Book Reviews – Page 10

* Review * ON THIN ICE by Kelly Jamieson

February 8, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ON THIN ICE by Kelly Jamieson

On Thin Ice by Kelly Jamieson
Series: The New Jersey Storm #3
Published by Boldwood Books on February 13, 2026
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Marek's world is on the ice, Nicki's is on the stage. But their worlds collide in one steamy night in Vegas ...

Marek

Playing for the New Jersey Storm I know how to handle the heat – on and off the ice. But nothing compares to Nicki Sullivan. We collided in Vegas: One wild night, no strings and a spark I couldn’t shake. We went our separate ways, but I never stopped thinking about her. When I see she’s involved in an accident that nearly takes her life, I drop everything and drive to New York. She’s broken, shaken… but still the woman who set my world alight. So I bring her home with me — to recover, to breathe… and maybe, to see if that spark between us still burns.

Nicki

After the accident, I can’t face the music — or the world. The last person I expect to show up is Marek — sinfully hot, too good to be real, and suddenly my rescuer. I should push him away. Instead, I let him take me to his apartment, where everything feels dangerously safe. But it’s not just comfort — it’s him. The heat between us is impossible to ignore and being with him feels right. But I can’t hide away forever. Falling for him is a risk because this time the ice beneath us may just crack.

One night turns into forever in the latest visit to the New Jersey Storm! I’m torn on my thoughts about this book. I loved Marek, absolutely loved him … his heart, his kindness, his love for his quirky sister, his willingness to do anything Nicki needed to feel whole again. But I didn’t love certain ways that Nikki strung him along, and I most importantly didn’t love the author’s tirade on toxic masculinity in hockey that was woven into the story. I read fiction particularly to get away from the ugliness of life, not to have it preached from one person’s point of view under the guise of a hobby meant to be enjoyment. Whether I agree wholeheartedly or not, this was not the time and place because it’s an entertainment field. It’s not the typical style of this author, whom I have read a lot from and always enjoyed … but it’s enough to make me second guess picking up the next book because I’m not sure what it will be filled with now. Disappointing for sure. Overall, I feel like he put his all into their relationship and she put about 50% and we really needed more time with them once they truly were all in to get a feel for her depth and investment in them after all was said and done.

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* Review * THE HOTSHOT by Piper Rayne

February 8, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Hotshot by Piper Rayne
Series: The Dugout #1
Published by Piper Rayne Inc. on February 17, 2026
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Raising my cousin’s three kids wasn’t in my five-year plan.
Actually, it wasn’t in any plan.

One minute I’m a single labor and delivery nurse living a quiet life and the next, I’m navigating guardianship hearings, meltdowns, and homework I’m pretty sure requires a math degree.

Enter Hayes Carlisle.

My best friend’s older brother.
Chicago Colts newest catcher.
And the man I once kissed and immediately pretended I didn’t.

So, when the custody battle I’ve been dreading becomes a reality, I shouldn’t be surprised that Hayes swoops in with a wild idea—a fake relationship. According to him, pretending we’re together will polish his image and prove to the court I’m not taking on an instant family alone.

But pretending to be Hayes’ girlfriend is a terrible idea.

Because he remembers how to make me laugh.
Because he looks at me like our kiss wasn’t a one-time mistake.
Because the kids start asking him to read bedtime stories.
Because my heart starts wanting things my life doesn’t have room for.

I can manage the chaos. I can fight for these kids.
But pretending not to fall for Hayes Carlisle?

That might be the one thing I can’t do.

Heart-wrenching, but sassy and addictive! In my first read by new to me author Piper Rayne, I dove into the first book in a brand new baseball series The Dugout and I was not disappointed! I left knowing I will definitely be reading more and looking forward to book two in the series dropping, hopefully soon! The characters and core plot were very quick to catch my attention and hold it throughout the entire story. It’s a cliche secretly crushing on your best friends older brother trope, but there’s so much more depth to it with heartbreak, healing and so much humor.

