Book Reviews – Page 7

* 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

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* 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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* Review * MAKE IT OUT ALIVE by Allison Brennan

January 26, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MAKE IT OUT ALIVE by Allison Brennan

Make It Out Alive by Allison Brennan
Series: A Quinn & Costa Thriller #7
Published by Hanover Square Press on January 27, 2026
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Three newlywed couples have disappeared from an exclusive resort in Florida, only to turn up dead soon after. With the location and the similarities between the female victims as their only leads, it’s up to the FBI Mobile Response Team to catch a serial killer before anyone else ends up dead. And they have the perfect bait—Detective Kara Quinn, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the targeted women.

Undercover as newlyweds pretending to enjoy their honeymoon, Kara and FBI Agent Matt Costa set a flawless trap. When their plan works and they arrest the predator, Matt sends the rest of the team home so he and Kara can have the weekend for some much-needed R&R. But on Monday morning, the couple doesn’t show up to work, and the MRT learns they never checked out of their hotel.

As their team tries to find them, Matt and Kara learn the truth—the killer wasn’t acting alone. He had a partner who succeeded where he failed. Kidnapped and forced into a twisted escape room, they need to find a way out, because if they don’t escape, they’ll die.

High intensity drama and intrigue! Brennan is giving us one of the most intense Quinn and Costa thrillers yet because our favorite duo winds up in the danger of a lifetime. I love this team as a whole because they care so much about each other in addition to their allegiance to justice. We are quickly thrust into the ending of what they think to be a wrapped up case, but all is not as it seems and when Quinn and Costa don’t return to work the following Monday morning, the team realizes they are in peril. Great characters, good development of the bad guys, and a decent amount of backstory on the team to catch anyone not following along in the series up on who is who. I always wind up wanting to see just a smidge more of them in their life outside of work but the series is great and this book in particular kept me riveted. Highly recommend the entire series!

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* Release Blitz/Review * PENALTY KISS by Kat Mizera

January 26, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * PENALTY KISS by Kat Mizera

Penalty Kiss by Kat Mizera
Series: Pucks & Penalties
on January 26, 2026
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One disastrous season. One last chance. One forbidden romance that could ruin everything.

After a career-wrecking season, being claimed in the expansion draft is my shot at redemption. New team. New city. Clean slate. This time, I won’t screw it up.

Then I meet Jayne.

She’s a quiet, irresistible librarian who looks at me like I’m more than my reputation. With her, I want to be better. Steadier. Worthy.

There’s just one problem.

Her father is my new coach.

Now I’m trapped between the career I’m desperate to save and the woman I can’t stay away from. Because if I cross that line, I don’t just risk getting benched—I lose everything.

And Coach made one thing painfully clear: His daughter is completely off-limits.

Kat Mizera is bringing on all the feels in this destiny driven forbidden love story! With the first book in a brand new Pucks & Penalties hockey series, we see several familiar faces as players from former series converge together to form a new expansion team in Atlanta. I dearly loved Jayne and Bodi’s meet cute and the way they just kept finding themselves in each other’s realm no matter how much they tried to stay away after they discovered her dad is his new coach. There’s a secret dating aspect, roommate camaraderie, new team troubles and outright scandal. Great development to hook us on the new team, and a sweet yet sexy love story for straightlaced librarian Jayne. I loved every minute of their story and can’t wait to see what the other guys on the team have in store for us! Highly recommend to hockey romance fans!

PENALTY KISS

Kat Mizera

Release Date: January 26

Available in Kindle Unlimited

One disastrous season. One last chance. One forbidden woman who could cost me everything.

After getting picked up in the expansion draft, I’m determined to prove I’m not the screw-up everyone thinks I am. New team, new city, fresh start—I’ve got it all mapped out.

What I didn’t plan on was Jayne, the sweet librarian who sees past my reputation and makes me want to be the man she deserves. But when I discover her father is my new coach, everything changes.

Now I’m caught between the career I’m fighting to save and the woman I can’t live without. One wrong move and I’ll lose them both—because coach made it crystal clear: his daughter is completely off-limits.

Grab your copy!

https://geni.us/PenaltyKiss

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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* Release Blitz/Review * JUST DON’T CALL IT LOVE by Erin Nicholas

January 23, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Just Don't Call It Love by Erin Nicholas
Series: Bayou Blades #1
Published by EN Fiction on January 23, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Welcome to Rebel, Louisiana—where the humidity feels personal, even the otters hold grudges, and chaos is a competitive sport.

I used to play hockey in sold-out arenas. Now my wrecked knee and I are stuck in a little bayou town that’s been mad at me for a year. I need a big comeback–and ZERO drama.

So first thing, I get tackled at the airport by a sunshiny woman in yellow overalls who’s thwarting my kidnapping… by her grandpas.

That’s Nora Delaune—Parks & Rec director, caffeine-powered menace, and the only person in Rebel willing to give me a chance. She needs me to win games and help save the town’s ice arena before it gets turned into a laser-tag nightmare.

