Archives for October 2026

* Release Blitz/Review * CARVED IN THE SHADOWS by A. L. Jackson

October 20, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * CARVED IN THE SHADOWS by A. L. Jackson

Carved in the Shadows by A. L. Jackson
Series: Crimson Crows #2
Published by A.L. Jackson Books Inc. on October 20, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

It was a terrible idea to agree to move in with my best friend’s little sister…

She is everything I’ve ever wanted and the one thing I can’t have.
As our motorcycle club’s Vice President, I’m charged with her protection.
Touching her would be a penalty subject to death.

When she demands the chance to spread her wings, it’s my duty to go with her.
I knew staying at her new apartment would be excruciating.
Listening to her in her room and imagining her under the fall of the shower.
But when she asks me to crawl into bed with her so she won’t feel so alone, there’s nothing I can do.

One brush of her hand and I’m crumbling.
One crook of those fingers and I’m trapped.
One reckless night and there’s no going back.

Only with the lives we lead, our enemies are never far away, and as she begins to receive threats, I’m in a race to end the threat before it’s too late.
Soon, our secrets unravel, and I’m faced with the consequence of loving her.
But I promised her everything, and I’m willing to offer the greatest sacrifice.

Forbidden love shines bright! In an MC, falling for your best friend’s little sister is bad, but when that best friend is also the head of your club, you’re going to be in big trouble if you don’t step back. Trevan can’t resist Elena for long when he’s tasked with being her protection in a brand new apartment on her own. Danger lurks behind the scenes, while secrets are unraveling around them. I liked both main characters and each had a strong back story once the past is unraveled. I am not a fan of going back and forth in time throughout the entire storyline, so that was particularly annoying and this was a major slow burn … almost to the point of boredom. I liked them, wanted them together and even liked the ending, but I wanted more from them and more of getting to see them together and happy once it all worked out before the ending came about. Well developed but slow paced. Overall, still loving the series though.

Carved in the Shadows by A.L. Jackson is now live!

It was a terrible idea to agree to move in with my best friend’s little sister…

She is everything I’ve ever wanted and the one thing I can’t have.
As our motorcycle club’s Vice President, I’m charged with her protection.
Touching her would be a penalty subject to death.

When she demands the chance to spread her wings, it’s my duty to go with her.
I knew staying at her new apartment would be excruciating.
Listening to her in her room and imagining her under the fall of the shower.
But when she asks me to crawl into bed with her so she won’t feel so alone, there’s nothing I can do.

One brush of her hand and I’m crumbling.
One crook of those fingers and I’m trapped.
One reckless night and there’s no going back.

Only with the lives we lead, our enemies are never far away, and as she begins to receive threats, I’m in a race to end the threat before it’s too late.
Soon, our secrets unravel, and I’m faced with the consequence of loving her.
But I promised her everything, and I’m willing to offer the greatest sacrifice.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://aljacksonauthor.com/

Audiobook Narrated by: Austin Stone & Andi Arndt

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * LUCKY SAVE by Gina Azzi

October 17, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Lucky Save by Gina Azzi
Series: Hot Shots Soccer Series #4
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on October 13, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

I don’t know who Andrés really is.
I don’t know that he’s a famous soccer star in Spain.
Or that he holds celebrity status in Australia.
I don’t even know his last name.

When he shows up next-door to my gran’s house in the Sugar Oaks retirement community of Naples, Florida, rumors swirl.

With deep green eyes, a strong jawline, and an Australian accent (I repeat, an Australian accent!), Andrés’s broody demeanor holds him apart.

Until he hears me cry out in the middle of the night and comes barreling through my screen door to make sure I’m okay.

Slowly, a quiet, confusing friendship forms between us.

The more time I spend with Andrés, the more I open up.

The walls I’ve sheltered myself in crumble. The grief I’ve choked on eases. And the happiness that has been out of reach for years returns.

But when I discover the secrets he’s keeping, will I be able to trust him—or trust at all—again?

