Archives for July 2026

* Release Blitz/Review * FALLING FOR YOU by Natasha Madison

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * FALLING FOR YOU by Natasha MadisonFalling for You by Natasha Madison
Series: The Falling For Series #1
Published by Blackstone Publishing on July 14, 2026
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five-stars

Theo Williams loved and lost once and isn’t interested in doing it again. He has his family and friends, and plenty of women passing through his new hometown who are happy with a no-strings-attached night of passion. Working as a partner at his cousin’s construction company, he’s perfectly content with his life—until he meets Collins Henderson, the one-night stand who will change his world forever.

Collins grew up on the wrong side of her small hometown. Thanks to her parents’ shady schemes, every local knows a Henderson cannot be trusted. She works hard as a paramedic, putting in every extra hour she can to save for a better life. But every time she starts to get ahead, her parents show up to pull her back down. Having one night of passion with a man she doesn’t know is not something she’d normally do, but there was just something about him … And two months later, she finds herself unexpectedly pregnant.

When she runs into the mysterious stranger again, she has to tell him, not because she needs or wants anything from him, just so he knows. But now he’s showing up at her house, cooking her meals, stocking her refrigerator, and doing everything he can for her. Collins has always taken care of herself. She wasn’t looking for a relationship, but she can’t deny the chemistry between them.

She knows it’s only a matter of time before he learns who she is and changes his mind. She can’t let herself fall for this guy, but every day he’s getting harder to resist …

 

Delightfully sexy and oh so addictive! Madison is kicking off her brand new Falling For Series with a bang as Theo and Collins find more than they ever bargained for by simply spending one terrific night together after a chance meeting. A repeat run in a few weeks later gives Collins the chance to deliver the news that they are pregnant now that the defacto daddy has arrived back into town. The characters are really easy to like and I loved going along for the ride as they were drawn to each other more and more every day. There’s a couple of twists that make the story a bit angsty on both sides, but it all adds to the mystique of whether they will decide to make a go of their ready made family or not. I can’t wait for more to come in this series because I loved every minute of Theo and Collins!

 

 

 

FALLING FOR YOU
Natasha Madison
Release Date: July 14 

Meet Natasha Madison:

When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…

Connect with Natasha Madison:

https://linktr.ee/natashamauthor

Blurb:

Theo Williams loved and lost once and isn’t interested in doing it again. He has his family and friends, and plenty of women passing through his new hometown who are happy with a no-strings-attached night of passion. Working as a partner at his cousin’s construction company, he’s perfectly content with his life—until he meets Collins Henderson, the one-night stand who will change his world forever.

Collins grew up on the wrong side of her small hometown. Thanks to her parents’ shady schemes, every local knows a Henderson cannot be trusted. She works hard as a paramedic, putting in every extra hour she can to save for a better life. But every time she starts to get ahead, her parents show up to pull her back down. Having one night of passion with a man she doesn’t know is not something she’d normally do, but there was just something about him … And two months later, she finds herself unexpectedly pregnant.

When she runs into the mysterious stranger again, she has to tell him, not because she needs or wants anything from him, just so he knows. But now he’s showing up at her house, cooking her meals, stocking her refrigerator, and doing everything he can for her. Collins has always taken care of herself. She wasn’t looking for a relationship, but she can’t deny the chemistry between them.

She knows it’s only a matter of time before he learns who she is and changes his mind. She can’t let herself fall for this guy, but every day he’s getting harder to resist …

Buy Link:

https://www.natashamadisonauthor.com/falling-for-you

Available in KU

five-stars

* Review * FALLING INTO YOU by Jill Shalvis

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FALLING INTO YOU by Jill ShalvisFalling Into You by Jill Shalvis
Series: Colburn Brothers #3
Published by That's What She Said Publishing on July 14, 2026
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five-stars

Some love stories don’t stay buried, no matter how far you run.

Hazel Pierce has three goals for coming back to Star Falls:
1. Help her estranged dad.
2. Keep things strictly temporary.
3. Absolutely, under no circumstances, fall for Tucker Colburn again.

That plan dies a dramatic, soggy death when a rogue wasp sting sends Hazel swerving off the road and into the river—only to be hauled out, half-drowned and furious, by the Star Falls Fire Department’s finest. Unfortunately, “finest” is ex–best friend, ex–one-night mistake, and the man she’s been avoiding for a decade.

