Brother’s best friend? One of my favorite tropes! Wild Rose is the first book in the Blue River Springs series. Rose is trying to catch up with life aBrother’s best friend? One of my favorite tropes! Wild Rose is the first book in the Blue River Springs series. Rose is trying to catch up with life and having a tough time when her chef brother decides a job on the ranch he works at is exactly what she needs. She’s known for being a little wild, but no one knows she’s hiding a secret—one that keeps her up at night.
Wilder, the ranch owner, needs all the help he can get while his brother deals with a personal matter. He hires Rose but remembers her as a teenager—and she’s changed… a lot. He finds himself drawn to her and ends up being her cowboy in shining armor more than once. As they grow closer, that line we all love in the brother’s-best-friend trope starts to blur… and, well, we know what happens next.
I really enjoyed this book—even though it includes my least favorite trope: the virgin heroine (not a fan). But honestly, it didn’t give me the ick at all. It was tastefully written with just the right amount of drama. Can’t wait to see what’s next for this series!...more
This was a quick and spicy read—I flew through it in a single day! That said, I'm still not entirely sure I’m personally sold on the throuple dynamic.This was a quick and spicy read—I flew through it in a single day! That said, I'm still not entirely sure I’m personally sold on the throuple dynamic. This is another fun addition to the Montreal Triumph series, this time with a splash of F1 racing.
Kylie and Zac have a head-over-heels, love-at-first-sight moment that leads into what seems like the perfect happily ever after… until tragedy strikes. Zac pushes Kylie away in his grief, and she finds unexpected comfort in none other than Walker Miles. Walker sees straight through Kylie’s carefully built walls. Though he wants more, he becomes exactly the friend she needs.
But can Zac pull himself together and do whatever it takes to win Kylie back? Or will she slip through his fingers and find herself falling for Walker instead?
You’ll have to read this quick novella to find out!...more
Who doesn’t love a grumpy boss turned fake relationship? Maisie is Connor Bradford’s assistant—she’s a bit of a mess, but she’s also incredibly good aWho doesn’t love a grumpy boss turned fake relationship? Maisie is Connor Bradford’s assistant—she’s a bit of a mess, but she’s also incredibly good at her job. When Connor needs to impress some clients at a Fourth of July barbecue, he comes up with the idea to fake-date Maisie to make the perfect impression.
The barbecue goes off without a hitch, and their “perfect couple” act is convincing—but the relationship doesn’t stop there. The more time they spend together outside of work, the closer they become.
I’m personally not a big fan of the virgin heroine trope, so that part didn’t do much for me, which made the book just okay overall. But I did really love the theme and the fake dating concept—it had a lot of charm!...more
The last installment of Men of Maddox Security, and I just knew it was going to be a great one! I feel like Asher was the one I knew the least about—bThe last installment of Men of Maddox Security, and I just knew it was going to be a great one! I feel like Asher was the one I knew the least about—but that definitely changed after reading his book.
He’s assigned to protect Charlotte Lane, whose father is essentially forcing her into an arranged marriage with Wade, the son of a powerful business tycoon. The idea is to merge their businesses through the marriage. Asher is hired to play the role of Charlotte’s fake fiancé/bodyguard, and together they have to convince everyone—including their families and high society—that they’re truly in love during a week-long retreat.
They spend a lot of time together at dinners, events, and family gatherings, and eventually come face-to-face with Wade. Let’s just say... he is not thrilled about the engagement. There’s something slimy about him, and Logan does an amazing job making Wade so thoroughly unlikeable.
As the week goes on, Charlotte and Asher start questioning whether what’s happening between them is still part of the act—or if something real is starting to grow.
Don’t be fooled by the warm-and-fuzzy vibes though—there’s a lot going on in this book. Just when things start to feel safe, everyone’s on high alert again... and let’s just say: be prepared for a second twist.
I really enjoyed this final story in the series. One of my favorite things about Logan’s writing is how we get to revisit characters we’ve come to love. Some of the scenes took place in Magnolia Ridge, and I loved seeing Millie pop up around town.
I loved this book—plot twists and all. I’m sad to see this series come to an end, but I know more great characters are on the way!...more
I love everything Samantha writes, and the Qualifiers of Love series is no exception. Now, to be honest, I missed the first book in the series, but I I love everything Samantha writes, and the Qualifiers of Love series is no exception. Now, to be honest, I missed the first book in the series, but I did read book two—so most of these characters were already familiar.
