*`Review: Mile High by Liz Tomforde`*

🦋 ·.·´REVIEW`·.·🦋

Title: Mile High
Series: Windy City #1
Author: Liz Tomforde

REVIEW:
5 Stars
This series was brought to my attention because of it being turned into a TV show. I understand all the hype of it just from this first book. I could not put this book down. This is a hockey romance and those are my jam right now. I loved Zander and Stevie so much! I love that Stevie doesn't just fall at Zander's feet and makes him put in the work to woo her. Their banter is one of my favorite parts of the book. I so would see myself being friends with Stevie. The self worth journey she goes on in this book is a beautiful thing to see. I love that this book also shines a light on mental health awareness. Zander deals with a lot in this book and he goes on a self worth  journey as well. Zander's teammates awesome! Oh my gosh Uncle Zee with little Ella melted my heart. She is so precious! Then you thrown in adorable shelter dogs, chef's kiss. As soon as I finish this review I'm diving into the second book! 

BLURB:
ZANDERS

Chicago hockey isn't complete without me - everyone's favourite player to hate. I know my role, and I play it well. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy spending the majority of my game time in the penalty box before leaving the arena with a new girl on my arm each night.

What I don't like is the new flight attendant on our team's private plane. She works for me, not the other way around. But I'll be sure to remind her of that, and I can guarantee, by the end of the season, she'll be begging to quit her job.

But every road trip blurs the lines, and I can't quite figure out if I keep pushing that flight attendant call button in order to push her buttons, or if it's more than that.

STEVIE

I've been a flight attendant for years. I thought I'd seen it all, but when my new job lands me onboard working for the most egotistical and self-righteous diva in the NHL, I start to second guess everything. Including the promise I made to myself of never hooking up with an athlete again . . . no matter how annoyingly tempting he may be.

Evan Zanders is unfiltered, unapologetic, and too attractive for his own good. He loves his image, but I hate everything about it.

Everything but him.

BUY LINKS:
https://liztomforde.com/mile-high
Available in KU

*`Release Blitz: Tate by J.A. Collard`*

Title: Tate

Series: Sinners MC Book 1

Author: J.A. Collard

Genre: MC Romance; Contemporary Romance; Romantic Suspense

Tropes: Slow Burn; Forbidden Romance; Grief Romance; Forced Proximity; Brothers Girl; Alpha Hero; Protector Romance

Release Date: July 16, 2026

*`Review: When I First Met You by Lori Foster`*

🦋 ·.·´REVIEW`·.·🦋

Title: When I First Met You
Series: Family Ties #2
Author: Lori Foster

REVIEW:
 4 Stars
This is the second book in the series. Glory and Kam had me hooked. Glory is nothing like the person Kam was picturing in his head because she proves there is so much to her than her outer put together appearance. My heart goes out to her because her childhood and past has left scars on her in more ways than one. One of my favorite parts of this book is Glory's aunt. At the beginning I had the idea of where that was going, but I was so pleasantly surprised by that character. This book delivers on the heart and heat, but the suspenseful elements kept me on the edge of my seat. The one thing I was kind like reading through my fingers is when it came to Kirby. I wanted to know, but for some reason I was so nervous to see where that went. Glory is finally really just blooming, but her ex of three dates won't let her go without a scary fight. I loved how Kam is a safe space for Glory to just be herself not the image she feels like she has to perform to. Addie was just so great in this as she was in the previous book. A great cast of characters that make it hard to put this book down. I really love the work the bothers do for at risk kids. It's beautiful to see how much it helps those kids succeed in life. This was an enjoyable read. 

BLURB:
From New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster comes an all new slow-burn romance about trust, healing, and finding love when you least expect it.

When he stepped in to help out a city girl, no one expected a “pretend” rescue would lead to something real.

When Glory McCallahan’s cousin moved to Hoker, Kentucky, she felt like she’d lost her best friend. Then, Callie fell in love. To help with wedding arrangements, Glory joins her, but after, the plan is to get back to her perfectly ordered life. Glory has always played it safe, keeping her polished smile in place and her heart on lockdown. No way is she going to let the rugged, too-handsome younger brother of her cousin’s new husband mess with her plans. No matter how infuriating, irreverent, and impossible to ignore Kam may be.