Super cute and humorous! The fourth book in Azzi’s Hot Shots Soccer series is focusing on Andres and Poppy. She doesn’t know he’s a famous soccer player when he rents the cottage next to hers in her Gram’s retirement community, but it doesn’t take long for sparks to fly and them to get friendly and start hanging out. The characters are each fairly well developed and each have a background that controls their lives a bit. I really enjoyed them and their story, but there really was no relationship development at all. We go from friends to more and then their world goes topsy turvy when the truth of who he is comes out and next thing you know we’re close to the end of the book. I really wanted some time to enjoy them as a couple and see for ourselves how they worked out. Loved them, love the set up … just wanted a little more.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HER LAST KISS by Lisa Regan

October 17, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Her Last Kiss by Lisa Regan
Series: Detective Josie Quinn #25
Published by Bookouture on October 20, 2026
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Goodreads

She lies on the bed, staring sightlessly at the ceiling. The gold cross necklace ripped from her neck and tossed onto the comforter. Around her throat is a deep red welt. But that isn’t what chills Josie’s skin. It’s the bright red lipstick smeared across the woman’s pale cheek. The mark of the Last Kiss Killer.

Racing into a burning house, Detective Josie Quinn is the only witness to Sylvia West’s body—strangled and arranged neatly on the bed—before the fire destroys the crime scene. After years in hiding, Sylvia had finally agreed to speak publicly about escaping an infamous serial killer. But catching a glimpse of a crimson kiss on Sylvia’s mouth before the flames engulf her makes Josie’s heart scream in pain: the killer has returned to seal Sylvia’s cold lips forever.

The reappearance of the Last Kiss Killer after thirteen years has the people of Denton trembling behind locked doors. How did he know Sylvia was ready to speak out? How did he find her? Josie’s only hope is trawling the victims’ case files for the missing link that eluded the very best detectives across the state for over a decade. And tracking the origins of the lipstick means she’s close…

Days later, a second new victim with the killer’s calling card surfaces, and her broken and bruised body tells Josie he’s spiraling. Forced to go deeper into the mind of a murderer than ever before, it will take everything in Josie’s power to get ahead of his next goodnight kiss. It might even cost her own life…

Filled with mystery, danger and heartfelt love from friends and family! Danger hits a little too close to home with the next in Regan’s Detective Josie Quinn series as Trinity digs deep into a past serial killer for her show and brings the monster to a head right in Josie’s beloved town. I adore Josie and her little band of misfits that she has collected throughout the years. Her husband, foster daughter, family, co-workers, friends and everyone else she can attract into the group who stole her heart years ago. Every story is addictive and filled with danger and mystery. This particular one added in the mix of knowing the background from Trinity’s show as the aftermath of the newest kill sends shockwaves throughout the town. The story was intriguing as well as exciting with shocking twists and key chemistry of the characters. Loved this book and always looking for more to come in the series.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CODE NAME: SCORPIO by Janie Crouch

October 17, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CODE NAME: SCORPIO by Janie Crouch

Code Name: Scorpio by Janie Crouch
Series: Zodiac Tactical
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing - Protector Romance Circle on October 16, 2026
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Goodreads

Zodiac Tactical's Rogue Division doesn't officially exist. Its operatives do the jobs the law can't touch, and they live in the gray between justice and violence.

Ryder Sutton walked away from Rogue four years ago. Not because of what they asked him to do. Because of how good he was at doing it.

Then a human trafficking operation surfaces, and Ryder is the only way inside.

Cassandra Leuenberger is brilliant, guarded, and happiest behind a locked door and a wall of monitors. The man she'd been falling for over late-night video calls now thinks she's cold and distant in person.

She'd rather he believe that than learn the truth.

When the threat drags Cassandra into the middle of Ryder’s op, everything changes. Keeping her alive means becoming the man he swore he'd never be again. Losing her isn't something he's willing to consider.

He has a past he buried.
She has a secret she can't hide much longer.

And the men they're hunting don't let go.