With a full cast of family, friends and teammates, there was a whole lot to sink your teeth into with this story. Each main character had a backstory that caught our attention, hers was more developed than his with the kiddos she now had in her care. I felt like the little mystery surrounding her cousin was a bit distracting and didn’t really add to the story, but the kids were so key in adding the heart to the entire book that really made them all come together and shine. I would have liked more details up front on what made his prior year so gutting to his career, but we eventually got enough of the story to satisfy our curiosity even if not all the details. His parents, particularly his mom was a doll and I hope we’ll see a lot more of them when we get Callie’s story in book two.

Overall, I enjoyed Hayes and Leighton and the kiddos very much and can’t wait to see them again down the road! Highly recommend to fans of sports romance, rom coms with heart and lusting from afar for many years.

TROPES ✨

⚾️ Baseball Romance
🤫 Fake Relationship
👀 Best Friend’s Brother
🙋‍♂️ He Falls First
👩‍👧‍👧 Single Guardian
🤞🏼Close Proximity

Add to Goodreads

Pre-order on Amazon

Pub date is February 17, 2026

BLURB✨

Raising my cousin’s three kids wasn’t in my five-year plan.
Actually, it wasn’t in any plan.
One minute I’m a single labor and delivery nurse living a quiet life and the next, I’m navigating guardianship hearings, meltdowns, and homework I’m pretty sure requires a math degree.

Enter Hayes Carlisle.

My best friend’s older brother.
Chicago Colts newest catcher.
And the man I once kissed and immediately pretended I didn’t.

So, when the custody battle I’ve been dreading becomes a reality, I shouldn’t be surprised that Hayes swoops in with a wild idea—a fake relationship. According to him, pretending we’re together will polish his image and prove to the court I’m not taking on an instant family alone.

But pretending to be Hayes’ girlfriend is a terrible idea.

Because he remembers how to make me laugh.
Because he looks at me like our kiss wasn’t a one-time mistake.
Because the kids start asking him to read bedtime stories.
Because my heart starts wanting things my life doesn’t have room for.

I can manage the chaos. I can fight for these kids.
But pretending not to fall for Hayes Carlisle?

That might be the one thing I can’t do.

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* Review * HERO’S TOUCH by Janie Crouch

February 4, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Hero's Touch by Janie Crouch
Series: Linear Tactical: Oak Creek #6
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing - Protector Romance Circle on February 6, 2026
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He’s spent his whole life knowing everything.

Every variable. Every angle. Every threat he could calculate faster than most people could blink. Lincoln Bollinger built two fortunes before thirty, mastered the dark web, and designed systems that made governments nervous.

But the one thing he couldn’t solve?

People.
Emotions.
Her.

Mercury—the brilliant stranger he’s traded secret coded messages with for two years—vanished months ago. The quiet mind hidden inside poetry and algorithms was suddenly gone… until she sent him a desperate SOS encoded inside Emily Dickinson. A message only he could read.

Rescuing her is easy.
Surviving what comes next won’t be.

The trafficking ring wants her silenced. Corrupt officials want her erased. And the only person she trusts is a man who barely knows how to hold a conversation without someone telling him to use his “inside voice.”

But with Mercury beside him—quoting poetry when she’s scared, reorganizing his library when she’s overwhelmed, matching his brilliance with her own—Lincoln finds himself facing something he’s never been able to compute.

A woman who sees him.
A woman he’ll burn the world to protect.

And the enemy closing in fast.

A tumultuous thrill ride! Crouch is thrilling her Linear Tactical fans time and again as we get a glimpse of all of our old favorites as their kids settle into life with their forever loves one at a time in the Linear Tactical: Oak Creek spin-off. Next up is Lincoln Bollinger. Baby and Quinn’s son does not disappoint one bit! He’s amazingly smart and successful but so socially awkward … but that technical devotion is what led him to his secret, coded chats with an internet friend for the last couple of years. When he receives a cry for help, he will stop at nothing to get to her and make sure she’s safe.

Morgan has her own idiosyncrasies that often leave her on the outside looking in throughout her life, but the relationship she has developed with Linc means a lot to her. When danger comes knocking, she knows he’s her only chance of getting away from the bad guys.

