Review – Wilde Flame

26 Tuesday May 2026

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Wilde Flame

Love is a Cowboy #3

by Kelly Elliott

Blurb:

From New York Times and USA Today best selling author, Kelly Elliott, comes a new small town romance series that brings her back to her roots.

LILIBETH

When I moved to River Falls, Colorado, falling for the town’s broody, tight-lipped cowboy was not part of the plan. Yet somehow, every run-in with Caden Wilde turns into a battle of sharp words and stolen glances. We argue like we’re at war, but my pulse never gets the memo.

He’s stubborn. Infuriating. Impossible.

And the most breathtaking man I’ve ever seen.

When a twist of fate forces us to spend a few days alone together, the line between enemies and something far more dangerous begins to blur. Beneath the scowls and sarcasm, I see pieces of the man he tries so hard to hide.

There’s just one problem. Caden doesn’t believe in relationships.

So, I agree to his rules. A few days. No promises. No expectations. We’ll walk away as friends when it’s over.

Simple.

Until my heart refuses to play by those rules.

CADEN

Two years ago, the woman I planned to marry shattered my future with a single word. Since then, I’ve kept my life simple, my ranch, my routine, and no room for anything that could wreck me again.

Then Lilibeth Asher blows into town like a Colorado storm.

She’s sunshine where I’m shadows. Hope where I’m hesitant. Too kind, too bright, too tempting for a man who swore he was done believing in forever. From the moment we met, she’s challenged me, pushing my buttons, breaking through my silence, and making me feel things I buried long ago.

When a snowstorm traps us together, I convince myself I can handle it. A temporary truce. A few nights in my bed. No strings attached.

I’ve survived heartbreak before. I can survive this.

But Lilibeth isn’t temporary. She slips past my defenses, tearing down the walls I built piece by piece. And when life throws us a curveball neither of us sees coming, walking away is no longer an option.

Now I have a choice to make. Smother this spark before it roars out of control.

Or surrender to the wild flame she’s ignited inside me—a fire fierce enough to burn away my past and powerful enough to light the rest of my life.

Wilde Flame is book three in the Love is a Cowboy series. Each book is a stand alone book, but the author highly suggests you read the books in order for a better reading experience.

Trope: Surprise Pregnancy, Dual POV, Cowboy, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Friends-to-Lovers, Ranch Life, Small Town, Western Romance

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/WildeFlame

*****

Review:

Oh, do I love these Wildes! Wilde Flame is not quite as angsty as Wilde Ride but Caden is definitely going thru some things and he’s not shy about it. While he may be a grump tho, he’s a sexy, hardworking, caring, honest grump. And who can blame him for being more than a bit hurt. We knew that Rachel did him wrong but seeing it play out – ugh! That woman is a piece of work and unbelievably brazen in her self-centeredness. No surprise that Lilibeth in all her peppy, happy, positivity is going to get a … certain reaction from him.

And I have to give it to Lilibeth, she doesn’t put up with much from Caden. She knows something happened in his past, recognizes that he’s running on hurt, but she also seems to elicit a bigger reaction from the man. And once the universe seems to keep throwing them together she does a good job of figuring out her boundaries, what’s needed to protect her heart, and keeps to them. Caden is pretty hard to resist so it isn’t easy but she does it. Luckily it doesn’t take too long for him to figure things out 🙂

Elliott once again gives us a delightful mix of emotion, want, and steam. The Wildes are wonderfully close and they support each other, providing wisdom and comfort when it’s needed most. And Caden needs a lot! I love that conflicted cowboy but he’s stubborn too and isn’t going to make things easy for himself. But I was enthusiastically there for every single moment of it! And when he lets himself love again …. oh boy, is Lilibeth a lucky, lucky woman.

Review – Penalty Shot

22 Friday May 2026

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Penalty Shot

Winnipeg Avalanche Hockey #3

by Crea Reitan

Cover Designer: Rebeca Covers

Blurb:

You miss all the shots you don’t take.

DENNY

My world turns upside down when I’m thrust into single parenthood to my day-old son. Coming from a home where hatred and resentment thrived, I’m terrified of messing up my kid. Just when I’m at my lowest point, on the brink of drowning, a stranger shows up at my door and somehow, he makes it a little easier to breathe even as he makes the guilt in my chest a little louder.

TYLER

My world turns inside out with the loss of my sister – my best friend. I’m hours too late to say goodbye and by the time I get to the hospital, her newborn has already left with her fiance. Tracking them down isn’t as difficult as not falling for him. Everyday this man makes me fall a little harder as I search for the answers my sister took with her to an early grave.

