* Review * BEYOND HER REACH by Melinda Leigh

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BEYOND HER REACH by Melinda LeighBeyond Her Reach by Melinda Leigh
Series: Bree Taggert #10
Published by Montlake on September 16, 2025
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five-stars

In a quiet suburban neighborhood in upstate New York, single mom Kelly Gibson is slain in her home—the victim of a rage killing. Right away, Sheriff Bree Taggert has three persons of interest: an angry soon-to-be ex-husband, a furtive rebound boyfriend, and an obsessive neighbor.

But as Bree and investigator Matt Flynn work together to narrow the field, there’s a shocking twist in the case: a second woman is murdered in the same brutal fashion.

While investigating, Bree is attacked and left for dead. When another woman is kidnapped, Bree and Matt must act quickly to unravel the deceptions in Kelly’s life and death and find a killer before someone else dies.

 

Leigh’s Bree Taggert series is always a top notch read! A gruesome local murder brings Bree and her investigative team to center stage once again as they race against time to figure out who is behind the subterfuge in time to stop additional killings. The case is laid out with lots of twists and turns that bring excitement to the happenings of the team. I love the family and human aspect that is always shown along with the working side of things when Bree and Matt are together. I was a tad surprised that we didn’t get to see a reaction from one person in the middle of the case to wrap it all up into a neat bow at the end, but it didn’t disrupt my enjoyment of the book at all. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a top notch female cop who brings heart and integrity to life during every case she works on.

five-stars

* Review * LAST CHANCE SEDUCTION by Carrie Ann Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LAST CHANCE SEDUCTION by Carrie Ann RyanLast Chance Seduction by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Montgomery Ink Legacy #9
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on September 8, 2025
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four-half-stars

The last time I saw Lexington Montgomery, he held my sister in his arms as my fiancé left me at the altar.

Neither one of us knew it would be two years until we saw each other again. Or that it would be the last time my sister was part of our core group.

Grieving, I’m back in Colorado trying to start over. I have no family and have no intention of dating ever again.

Only fate has other plans because Lexington Montgomery is my new neighbor.

I want to stay away from him, but there’s no chance of that now. Especially when his ex shows up to rub her new husband—and the chance at his dream job—in his face.

I didn’t mean to do it, but now I’m Lex’s fake girlfriend over the holidays and there’s nothing fake about the attraction between us.

Except once we finally give in, it turns out the past I ran from wasn’t so far away after all. And the dangers we never saw coming might end what we have—fake or not—before we even have a chance.

Lexington Montgomery is Beckett and Eliza’s son from Inked Obsession.

 

Sweet, sexy and sincere in all the right places! The next book in Ryan’s Montgomery Ink Legacy series brings a friends to lovers trope to life with several twists in the middle. I loved the two main characters and the supporting cast of a lot of cousins and fam was easy to follow and added a lot of heart. I wanted more development in both key happenings that occurred on the day the book starts because both were light in details and left a lot of emotion and drama on the table that was not settled satisfactorily. Overall I loved their book and the outcome of Lex and Mercy’s relationship. I look forward to more to come in the series!

Lexington was my favorite character. He’s really kind and has had some bad luck with relationships in the past, but watching him allow his feelings for Mercy to come to life was really sweet and heartwarming. Loved the addition of his parents snark.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone enjoying a fast paced, dramatic love story that is heavy on family camaraderie.

four-half-stars

* Review * JUST ONE MORE TIME by Carly Phillips

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE MORE TIME by Carly PhillipsJust One More Time by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sterling Family #6
Published by CP Publishing on September 8, 2025
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four-half-stars

One night. One heartbreak. One man she could never forget.

Years ago, Brooke Snyder gave her heart — and her innocence — to Aiden Sterling, her best friend’s older brother. For one perfect night, he was hers. Then he walked away without looking back.

Heartbroken, she focused on her career, and tried to move on, while he was half a world away. But no man ever measured up to Aiden, and the one time she tried, ended in disaster.

Now, he’s back to help his ailing father, and avoiding him isn’t an option— not when they’re forced to work together and definitely not when she’s sleeping in the bedroom next to his.