Kam Norwood sees past Glory’s flawless surface, and when he notices she’s being accosted by a wedding guest, he gallantly steps in. What starts as a pretend rescue turns into a night of unexpected sparks. Kam’s not afraid of Glory’s sharp edges—or her secrets. So when the rejected guest turns out to be Glory’s angry ex and things escalate, Kam’s protective instincts kick in big-time.

Turns out, the sizzling attraction may be the one thing that can keep them both safe.

BUY LINKS:
https://lorifoster.com/story/when-i-first-met-you/

*`Review: The Mistake by Elle Kennedy`*

🦋 ·.·´REVIEW`·.·🦋

Title: The Mistake
Series: Off-Campus #2
Author: Elle Kennedy

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars
This is the second book in the Off-Campus series. We have Logan and Grace. Logan is trying to get over his crush on his best friend's girl when Grace enters his life. They are cute together. Seeing big guy on campus Logan getting all flustered about Grace was sweet. I loved how Grace finds the backbone to stand up for herself and she makes Logan grovel so good for a second chance. Her best friend and that group of girls rubbed me the wrong way. I did not like how they were treating Grace. I will admit it this most likely will not be my favorite book in the series. I felt a little disconnected at times. Honestly I wasn't a huge fan of Logan for a lot of the book, but by the end he did have me won over. He is dealing with a lot with his dad and uncertain of what his future will look like so I get it. I loved the humor and banter between the four of the guys in the house. I really enjoyed seeing Hannah and Garrett rocking the relationship life. 

BLURB:
He's a player in more ways than one…

College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hookups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he'll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he's worth a second chance.

Now he's going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She's not a charity case, and she's not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He'll have to work for it. This time around, she'll be the one in the driver's seat, and she plans on driving him wild.

BUY LINKS:
https://www.ellekennedy.com/offcampus

*`Excerpt Reveal: Red Wine Lover by Kristin Jeffries`*

Title: Red Wine Lover

A Small Town Romance Perfect

for Lovers of Growly Guys and Kissing K9s

Series: Tales from the Chocolate Lab Café #2

Author: Kristin Jeffries

Genre: Small Town Romantic Comedy

Tropes: Golden Retriever/Black Cat, Love at First Sight

Found Family, OTT Protective MMC, Meddling Fur Babies

He Falls First, Forced Proximity, Later in Life Love

Release Date: August 21, 2026

*`Cover Reveal: The Challenge by Penelope Ward`*

Title: The Challenge

Author: Penelope Ward

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Single Dad, Second Chance, Forced Proximity

Friends to Lovers, Small Town, Found Family

Cover Design: Letitia Hasser, RBA Designs

Photographer: Robert Dahey Photography

Model: Beau Carrillo

Release Date: August 30, 2026

*`Release Blitz: No One Will Know by Rebel Rose`*

Title: No One Will Know

Author: Rebel Rose

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Forbidden Romance; Taboo Romance; Forced Proximity; Epic Slow Burn; Enemies-to-Lovers; Protective & Possessive Hero; Public Scandal; Media Obsession; Secret Pregnancy

Release Date: July 16, 2026

*`Release Blitz & Review: Not a Gentleman by Lani Lynn Vale`*

Title: Not a Gentleman

Series: Don't Date Him #7

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tropes: Marriage of Convenience

Grumpy (Her) / Sunshine (Him), Enemies to Lovers

Release Date: July 14, 2026

*`Release Blitz: Rumor Has It by Giulia Lagomarsino`*

Title: Rumor Has It

Series: The Last Best Place for Love Book 6

Author: Giulia Lagomarsino

Genre: Small Town Romance

Tropes: Opposites Attract; Sworn off relationships; Grumpy/Sunshine; Damsel in Distress; Friends with Benefits

