*`Review: Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score`*

Title: Things We Left Behind
Series: Knockemout #3
Author: Lucy Score

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars
This is the third and final book in the Knockemount series. This has been sitting on my TBR list for a bit and I finally dived in. I forgot how much I loved this characters. Reading this one brought it all back. We get librarian Sloane and delicious suit daddy Lucian. I got such a kick out of Sloane calling Lucian Lucifer. This book had me hooked right from the first page. It does have a sad note to it especially for Sloane, but for Lucian too. These two used to so close and now they have enemies to lovers vibes going on. Once we get into Lucian's head we there is so much more in play. It breaks my heart that he thinks he doesn't deserve all the happiness. This book also had me won over because Sloane has a kitty. That is always a sure fire way to make me happy. This book has such sweet moments, steamy moments, and keep you on the edge of your seat moments. It thought it was a great way to end this series. A great cast of characters through all three books. 

BLURB:
There was only one woman who could set me free. But I would rather set myself on fire than ask Sloane Walton for anything.

Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean vengeance-seeking mogul. On a quest to erase his father’s mark on the family name, he spends every waking minute pulling strings and building an indestructible empire. The more money and power he amasses, the safer he is from threats.

Except when it comes to the feisty small-town librarian that keeps him up at night…

Sloane Walton is a spitfire determined to carry on her father’s quest for justice. She’ll do that just as soon as she figures out exactly what the man she hates did to—or for—her family. Bonded by an old, dark secret from the past and the dislike they now share for each other, Sloane trusts Lucian about as far as she can throw his designer-suited body.

When bickering accidentally turns to foreplay, these two find themselves not quite regretting their steamy one-night stand. Once those flames are fanned, it seems impossible to put them out again. But with Sloane ready to start a family and Lucian refusing to even consider the idea of marriage and kids, these enemies-to-lovers are stuck at an impasse.

Broken men break women. It’s what Lucian believes, what he’s witnessed, and he’s not going to take that chance with Sloane. He’d rather live a life of solitude than put her in danger. But he learns the hard way that leaving her means leaving her unprotected from other threats.

It’s the second time he’s ruthlessly cut her out of his life. There’s no way she’s going to give him a third chance. He’s just going to have to make one for himself.

BUY LINKS:
https://tinyurl.com/y592uz2u

Available in KU

*`Cover Reveal: That Wild Card #13 by Kristen Hope Mazzola`*

 That Wild Card #13 can be unpredictable! The next installment of the Minnesota Frosthawks by Kristen Hope Mazzola is coming August 7th!

*`Release Blitz: The Distance Between Stars by Melissa Toppen`*

Title: The Distance Between Stars

Series: Wren Cove #1

Author: Melissa Toppen

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Second Chance, Small Town Romance

Release Date: June 12, 2026

*`New Release & Review: Paper Rings by Brittanee Nicole`*

 Title: Paper Rings
Series: The New Romantics #1
Author: Brittanée Nicole

REVIEW:
5 Stars
I can't tell you how excited I was when I found the second generation was coming. I so loved that they are in the brownstone from the Momcom series. It brought back all the happy feelings I had when reading that series including the racoons. I already have a feeling that this group is going to leave a lasting impression as their parents have. I love that Addie is a goalie too. It shows what a green flag JJ is with his complete support of Addie. Then you see him in dad mode, swoon. His little girl has quite the spirit. I love the things she says. She is a riot. I loved the bond between her and Addie. Beckett and the rest of the Langfields pop in to my utter delight. I mean Beckett is Addie's dad. I had a gut feeling where this book was going to go, but when reading it I had tears in my eyes and goosebumps. As I'm watching the Stanley Cup finals this is a book I so needed to remind myself that karma comes and good can prevail! I just devoured this book. I can't wait for more from this series!!