Non-stop action and suspense! The next book in Crouch’s Zodiac Tactical series brings us Ryder and Cassie’s story. She’s basically a shut-in and he considers himself too suited to the undercurrents of life to be normal. They both are knee deep in trouble as a case important to Fallon manages to sway Cassandra into coming onsite and working them. Danger is around every corner as an undercover assignment goes lopsided and has them in deeper than ever. I wanted a bit more depth to each of these characters as it felt like details were glossed over in several places. I liked them and the heart of the case was a good one, so I still enjoyed. Looking forward to more from the series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HIS GUILTY PLEASURE by Carrie Ann Ryan

October 17, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIS GUILTY PLEASURE by Carrie Ann Ryan

His Guilty Pleasure by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Montgomery Ink Legacy #11
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on October 26, 2026
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Goodreads

There were two rules in our relationship:

We remain friends with the benefits.
And we don’t catch feelings.

Only I made a mistake. I started to fall for Dash Montgomery.

Now our secret physical-only time together is done, and we have to see if we can keep our promises.

He needs to move on. And I need to focus on my business and friends.

Yet when an attack happens close to home, Dash steps up and changes the game. I don’t want to fall for him and yet I know there’s no walking away from this. Not when he puts himself on the line and I finally can give in.

Everyone I’ve ever loved, save one, has walked away from me, leaving the shattered remnants of who I once was behind. If I don’t find a way to trust Dash—as well as my heart—the darkness stalking us both won’t be the only thing that breaks us.

Smoking hot from start to finish! Ryan is pouring on the steam when Dash Montgomery admits he’s met his match in the next book in her Montgomery Ink Legacy series and I am loving every single minute of it. The main characters are close friends with a strong back support of friends and family surrounding them when their secret friends with benefits relationship implodes around them. The characters each have a strong personality to carry their side of the story and a softness together that makes them easily believable as a couple. I wanted a little more from them … especially considering the months in between things that happen, but I was hooked from page one and easily loved them throughout. Great characters, strong support systems and a decent follow through on plot twists. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a buttinsky but close-knit family who loves hard and supports non-stop as each member finds their forever love.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * SCORING DESTINY by Kat Mizera

October 15, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * SCORING DESTINY by Kat Mizera

Scoring Destiny by Kat Mizera
Series: Pucks & Penalties #4
on October 15, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

One reckless night was supposed to help me forget.

My ex-wife's wedding is everywhere. Every headline. Every photo. Every reminder of the life that fell apart.
So I do what any NHL player trying to outrun the past would do—I find the beautiful stranger who makes me forget my own name for one unforgettable night.
Then I walk away.
Until she walks back into my life.
Turns out the woman I can't stop thinking about is my teammate's little sister.
Now she's everywhere. In the stands. At team dinners. Under my skin.
I've spent years convincing myself I don't do relationships. Not after my marriage imploded.
But Maya doesn't settle for half-hearted. She deserves a man who's all in.
The problem?
For the first time in my life...I want to be that man.
Because losing one marriage was enough.
I'm not about to lose the woman who might just be my forever.

Kat Mizera can wrap a couple around my heart with ease! Cash and Maya are really easy to become invested in with the fourth book in the Pucks and Penalties series. He’s coming off a divorce and has hang-ups about trust after being done wrong in his marriage, and she’s working like crazy and adding additional work onto her tight schedule every time she turns around. A chance one night stand was supposed to be just that … but when circumstances bring them face to face again, they realize they each never stopped thinking about the other since their night together. Each character has a draw and is easily likable, but they also could each be developed a tad more to make them feel more complete. His fam is mentioned but never elaborated on and she has a close-knit relationship with one older bro, but the family dynamics with their parents that could add some additional drama to the plot is swept under the rug. The angst around the end of his marriage is also left up in the air a bit because his path doesn’t cross with one aspect when it would definitely produce some fireworks. Overall, I loved them together and walked away satisfied with their story, though rushed. I’m waiting for the next in the series already!

SCORING DESTINY
Kat Mizera

Release Date: October 15
AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

One reckless night was supposed to help me forget.

My ex-wife’s wedding is everywhere. Every headline. Every photo. Every reminder of the life that fell apart.