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/pscrrelease

*****

Review:

This is my first book by Reitan and I’m not sure where to start. There are some trigger warnings so I would make sure that you read those to make sure the book is a good fit. It also discusses kinks pretty bluntly so make sure you’re OK there too. I’m kinda like Tyler, more on the slightly salted vanilla side of things, so while it’s not my thing personally I do appreciate where they are coming from and I feel like Reitan explains things well.

She also knows how to deliver the heat because Denny and Tyler are hot together. HAWT hot! While they bring the spice tho they also bring tons of emotions. I mean, Denny hits us right from page one with his guilt and his anxiety and his fear of the future. Then when Sally dies … ooof, it’s a gut punch. But Tyler comes at a time when he’s needed and they slowly get to know one another, drawn together by the miracle of a little boy and the impact from the loss of his mother.

And I love them together. I understand their hesitation considering who Sally was but they work together seamlessly. It’s pretty low angst while also being complicated, steeped in the problems that come from childhood trauma. It’s not easy, and probably could have used the advice of a professional, but I do like that all of them are willing to recognize that they may need to explore further to understand who they are.

Being my first book there is a lot of history in this world and within this friend group that I don’t know or understand. I enjoyed Denny’s story without it but I think I might have a better understanding of their dynamics and their needs with that background. Because these guys truly love each other, making a little family together that does everything they can to support one another.

They are there for Danny even before Ty’s birth and especially after, when he is barely keeping his head above water. Respecting his wishes while also recognizing that he’s not going to always ask for the help he needs. And that respect is extended to each one of their little group, doing everything they can to support and provide the care that each one of them needs. I would love to see more of this play out and am very much looking forward to seeing it in other stories.

*****

Author Info:

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links

https://facebook.com/crea.reitan

https://www.facebook.com/groups/creasgodlings

https://www.facebook.com/ladycreaauthor

https://www.instagram.com/creareitan

www.creareitan.com

https://www.patreon.com/creareitan

https://linktr.ee/creareitan

Review – How to Tackle a Crush

21 Thursday May 2026

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How to Tackle a Crush

Hearts of the Press #2

by Dani Elias

Blurb:

ONE PRESS CONFERENCE. ONE UNEXPECTED QUESTION. AND A CRUSH SHE IS DEFINITELY NOT QUALIFIED TO HANDLE.

Carlisle prides itself on being quietly respectable. Unfortunately, a shy proofreader and a famous football manager have just made that considerably more complicated.

AVA

I am not a sports journalist. I don’t understand formations, transfer windows, or why managers get blamed for things that look suspiciously like other people’s mistakes. I correct spelling. That is my area of expertise.

So when food poisoning wipes out the entire sports desk and I get sent to cover the arrival of Jack Westland, my plan is sit quietly, take notes, and escape unnoticed. Clearly, that was optimistic.

I panic. I ask a question. Now apparently I’m the journalist he wants following the team for an exclusive, which makes absolutely no sense. I don’t know football. I don’t like attention. And I definitely don’t understand why he keeps looking at me like I said something important when I was mostly trying not to embarrass myself.

JACK

I didn’t come to Carlisle for the reasons people think. I came to work. To build something. To be closer to my son. Being a single dad means routine matters. Privacy matters. Complications are not part of the plan.

Then Ava asks a question no one else thinks to ask. She isn’t impressed by reputation. She isn’t chasing a headline. She just sees things most people miss. That alone makes her someone I should probably keep my distance from.

Arranging for her to stay close to the club is a professional decision. The fact I keep looking for her in every room after that is… less professional.

What starts as an exclusive quickly turns into something neither of them planned for. Because curiosity is harmless. Attraction is inconvenient. And pretending they don’t enjoy each other quite that much is becoming impossible.

Fair there’s a cheeky dose of adult content inside. Set in England and written in British English.

Amazon

*****

Review:

Oh my goodness, I loved loved loved this one! From Ava with her somehow self-assured introvertedness, accepting who she is without trying to be anything she’s not. Hesitant but also willing to do something a little outside her comfort zone when she finds herself spending time with Jack. To Jack who has come to realize what is important to him and is willing to make sure that he is there for his son. And who unexpectedly finds himself enchanted by Ava and the way that she sees things in unexpected ways. Can’t forget adorable Archie with his love of all things dinosaur, of course. Elias gives us a bit of cheek and humor, a good amount of steam, and a HEA that is like cuddling up in a warm blanket. Oh, how I adored it!