Release Date: July 13, 2026

*`New Release & Review: The Wild of Falling by Alexandra Hale`*

 🦋 ·.·´REVIEW`·.·🦋

Title: The Wild of Falling
Series: Blackstone Falls #6
Author: Alexandra Hale

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars
I can't believe this is the last book in the series. Deacon and Tanner are so adorable together. Yes there is heat, but it also delivers on all the heart and feels. Tanner's son Briggs is such a delight. Briggs' mom and his bonus dad have a book in the Clementine Creek series. I love Otto to pieces with how he treats Tanner. Their banter is just great. I loved the patience that Deacon has with Tanner because he so deserves someone who does. He's struggling with his true self and finding what exactly he wants that life to be. His birth family is going to miss out someone so special, but his found family wraps them up in a big warm hug. That's one of the things I loved most about this book and series is the found family part of it. There is also such a great sense of humor through out the whole book that would have me smiling wide or chuckling. I couldn't have asked for this series to end on a better note.

BLURB:
Divorced, single dad in search of his happily ever after.

Or is he?

With my divorce finalized, I should have been able to move on, but four years later I’m still a work in progress.

Juggling my son, my ex wife’s family and my business is more than enough to keep me busy.

And all that was before he walked through my door.

Deacon Rhodes is a man too gorgeous to be real. He’s rugged and kind and relentless in his pursuit to get me to go out with him.

Until he’s not.

And it feels like I’ve lost him before we ever had a chance.

But there’s things he doesn’t know - parts of my life I’ve kept locked away, pain that never faded.

And I’m finally tired of running.

Laying it all out there isn’t easy but none of it seems to matter when his lips brush against mine.

One moment, one taste and I feel like I’m finally where I was always meant to be.

And the wildest part is how fast I’m falling - how easy it is to let go when I’m in his arms.

But his touch can only erase so much of my past, happiness a bandaid for what lies beneath.

A phone call.

An overheard conversation.

That’s just the start.

And if I’m not careful everything I’ve hoped for could be ripped away.


The Wild of Falling is a MM, single dad romance in the Blackstone Falls series with lots of cameos from Clementine Creek.

BUY LINKS:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTSMMP9P
Available in KU

*~New Release & Review: Gathering Storms by Lex Martin`*

🦋 ·.·´REVIEW`·.·🦋

Title: Gathering Storms

Series: Wild at Heart #4

Author: Lex Martin

REVIEW:

4.5 Stars

This is the fourth book in the series. I really loved Rory. She's a librarian that has found herself in a streak of bad luck, but taking on a nanny job may just turn it all around. Jace is on the verge of stardom in his country singing career, but his surprise little daughter Layla has that on the verge of not happening. That's where Rory comes in to save the day. Jace in dad mode is a total swoon fest. Layla is so adorable!! That little cutie says the cutest things. It's rough touring on the road all cooped up in a bus with her fake husband. I'm not gonna lie I was not a huge fan of anyone dealing with the band. The treatment of Rory set me off. I give Rory made props because she has a spine of steal even if she doesn't see herself that way. Jace is a smitten kitten when it comes to Rory right away. You can tell instantly all this fake marriage business is not going to stay that way for long. Man the cherry smasher stalker was an intriguing element of this book. It kept me on my toes trying to guess who was behind it. Parts left me on the edge of my seat. It puts everything into perspective real fast and where priorities should be. I loved the epilogue so much because 1) it gives all the feels 2) it takes place at Christmas time and 3) left me eagerly awaiting Isiah's book now. This was a great addition to the series!

BLURB:

What’s more complicated than a marriage of convenience? Falling for your husband.

After losing my apartment and librarian job in the same week, I'm one bad day away from hitting rock bottom. That's the only reason I consider Jace Walker's offer to be his toddler's nanny while he goes on a national tour.

I don't even like the man. But he recently had a baby he didn't know about dumped on his doorstep, and for once in his charmed life, he's as desperate as I am.

The plan seems simple — until his label says only spouses can join the tour. And Jace Walker, it turns out, would rather lose the chance of a lifetime than leave his daughter behind.

So when he asks if I'd consider marrying him, I know exactly what I am: his last resort.