Overall the book is fraught with tension and danger as they race against time to stop a plan of destruction. The characters are well developed and the plot is spot on. I loved the action, but also the gentle passion as they eased into knowing each other in person after so much time without faces or names. They make a really great couple, and the addition of his friends and family as a support system is really fun. I loved every minute of their story and highly recommend the entire series as well as the original Linear Tactical series to anyone who loves lots of danger and mystery wrapped up into a romance filled with passion and camaraderie.

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* Review * ACCIDENTAL RUNAWAY GROOM by Carrie Ann Ryan

February 2, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ACCIDENTAL RUNAWAY GROOM by Carrie Ann Ryan

Accidental Runaway Groom by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Clover Lake #2
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on February 9, 2026
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I picked up a groom on the side of the road on the way to a wedding.

One problem: I wasn’t the bride.

And he didn’t mean to run away.

Sometimes things happen for a reason and six months later, I’m back in Clover Lake and Sharp McBride is single, not-so-heartbroken, and my new best friend.

Only neither one of us wants to be just friends.

I don’t know where his heart belongs, and I don’t want to be the person to break what’s left. Yet I’m only in town for a short time and I’m not sure I’m made for small time life.

And if we’re not careful, this time I might have to be the one who runs away.

**Accidental Runaway Groom is a next generation, grumpy rancher, friends to lovers, not-what-you-think romance set in the Montgomery World & Clover Lake series featuring Jamie Montgomery & Sharp McBride. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**

We’re back in Clover Lake with Ewan’s brother and Livvy’s cousin heating up the room! If you read the first book in the series, you will recognize many of the key players and feel right at home again. Jamie is a Montgomery as well, so if you’re a fan of that series, you will recognize her parents Austin and Sierra. It’s always a lot of fun to touch base with a couple you’ve been invested in before. I love second gen stories! This particular story had a really good plot, but I felt like I needed more. They had a nice connection, but their relationship was more than a little rushed and no development was put in to them actually settling into a relationship. I enjoyed them and recommend the book if you’re interested in fast paced and quick but I am not as invested in this series as a usual Ryan one because of the lack of depth. Great characters though!

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* Review * FALLING FOR TROUBLE by Carly Phillips

January 31, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FALLING FOR TROUBLE by Carly Phillips

Falling for Trouble by Carly Phillips
Series: Dare to Fall #1
Published by CP Publishing on February 5, 2026
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He’s the bad boy my family warned me about—and the one man I can’t have.

I just landed the job of my dreams—planning the Miami Thunder football team’s anniversary celebration—and I can’t afford distractions. Especially not tattooed billionaire and reformed troublemaker Lucas Carras. He exudes alpha-hero intensity, but he’s been off limits for as long as I’ve known him.

But the kickoff party is happening at the nightclub he co-owns with my brother… and with my sibling out of town, I’m stuck working with Lucas.

Forced proximity ignites the desire we’ve both been pretending doesn’t exist. From bedrooms to storage rooms, the scorching tension causes us to cross every line we swore we wouldn’t. On paper, we’re complete opposites. In reality, the chemistry is undeniable.

This party is everything I’ve worked for—my moment to prove myself. Until the sabotage starts.

Orders vanish. Vendors back out. Someone is determined to ruin the anniversary… and my reputation along with it.

Suddenly Lucas isn’t just a distraction. He’s my protector, my anchor, and the only man I trust to stand by my side.

But when my brother finds out about us, family drama explodes. And I’m torn between being the good girl who plays by the rules... and falling for trouble.

Quick to hook and sure to please! Phillips is delighting her fans with another spin off series of her beloved Dare family, Dare to Fall. This first book brings us Ian Dare’s only daughter falling for her brother’s best friend. There is a hint of intrigue as someone is suddenly sabotaging Rainey’s big career break, but mostly the story is filled with sexy passion, goodhearted family and friends and a friendship that blossoms from attraction. Lucas’s back story is particularly interesting and well developed, and her family always delights. If you haven’t read the Dare series previously, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on the heart of the family or anything, but if you have, you will only appreciate seeing them again that much more. Highly recommend and can’t wait for more to come in the series!