And I… kind of like being needed by her. Even when she’s producing a singing, dancing, wig-wearing ice extravaganza that is definitely not hockey.

Then my sister—the team’s new owner—drops the bomb: if Nora and I “date,” the town might stop hating me.
Fine. We’ll fake it. As long as we don’t call it love.

But between late-night practices, the sugar-addicted swamp-werewolf mascot, otter drama, and the way Nora looks at me like I’m worth rooting for…I’m in trouble.

I came to Rebel to rebuild my career.
I didn’t expect to lose my heart doing it.

Wild and crazy hilarity with a huge side of heart! Erin Nicholas is simply synonymous with heartwarming characters, snarky sass and smoldering passion! I’m a huge fan of all of her Bayou series offshoots and was overjoyed there was going to be another … or two! Don’t go into this book if you’re a die hard hockey fan and it’s going to drive you crazy if you don’t see true hockey playing out on the pages … because this book is filled with the heart of a player, but the humor of a town participation craziness that they make into their version of hockey. It’s funny and the characters on the team really make the whole thing work, but it’s not a national league type of sport. I sincerely loved every minute though! Nora and Alex meet indirectly and then plot to trick the town so he has an easier integration into making a success of the team and saving Mayor Harley’s job. The family and friendships surrounding them really add a heartwarming side to the story as their fake relationship turns into something very real before they can even turn around. There are many familiar faces if you’re a fan of Nicholas and it’s really cool to get to catch up with some favs and get more background on others. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series … and to getting Alex’s sister Astrid’s story in a spinoff Bayou Billionaires series soon! Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a close knit town who loves hard and isn’t afraid to give some sass when it’s needed as one of their favorite members find her forever love.

Just Don’t Call It Love

Welcome to Rebel, Louisiana—where the humidity feels personal, even the otters hold grudges, and chaos is a competitive sport.

I used to play hockey in sold-out arenas. Now my wrecked knee and I are stuck in a little bayou town that’s been mad at me for a year. I need a big comeback–and ZERO drama.

So first thing, I get tackled at the airport by a sunshiny woman in yellow overalls who’s thwarting my kidnapping… by her grandpas.

That’s Nora Delaune—Parks & Rec director, caffeine-powered menace, and the only person in Rebel willing to give me a chance. She needs me to win games and help save the town’s ice arena before it gets turned into a laser-tag nightmare.

And I… kind of like being needed by her. Even when she’s producing a singing, dancing, wig-wearing ice extravaganza that is definitely not hockey.

Then my sister—the team’s new owner—drops the bomb: if Nora and I “date,” the town might stop hating me.
Fine. We’ll fake it. As long as we don’t call it love.

But between late-night practices, the sugar-addicted swamp-werewolf mascot, otter drama, and the way Nora looks at me like I’m worth rooting for…I’m in trouble.

I came to Rebel to rebuild my career.
I didn’t expect to lose my heart doing it.

Just Don’t Call It Love is a hot, hilarious, full-of-hijinks small town rom com with grumpy-sunshine, fake dating, found family energy that will make you want to buy season tickets to the wackiest hockey league ever!

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * SIDELINE CRUSH by Gina Azzi

January 20, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Sideline Crush by Gina Azzi
Series: League Valencia #2
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on January 23, 2026
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Goodreads

He’s an Italian heartthrob, a soccer phenom, and my brother’s best friend.

Luca DiBlanco has known me since I was a kid—and that’s all he’s ever seen me as. Until he shows up in Chicago when my world is crumbling and helps me piece it back together.

Moving home to Valencia, Spain should’ve been a fresh start. Instead, it throws me right back into Luca’s orbit. Only now, the reliable, steady guy who’s always looked out for me… is looking at me. Differently. Closer. Like he’s tempted.

What starts as extra soccer training turns into stolen touches. Planning a youth summer camp together sparks even more heat. Before I know it, the man I once crushed on is the one I can’t stop kissing.

He’s known as the dependable good guy. I’m the fun-loving, wild child, and the risk he probably shouldn’t take. But for the first time, Luca’s not playing it safe—and I’m not sitting on the sidelines.

I’m ready to take my shot.

But what if I’m the chaos that topples his carefully constructed future?

An addictive and heartfelt brothers best friend soccer romance! Gina Azzi is delighting her fans with with the second book in her League Valencia series. The characters are friends who turn into more along the way of supporting each other during good times and bad. I loved the family surrounding them as one aspect after another changed in what they thought they were going to do with their lives. I really wanted some interaction from her parents though to make it all feel complete on that front. I’m loved seeing so much of Alejandro and Marlowe from the first book and getting to know a bit about Luca’s family and friends. There was a strong female sports representation in this book! I can’t wait for more to come in the series! I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a sports romance taking place in broth Spain and the US at times as love comes knocking when they least expect it.