I agree to his four-month marriage, convinced he'd never tempt me. Besides, he's too charming, too handsome, too talented to look twice at a quiet bookworm. I have rules and walls up for good reasons.

Except life on the road with this rugged cowboy has other plans—bandmates who resent me, his conniving ex who joins the tour, and a deranged fan who leaves us creepy gifts.

And nothing prepares me for Jace himself. The man underneath the charm. The father who'd give up everything for his daughter. The one who makes me feel things I buried a long time ago—and the storm building between us reminds me exactly why I buried them.

If you enjoy reformed playboys, swoony cowboys, single dads who adore their daughters, or prickly, closed-off librarians who would rather read than hang out with country stars, this one is for you!

BUY LINKS:

https://geni.us/GatheringStormsEbook

Available in KU

 

*`Book Blitz: Summer of the Blue Jay`*

 

Literary Fiction Novella

Date Published: March 30, 2026

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

*`New Release & Review: Cocky as Puck by Ann Grech`*

🦋 ·.·´REVIEW`·.·🦋

Title: Cocky as Puck
Series: San Diego Seals Hockey #4
Author: Ann Grech

REVIEW:
4 Stars
This is the fourth book in the series. We get Keely's story, she is the PR manager for the team. She has popped in through out the series. She is a new foster mom to a sweet little girl. My heart goes out to Keely because her life has done a complete 180 on what she thought he future would be. In enters the newest player traded to the team and his rockstar husband. Spencer and Brayden are adorable together, grumpy/sunshine. When the big broody rockstar falls for an adorable kitten who is just has grumpy as him, swoon. That made this book a real winner for me. The guys with little Hannah just melted my heart. This book worked for me because Keely showed respect for Spencer and Brayden's marriage. They just wanted to add a third to their relationship. Right away you can see the deep feelings already forming with the guys, Keely, and little Hannah. I loved that it was shown how important it was that Hannah know her culture and that Keely took that seriously. Yes this book is steamy and intimate, but it also has a lot of heart and feels.  I think this is my new favorite book in the series. The characters had me hooked right from the beginning though it was a little rocky for them all at first. I love seeing how close the friendship bonds have grown through out the series not just with the players, but their families as well. A real special group they have with the San Diego Seals. 

BLURB:
His ego matches his talent. The San Diego Seals’ newest recruit is a cocky SOB.
I shouldn’t want him. I can’t, not if I want to keep my job as the team’s PR manager—players are strictly off limits.
Especially ones with a cheeky smile, soft blond hair I want to sink my fingers into, and a Texas twang I could listen to all night.
Our chemistry is electric. His touch lights me up.
It’d be so easy to get addicted to him; I think I already am.
There’s no doubt I’m falling for his husband too. The grumpy rockstar’s on-stage persona is pure seduction. Off it, he’s even more potent with his black cat energy. He scares most people away with just a glare. But he’s a kitten around my foster daughter.
Wanting them is easy, but we could never work. My divorce isn’t even inked yet, and my daughter needs to come first.
Keeping them is impossible.
So why can’t I give them up?

Cocky as Puck is an MMF hockey romance with a cocky cinnamon bun hockey player, a grumpy rockstar, a pole dancing, curvy woman with a soft spot for her guys, ex-husband drama, a little girl in need of a family, and a black rescue kitty who knows exactly who her daddy is.

CW: cheating (not in the main relationship), loss of a parent in a car accident, infertility, a messy divorce, ex-husband drama including emotional abuse and manipulation, and a child in the foster system.

BUY LINKS:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSR6WS82?_bbid=349248650
Available in KU

*`Release Blitz: Split Decision by A.D. Justice`*

Title: Split Decision

Series: No Safe Corner #2

Author: A.D. Justice

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tropes: Protective Alpha Boxer, Fearless Heroine

Buried Past, Corrupt Power, Slow Burn

Release Date: July 9, 2026

*`Review: Don't Puck Up by Ann Grech`*

Title: Don't Puck Up

Series: San Diego Seals Hockey #3

Author: Ann Grech

REVIEW:

3.5 Stars

I'm not gonna lie I was skeptical of this one going in because of Chris and Kam earlier in the series. Then I knew this book was also going to take me out of my reading comfort zone. I'm already very invested in this series so I'm very glad I did give this one a chance. Getting to know Chris and seeing his point of view redeemed him so much. His family besides his nieces and nephews are pure evil of the world. I had to set the book aside a couple times because it was so hard reading what he was going through. It made the Seals brotherhood all the important on that team. Kam and Chris live out some of their fantasies in this one. I think this is my first book I read with a masked man chasing his love interest. That's definitely not my typical read, but Locke does it respectfully and with care so I wasn't taken out of the book. I'm glad Kam and Chris could redeem themselves and show the true people they are. This is a MMF romance with a lot of emotion. 

BLURB:

A masked man at the doorway. An enticing order and a night of intense pleasure.

We could have chosen to fight. Instead, we ran, knowing he’d chase us.

I wanted to get caught.

I shouldn’t be excited at the thought of being captured and pucked wherever he trapped us.

But that was where we found ourselves.

It was a far cry from the scandal that nearly ended my marriage to my NHL defenseman husband, Chris Minns.

This was so much riskier.

If anyone found out, it would destroy his pro-hockey career. His team, the San Diego Seals, wouldn’t accept any more negative press.

Vacationing in Fiji was supposed to be our second change. We wanted to reconnect and repair the damage to our marriage.

The trip turned into so much more.

I just hope we don’t puck up.

Don’t Puck Up is a masked-man MMF why choose romance with a sexy possessive stranger who loves the chase, a bisexual pro-hockey player who’s on the path to self-acceptance, and a curvy girl who captures both their hearts.

CW: violence and religion-based homophobia.

BUY LINKS:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F2HFM622

Available in KU

*`Review: Puck Me, Baby by Ann Grech`*

Title: Puck Me, Baby
Series: San Diego Seals Hockey #2
Author: Ann Grech

REVIEW:
4 Stars
This is the second book in the series. It's Cara's mom who has some fun in this one. This is another why choose with a MMMF romance. There is a firefighter, a hockey, player, and nerdy guy ready to show Carina was she has been missing out on in a relationship. It's not easy for these four because Jacques has to keep is quite because of his team. The Seals already have a scandal on their hands, but an drunken Vegas wedding leads to some more unexpected consequences for these four. Now Jacques and Carina are in a fake marriage. It's navigating life on the farm with three guys for her. I really loved the friendship that leads to more between Carina and Rusty. Each guy has such a different personalities that bring so much to the relationship. Oh did I mention Carina's best friend is Jacques' mom, yeah that added another layer to the situation. I'm really happy where this book goes even for Cara's dad because he was a real piece of work in the previous book. Now I was super skeptical of Caterina's growing friendship with Kam because Kam and Chris are on my questionable list after what happened to Alec in the previous book. Though I will admit Kam was a strong source of support for Carina. It's a very steamy book. Needed to fan myself a few times while reading this one. We do get all the points of view from the four main characters which I truly loved. You can instantly feel the deeper connection already forming for the four. The epilogue was such a delight for me. It left me with a huge smile on my face. Those three guys have their priorities straight. 

BLURB:
What happens in Vegas…

A Vegas trip with my best friend’s much younger son and his roommate sounded like a great idea after my divorce. It wasn’t supposed to end with us married and our drunken escapades splashed all over the internet.

He’s a pro-hockey player, the Captain of the San Diego Seals. The newest team in the NHL has already been marred by scandal, and neither of us wants to be the next disgrace. So, when we’re told to keep up the charade of our fake marriage for a year, we both agree.

After all, how hard can it be?

The answer: much harder than I expected.

To the world, Jacques Gauthier has two roommates. Behind closed doors, they’re together. Getting between them is hotter than the sun. But it’s not just our intimate times I love. I’m falling for all three of them.

Then I find out I’m pregnant.

I don’t want to say goodbye, but they also never signed on to raising a baby.


Puck Me, Baby is a steamy reverse age gap, why choose MMMF romance. It features a curvy woman who’s rediscovering life after divorce, the gorgeous, sweet pro-hockey player who falls first, a cheeky firefighter, a quiet, nerdy guy who’s good with his hands, a Vegas wedding, and an unexpected pregnancy.