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* Review * IT’S NOT HER by Mary Kubica

January 30, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

It's Not Her by Mary Kubica
Published by Park Row on February 3, 2026
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A scream shatters the silence…
Courtney Gray’s peaceful vacation turns into a nightmare when she discovers her brother and sister-in-law dead in their lakeside cottage. Her niece Reese is missing. Her nephew Wyatt is asleep upstairs—unharmed.

A town full of secrets…
As police swarm the quiet resort, dark truths about Courtney’s family—and the town itself—begin to surface. Is Reese a victim… or the killer?

A truth no one saw coming…
With everyone hiding something, Courtney races to uncover the terrible mystery. But the closer she gets, the harder it is to know who—or what—to trust.

Absolutely unputdownable! I was hooked from start to finish and there were a couple of twist that had me not expecting THAT right up until the very end. The characters are easy to sink your teeth into as we trail after Courtney Gray as she tries to comes to grips with the fact that her brother and sister-in-law were murdered in the vacation cottage right next to hers as she sets out on a race against time to find her missing teenage niece. Kubica’s diabolical writing voice has us questioning even those that should be most trusted, yet not seeing possible corruption right in front of our faces. Superb writing and a really great read. I loved every minute!

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* Review * FREE FALLING by Jill Shalvis

January 30, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Free Falling by Jill Shalvis
Series: Colburn Brothers #2
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on February 3, 2026
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Retired hockey player Caleb Colburn needs this construction project to prove himself in the family business, but he also needs to recover from the injury that ended his pro career. Too bad Emma Sumner, architect liaison and Caleb's college nemesis, is back in town and assigned to the project. They're going to have to see each other almost every day. Which means once again she'll make his life a living hell.

As for Emma, her job is on the line with this big project, made all the more challenging by the project manager. Caleb was the one who had snagged the scholarship she'd desperately needed to stay in college. She's been living hand to mouth ever since and has no intention of ever forgiving the man.

But the beautiful historic building they're renovating is exactly the kind of project that they both love best. Their surprising common ground and a burning mutual attraction start bringing them closer and closer to a potentially explosive mistake. And that's even before the secrets come out…

Shalvis never fails to warm my heart with her heartfelt characters, signature sass and adorable hairy sidekicks! The second book in her already addictive Colburn Brothers series is just as good as the first and had me hooked from the very start. Caleb is trying to prove his worth to the family biz, but can’t resist his attraction to their architect liaison. Emma is equally interested, but her living situation and job potential has her distracted from the drama. Both characters have an interesting back story that carries the reader along on their journey of making love work through thick and thin. I love his family and their complexity, and the doggos were just too adorable. Loved every minute!

Hank is a very angsty character for me that in both books in the series has kept me perplexed with how I feel about him. I see a very human and caring side to his interaction these days, but I can’t put the past out of my mind either. He’s a tough nut to redeem, but I have a feeling I’ll be all in before Shalvis is all said and done. I highly recommend this book as well as the previous one in the series to anyone that enjoys a family centric romance with a touch of suspense in the background as true love finds a way to beat the odds and flourish amid drama and laughter. I can’t wait for Tucker’s book! I’m crossing my fingers for one for Kiera and even a novella for Hank, and hey, let’s go for one for Bill too!

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* Release Blitz/Review * SINCERELY, MR. BRADEN by Melissa Foster

January 28, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * SINCERELY, MR. BRADEN by Melissa Foster

Sincerely, Mr. Braden by Melissa Foster
Series: The Bradens at Ridgeport #2
Published by World Literary Press on January 28, 2026
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Come along for the fun, sexy ride as this business-savvy, pleasure-oriented billionaire gets the shock of his lifetime and finds out his ever-efficient virtual assistant is not the man he thinks he is but a beautiful businesswoman who knows many of his secrets and has some of her own in Sincerely, Mr. Braden.

You know what they say about best-laid plans...
When the chance to finally meet my virtual assistant arises, I jump on it. Imagine my surprise when I find his beautiful sister Eleanor in his place.

The moment I meet Ellie Mitchell, my world shifts.

What was supposed to be a brief hello with my assistant turns into an unforgettable weekend with an incredible woman.
I’ve spent a lifetime keeping people at arm’s length and walking away unscathed, but Ellie obliterates every wall I’ve ever built.