BLURB:
From the bestselling author of the Boston Bolts Hockey Series comes a friends-to-strangers-to-lovers hockey romance featuring the next generation of Langfields. 
There are only two things I’ve ever truly wanted in my life. To be a goalie in the NHL and JJ Hanson. 
In a twisted way, both dreams have come true. Rather than a spot on the roster though, I’m now the first female goalie coach in the NHL. JJ Hanson’s coach, specifically. 
Not only is he one of my players—making him totally off limits—he’s also a single dad and still technically married. Oh, and thanks to my father’s meddling, he’s now my roommate, along with his cousin and her three kids, my sister and her four-year-old twins, my cousin, and JJ's daughter, who I unfortunately adore. 
Yup, I’m living with six kids under the age of five, and the only man I’ve ever loved. 
There was a time when JJ was my closest friend, and for one perfect moment, he was mine. Now we don’t even talk. JJ is determined to change that, though, and when opportunity strikes and suddenly both of my dreams are within reach, I have to make a decision. Can I step out onto that ice as the first female goalie in the NHL and trust JJ with my heart? 
I’ve never been one to walk away from a challenge. Maybe the only way JJ and I can move forward is to go back to the start. 
Paper Rings is a friends-to-lovers, single-dad, second-chance hockey romance with dual POV and a dual timeline featuring a Brownstone like Mother Faker and many of your favorite characters from the Langfield Brothers’ family. It is the first book in the New Romantics Series and a complete standalone.

BUY LINKS:
https://a.co/d/0d0s1qh1
Available in KU 
Audio Purchase From Author: https://bb-publishing-shop.fourthwall.com

*`Release Blitz & Review: Side Lined by Jaqueline Snowe`*

A𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 NOW

Side Lined by Jaqueline Snowe is now available in paperback and KU!

https://tinyurl.com/59wvdsmt

What to expect:

🤭 Friends to Lovers

💞 Second Chance

🥰 Unrequited Love

🧡 Roommates

💌 Always Been Her

*`Review: The Lake House by Lori Foster`*

Title: The Lake House
Series: Firefly Summer #2
Author: Lori Foster



REVIEW:
4 stars
We got to know Pixie and her adorable son Andy now they get their story. They deserve all the happiness. We have Brogan and his sweet little niece. The backstories for these two pulled on my heartstrings. Oh my gosh the sweetness of Andy with Shayna. My heart just completely melted. That little guy is the sweetest. Brogan has the heart of a SEAL to his core and we see it a few times. Can I just say his dad and stepmother are some the nastiest of people. It's amazing how small the world is at times. Also a kind helpful hand can make the most meaningful difference. This was such a good story of two deserving people to find a HEA after life has given them some knocks. 

BLURB:
Second chances, surprising revelations, and sweet, unexpected love go hand-in-hand in the tiny lakeside town at the heart of this charming series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster.

When Pixie Nolan first came to Bramble, Kentucky, the abandoned and desperate young single mother found hope, healing, and a fresh start. With the loving support of her best friends—Marlow Heddings and her handsome Marine husband, Cort—Pixie is now happily raising her toddler son in a cozy cottage, managing Marlow’s thriving boutique, and designing firefly logo t-shirts that are selling like hotcakes. The past is behind her, and life is good.

She never expected to make an electrifying connection with a summer renter, a retired Navy SEAL with his own complicated past . . .

A rugged warrior with scars both seen and unseen, Brogan Rafferty arrives with an adorable baby girl in tow and settles into the lake house next door. And while he’s a stunning addition to the gorgeous scenery, it’s his caring devotion that captures Pixie’s heart—the way he gently snuggles away the precious infant’s cries, or swoops Pixie’s delighted little boy high in the air with his tattooed, muscular arms.

But it’s no coincidence that Brogan has found Pixie, and his startling revelations make it clear she’s the key to healing old regrets and building new dreams. And when a hostile stranger turns up with shocking accusations against Bramble’s new hometown hero, Pixie must put her own fears and heartbreak away for good—and learn what it truly means to trust.

BUY LINKS:
https://lorifoster.com/story/the-lake-house/

*`Review Tour: The Pact by Ava Sutton`*

 🏈𝑵𝑬𝑾 𝑹𝑬𝑳𝑬𝑨𝑺𝑬 🏈

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐭 (𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 2) by Ava Sutton is now LIVE!

𝗢𝗡𝗘-𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬!