So I do what any NHL player trying to outrun the past would do—I find the beautiful stranger who makes me forget my own name for one unforgettable night.

Then I walk away.

Until she walks back into my life.

Turns out the woman I can’t stop thinking about is my teammate’s little sister.

Now she’s everywhere. In the stands. At team dinners. Under my skin.

I’ve spent years convincing myself I don’t do relationships. Not after my marriage imploded.

But Macy doesn’t settle for half-hearted. She deserves a man who’s all in.

The problem?

For the first time in my life…I want to be that man.

Because losing one marriage was enough.

I’m not about to lose the woman who might just be my forever.

Grab your copy!

https://geni.us/ScoringDestiny

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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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

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

October 13, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Falling for Her by Natasha Madison
Series: Falling For Series #2
Published by Blackstone Publishing on October 13, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Finley Westbook’s life just blew up. Now, the only thing she wants is for her husband to sign their divorce papers. Just one problem: He wants half of her, and her family’s, fortune. When her best friend tells her a man in her hometown needs a short-term, live-in nanny for his eight-year-old son, it sounds like the perfect escape from the mess her life has become. Sure, Finley has never had a job, but how hard can it be to take care of an adorable kid?

Single dad and small-town detective Lincoln Burke doesn’t have time for chaos. But just as his ex-wife is about to leave for her honeymoon, a major case hits his desk. He’s desperate to find a nanny, and it seems Finley is his only option. She’s a walking disaster in his kitchen, can never follow a schedule—and is a dangerous temptation in his home.

The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore, but Lincoln won’t risk his heart again—especially not with his employee. Yet, the more Finley pushes his buttons, the harder she is to resist. When danger closes in, what started as a temporary arrangement may cost them far more than they ever expected.

Heartfelt and endearing with twists of intrigue along the way! The next book in Madison’s Falling For series brings a cop who quickly needs a temporary nanny for his son and a newly separated heiress who has never worked a day in her life together in a surprisingly sweet connection that pulls out all the feels. The characters each have a drama filled back story and an interesting pull as soon as they meet. Their romance is fast, but believable, and her connection with his son simply makes the story. Loved them together! There are without a doubt a couple of holes left up in the air that really needed a smidge more to make the story feel complete, but I really enjoyed their story regardless. I’m loving this series so far and looking forward to the next book already!

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Blitz/Review * VIOLENT LITTLE THING by Lani Lynn Vale

October 6, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Violent Little Thing by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Don't Date Him #10
on October 6, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

The first time Courtland Navarro saw Charleigh Lynn Kensington, she was yelling at her old boss about a yeast infection.

Court didn’t know that his heart could even beat after the loss of his late wife, but in that moment, when she was yelling about a bladder infection from hell, he realized that maybe he hadn’t died inside after all.

The second time he saw her, he was protecting her from herself.

The big—actually quite small—bad—more like a pissed-off Chihuahua—Marine thought she could handle herself. And honestly, she might have been able to. But she was five-foot-nothing, had crazy blonde hair, and looked like one hell of an easy target.

To say that they got off on the wrong foot would be an understatement.

Then, searching for something to do with his life after getting out of prison, he finds a mechanic shop for sale. So he buys it.

Little did he know that Charleigh had wanted that shop.

And now she had even more reason to hate him.

She tries her hardest to hold on to the anger, the utter dislike of all things Court Navarro. But Charleigh doesn’t stand a chance.

Court has set his sights on her, and there’s nothing that she can do but surrender.

But, maybe, that was what she wanted all along.

Someone to fight for her.

Undeniably entertaining! Filled with angst, heartache and healing, the next book in Vale’s Don’t Date Him series is non-stop drama and worth every single minute of your time. Courtland and Charleigh have sort of been drawn to each other with neither admitting to the fact, so when their mutual hatred of Seraphina puts them in close contact things become all too real in no time flat. He’s newly released from prison and thinks he’ll never get over his late wife’s death. She’s sassy and independent and doesn’t need a man. The back story for each of them is brutally angsty and hooks the reader to each of their stories right off the bat. I connected easily with both of them. The storyline is well developed with surprises we don’t see coming around several corners and a love story heating up quickly but with a deep connection to hold our attention. I loved every minute of Court and Charleigh and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys seeing an intense character with lots of baggage overcome their heartache and achieve love and happiness with a great supporting cast around them.