This third installment follows Toni, the new team principal—and the only woman to ever hold that title—as she steps into her first full year in the role. She often finds herself in the media spotlight, especially during team principal interviews, and every so often, Felix steps in to save the day. Even though they start out as rivals (and, honestly, kind of enemies), a friendship develops between them—one rooted in mentorship. Felix is quite a bit older and more experienced, and he helps Toni learn the importance of balancing work and life.
I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow, evolve, and be tested. The age gap added an interesting layer—they're at very different points in life, but still completely relatable. I absolutely loved everything about Felix and his family. I’ll admit, I wanted to shake him a few times over the whole secrecy thing—but I also understood where he was coming from, given his past.
There were a few twists I definitely didn’t see coming, and the ending had just the right amount of drama. Everything came together beautifully, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!...more
Marry Me, Doc is the third installment in the Kiss-Met series. I missed the second book but did read the first one, so I was still able to follow alonMarry Me, Doc is the third installment in the Kiss-Met series. I missed the second book but did read the first one, so I was still able to follow along just fine. This story follows Arabella Rook, a veterinarian with dreams of running her own rescue ranch, and Spencer, a neonatal doctor who also happens to be one of her brother’s best friends.
Ara’s mother is... not great. Actually, she’s pretty much blackmailing her kids. She already owns the ranch Ara works on and made sure Ara can’t own it outright. Now, Ara has just a few months to get married or she loses everything. She reluctantly agrees to meet a few of her mother’s handpicked candidates—but is saved by Spencer. As her brother’s friend, he knows all about the family dynamics and what Ara is up against. And he’s been keeping one major secret: he’s always been in love with her.
Spencer sees this as the perfect chance to step in—not just to help, but because he genuinely wants to be with her. Ara, however, assumes he’s only doing it as a favor to her brother (which is partly true). They go through with the marriage, but then go their separate ways… until Ara falls seriously ill and Spencer rushes in to take care of her.
Ara goes through a lot in this book—she’s overwhelmed, constantly on the edge, and battling some serious self-worth issues. It honestly broke my heart how little she thought she deserved. Watching Spencer work to show her what real love and support look like was one of the best parts of the story. I really enjoyed the character growth, and I was surprised by how much suspense was packed into this romance!
There were moments when I wasn’t sure how the book could possibly wrap up, let alone end happily—but I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out. The contract detail Spencer added? And the way he handled her mom? Perfection. Plus, there are a few cameo appearances from characters in other beloved books, which I always love. I can’t wait to see what happens next!...more
This was an amazing end to the Nash/Banks brothers series! I knew from Tanner’s book that Miller and Sophie were lifelong best friends—but was there mThis was an amazing end to the Nash/Banks brothers series! I knew from Tanner’s book that Miller and Sophie were lifelong best friends—but was there more? Turns out, yes. Miller gets a frantic call from Sophie on his 30th birthday, and he’s immediately in action. He literally drops everything and hops on a plane to be with her.
This book has everything you didn’t know you needed—friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, Sophie ghostwriting spicy romance books. As Miller steps into Sophie’s chaotic life, he realizes how much of a mess things have become for her and offers a way out.
I loved watching them go from best friends to something more. You could feel the angst—the longing, the fear of messing things up, the hesitation about whether the other felt the same. These two would do anything for each other, but there were definitely moments when I just wanted to shake them and say, “Please, just talk!”
There are a few twists and turns along the way, but thankfully, no cliffhangers. I really loved how their story wrapped up. Honestly, there were points when I wasn’t sure they were going to make it through—but they did. And I couldn’t be happier with how it ended.
This was my first book by Walker Rose, and even though I started with the last Bailey book, I wouldn’t have it any other way. This one follows Teller—This was my first book by Walker Rose, and even though I started with the last Bailey book, I wouldn’t have it any other way. This one follows Teller—part of the Bailey Bourbon and Beef family—and Madison Townsend, who hasn’t exactly had the easiest or coziest life.
Teller hasn’t had the best luck in love, and Madison was the one who delivered the bad news about what his then-girlfriend was up to. Their pasts are messy—complicated relationships, broken trust—and Madison never really felt welcome in Bourbon Canyon. Her family was from the “wrong” side of town: drinkers, smart mouths, and not exactly respected. After losing her brother, she’s trying to breathe new life into his bar but needs help. So, she bids on Teller at a bachelor auction, and that’s where the story takes off.