Tucker’s always had a way of getting into her head. And now between a family that thrives on gossip and a town that’s way too small for all this chemistry, Hazel’s running out of ways to avoid the truth. As sparks turn into late-night confessions and slow, toe-curling kisses, Hazel has to decide if she’s done running—from her past, from this town, and from the only man who’s ever made her feel like home. And Tucker has to prove that this time, he’s not just her safe place to crash—he’s her always.

 

The Colburn’s just keep stealing my heart time and time again and I could not love this family more! Shalvis is at her peak with this series and I am loving every minute of it. Filled with heart, humor and angst as each sibling finds their forever love through trials and tribulations. The characters are very well developed and the world building of the town and family around them is top notch. I really could revisit this town time and time again and never get tired of it.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a small town romance filled with great characters, emotional situations and rewarding happily ever afters along the way.

five-stars

* Review * SECRET HUSBAND by Kate Meader

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SECRET HUSBAND by Kate MeaderSecret Husband by Kate Meader
Series: Chicago Players #4
Published by Kate Meader LLC on July 14, 2026
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five-stars

Years ago, I broke her heart, but fate has given me a second chance. I am here to claim my wife—and I will fight like hell to make her mine.

Lauren

I might be late to the game of life, but things are finally starting to go my way. I’ve just started my own sports talent agency, stepped on the first rung of the property ladder, and landed myself a normal boyfriend who’s about to propose. (I found the ring!)

Unfortunately, I have a slight problem—as in a husband who is surplus to requirements. Somehow, I got married without even realizing it to the guy who once broke my heart , and now he’s back in my life, making demands and turning my world upside down. Except I’m no longer that starry-eyed girl in love with the Russian hockey star. These days I’m a ball-busting tigress for my clients, and the last thing I need is Alexei Nazarov ruining everything for which I’ve worked so hard.

But when he makes me an offer I can’t refuse, I wonder if I’ve struck a bargain with the devil who knows my heart better than anyone …

Alexei

Years ago, I met a hockey playing spitfire and fell ass over skates for her. But my life was in disarray, and I had to let her go. When a chance comes to reconnect with her, I grab it with both hands.

There are obstacles. A boyfriend (unworthy), her disdain for me (admittedly, hot), and the fact I hurt her deeply (my biggest regret). It won’t be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. Known for fighting dirty on the ice, I am not opposed to fighting dirty off it to get what I want.

And I want Lauren Yates …

 

Star-crossed lovers reunited with a big twist! The next book in Meader’s Chicago Players hockey series is sure to please her readers as an accidental marriage of former best friends leads to the reconnection of a lifetime and so much heart and angst. Both characters have strong backstories that lend drama to the plot as they try to fight the feelings that never died and finagle their way past a surprise marriage and all that life has in store for them. Great plot, well developed characters and just enough drama to keep us reading. I loved every minute of their story and recommend this book as well as the entire series to hockey romance fans.

five-stars

* Review * CHASING THE FIRE by Paisley Hope

* Review * CHASING THE FIRE by Paisley HopeChasing the Fire by Paisley Hope
Series: Silver Pines Ranch #5
Published by Dell on April 14, 2026
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five-stars

Laurel Creek’s fire chief is good at putting out fires and keeping secrets, but the town sweetheart is determined to burn through his defenses in the blazing-hot finale to the Silver Pines Ranch series.

She's as wild as fire. He's ready to burn for her.

The owner of a popular boutique, Olivia Sutton is the darling of Laurel Creek. While Olivia may be as sweet as the baked treats she loves to create, beneath her good girl exterior, she harbors a secret desire: a man who can take control.

Enter Asher Reed, the town’s fire chief. Asher keeps everything in his life carefully controlled . . . except when it comes to Olivia, the copper-haired beauty who has captured his attention in ways he can’t ignore.

When a moment of weakness leads to two pink lines, Olivia and Asher agree to spend more time together, determined to be friends.

But when Olivia realizes the smoldering firefighter might be the key to the future she’s always dreamed of, will their spark ignite—or be extinguished by the weight of his secrets?