Review – Accidentally in Love

20 Wednesday May 2026

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Accidentally in Love

Loveland Ranch #1

by Stacy Travis

Blurb:

Accidentally Pregnant… Accidentally Charmed by the Grumpy Cowboy… Accidentally in Love

When I inherit the dilapidated Loveland Ranch on my birthday, I do what any self-respecting L.A. career woman would do —have one unforgettable night with a hot, broody cowboy and skedaddle before sunrise.

But when I hear that a crabby neighbor is suing my beloved grandmother’s estate, I decide her legacy is worth the dirt under my manicure and start renovating.

Cue the hot, broody cowboy, who rides up on a horse and informs me he’s the crab. And just when I think things can’t get worse, the universe hands me another surprise.

A little pink plus sign.

Fitz and I have nothing in common except being fiercely independent. We come from different worlds. We have different visions for the future. We don’t share the same dreams, backgrounds, or even the same zip code.

But it doesn’t take long before I find myself wishing for all the things I’d given up on—a real partnership with a protective, kind, hot-as-sin man who reassures me I’m not fighting my battles alone. Except he’s fighting his own battles, and they may be too big for us to overcome.

Will this accidental family we created lead to heartbreak? Or could it be the life I’ve always wanted?

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4tiEc3C

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://bit.ly/3PKKx9C

*****

Review:

I really enjoyed getting to know Tessa and Fitz. I love the way they get together and then get to know each other better as time goes on. Neither Tessa nor Fitz are really in a situation, physically or emotionally, to get involved but life has its own plan. While accidental pregnancies aren’t always my favorites, I feel like Travis handles it well. She approaches their situation and their changing feelings in a way that works, in a way that may begin a bit heavy on the heat but moves forward with heart. And always with a side of humor and charm.

I do feel like there were some pretty heavy issues that could have been addressed further (and maybe they still will be later) and characters that we could have gotten to know better. And a little bit more of that small town charm 🙂 The dynamic between Tessa & her sisters and Fitz & his brother are sure to come up again as they get their own stories so I’m going to see how that plays out.

Spotlight – At First Spark

20 Wednesday May 2026

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At First Spark

Coral Bell Cove series

by Renee Harless

Blurb:

Lark Carrington came to Coral Bell Cove for a fresh start. A fading inn, a quiet life, and a chance to rebuild something steady after everything she’s lost. She didn’t expect her first real connection to come in the middle of chaos.

Holt Wright is used to being underestimated—long before he ever put on a uniform. The easygoing one. The goofball. The brother no one expected much from. Until he became a firefighter. Now, when the alarm sounds, he’s the one people trust when it matters most.

The one who shows up.

The one who stays.

Even for her.

What begins as a single moment—smoke, heat, and the steady presence of the man who pulled her back from the edge—turns into something neither of them can ignore. Long days restoring the Carrington Inn. Late nights that feel a little too honest. A connection that builds slowly… and burns deeper than either of them expected.

Because Lark doesn’t trust easily. And Holt is still learning what it means to be the man people finally believe in.

And when the past Lark tried to outrun starts to catch up with her… they’ll have to decide if this is just a spark—or something worth risking everything for.

At First Spark is a tender, slow-burn small-town romance about healing, showing up, and discovering that sometimes the person who saves you… is the one you choose to stay for.

Buy Link: https://mybook.to/atfirstspark

Available in KU 

*****

Author Info:

Renee Harless is a USA TODAY bestselling author with an affinity for wine and a passion for telling a good story. 

Renee Harless, her husband, and children live in Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She studied Communication, specifically Public Relations, at Radford University.

Growing up, Renee always found a way to pursue her creativity. It began by watching endless runs of White Christmas – yes even in the summer – and learning every word and dance from the movie. She could still sing “Sister Sister” if requested. In high school she joined the show choir and a community theatre group, The Troubadours. After marrying the man of her dreams and moving from her hometown, she sought out a different artistic outlet – writing.

To say that Renee is a romance addict would be an understatement. When she isn’t chasing her kids around the house, working her day job, or writing, she jumps head first into a romance novel.

Represented by Stephanie at SBR Media for Foreign and Audio Rights.

Connect with Renee Harless: https://www.reneeharless.com/mobile

Review – Revenge Mishap

18 Monday May 2026

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The Revenge Mishap

The Revenge Club #2

by Jax Calder

Blurb:

Rule #2 of Revenge Club: Don’t fall for your target’s brother.