The past crackles between them, charged with everything they never said and everything they still feel. Every look dares her to remember. Every touch reminds her exactly what she spent years trying to forget.

Giving him her body is easy. But how can she protect her heart… when the man who broke it is the only one who can put it back together?

 

Carly Phillips always delivers on relatable characters and dramatic love stories! The next book in The Sterling Family series brings globetrotting journalist son Aiden home and reuniting with childhood friend/turned fledgling love interest Brook. His latest assignment left a bad taste in his mouth and danger lurking when he least expects it. Reuniting with his family and friends is bittersweet when he realizes he just might have brought the bad guys to their door. There wasn’t a whole lot of relationship development here overall, but the story as a whole was both heartfelt and emotional and left me pulling for their happily ever after right from the start. I love this series and am looking forward to the next book.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a family centric romance that finds each sibling finding their forever love in dramatic ways as the family loves and supports from the sidelines.

four-half-stars

* Review * SHADOW’S PROTECTION by Chelle Bliss

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SHADOW’S PROTECTION by Chelle BlissShadow's Protection by Chelle Bliss
Series: Hurricane Heat MC #1
Published by Bliss Ink on September 2, 2025
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five-stars

Shadow isn’t the type to mingle with people outside his world unless they owe him or the club something. But when his eyes land on a beautiful woman in need of a place to stay, he offers her shelter from the coming storm without a second thought.

Violet James needs a fresh start. She’s planned every detail—new job, new house, new city. But the one thing she didn’t expect was a hurricane to throw a wrench into everything. Stranded in a new city with no open hotel rooms for miles, she’s intrigued when a handsome biker offers her a safe place to stay.

Shadow never expected the woman to come with baggage in the form of an obsessive ex-boyfriend who will stop at nothing to get her back, including showing up at his club’s compound.

What starts off as a little fun to pass the time as a hurricane decimates the area around them turns into something deeper than either of them could’ve imagined. And Shadow will do anything to keep Violet safe, even if that means risking his life to save hers.

 

I was quickly hooked by down and dirty desire! Chelle Bliss is delivering a whole new cast of MC guys who are dangerous and mysterious and I loved every minute of the kick off to this Hurricane Heat series! An attention grabbing start nabbed me quickly and had me easily liking Violet and appreciating the fact that Shadow steps in to help her get out of danger. He’s mysterious, yet kind hearted and his club seems all in when one another needs support. We didn’t delve too deeply into the MC yet, but the groundwork was there of who does what around the place and how tight they are. I look forward to meeting each one more as the series progresses. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced story of passion as feelings start growing and changes are in the air. The characters were easy to like, the drama was top notch and the happily ever after was everything that I was looking for!

five-stars

* Review * THE COUPLE’S SECRET by Lisa Regan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE COUPLE’S SECRET by Lisa ReganThe Couple's Secret by Lisa Regan
Series: Detective Josie Quinn #23
Published by Bookouture on September 1, 2025
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five-stars

The couple in the photo smile at the camera, arms wrapped around each other, faces alight with happiness. They were two people getting a second chance at love, trying to blend their young families and start a new life together. Until their smiles became frozen for the camera forever as their lives were cut tragically short by a horrifying act of violence…

Seven years ago, Tobias Lachlan and his fiancée Cora Stevens went out for a romantic dinner together. They left the restaurant smiling and holding hands, Cora sent a text message to say they were on the way home… but they were never seen again, leaving their family and friends with broken hearts and unanswered questions.

Detective Josie Quinn is shocked when she’s called to investigate the discovery of their bodies in a submerged car in the river just outside Denton. The medical report soon shows that Tobias and Cora were brutally murdered, sending shockwaves through the community and reopening the case that police thought had long gone cold.

With no obvious clues, and no sightings of the couple after they left the restaurant that night, Josie draws a blank. Tobias and Cora’s children, now grown, can’t imagine who might have wanted their parents dead. The discovery of a tiny old-fashioned key in the remnants of Cora’s purse could unlock the mystery, but no one knows what the key might open, and Josie can’t figure out what it meant to Cora. But secrets don’t stay buried forever, and if Josie knows one thing to be true, it’s this: someone always knows something. As she digs deeper, Josie finds evidence that this perfect couple might have been keeping secrets. Secrets from their children, and secrets from each other.