 

It’s bittersweet to say goodbye! The final book in Paisley Hope’s Silver Pines series was absolutely amazing and did NOT disappoint. Asher and Olivia have been tiptoeing around their attraction to each other for awhile now, but when it all comes to a head, they are so much fun to get to know. He has a past that’s top secret, and she is an accident waiting to happen, so co-mingling themselves when a one night stand turns into forever is a lot of fun to see. I loved the family that this series centered around so much, and Asher and Olivia are an extended part of that core group. Great characters, lots of angst and so much steamy, feel good moments in time!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family from a small town who love hard and exude so much heart and humor along the way. I have a feeling a spin off for the Black family is on it’s way and I’m there for it!

five-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * GRIZZ by Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * GRIZZ by Sawyer Bennett and Bill KeenanGrizz by Sawyer Bennett, Bill Keenan
Series: New York Vipers #1
Published by Dynamic Duo Publishing, LLC on July 7, 2026
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five-stars

Grizz McAvoy is the most electrifying player in professional hockey…and the most volatile. He’s got a wicked shot, a hair-trigger temper, and spent his childhood surviving his father's cruelty. Off the ice, he's a PR catastrophe, racking up fines, burning through handlers, and daring the New York Vipers organization to do something about it. He’s built his entire identity around one principle: winning solves everything.

But winning can’t silence the past trauma that haunts him when the arena lights go dark.

Daisy Turner was fired from a top style magazine for asking questions powerful men didn't want to answer and exposing hypocrisy in the world of high-fashion. She's looking to salvage her career as a journalist by scraping together a second chance as Grizz's new media handler. Fearless in her own right, she carries scars from a betrayal that taught her trust is a currency she can't afford to spend freely.

From their first combustible meeting, Grizz and Daisy collide in a battle of wills neither is prepared to lose. She challenges him, and he can't look away. What begins as mutual provocation becomes far more dangerous when the walls between professional and personal start to crumble, and the wreckage of Grizz's past threatens to destroy the one person brave enough to see through his rock-solid armor.

 


Grizz had me from hello! The first book combining the talents of Sawyer Bennett and Bill Keenan did NOT disappoint! Bennett’s signature warmth and sass that is always ingrained into her characters was still shining bright while a crispness to follow through and concise wrap up must be attributed to Keenan’s influence. I felt a strong connection with Grizz right from the start and knew he was going to have a powerful story. Daisy could have been developed a smidge more, but her personality worked to offset Grizz’s gruffness. Great premise, fun follow through and I enjoyed seeing the other side of Grizz through his love for his sister and how he embraced what Daisy brought to his life. I’m looking forward to seeing more of the New York Vipers and highly recommend this book to hockey fans who enjoy an opposites attract/hint of forbidden touch to their sport.

 

GRIZZ

Sawyer Bennett & Bill Keenan
Release Date: July 7

Meet Sawyer Bennett:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life
experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary
romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just
about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur,
stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to
her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter
(sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer Bennett:
https://geni.us/SawyerBennett

Meet Bill Keenan:
Bill Keenan played hockey at Harvard University from 2005 to 2008 and professionally in Europe from
2009 to 2012. After completing his MBA at Columbia Business School, he worked for two years in
Deutsche Bank’s investment banking division. He currently serves as COO of Graydon Carter’s Air Mail.

Connect with Bill Keenan:
https://www.instagram.com/billkeenanwrites/

 

Blurb:
Grizz McAvoy is the most electrifying player in professional hockey…and the most volatile. He’s
got a wicked shot, a hair-trigger temper, and spent his childhood surviving his father’s cruelty.

Off the ice, he’s a PR catastrophe, racking up fines, burning through handlers, and daring the
New York Vipers organization to do something about it. He’s built his entire identity around
one principle: winning solves everything.

But winning can’t silence the past trauma that haunts him when the arena lights go dark.

Daisy Turner was fired from a top style magazine for asking questions powerful men didn’t
want to answer and exposing hypocrisy in the world of high-fashion. She’s looking to salvage
her career as a journalist by scraping together a second chance as Grizz’s new media
handler. Fearless in her own right, she carries scars from a betrayal that taught her trust is a
currency she can’t afford to spend freely.

From their first combustible meeting, Grizz and Daisy collide in a battle of wills neither is
prepared to lose. She challenges him, and he can’t look away. What begins as mutual
provocation becomes far more dangerous when the walls between professional and personal
start to crumble, and the wreckage of Grizz’s past threatens to destroy the one person brave
enough to see through his rock-solid armor.