LEO

I’m Leo Brennan. Tech consultant. Negotiator of billion-dollar deals. Master of the corporate death stare.

And I’m currently wearing a sparkly pink unicorn onesie with a light-up horn while screaming “I believe in magic!” at a roomful of sugar-crazed six-year-olds.

How did I get here? I tried to get revenge on my nemesis with a syrup-related “accident” at a restaurant. Except, I hit his lookalike brother instead. On his birthday. And broke his ankle.

Now I’m making amends by playing nursemaid to him and helping him out with his jobs, which includes dog walking and becoming Sparkle McHornface, the sidekick to a children’s entertainer called Captain Giggles.

The worst part? I’m starting to actually like the guy. And he has no idea the real reason why he’s on crutches.

ARCHIE

Oh, I definitely know.

The handsome stranger who “accidentally” baptized me in maple syrup thinks he’s so subtle. But I’ve figured out his connection to my estranged brother, and I also know something else.

Guilt is a powerful motivator.

And watching this grumpy tech millionaire wrestle with drooling dogs and declare himself a “pretty, pretty unicorn” to a room full of six-year-olds? That’s entertainment I can’t pass up.

But somewhere between his disastrous balloon animals and surprisingly tender moments, something else is going on. I’m falling for the real Leo behind the corporate armor.

Which is dangerous because I’m currently hiding my own secrets.

And the last thing I need is someone unraveling them.

The Revenge Mishap is what happens when revenge goes sideways, grumpy meets sunshine, and two men discover that sometimes the messiest mistakes lead to the sweetest love.

https://readerlinks.com/l/4692981

*****

Review:

4.75*s

Oh goodness how much did I love this one. The humor and silliness and the way that Leo & Archie connect, how Leo learns to embrace the whimsy of working with Archie. To understand Archie’s brilliance and his connection with the kids at the parties. And both slowly begin to see and appreciate who each really are. It made me laugh but it also got me in the feels.

I’ve read a lot of 4.5+ star stories but the last one that came close to 5 stars was also a Jax Calder story. I love the way she blends banter and heat and emotion. She just gives me everything I could want delivered by characters that I adore. Are the stories kinda outrageous and a little unbelievable? Maybe … but they are also so delightfully fun and sweet.

Review – Imperfect Soulmate

16 Saturday May 2026

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Imperfect Soulmate

Elixir Bachelor Billionaires series

by Vikki Jay

Blurb:

He thinks he dislikes her. He has no idea she’s the woman he’s falling for.

I’m Violet Morales — hopeless romantic and firm believer in the universe’s timing.

So when I stumble across FYS, aka Find Your Soulmate, a matchmaking website that promises to find your perfect match, it feels like destiny calling.

What I didn’t count on was being matched with Rowan Teager. Reclusive, selectively mute, billionaire — and the one man in our small town who seems entirely immune to my sunshine. To my face, anyway.

But behind the anonymity of a screen name, we are two opposite strangers falling fast and completely for each other.

The night we’re finally supposed to meet, I end up in a car accident instead. I wake up with a cast on my arm and every memory of my past wiped clean. Including him.

Working through my amnesia, I fall for Rowan all over again — this time not just the man behind a screen name, but the real, quiet one.

In the safety of his home, we start building something real.

But Rowan is convinced that his selective mutism and his silence make him wrong for me. And no matter how loudly I fight for us, he keeps choosing his fear over our love.

The question is — will he choose it over me?

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/084d1snr

Available in KU 

*****

Review:

Imperfect Soulmate is a lot like Rowan, steady and quiet but with more going on under the surface. Rowan’s past gives him an affinity with Violet that allows him to connect with her, to give her a safe place to rest while she recuperates. A place where she doesn’t feel like there are any expectations around her getting her memories back. But that same history has left him with doubts about himself and what a future together would mean.

I felt for Violet, having no idea what kind of person she is. Left without any memories of her family and friends, her past or her present. Having to discover herself again, trusting people she doesn’t remember. But she feels a draw to Rowan, one that gives her somewhere to figure things out.

Since I haven’t read anything else by Jay, I’m not sure how it compares to her other stories. It’s a sloooow burn and somewhat predictable, but it is sweet. Once you get to the main part of the story, you pretty much know where it is going to go but I like the way that Jay plays it out. (Love Violet for her bravery!) It’s not overly dramatic and their issues are addressed well, both Violet’s amnesia and Rowan’s concerns, leaving us with a satisfactory HEA. Y’all, check out her bio below and that’s pretty much what you are going to get 🙂

*****

Author Info:

What can you expect in a Vikki Jay book?