CW: This book deals with cheating in a past relationship.

BUY LINKS:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DFMGRJVJ
Available in KU

*`Release Blitz: Her Only Chance by Dalia Dupris`*

The Chance Romance Series Novel, Book 1

Contemporary Romance

Date Published: 07-07-2026

Publisher: Dream Weaver Press

*`Review: Sweet as Puck by Ann Grech`*

Title: Sweet as Puck
Series: San Diego Seals Hockey #1
Author: Ann Grech

REVIEW:
4 Stars
This is the first book in the series. I forgot how much I enjoy a why choose romance. This is a MMF romance with a curvy girl, her best friend's father, and a delicious hockey player. My heart goes out to all three characters because they each are struggling so what they find with one another is something really beautiful. It's a very steamy romance, but you can see the true connection between them as well. Everything that Monroe has lost he so deserves all the happiness. I liked that we get all the characters points of view through out the book. For me at least it leads to more of connection to the characters as the reader. It's not easy road for these three. Monroe is learning more about himself through out this book in a few ways when he thought that part of himself was going to stay dormant indefinitely. I appreciated Cara and Zali's friendship. Poor Alec faces a lot with his team in this one so Gauthier and Hewitt stood out to me when they show support for Alec. My romantic heart happy sighed with how this one ended. 

BLURB:
Two men who need a second chance. Could she be the sunshine who lights their dark days?

I’ve fallen for my best friend’s father. He’s a sexy silver fox who needs a second chance at love. Impossible to stay away from, right? And when he praises me in that deep voice, I melt. I want him to be my first.

I wasn’t expecting Alec. He’s the gorgeous, tattooed, grumpy bad boy of the NHL. Tensions are running high with his team. His reputation and career are hanging by a thread. He needs to focus on hockey. I need to stay away. But with chemistry as electric as ours, it’s impossible.

I shouldn’t fall for either man, never mind both. But I can’t resist them. And I think they’re falling for each other too.

If only we weren’t doomed from the start.

Sweet as Puck is a steamy hockey bi-awakening, age gap, why choose MMF romance. It features a curvy girl who’s never been kissed, a silver fox who falls first, and a disgraced hockey star seeking redemption.

This book deals with past loss of loved ones and cheating (not the main characters).

BUY LINKS:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CPHYKHM8
Available in KU

*`Cover Reveal: The Cheerleader is Off Limits by Q.B. Tyler`*

A little lie never hurt anyone... right? Find out in The Cheerleader is Off Limits by Q.B. Tyler! Coming August 6th, so preorder today!

*`Review: Can't Stay Away by Dani Mclean`*

Title: Can't Stay Away
Series: Hotel Bellwether #4
Author: Dani McLean

REVIEW:
4 Stars
This is the fourth book in the multi author series. I really enjoyed this one. It was a nice surprise it didn't take place a lot of the hotel. I love a good second chance romance. I loved the banter between Paige and Benji. Benji knows he has a lot to make up for, but this time he won't let the girl get away. I was a huge fan of how close Paige and Skye are. It makes me think of my cousin because we are close like that. They way they talk reminds me of our conversations too. Benji in uncle mode, swoon fest. Benji does the important work on himself to make sure this time is forever. It's a quick read, but an such enjoyable one. A great cast of characters!

BLURB:
The one who got away… is back.

It’s been a year since Paige Monroe dated…365 awful days of nursing her broken heart and burying the memory of the man who shattered it by disappearing. Honestly, she’s ready toleave everything behind, but her best friend signed her up for speed dating, and Paige promised that she’d finally step out of her comfort zone…Except, there’s a problem…Her ex just walked in, and what Benji Collins lacks in vulnerability, he makes up for with muscles and determination. Paige wants to move on, but he just keeps showing up and apologizing…which makes it much harder to forget the way he touched her.

Is saying sorry enough? Or is Paige doomed to be left…again?

BUY LINKS:
https://tinyurl.com/2kaa6r52
Available in KU