Grizz is a scorching, emotionally charged hockey romance about two people who were never
supposed to fall for each other, and the bruising, tender, inevitable collision that happens
when they do.

Buy Link:
https://geni.us/Grizz

five-stars

* Review * WHEN I FIRST MET YOU by Lori Foster

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WHEN I FIRST MET YOU by Lori FosterWhen I First Met You by Lori Foster
Series: Family Ties #2
Published by MIRA on July 14, 2026
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five-stars

When he stepped in to help out a city girl, no one expected a “pretend” rescue would lead to something real.

When Glory McCallahan’s cousin moved to Hoker, Kentucky, she felt like she’d lost her best friend. Then, Callie fell in love. To help with wedding arrangements, Glory joins her, but after, the plan is to get back to her perfectly ordered life. Glory has always played it safe, keeping her polished smile in place and her heart on lockdown. No way is she going to let the rugged, too-handsome younger brother of her cousin’s new husband mess with her plans. No matter how infuriating, irreverent, and impossible to ignore Kam may be.

Kam Norwood sees past Glory’s flawless surface, and when he notices she’s being accosted by a wedding guest, he gallantly steps in. What starts as a pretend rescue turns into a night of unexpected sparks. Kam’s not afraid of Glory’s sharp edges—or her secrets. So when the rejected guest turns out to be Glory’s angry ex and things escalate, Kam’s protective instincts kick in big-time.

Turns out, the sizzling attraction may be the one thing that can keep them both safe.

 

Foster’s return to Hoker, Kentucky is heartfelt, emotional and just what her reader’s have been waiting for! Our first visit to this quaint and welcoming town was when Tanner and Callie fell in love and let us all wrap their heartwarming love story around our hearts and fall hard for this town and family. This book picks up right after that one with the main characters being Tanner’s brother Kam and Callie’s cousin/like a sis Glory. We already had a head start of loving the town and the family, and we’re quickly thrust into a bit of turmoil for Glory that Kam steps in to help her out with. Danger is lurking and has us on the edge of our seats as Kam proves he’s a sincerely good guy and she can’t help but fall for him too. The premise of the story is great, the characters are well developed and a joy to connect with and the love story is both sweet and passionate. I loved every minute of Glory and Kam!

I highly recommend this book and the prior book in the series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance with lots of heart, bits of mystery and angst and a whole lot of depth to the town around them. I recommend reading in order to fully get the enjoyment of the whole family history.

five-stars

* Review * TWISTED ROAD by Christine Feehan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TWISTED ROAD by Christine FeehanTwisted Road by Christine Feehan
Series: Torpedo Ink #10
Published by Berkley on ‎ July 7, 2026
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four-stars

When Czar shut down Lazar “Keys” Alexeev’s undercover mission, that should have been the end of the story. Instead, Keys is back in the middle of a nowhere town where a petite redhead with a pouty mouth and a ready smile drives him to distraction. He’s not sure why he’s breaking all of Torpedo Ink’s rules to spend more time around a woman who’s not even his type. He can’t get her out of his head—and now he’s facing the consequences.

Lyric Johansen doesn’t like to look anyone in the eyes, but Keys’s gaze is the one thing keeping her from a full-on panic attack. Her instinct to charge into the fray and help the biker fend off a group of vicious thugs has led to the most insane situation she’s ever been in: trapped in a coffin with a man she barely knows, minutes away from a painful death.

Survival means staying focused. But when Keys kisses Lyric to snap her out of losing it, he’s the one who ends up falling apart. He’ll need to unleash hell to get them out alive.

If only to get another taste….

 

An explosive return of the Torpedo Ink series! Fans of Feehan’s magical motorcycle club series will be delighted to get to hang out with old friends again as Keys gets himself into a situation that not only has him finding his forever love, but also has them fighting for their life from the very start of the book. It was action packed and attention grabbing for sure. I liked both characters and even though they are fundamentally different in just about every way, they really worked together. The ending was way too abrupt and left an emptiness to the story, but the majority of the book was satisfying. I loved seeing the old gang again … and especially loved that the women took center stage a good bit in this book!

four-stars

* Review * BIG STICK ENERGY by Sarina Bowen

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BIG STICK ENERGY by Sarina BowenBig Stick Energy by Sarina Bowen
Series: New York Legends #2
Published by Forever on June 30, 2026
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four-half-stars

Darcy Kendrick is used to putting out fires. As an overworked admin to a hockey team, she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for accidentally DMing her very private, very NSFW fantasy to the subject of this fantasy: team captain Eric Tremaine. Nobody actually dies of embarrassment. Right?