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* Re-Release Blitz * THE RECOIL SERIES by K E Osborn

January 19, 2026 Leave a Comment

An addictive rockstar series that is sure to please! The guys from the band Recoil have had a long road of on again/off again success as they try to make it in the music scene. Now back together after a couple of year hiatus, they are putting it all on the line and rocking out. Along the way, each meets their match and falls hard … but life’s ups and downs aren’t always easy to handle on the road. I highly recommend this entire series filled with heart, humor and steamy connections to anyone who enjoys the rocker lifestyle with endearing characters, emotional connections and living life as it comes!

Book 1
BACKSTAGE
Danger and Lunar
4 1/2 STARS!

An energetic rocker romance with lots of angst, drama and steamy sex that will knock your socks off! I loved their connection right from the start and relished in their development little by little as they had their on again/off again moments. I enjoyed the inclusion of her family in the storyline, but felt like there could have been more resolution between him and his ex and her and Steel to really leave feeling settled about all of the drama and wrong-doing. I really enjoyed their story and the little nugget about Ryan at the end has set us up well for his book!

Book 2
AMPLIFIED
Ryan and Tilly
4 STARS!

Emotionally riveting from start to finish! I was invested in Matt’s story from the moment we got the little tidbit at the end of book one that I knew was going to tear our heart out. I loved him, but man did he push my buttons with the way he held back so badly with Tilly and left her in the dark about his past turmoil. I wanted to see the side of Matt that we knew from Danger’s story too where he loved his friends hard and lifted them all up when times were down, but we didn’t see that part of him in this book really. I loved Tilly and really wanted her to get more of a fair shot than he gave her. It all worked out in the end, but it was a rough road getting there. Good set up for Nate at the end of this book.

Book 3
HEADLINER
Nate and Ria
4 1/2 STARS!

Surprisingly endearing and emotional! I went into this book really disliking Nate because of his harsh attitude and sneakiness in the prior two books, but he did manage to redeem himself once we got to see his softer side with Zaria. I felt like their storyline was developed well, except that her professional life was kept separate a lot without much interaction into his. I loved their happily ever after and the art aspect.

Book 4
REFRAIN
Matt and Alex
5 STARS!

Friends to lovers in such a funny, dramatic way! In no way, shape or form did I think way back in the beginning of the series that Matt would end up being my favorite, but he managed to do it. He was utterly adorable in his impossible standards want list in a woman and the friendship he struck up with Alex was the very heart of the book. I loved watching them develop into a relationship even when neither were admitting it to each other or themselves. Watching his love for Nate even when he didn’t word everything right in their relationship was really heartwarming. I loved the catch up on them all at the end. Great series, highly recommend!

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* Review * SOMONE TO STAY by Michelle Major

January 17, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Someone To Stay by Michelle Major
Series: The Skylark Series #5
Published by Romilda House on January 20, 2026
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

PIPER:
NFL superstar Felix Barlowe was never supposed to be the one.

He’s my brother-in-law’s brother and my nemesis--until one unforgettable night changed everything. I thought it would get him out of my system, not leave me with a secret.

I’m hiding out in a secluded cabin, pregnant and panicking, when Felix shows up with a two-year-old and no idea how everything is about to change. So I do something reckless and offer to help as his temporary nanny.

It seems like an easy way to buy myself time. But watching him bake sourdough at dawn and read bedtime stories on repeat, not to mention those late-night kisses, I start to fall for him in a way I never saw coming.

Felix Barlowe thinks he’s not built for forever. I think he might be perfect for me.

FELIX:
Piper Hart has hated me from day one. She’s all spark and sass and completely immune to my charm. But now she’s helping with a little girl I never expected to raise, and I can’t seem to get the night she spent in my arms out of my mind.

I’ve failed at love three times--definitely not relationship material. But Piper makes me want to believe again.

And when I discover her secret, I’ll do whatever it takes to prove I’m not a man who leaves. I’m the one who stays.

Someone To Stay is Book 5 in The Skylark Series. A small-town standalone with a guaranteed HEA. If you like grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers romance with forced proximity, found family, and all the slow-burn heat, this one's for you.

I absolutely adore Piper and Felix together!!! They were like oil and water until that one night that changed their lives forever … only he doesn’t know anything about it yet! This book is filled with so much emotional upheaval, but also so much heart and affection. Fans of the series will recognize Piper as Sadie’s little sister and she’s fighting her attraction to Sadie’s brother-in-law Felix. A drunken one night stand has led to a secret pregnancy that she’s scared to tell him about, and before she can get up the guts to do so, he shows up at Ian’s cabin where she is staying with a toddler in tow. What’s a girl to do but grab that adorableness up and hold on tight? Great characters, top notch drama and so much warmth and love!

I love this group of friends so hard. I’m starting to get nervous about the non-answers from Sloane. It’s going to break my heart if things don’t go her way. Can’t wait to finally get into Avah’s story next. Such an amazing group of friends! I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a tight knit group of girlfriends who rally around in good times and bad as each finds their forever love.

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