But then another body is found—another member of the family, tragically silenced forever. Josie’s investigation has stirred up more than just the river bed, and she knows that the killer is now even more desperate to keep their secrets hidden. Who is trying to rip this family apart, and can Josie find out before it’s too late?

 

Lisa Regan never fails to steal my heart when I visit Detective Josie Quinn! She’s an ever evolving character who delivers strength and grit on the regular, but there’s a softer side of her as well who loves hard and collects friendship and love every day of her life. I always enjoy my return visits and watching her prosper no matter the hardships life has thrown out at her from a very young age. I can’t recommend this series enough!

This particular book nabbed my attention very quickly with a whodunnit cold case at the forefront while Josie was dealing with personal drama as well. The case is well developed with multiple key players who are keeping secrets and testing alliances. There are twists and turns along the way that will keep the reader intrigued as Josie pulls out all stops to get justice for the vics.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a strong female lead in law enforcement who solves case after case while building a happily ever after with friends, family and the love of her life.

five-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * FORMULA FREEDOM by Sawyer Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * FORMULA FREEDOM by Sawyer BennettFormula Freedom by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Race Fever #3
Published by Big Dog Books on August 26, 2025
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four-stars

Reid Hemsworth is still a relatively new face in the racing world but hasn’t wasted any time making a name for himself. No stranger to standing on the podium, Reid’s success isn’t all champagne showers and post-race parties. He may be considered a rising star in the sport, but to his brother, Lance, Reid stole his chance at racing glory and that can never be forgiven.

Lara Candlish grew up with the Hemsworth brothers, the three of them wasting away the hours of their youth riding waves together in the Australian surf. But as they got older and Reid’s career started to take off, their trio splintered under the weight of Lance’s jealousy. In the end, one brother had the career and one got the girl, but they both wanted what the other had.

When Lara finds herself trapped in an increasingly volatile relationship, she turns to the one man she knows she can trust above anyone else—Reid. Harboring deep feelings for much of his life, Reid doesn’t hesitate to bring Lara into his inner circle to provide her with the safety that she needs, no matter how much that might infuriate his brother. Their forced proximity quickly uncovers feelings he thought he’d left behind and Reid is prepared to act on them. But when his brother finds out that Reid now has the career and the girl, the situation goes from bad to worse.

As the relationship between Reid and Lara intensifies, so does the danger, and one truth becomes abundantly clear. Reid will stop at nothing to protect the one thing he now knows he can never live without—Lara.

 

Friends to lovers with quite the twist! The third book in Sawyer Bennett’s Race Fever series was quick to catch my attention and held it throughout as family dynamics and drama took center stage. Great plot, interesting dynamics and so much tension to sink your teeth into. The storyline was fairly well developed but I felt like the ending left a lot to be desired when it came to family unity. I would have liked to have seen some resolution for Lance getting some help and mending fences to whatever degree they could have been. Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to more to come in the series!

I loved Reid and was rooting for him right from the start. Lara was a little harder to embrace with her meek attitude in not wanting to settle things before moving forward. In the end I enjoyed them together and love that Reid was happy.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves sports romance and especially wants to dive into the F1 phenom with ease. Bennett always writes endearing characters and gorgeous happily ever afters!

 

 

 

Reid Hemsworth is still a relatively new face in the racing world but hasn’t wasted any time
making a name for himself. No stranger to standing on the podium, Reid’s success isn’t all
champagne showers and post-race parties. He may be considered a rising star in the sport,
but to his brother, Lance, Reid stole his chance at racing glory and that can never be
forgiven.

Lara Candlish grew up with the Hemsworth brothers, the three of them wasting away the
hours of their youth riding waves together in the Australian surf. But as they got older and
Reid’s career started to take off, their trio splintered under the weight of Lance’s jealousy. In
the end, one brother had the career and one got the girl, but they both wanted what the other
had.