Title: Violent Little Thing

Series: Don’t Date Him #10

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, One Night Stand, Small Town Sports Romance, Widower, Single Mom, Second Chance

Release Date: October 6, 2026

BLURB

The first time Courtland Navarro saw Charleigh Lynn Kensington, she was yelling at her old boss about a yeast infection.

Court didn’t know that his heart could even beat after the loss of his late wife, but in that moment, when she was yelling about a bladder infection from hell, he realized that maybe he hadn’t died inside after all.

The second time he saw her, he was protecting her from herself.

The big—actually quite small—bad—more like a pissed-off Chihuahua—Marine thought she could handle herself. And honestly, she might have been able to. But she was five-foot-nothing, had crazy blonde hair, and looked like one hell of an easy target.

To say that they got off on the wrong foot would be an understatement.

Then, searching for something to do with his life after getting out of prison, he finds a mechanic shop for sale. So he buys it.

Little did he know that Charleigh had wanted that shop.

And now she had even more reason to hate him.

She tries her hardest to hold on to the anger, the utter dislike of all things Court Navarro. But Charleigh doesn’t stand a chance.

Court has set his sights on her, and there’s nothing that she can do but surrender.

But, maybe, that was what she wanted all along.

Someone to fight for her.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE

DON’T DATE HIM SERIES

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

COMING SOON

Releasing November 3

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

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.

AUTHOR LINKS

AMAZON

BOOKBUB

FACEBOOK

PROFILE / PAGE / GROUP

INSTAGRAM

WEBSITE

TIKTOK

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * COZY LITTLE CHRISTMAS by RaeAnne Thayne

October 5, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Cozy Little Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne
Series: Shelter Springs
Published by MIRA on October 6, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Christmas in Shelter Springs is the season of twinkling lights, open hearts and unexpected second chances. And for Hannah Goodwin, it also brings the one person she never wanted to see again...

Hannah’s built a full life for herself in the warmth of her close-knit town, with her family, her work and her music. And when her dear friend Morgan desperately needs her help, Hannah temporarily steps in to care for Morgan’s children. That’s what friends do—especially at the holidays. But she never expected to run into Wes Kenner...

Moving back home is the last thing K9 law enforcement officer Wes Kenner ever wanted. It’s where he fell in love with Hannah—and where an accident changed his mother’s life forever. But when his grandfather needs a helping hand, he can’t say no. It’s the perfect opportunity for him and his beloved K9, Kodiak, to recover. Still, seeing Hannah again fills him with regret—and hope.

After all this time, Hannah still represents all of the joy and light Wes pushed out of his life. Everything he’s desperate to get back. And as Hannah brings much-needed holiday magic to Morgan—and her kids—he realizes this is his chance. Because this Christmas, all he wants is her.

Thayne’s annual Christmas story always sweeps me away and delights me with a set of characters that wrap themselves around my heart and kick off an early bout of the warmth the holiday season should be filled with! This year, I was quickly intrigued by a kindhearted music therapist in Shelter Springs who steps in to offer to care for a friend’s children when she desperately needs to be away from them for a bit. Hannah’s back story quickly begins to build itself when her former love Wes unexpectedly returns to town after more than a decade and seems to constantly be crossing her path. The character’s unresolved feelings bring strife to the calm home she’s hoping to put forth for the kiddos in her care. Wes walked away years ago after family turmoil changed his life forever and he’s had his share of heartache to last a lifetime, but recent happenstance has him at a crossroad again and wishing he knew how to reconnect with the life he chose to have away from this town filled with memories. The characters are each well developed and the town’s warmth is once again adding a perfect backdrop to this sweet reunion story. I loved every minute of them!

Filed Under: Book Reviews