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱!

https://geni.us/thepactlegacy

What to expect:

💍Marriage Pact

💍Marriage of Convenience

💍Fake Marriage → Real Feelings

💍Friends to Lovers (with history)

💍Second Chance Romance

💍Close Proximity (home and work)

💍Pro Football Sports Romance

💍Doctor x Athlete

💍Single Guardian/Suddenly Raising Kids

💍Found Family

*`New Release & Review: Make Me by Adriana Locke`*

Title: Make Me
Series: Play Me #4
Author: Adriana Locke

REVIEW:

4 Stars
This is the fourth book in the series. We have Hartley and Mira. Mira has a traveling soul for good reasons, but a meddling grandma has other plans. I really loved the connection between Hartley and Mira. They have a history and you can instantly tell right away Hartley would do anything for Mira. There is a great sense of humor in this one. There is also plenty of heat and feels in this one as well. One of my favorite moments is when Mira realizes how many people really and truly care about her. That just warmed my heart so much. Hartley wears his heart on his sleeve and he is going to show Mira the future they can have. I'm already intrigued for the next book in the series because it has one of my favorite tropes. This one was a great addition to the series. Hartley is as yummy as I thought he was going to be. 

BLURB:
I’ve always hated being told what to do.

Imagine my surprise when my grandmother calls me back to Sugar Creek and casually informs me that she’s leaving me the farmhouse I grew up in and a sizable inheritance.

There’s just one tiny little catch.

I must prove I understand our family’s legacy, and that I can stop chasing whims and put down roots … by marrying Hartley Adler.

BUY LINKS:
Amazon
Available in KU
Goodreads
Bookbub

*`Release Blitz: Sprog by Summer Winters`*

Title: Sprog

Series: Prospects of Black Saints MC

Portland Chapter #1

Author: Summer Winters

Genre: MC Romance

Tropes: Second Chance, Single Dad, He Let Her Go

Childhood Sweethearts, Forced Proximity

Release Date: May 20, 2026

*`Audio Release Blitz: Cadence by Crea Reitan`*

 

Cadence has dropped on audio! Pick up this installment of Crea Reitan's Rainbow Dorset University today!

*`Release Blast: Knocked Up by Number Ninety by Elise Faber`*

KNOCKED UP BY NUMBER NINETY

Elise Faber

Release Date: May 11

AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

Having a baby wasn’t in my five-year plan.

Then again, neither was sleeping with a hockey player who hates my guts.

*`Release Blitz: All I Wish by A.K. Evans`*

Title: All I Wish

Series: The Everything Legacy #2

Author: A.K. Evans

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Age Gap, Slow Burn

Found Family, Second Chance, Opposites Attract

Release Date: May 5, 2026

*`Release Blitz & Review: A Summer to Stay by Michelle Ruoff`*

A𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 NOW

A Summer To Stay by Michelle Ruoff is now available in paperback and KU!

What to expect:

🏡 Small Town

🤭 Second Chance

🥰 Single Dad

🔥 Slow Burn

💞 Forced Proximity

🫣 Best Friend's Brother

🧡 Found Family

*`Review: Can't Shoot Whiskey by Zoe Forward`*

Title: Can't Shoot Whiskey
Author: Zoe Forward

REVIEW:
4 stars
The blurb of this one sold me on reading it. I can't pass up a book with veterinarians. I will admit it took me a bit to get into this one. Josh and Erika have so much history and were high school sweethearts that ended on such a bad note. Now tragedy has brought Erika home. It's going to change her life forever. Old hurts resurface, but under all that a slight glimmer of hope through the grief. My heart went out to Vinny. That little boy is mourning and his life uncertain, but Erika won't let her little brother face it alone. You get to see the small town community at it's finest in this one. Also reminds Erika what community means and how she has missed it. Her ex is a piece of work that's for sure, not Josh the one she left behind in Philly. This book has so much heart in it. One point this book had me in the edge of my seat and holding on for dear life to see what was coming next. The end of this one was a perfect way to end for this couple. The rough journey for them to get where they are was so worth the beauty to finally reach. 

BLURB:
Josh Hurst was supposed to be my forever. Instead, he became the villain in my origin story.
I gave him my heart. He broke it without flinching. So, I did what any self-respecting, heart-shattered girl would do—I declared war.
Our revenge game? Legendary.
Until I left for college and swore I’d never look back.

But life doesn’t care about vows made in the dark.
When my father dies unexpectedly, I’m dragged back to the hometown I outgrew, handed guardianship of my grieving kid brother, and forced to take over my father’s struggling veterinary clinic.
And waiting for me—like karma with a smirk—is Josh.
Not as a memory.
Not as a ghost.
But as my new business partner.

