge rockstar series and I loved every minute of it! The characters grabbed my attention immediately and I knew even from the first book in the series that there was going to be some drama when it came to their story. Her background in particular is well developed throughout the book and while we don’t get a huge amount of info on him, it doesn’t feel lacking in the set up of the story. I can’t wait for more to come in the series!

Taryn was a very complex character. She’s with Callum originally but there’s a past between her and Mick that we can obviously tell meant something. Once we start to uncover why she’s really still there putting up with Callum’s mistreatment, we can understand her mindset more and feel for her and her plight tremendously.

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a rocker romance with characters who party the lifestyle, but are sentimental when it comes to wooing “the one” when she walks into his life. Can’t wait to see more to come!

EDGE OF HEAVEN

Kat Mizera

Release Date: July 24

Available in Kindle Unlimited

I have everything I’ve ever wanted—except the thing that matters most. Her. Rock and roll is my life. Playing bass for Crimson Edge is the best job in the world. Even when we’re on tour with our musical arch enemies. Until the woman I’ve secretly been in love with for years starts dating one of them. I can’t stand the way he treats her, and I don’t know why she stays. I can’t get involved—the band has too much to lose. But I’m going to anyway. One way or another, I’m going to make her mine. Author’s note: There are some difficult themes in this story. For CW information, please check this book’s page on my website.

Grab Your Copy!

https://geni.us/EdgeofHeaven

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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