Madison is a very closed-off person, and honestly, I couldn’t blame her. Given her background, it made sense. I loved watching her and Teller go from guarded and a little unfriendly to full-on falling for each other. Madison had to put a lot of trust in Teller, and even as the story unfolds, life just keeps throwing punches. But the silver lining in every one of those moments? She had Teller.
She does try to self-sabotage their relationship (understandably—she’s been through a lot), but I still loved the ending, no matter how hard it was to get there. This book had several twists and turns I didn’t see coming, and I loved being introduced to the Bailey family. I was genuinely impressed with this author and can’t wait to dive into her backlist—and anything she writes in the future....more
Another super cute addition to the Man of the Month Club novellas! What’s not to love about Starlight Bay? This steamy romance features a boss/assistaAnother super cute addition to the Man of the Month Club novellas! What’s not to love about Starlight Bay? This steamy romance features a boss/assistant dynamic with off-the-charts chemistry.
Mireille is the assistant—a total hot mess who seems to leave chaos wherever she goes—but that doesn’t stop sparks from flying between her and her boss, Evander. The tension between them builds through a series of unexpected (and fun!) situations, making for a delicious will-they-won’t-they story.
With a charming small-town setting, lovable characters, and just the right mix of heat and heart, this book was an absolute delight. I adored the ending and honestly love everything about this series!...more
This was a cute Man of the Month return-to-Starlight Bay novella. Lillian is the town’s still-single chocolatier with a best friend who lives for NatiThis was a cute Man of the Month return-to-Starlight Bay novella. Lillian is the town’s still-single chocolatier with a best friend who lives for National Dare Day—this time daring her to fake date the town’s grumpy lawyer, Reid.
As with any fake dating and grumpy/sunshine story, it was fun watching their “pretend” relationship slowly turn into something real, especially with how they both tried to keep parts of it just for themselves. The spice was okay—maybe a bit rushed and bland in spots—but it did help set the stage for a sweet ending.
I always love a story where the MMC falls first, hard and fast. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of these two again....more
If you’ve read any of the books in the Rust Canyon series, then you’ve probably been patiently waiting for this one—Tripp and Penny finally take centeIf you’ve read any of the books in the Rust Canyon series, then you’ve probably been patiently waiting for this one—Tripp and Penny finally take center stage! We already knew they were best friends, but what we didn’t know? Penny once confessed her true feelings for Tripp… only to take it all back the very next day.
Fast forward: Penny’s engaged and heading toward the altar fast. After some convincing, Tripp comes to his senses and crashes the wedding—but that’s not the only thing Tripp and Penny end up crashing into. They act on impulse, and the story follows them as they figure out life together.
There are so many swoon-worthy moments, but also a few twists I definitely didn’t see coming. I felt all the emotions reading this one, and I’m really happy with how their story wrapped up. Bonus points for appearances from the characters in the first two books—and both sets of parents, which I loved.
Forechecked by Forever is another fun installment in the Triumph hockey series. This book follows two familiar characters from earlier reads—Theo and Forechecked by Forever is another fun installment in the Triumph hockey series. This book follows two familiar characters from earlier reads—Theo and Indie. Theo is Indie’s older brother’s best friend, and she’s secretly had feelings for him for years. Long ago, during a tough moment in her life, she called Theo for help. He came to her rescue, but when she made a move, he turned her down. Ever since, Indie’s carried some resentment.
Now, they both work for the same team, and thanks to some big life changes, they’re spending more time together—especially since Theo recently found out he’s a dad, and Indie steps in as a nanny when needed. To help clean up his public image, they start fake dating…but of course, there’s nothing fake about their chemistry.
The story is sweet with a healthy dose of spice. I mean, who doesn’t love a hotshot hockey-playing single dad falling hard? The writing felt a bit choppy at times, but honestly, I’ll always read whatever Arianna writes....more
Cue “Good Directions” by Billy Currington on repeat!
I just love this series so much! And wait—are most of Claire’s romances based on songs? Have I beeCue “Good Directions” by Billy Currington on repeat!
I just love this series so much! And wait—are most of Claire’s romances based on songs? Have I been asleep this whole time?