Avoiding him? Impossible.
Forgetting what we were? Laughable.
He still looks at me like I’m his. Like we’re a story paused instead of over. Like one spark is all it would take.
And God help me, the spark is still there.
But we don’t do soft. We don’t do safe.
We do oil and fire. War and wreckage.
Whatever we once were—
Whatever we still could be—
We’re enemies.
And this time, nobody’s walking away unburned.

BUY LINKS:
books2read.com/cantshootwhiskey
Goodreads
Bookbub

*`Release Blitz & Review: Be The Full Problem by Lani Lynn Vale`*

Title: Be The Full Problem

Series: Don't Date Him #4

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tropes: Secret Baby, Second Chance Romance

Grumpy/Sunshine, Small Town

Release Date: April 14, 2026

*`Book Blitz: Can’t Shoot Whiskey`*

Can’t Shoot Whiskey
Zoe Forward
Publication date: April 6th 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Josh Hurst was supposed to be my forever. Instead, he became the villain in my origin story.
I gave him my heart. He broke it without flinching. So, I did what any self-respecting, heart-shattered girl would do—I declared war.
Our revenge game? Legendary.
Until I left for college and swore I’d never look back.

But life doesn’t care about vows made in the dark.
When my father dies unexpectedly, I’m dragged back to the hometown I outgrew, handed guardianship of my grieving kid brother, and forced to take over my father’s struggling veterinary clinic.
And waiting for me—like karma with a smirk—is Josh.
Not as a memory.
Not as a ghost.
But as my new business partner.

*`Book Tour: Vamps and Vendettas`*

 

🦇📚 Magic happens and sparks fly in the small town of Havers-By-the-Sea when a sharp-tongued vampire crosses paths with a broody gargoyle. 🦇📚

Vamps and Vendettas

Star-Crossed Chronicles Book 3

by AK Nevermore

Genre: Spicy Small Town Paranormal Romance

*`Review: Tough Guy by Rachel Reid`*

 Title: Tough Guy
Series: Game Changers #3
Author: Rachel Reid
Narrator: Tor Thom

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars
This is the third book in the series. The narrator once again appreciate the way his voice changes for the characters. Makes it easier to know who is talking while listening. I can't get over how adorable Fabian and Ryan are. The gentle giant to smaller Fabian. They may seem so opposite, but they fit like puzzle pieces. Ryan has a reputation as an enforcer around the league and on his new team yet again is called on that reputation. Though dealing with that he reconnects with a blast from the past. A much needed delightful surprise. I love Fabian's friend group. They are so found family vibes. I can relate with Ryan on the anxiety. It's war most of the time. It made me happy Ryan had Wyatt on the team which leads to working with the children. Those were some of my favorite moments. The kids were a delight especially for Ryan. Listening to Fabian and Ryan reconnect that leads to so much more. They are so cute. They are so good for one another. My favorite character of the series pops in to me delight. The epilogue so good and perfect way to end this one. This series is so good. I can't wait to read the next one! 

BLURB:
They have nothing in common—so why does Ryan feel most like himself whenever he’s with Fabian?

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.

Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified.

Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s starting to feel something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.

BUY LINKS:
Amazon
B&N
Google Play
Apple Books
Kobo
Goodreads
Bookbub

*`Review Tour: The Trade by Ava Sutton`*

 🏈𝑵𝑬𝑾 𝑹𝑬𝑳𝑬𝑨𝑺𝑬 🏈

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 (𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏) by Ava Sutton is now LIVE!

𝑶𝑵𝑬-𝑪𝑳𝑰𝑪𝑲 𝑻𝑶𝑫𝑨𝒀!

𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑫𝑳𝑬 𝑼𝑵𝑳𝑰𝑴𝑰𝑻𝑬𝑫!

https://geni.us/TheTrade

What to expect:

✔ Secret baby

✔ Team owner’s daughter

✔ Pro Football MMC

✔ Workplace tension

✔ Best-friend betrayal

✔ Second chance romance

✔ “It was always you” energy

✔ “We shouldn’t… but we will” energy

✔ Lots of heat + all the feels

✔ Guaranteed HEA

*`Release Blitz: The Commander's Truth by K. Langston`*

Title: The Commander's Truth

Series: Brothers in Blue

Author: K. Langston

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tropes: Second Chance Romance; Enemies-to-Lovers; He Falls First; Praise Kink; Forced Proximity; Workplace Romance; Found Family; Protective Alpha Hero

Release Date: March 12, 2026