When Lara finds herself trapped in an increasingly volatile relationship, she turns to the one
man she knows she can trust above anyone else—Reid. Harboring deep feelings for much of
his life, Reid doesn’t hesitate to bring Lara into his inner circle to provide her with the safety
that she needs, no matter how much that might infuriate his brother. Their forced proximity
quickly uncovers feelings he thought he’d left behind and Reid is prepared to act on them. But
when his brother finds out that Reid now has the career and the girl, the situation goes from
bad to worse.

As the relationship between Reid and Lara intensifies, so does the danger, and one truth
becomes abundantly clear. Reid will stop at nothing to protect the one thing he now knows he
can never live without—Lara.

Buy Link:
https://geni.us/SB-FormulaFreedom

 

** Available in KU **

 

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

four-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * RULEBREAKER by Elise Faber and Kat Mizera

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * RULEBREAKER by Elise Faber and Kat MizeraRulebreaker by Elise Faber, Kat Mizera
Series: Gamebreakers #4
on August 25, 2025
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five-stars

She’s everything I shouldn’t want.

But that’s never stopped me before.

I didn’t become a billionaire before the age of thirty by playing it safe. I’m a risk-taker…except when it comes to matters of the heart.

Until Lily.

The pop phenom is all legs and curves, with a boisterous laugh and a wicked sense of humor—everything that drives me crazy. She drives me crazy.

But the more we butt heads, the more I crave the sound of her voice…the feel of her body against mine.

Except I’m positive she’s hiding something from me. Something big.

I let someone else keep secrets once—I won’t allow that again.

She’s mine.

And I won’t stop until she knows it.

  The epitome of he falls first … and in such an adorably awkward way! We’ve known since day 1 of meeting the Gamebreaker series core crew that Atlas was going to be extra, and man did his story NOT disappoint! Elise Faber and Kat Mizera have woven the perfect college friend group and their plus ones are adding so much to the party. Atlas and Lily are both great characters who each have their own success as a backdrop and them together is a mixture of sweet and sassy combusting on the regular. The characters are fairly well developed, the plot flows smoothly and the happily ever after is sublime. There’s a big twist at the end that is going to change everyone’s lives …. the final book in this series is coming soon and it’s gonna leave a mark! I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a group of successful friends who cherish the family they’ve made with each other through the years and can always be counted on to rally around through the ups and downs of life as one after another finds their true love.            

RULEBREAKER

Kat Mizera & Elise Faber

Release Date: August 25

 
  She’s everything I shouldn’t want. But that’s never stopped me before. I didn’t become a billionaire before the age of thirty by playing it safe. I’m a risk-taker…except when it comes to matters of the heart. Until Lily. The pop phenom is all legs and curves, with a boisterous laugh and a wicked sense of humor—everything that drives me crazy. She drives me crazy. But the more we butt heads, the more I crave the sound of her voice…the feel of her body against mine. Except I’m positive she’s hiding something from me. Something big. I let someone else keep secrets once—I won’t allow that again. She’s mine. And I won’t stop until she knows it.   Grab Your Copy! https://geni.us/RulebreakerEFKM  
  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   Meet Elise Faber: USA TODAY bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. To find out about Elise Faber’s  upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here For more information on Elise Faber and her books visit: https://www.elisefaber.com/ Connect with Elise Faber: https://www.elisefaber.com/contact

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five-stars

* Review * THREE GIRLS GONE by Carolyn Arnold

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THREE GIRLS GONE by Carolyn ArnoldThree Girls Gone by Carolyn Arnold
Series: Detective Amanda Steele #14
Published by Bookouture on August 27, 2025
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five-stars




The girl in the ballerina dress lies still on the carousel with her face toward the blue sky. In her tutu and slippers, she’s ready for her next performance. But as the morning sun shines down upon her, she no longer feels its warmth on her cheeks. Her bright light is gone forever.