This is the fourth book in the Hayes Family series, and I feel like I know less about Anton than the other Hayes men. He’s not having the best year with one of the three Ps (peaches, peanuts, and pecans), and now the state is sending someone to help figure out the problem. In the meantime, he’s trying to make the best of a bad peach season by selling fruit at a roadside stand—where he’s also in charge of giving good directions.
I absolutely loved Anton and Sawyer’s meet-cute. Thinking he’d never see her again, Anton goes back to business as usual… until the state soil specialist walks into his lab—and it’s Sawyer. Their chemistry is electric from the start, but Sawyer isn’t exactly a fan of Anton, and for good reason.
She ends up staying at a very familiar property, and the story follows as they spend more time working together. Meanwhile, Anton has a lingering bet on his mind: he needs a date for Willa’s wedding, and his brothers have added several stipulations. So, of course, he turns to Sawyer for help—and the fake dating begins. But as we romance readers know, what starts as fake never stays that way for long.
I really enjoyed reading about these two and watching their relationship blossom. They both needed someone who made them feel safe and seen. I was a little worried about how everything would come together at the end, but Claire never disappoints. This book was amazing, and I loved seeing familiar faces again. The ending was super cute—and very ag-nerdy, in the best way.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in the Hayes family!...more
With Not His to Keep, we’re back in High Lonesome with Rory and Nate—and possibly some trouble in paradise. Rory is thrown off after an old classmate With Not His to Keep, we’re back in High Lonesome with Rory and Nate—and possibly some trouble in paradise. Rory is thrown off after an old classmate shares some gossip about her and Nate, and instead of letting Nate explain, she makes the big decision to walk away. Things only spiral from there when she’s hit with the shocking news of a cancer diagnosis in her family.
I really felt for Rory. She went through so much in the first book, and it seems like she still can’t catch a break. She ends up pushing away most of the people in her life, until a heartfelt moment with a family member who tells her they can die happy knowing she’s happy and taken care of—with Nate. Sounds simple enough, but with Rory, nothing ever is.
Nate decides to take matters into his own hands and slowly works his way back into her life—as a friend. The big secret he was keeping wasn’t the most dramatic reveal, but it made sense why he thought she might react badly, given everything they’ve been through and all the gossip going around.
Overall, I thought it was a great book! We even get Spam’s perspective this time, and he had some truly funny moments. As usual, it ends on a cliffhanger, but this one feels like it’s setting up something exciting for Rory… maybe.
This was such a great second-chance-at-love meets the one-that-got-away story. Matt and his 8-year-old son, Liam, are back in his hometown after beingThis was such a great second-chance-at-love meets the one-that-got-away story. Matt and his 8-year-old son, Liam, are back in his hometown after being away for years, returning after the death of his uncle—who left him the family winery to run. What Matt doesn’t realize is that his first event at the winery will be planning his ex-girlfriend’s wedding.
When Matt and Kylie see each other again, the sparks are definitely still there. Matt can’t help but feel a little possessive, even though Kylie is engaged to her fiancé, Patrick—a guy the town doesn’t exactly see as her perfect match.
As Matt, Kylie, and Liam spend more time together, old feelings resurface and they’re forced to face their past—and their future.
This was a cute read, and I really enjoyed all the side characters, especially Matt’s mom, Kylie’s sister, and Matt’s best friend. The ending wrapped everything up in a sweet little bow, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in Starlight Bay.
Wow—this book definitely takes you on a dangerous emotional ride!
Danger is one of the top professional race car drivers on the Grander Racing team, anWow—this book definitely takes you on a dangerous emotional ride!
Danger is one of the top professional race car drivers on the Grander Racing team, and he absolutely lives up to his name. With a dark, troubled past, he seems to always be seeking out chaos—and this time is no different. Enter Monterey Grander, the team owner’s daughter, who’s hoping to prove she’s ready to take over the company when her father retires. Her test? Keep Danger out of trouble.
Her dad’s solution: have Danger and Monterey fake date to clean up his public image. From their very first meeting, the chemistry between them was wild, so watching them “pretend” to be a couple was electric.
What I didn’t expect was how heartbreaking Danger’s childhood story would be. We learn a lot about what shaped him, how he got into racing, and his real reason for wanting to win: to earn the money to track down someone from his past. Danger took me through every emotion—he’s so hard on himself and truly believes he doesn’t deserve anything good. That’s what made Monterey perfect for him. She’s patient, grounded, and genuinely cares.