But when a wedding invite puts them on a collision course with her chaotic family and his emotionally fraught past, Eric suggests a plan: they fake-date their way through the “Wedding Experience.” It’s mutually beneficial. Totally strategic. And definitely not real. Except between mini tacos, slow dances and lingering glances, Eric starts to wonder if the sharp-tongued assistant with a bottomless to-do list might be the one person who truly sees him. And for Darcy? The fire in her heart might be the only one she can’t put out.

It’s supposed to be fake. It’s supposed to be temporary. So why is it so hard to walk away?

 

Fake dating turns all too real in this emotionally charged delight! The second book in Bowen’s New York Legends hockey series centers on team captain Eric Tremaine and the GM’s assistant Darcy. Happenstance has them both attending the same wedding festivities for which they are both dreading for different reasons … so when he comes up with a plot to fake date throughout it, she’s game. It doesn’t take long for their fake relationship to turn real as drama surrounds them around every corner and they confide their inner most secrets to each other. The characters are very easy to like and relate to and each has a powerful back story that leads to extra angst in the storyline. I definitely wanted more evolvement to the ending, and even would have been happy for her to get a better closure with her dad, but I enjoyed them as a whole. Can’t wait for more in the series!

four-half-stars

* Review * CINDERELLA’S BILLIONAIRE BOSS by Michelle Douglas

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CINDERELLA’S BILLIONAIRE BOSS by Michelle DouglasCinderella's Billionaire Boss by Michelle Douglas
Series: Outback Kings #1
Published by Harlequin Romance on June 30, 2026
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five-stars

Hired by her Prince Charming?

Jill-of-all-trades Charlie is on a mission! To find proof the Kings sabotaged her grandfather’s business. And widower Tom King gives her the perfect cover. He offers Charlie the job of his daughter’s nanny, while he’s home to resolve a billion-dollar family rift. Yet, living under the same roof, their powerful spark reminds Charlie why she swore off charming city boys. It’s all too easy for them to get beneath your skin, then break your heart. Unless…her boss could be the exception?

 

Michelle Douglas has her characters reaching out to grab the reader with this love when they least expect it trope. I adored Tom and Charlie right from the start and hoped they would recognize their attraction and how good they would be for each other early on. There’s a powerful back story especially on his side that sets the groundwork for family dysfunction and her spiel for getting close to his fam is also interesting. The ending was way too abrupt for my liking, but I did enjoy them together very much. Fast paced and easily addictive!

five-stars

* Review * DANGEROUSLY HIS by Anna J Stewart

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DANGEROUSLY HIS by Anna J StewartDangerously His by Anna J. Stewart
Series: The McKenna Code #3
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on June 30, 2026
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four-half-stars

She’s blurring the line

Between duty and desire

After Javi Perez left the ATF in disgrace—shattering her heart and almost destroying her career along with his—Agent Regan McKenna hoped to never see him again. She’s thrown, if not entirely surprised, to find him working for the mobster she’s gone undercover to expose. Posing as Javi’s lover is all too easy, but she has no plans to be honest with him about her mission or her motives. Then a deadly confrontation forces her to trust him, prompting him to reveal why he’s really there. And to admit that he’s never stopped wanting her.

 

Riveting twists throughout! The latest in Stewart’s McKenna Code series is bringing us Regan’s story. We’re familiar with her crime fighting family and her story was quick to have me invested. She had a partner in the ATF that she was romantically involved with who left the unit in disgrace and broke her heart. Imagine her surprise when an undercover jaunt brings him back into her realm again, only he’s working for the man she’s been sent to obtain info on. Several unexpected happenings bring about info that all isn’t as she thought in this household, and it’s a race against time to see if the bad guy will be brought down, and who the good guys in the situation really are. Lots of drama, hints of passion and a great storyline to sink your teeth into. Loving this series!

four-half-stars