When the body of Hailey Tanner is found in a local park, Detective Amanda Steele races to the scene. Interviewing her devastated parents, they confirm that Hailey never made it home from her dance class. Searching for clues in the family home, Amanda discovers that some ballet clothing was taken from Hailey’s room. Could the killer have been close to her?

As Amanda and Trent question potential suspects, they’re painfully reminded of a similar case. Julie Gilbert, another gifted performer, was murdered in exactly the same way twelve years ago. Amanda’s former colleague, Katherine Graves, never gave up hope of bringing the killer to justice and now with a clear link between the two victims, she steps back into the investigation.

But she’s soon warned off when a threatening note is found in the hem of Hailey’s dress. “This girl’s your fault. Stop looking or there will be more.”

With boxes of evidence files and potential leads, Amanda knows that Katherine must have been getting close, but when a third girl is taken soon after, the clock starts ticking again. There’s no way Amanda will let another child suffer at the hands of this twisted killer. But how much will the team be prepared to sacrifice, and can they save this girl before it’s too late?

 

Nonstop suspense and action is synonymous with Carolyn Arnold’s Detective Amanda Steel series! The fourteenth book in the series is no less a hit than all of the rest as Amanda races against time to find a killer who is hunting little girls. The plot is well detailed and developed and brings a familiar face back into the team fold as Katherine Graves tries to help put the case that haunted her back in NYC to rest. Action packed and easy to follow, I was hooked from start to finish. I love this series so much … I only wish Amanda and Trent would stop fighting their feelings for each other already! Highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a crime filled plot with dedicated cops on the case that don’t give up until they catch their bad guy!

five-stars

* Review * CRIME LAB COLD CASE by Carol Ericson

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CRIME LAB COLD CASE by Carol EricsonCrime Lab Cold Case by Carol Ericson
Series: Pacific Northwest Forensics #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on August 26, 2025
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four-half-stars




Her latest corruption investigation

is the key to catching the culprit

FBI agent Natalie Brunetti’s best friend disappeared fourteen years ago and no suspect was found. Now investigating past evidence tampering at the forensics lab—and contending with current lab manager and widowed single dad Michael Wilder—she vows to solve both mysteries. Michael, accused and cleared of his ex-wife’s cold case murder, doesn’t trust the nosy investigator. Until he realizes the evidence in his ex’s case might have also been compromised. But someone wants to keep the lab’s secrets and is willing to stop Natalie and Michael by any means necessary…

 

Intense suspense with danger lurking around every corner! Ericson is bringing the drama with the second book in her Pacific Northwest Forensics series with Harlequin Intrigue and I loved every minute of it. The characters both have very interesting backstories and reason to be drawn to each other. I enjoyed the twists throughout that had us suspecting different characters before the big reveal showing us who they’ve been looking for. The plot and characters overall were well developed, but I wanted a tad more to tie the ending up a little stronger. Overall a great book with a really interesting plot. Highly recommend!

four-half-stars

* Review * MANHUNT IN THE NARROWS by Nichole Severn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MANHUNT IN THE NARROWS by Nichole SevernManhunt in the Narrows by Nichole Severn
Series: Red Rock Murders #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on August 26, 2025
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four-stars




He needs her to catch a murderer.

She needs him to heal her heart.

On the trail of a serial killer, FBI agent Elias Broyles had enlisted the help of park ranger Sayles Green to track his suspect deep into Zion National Park. Despite their constant clashing, Elias discovered Sayles was tremendously skilled and tremendously guarded. When flash flooding caused their manhunt to become a fight for their own lives, the determined agent realized he’d started to care more about Sayles than finding the killer. Elias had brought an untrained woman on a deadly mission. He’d do anything to make sure she got out alive.

 

Exhilarating kickoff to a brand new series! Nichole Severn is delighting her readers with the first book in her Red Rock Murders series for Harlequin Intrigue and it starts off with quite the bang. It’s action packed and exciting every step of the way and begins with a couple of interesting main characters with back stories that are well developed and explosive. I wanted more from the ending as it was rather abrupt with not a lot of relationship development being done, but I left satisfied with the story overall and am looking forward to the series continuing. Recommend if you’re looking for fast paced and filled with drama!

four-stars