There were definitely moments where I just wanted Danger to open up to her already, but hey, every story needs its drama—and that’s not even touching the plot twist I did not see coming.
I love sports romances for the mix of action, tension, angst, and spice, and this book had it all. Every uncomfortable emotion along the way just made the ending that much more satisfying. So glad Danger got the ending he deserved!...more
Return to Starlight Bay with this quick and charming enemies-to-lovers read. Ripley, a hotshot minor league baseball pitcher, meets his match in Kali,Return to Starlight Bay with this quick and charming enemies-to-lovers read. Ripley, a hotshot minor league baseball pitcher, meets his match in Kali, a confident umpire who's not afraid to call him out. Their chemistry is undeniable from the start, and Ripley’s six-year-old daughter, Juniper, plays a big role in bringing them together.
Kali becomes Juniper’s softball coach, and the story unfolds from there, with Juniper constantly inviting Kali over and asking her dad questions about her. One evening, Ripley invites Kali over when it’s just the two of them — and sparks fly.
Though the story is short, it’s well-written, with just the right amount of drama and a cast of great side characters....more
I’ve been waiting for Wren’s story, and it did not disappoint! There’s been some buildup in Alexandra’s other books about the spa where Wren works beiI’ve been waiting for Wren’s story, and it did not disappoint! There’s been some buildup in Alexandra’s other books about the spa where Wren works being sold, and how she felt like her new boss was a total jerk. Wren and her new boss, Merrick, definitely don’t get off on the right foot. He comes across as cold and standoffish, and when the staff tries to make him feel welcome, he immediately shuts it down.
As the story unfolds, we learn a lot more about Merrick and why he acts the way he does. Wren and Merrick have chemistry from the moment they meet, but Merrick has a strict “no fraternizing with staff” rule. Will he stick to his rules, or is Wren the one he’s willing to risk everything for?
This spicy, quick read is packed with tension, steamy scenes, and all the familiar characters from the series. Plus, everything wraps up perfectly!...more
Daisy Whispers follows the second Duke family member, Alder, who must marry in order to inherit his house. The only problem? Alder was already marriedDaisy Whispers follows the second Duke family member, Alder, who must marry in order to inherit his house. The only problem? Alder was already married—fifteen years ago—to his ex-wife, Daisy.
They run into each other after years apart when Alder returns to town as the new CEO of the refinery where Daisy works. These two have a lot of history, starting as high school sweethearts who married not long after graduation. But their marriage fell apart when Alder decided he wanted to be wild, spending more time drinking and partying with his buddies than with his wife—ultimately leading Daisy to divorce him.
Now, Daisy is facing her own challenges, needing to find a new place to live for herself and her 4-year-old daughter, Laila. After a chance encounter, Alder proposes a marriage of convenience for one year. It sounds like an easy plan for them both to get what they want... but Alder is determined to show Daisy that he’s a changed man—and this time, he’s never letting her go.
This story is filled with tension, swoon-worthy moments, family time, and second chances. Can Alder prove he’s the right man for Daisy now? You’ll have to read the book to find out—but trust me, you won’t be disappointed!...more
Sliding Home is the second book in the Out of the Park series. I haven’t read the first one yet, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. This bSliding Home is the second book in the Out of the Park series. I haven’t read the first one yet, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. This book focuses on Michelle, a nursing student who lives a very closed-off life thanks to her family background and past experiences, and Brooks, a professional baseball player dealing with some family issues of his own.
From the beginning, we learn that Michelle avoids relationships—she ends situationships before they can turn into anything real. But Brooks is different. He’s someone from her past who reappears during her best friend’s wedding festivities. Two years ago, Michelle and Brooks had a fling that she abruptly ended, breaking his heart in the process. This time, determined to stay in her life, Brooks decides to take the friendship route.
They’re basically forced to spend time together, and slowly, a few of Michelle’s emotional walls start to come down. Still, she’s a runner when things get too real. These two have undeniable chemistry, and honestly, I have to give Brooks credit for being so patient with Michelle—because there were definitely moments when I didn’t like her much. But as the story went on, I began to understand her more, and it made me feel sad for everything she’s been through.
I won’t go into too much detail and spoil the plot, but this book tackles some heavy topics with care. I really loved how the ending was handled, and by the end, Michelle finally begins to open up and embrace her feelings. Now I definitely need to go back and read book one....more