What I learn next shatters my world.

I don’t know which betrayal cuts deeper: The lie she told me or the truth that I still want her.

Foster always delivers on heartfelt, sincere and absolutely addictive just when we need it most! I could not have loved Seth Braden more. We knew from previous books involving his family that he was going to be intense, but I didn’t realize what a sweetheart he truly was until Ellie came into his life. I love that we were already in love with them as a couple before the true angsty side of them came into play because it had me assured that they were somehow going to make it all work out. Both characters have a strong family foundation that play large parts in their lives, were both very well developed and easily held my attention throughout. I can’t wait for more from this fam! Highly recommend!

🔥 NEW RELEASE 🔥

SINCERELY, MR. BRADEN by NYT Bestselling Author, Melissa Foster, is LIVE! Start reading this spicy romance today!

🔥 Billionaire Seth Braden gets the shock of his lifetime when he finds out his ever-efficient assistant is not the man he thinks he is, but a beautiful businesswoman who knows many of his secrets and has some of her own in SINCERELY, MR. BRADEN.

What you will find in SINCERELY, MR. BRADEN:

💸 Billionaire

💻 She’s His Virtual Assistant

🩷 Workplace Romance

😕 Mistaken Identity

🚶 Rootless Hero

🧑‍⚕️ She’s A Caretaker

💞 He Falls Fast. She Fell First.

🔥SINCERELY, MR. BRADEN is available on ALL of your favorite retailers in ebook, and paperback!!

https://melissafoster.com/books/sincerely-mr-braden/

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* Review * MURDER AT LAVA POINT by Nichole Severn

January 26, 2026 Leave a Comment

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* Review * MURDER AT LAVA POINT by Nichole Severn

Murder at Lava Point by Nichole Severn
Series: Red Rock Murders #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on January 27, 2026
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He’d do anything to keep her safe.

Including reining in his true feelings.

Ranger Aslen Woods just needed Murray Simpson to stop being overprotective. The Zion National Park investigator didn’t want his childhood friend involved in anything dangerous. But after a blaze was set to cover up a murder, park firefighter Aslen found herself on the case, an overly concerned Murray at her side. When the killer decided to make both rangers pawns in his deadly game, Murray’s gaze suddenly felt more intense than secure. Would this case bring them unexpectedly closer, only to potentially tear them apart…forever?

Best friends with a boatload of baggage! The next book in the Red Rock Murders series is taking place in the Zion National Park with lots of drama and danger. I liked Murray and Aslen both and was invested in their story. The plot drug a bit but I was hooked on the core part of the story to try to figure out who the killer was. I wanted more development, particularly on the details on the loss of his brother to make it feel complete. There is a good bit of intrigue with bits of love and friendship mixed in. The ending was quite abrupt.

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* Review * FORBIDDEN CINDERELLA IN HIS CASTELLO by Michelle Douglas

January 26, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FORBIDDEN CINDERELLA IN HIS CASTELLO by Michelle Douglas

Forbidden Cinderella in His Castello by Michelle Douglas
Published by Harlequin Romance on January 27, 2026
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Once upon an off-limits kiss…

The timing is ideal for antiques expert Sadie to be invited to work at the Lombardi Castello. She’ll avoid a painful run-in with her estranged mother. The catch? Sharing the castle with her best friend’s stepbrother, Lorenzo. They surrendered to a magical stolen moment, before their different worlds opened a chasm between them. Yet after a near-fatal accident, his easy charm has taken on a brooding edge that draws her in again. And as Sadie’s sunshine brings light back to Enzo’s life, it illuminates old temptation…

An angsty take on a best friend’s brother romance that will delight fans of exotic locale. I was quickly taken with both Sadie and Enzo and enjoyed watching their love story develop. He had a disfiguring accident in recent months and is still grumpy and recovering, so watching her bring sunshine back into his world was heartwarming. She is running away from family drama and while I enjoyed her character, I did feel like there was a hole left there that didn’t play out in getting her any resolution. I loved them together, loved the little bits of antique love and enjoyed their story.

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