Cute small town vibes. Swoony rich dudes who can be over-the-top alphas except when it comes to their girls. Shy or sassy sweet heroines trying to find their way in the world. Adorable pets. Families you want to a part of.

All my books take place in the fictional town of Cherrywood and St. Peppers. I write about beautiful coincidences, finding love in unexpected places and times, and fighting hard to get that happily ever after.

Grab any of my books, if you’re up for for some cute, steamy read with a touch of angst, and some… unrealistic meet cutes which can only happen in fiction. ❤

Connect with Vikki Jay:

https://www.instagram.com/vikkijayauthor

Review – The Rulebreaker

14 Thursday May 2026

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The Rulebreaker

The Dugout #3

by Piper Rayne

Blurb:

I’m the coach’s daughter. Falling for one of my father’s players was never the plan.

Especially not Decker Davis.

Chicago Colts third baseman.

Dependable. Steady. The guy everyone trusts.

And the man who’s spent years keeping his distance—especially from me.

We have history. The kind that ten years and a thousand miles can’t touch.

So, this time, I promised myself I’d be smarter.

No getting attached. No blurred lines. And definitely, no falling.

He broke every last one within the first week.

Because Decker doesn’t just show up for me. He shows up for my daughter.

Because he fits into our lives like he was always meant to be there.

Because he looks at me like I was never something he wanted to lose.

And suddenly, the walls I’ve spent years building don’t feel nearly as solid as they used to.

But if I let him in, I’m not just risking my heart—I’m risking hers too… and I already know what losing him costs.

I won’t let my daughter pay that price.

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3KxNsjw

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://books2read.com/t-rb

Duet Narration by: Teddy Hamilton & Willa Jaymes

Also featuring: JF Harding, Sean Masters, Connor Crais, CJ Bloom, Erin Mallon, Meg Sylvan & Austin Stone

*****

Review:

I loved that we start off the book with the Davis brother’s therapist POV and the way that this is used to tell their history & how they got to their current dynamic. It also gives us a chance to see some of the backstory with Penelope as well. Love that! Not just for the additional POV but the fact that these guys are seeing a professional to get the help they need.

And they both need some help. We got some of it with Foster’s story but I enjoyed getting to know Decker better and fully understanding why they got where they were at the beginning of this series. Their childhood left scars and caused a rift between them, one that was only starting to heal when things with them and Penelope blew up. Years later they finally have the opportunity to put those old ghosts to rest and work on more healthy relationships.

Now having the whole story, I feel for all of them. And I understand their awkwardness, hurt, and hesitation around each other. It takes a lot to be willing to open yourself up and take a chance. Again. Especially when it could cause someone else pain. Back to that therapist – kudos to her for helping them thru everything and giving them the tools for communicating with each other. (Love the mental health rep in these stories!)

As always, love the characters and the found family aspect of a Piper Rayne book. Hazel is adorable, as is the relationship she begins to form with Decker. As a second chance romance, my heart just hurt for Penelope & Decker (and Foster) and what could have been if timing had been different. (Although things might have been better with a little more communication but with Decker’s hangups I totally get that it wasn’t to be then.) Love getting glimpses of other characters from previous stories, seeing what they have been up to, and getting hints at what is coming. Definitely looking forward to the rest of this series! (And potential new series??? I can hope 🙂 )

Review – My Whiskey Redemption

06 Wednesday May 2026

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My Whiskey Redemption

The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch

by Melissa Foster

Releasing May 6, 2026

World Literary Press

Blurb:

Birdie Whiskey has spent years watching love find everyone else. She has a successful chocolate business, an incredible family, and a full life. All that’s missing is someone to share it with. When she gets swept up in a single, unforgettable night with a mysterious stranger, she believes it’s finally her turn. But the man who knocks her off her feet is the last man her family would ever accept.

Four years ago Crew Hendricks shattered the Whiskey family and went to prison. Now he’s standing on Redemption Ranch, desperate to make amends for what he’s done and trying to forget the one woman he can never have.

Come along for the emotional ride as the Whiskeys’ belief in second chances is put to the test, and Birdie faces her toughest decision yet—stay loyal to her family or fight for the man she loves.

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Dhjf0VHmHENod6fYSVILk?si=65dff03cc032407a&pt=3007f35fb8c54acc23d979f40c2c1b50

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230312330-my-whiskey-redemption

BUY DIRECT FROM MY SHOP AND SAVE ➜ https://shop.melissafoster.com/collections/my-whiskey-redemption-collection

KINDLE: https://lnk.to/MWR_Kindle

APPLE: https://lnk.to/MWR_Apple 

NOOK: https://lnk.to/MWR_Nook

KOBO: https://lnk.to/MWR_Kobo

GPLAY: https://lnk.to/MWR_GPlay

PAPERBACK: https://melissafoster.com/MWR 

AUDIOBOOK: https://shop.melissafoster.com/products/my-whiskey-redemption-audiobook

*****

Review:

I’m so glad that Foster saved Birdie for last. We’ve seen her full of sass and living loud but here we get to see her insecurities and doubts, making her even more appealing as a character. She’s struggled to find a guy who appreciates that in your face boldness that makes her who she is. Meeting Crew finally introduces her to someone who loves all of her, confidently, and it is so sweet.

And how can you not love Crew. He’s willing to own his mistakes and face those that he hurt, staying even when it’s hard. And it is hard. And messy. I appreciate that it isn’t an easy, clean road for them. These kinds of issues leave a hurt that an apology, no matter how sincere, can fix.

Foster is one of my always read authors, all gimme gimme even before reading the blurb. Here we get a story about second chances and forgiveness and putting in the effort to be a good person true to yourself. I love Foster’s characters and I appreciate the healing we’ve done with all of the Redemption Ranch stories. And I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.

*****

Author Info:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Website:  http://www.melissafoster.com/ 

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster 

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster 

Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/ 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author 

Save 20% on the 5-book bundle at shop.melissafoster.com

The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch Ebook Bundle

Review – Around and Around We Go

29 Wednesday Apr 2026

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Around and Around We Go

Vermont Trailblazers #2

by Amy Aislin

Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Genre: contemporary m/m hockey romance

Blurb:

When you’re facing The End, it’s time to rewind to the beginning.

At thirty-eight years old, Sandro Zanetti is quickly aging out of hockey. But the Trailblazers are chasing a history-making third consecutive championship this season, so until his knees fail him, he plans on giving his all to the sport.

What he doesn’t need is the documentary film crew following the team’s every move. Because the director? Is Bennett Jackson.

Former college sweetheart.
Breaker of hearts.
Still unbearably handsome.

But their relationship is also history and has been for fifteen years.

Bennett Jackson is one project away from the credits rolling on his career after his last film flopped. This behind-the-scenes look at the hottest team in the league is his last chance at redemption…and possibly his last chance at redeeming himself with the one man who’s always held his heart.

Neither of them planned for old jokes to resurface or on the inconvenient fact that their chemistry is very much alive.

But as the action heats up on and off the ice—and on and off camera—their reunion looks less like a rerun of heartbreak and more like a revival of that first chemistry.

And Sandro and Bennett may discover that some stories deserve a sequel.

Tropes: second chance romance, forced proximity, found family

Buy links: https://geni.us/AroundWeGo

*****

Review:

I’ve only read one book by Aislin, years ago, which I remember enjoying and funny enough The Play of His Life has a lot of similarities to Around and Around We Go. I guess I have a type 🙂 Here we also get a second chance romance so a lot of the getting to know you moments have already happened. Granted they have been apart for over a decade but the connection & feelings are still there. Which means they might be able to more easily slide into another relationship. Once they address some of their regrets, hurts, and insecurities, of course.

I appreciate that while they have very understandable reactions to their situation, they handle this second chance with care. There’s not a ton of drama as they work thru their past but they also don’t immediately fall into each other’s arms. It takes a day or two 😉 OK, it does take a little longer, but Sandro really doesn’t hold on to any negativity from what happened before. So with time they grow closer again, realizing that maybe there could be more there.

While I loved these two together, I think my favorite part is the found family aspect of the Trailblazers. The relationships they’ve formed, the environment they’ve created, allowing them to support each other. To openly ask for what they need. I loved the chirping & teasing that goes hand in hand with the encouragement & help they get from their teammates. This kind of dynamic always makes me smile and this author does it well here.

Aislin hasn’t been on my radar much but I’m going to be changing that. This book was fun and funny, with a good dose of heart and a bit of heat. There’s plenty of appearances by characters from future and past stories, but not in any way that impacts how much I enjoyed this one. It just gave me enough to have me coming back, excited to read more and more 🙂