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Romantic Reads and Such

Category Archives: Blog Tour

Review – The Rulebreaker

14 Thursday May 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Piper Rayne, The Dugout series, The Rulebreaker

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 🙂 )

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Review – My Whiskey Redemption

06 Wednesday May 2026

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Book Review, Melissa Foster, My Whiskey Redemption, The Whiskeys series, The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch

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

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Review – Around and Around We Go

29 Wednesday Apr 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Amy Aislin, Around and Around We Go, Book Review, Vermont Trailblazers series

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 🙂

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Review – Charming Puckboy

23 Thursday Apr 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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Book Review, Charming Puckboy, Eden Finley, Puckboys series, Saxon James

Charming Puckboy

Puckboys #10

by Eden Finley & Saxon James

Cover Design: Story Styling Cover Designs

Photography: Wander Aguiar Photography

Model: Chase

Blurb:

LACHIE

It doesn’t matter that I was the number one draft pick in the NHL or that I’m projected to be the next great generational player, because none of it is enough to impress my childhood crush back in my hometown.

Sam used to mock me for being like a Disney Princess with my uncanny knack for finding animals in need. And being home in Colorado for the summer, I’m bound to run into him now that he runs the animal shelter where I used to volunteer. Where I used to try to get his attention every chance I had.

He never noticed me then, at least not in the way I wanted.

But if there’s one thing my time in the NHL has taught me, it’s how to fight for what I want.

SAM

It’s been a few years since I saw the Disney Princess volunteer, but when he brings in a stray cat, I almost can’t believe it’s the same guy.

Damn, has he changed.

Gone is the gangly, pimple-faced teen, and in his place is a man who’s grown up and bulked out. He used to follow me around, asking endless questions about animal care.

Now he’s back, but instead of asking about animals, he’s asking about me. About my life.

Flirting with me. And he’s good at it, too.

There’s something about Lachie that’s undeniably irresistible. I’m willing to give in to his charms, even knowing all he can offer is a summer fling.

Turns out, my Disney Princess grew up to be a real Prince Charming.

Tropes: Childhood crush, just for the summer, collective mayhem, Disney Princess puckboy, interfering kikishkins, zombie squirrels, “fuck it”

Add to Goodreads Want to Read Shelf

Read with Kindle & Kindle Unlimited

*****

Review:

I have read some books in this universe but pretty sure not any of the Puckboys so I’m coming at this with basically no knowledge of the characters. Which means I have no idea if any of this story fits for the characters as they have been in previous stories so take what I say using that lens 🙂

Charming Puckboy is kinda insta-love but in a not really way. Lachie has sorta had a thing for Sam for years, Sam just didn’t know it. But now that Lachie is back for the summer, Sam is seeing him with aaaallll new eyes. Eyes that can appreciate how well Lachie has grown up … but while it may have started out as just sex, it doesn’t take long for it to turn into something more.

Which leads to pining. So. Much. Pining. Because Lachie IS only there for the summer and that means that things can’t really go any further. So in between all the steamy moments, the hilarity that apparently naturally comes with the Collective, and their deepening feelings, they have to figure out if they want, or can even have, a future together.

Lachie seemed pretty mature for his age and thinks himself ready for a commitment with Sam. Sam tho is doing a little catching up because Lachie hadn’t been on his radar until now. There are large skips in time, both in the summer and thru the fall, so I can see why some may have wanted more time for the two of them to develop their relationship. But I didn’t really mind them falling fast and I liked them as a couple. While it is easy as a reader to say what they should do, their concerns over getting involved & their wants for a future are understandable.

These two have written some of my favorite reads so I’m really not sure why I’ve only reviewed a couple of Finley’s books so far. I like the world they create and the characters they populate it with. They have issues & emotions that are real, delivering the spice & the feels in equal measure. I’m definitely going to have to get my hands on more of their stories going forward.

(Returning readers probably love the opportunity to catch glimpses of all of the previous characters but I didn’t really have any issues keeping up as a fresh reader.)

*****

Author Info:

Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She doesn’t take anything too seriously and lives to create an escape from real life for her readers. The ideas always begin with a wackadoodle premise, and she does her best to turn them into romances with heart.

With a short attention span that rivals her son’s, she writes multiple different pairings: MM, MMF, and MF.

She’s also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don’t make sense to anyone else

Connect with Eden

Website: https://edenfinley.com

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3N3yIue

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2GMjfag

Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2t1KqM4

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2ouFzya

Instagram: https://bit.ly/33mNum4

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3zm4DMj

Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3gS5aLZ

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qkn0eP

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2ouhBDq

~

Saxon James unapologetically writes happy endings for LGBT+ characters.

While not writing, SM is a readaholic and Netflix addict who regularly lives on a sustainable diet of chocolate and coffee.

Member of SCBWI.

Connect with Saxon

Website: https://saxonjamesauthor.com/

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BNVADV

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2QSVCmS

Reader Group: http://bit.ly/36slT1W

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2SYfPKU

Instagram: https://bit.ly/33m1XPb

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3AvMmha

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZXjp9C

BookBub: https://bit.ly/3fKt5MC

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card

Enter the KingSumo Giveaway

Ends May 4th, 2026

~

Promotion support provided by Foreword PR & Marketing | Romance Book Publicity & Launch Marketing for romance authors

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Review – Rescue the Night

20 Monday Apr 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Christine DePetrillo, Hartley's Nest series, Rescue the Night

Rescue the Night

A Hartley’s Nest Romance

by Christine DePetrillo

Blurb:

Touching Spencer—even for a millisecond—did things to my body. Wild things I could barely control.

I hate dentists. Except for Dr. Spencer Holland. It’s hard to hate him when he smiles at me, and those adorable crinkles appear at the corners of his big, brown eyes. I’m nervous as hell when he’s aiming sharp dental tools at me, but I’m also imagining how his lips would feel against mine. How his arms would feel wrapped around me. How our bodies would fit together perfectly.

I can’t actually have this sexy dentist though because he’s my brother’s best friend and totally off limits. Actually, Spencer is friends with all of my brothers—all five of them.

Oh, did I forget to mention I have five brothers? Five brothers who circle like me like a pack of protective wolves. Yeah, so anyway . . .

I’ve managed to hide my attraction to Spencer for fourteen years ever since he came to my rescue on my prom night. Lately ignoring my feelings for him, however, is a full-time job. One I’m failing at. Epically.

And there are these . . . moments when I almost believe Spencer wants me too. But that couldn’t be.

Could it?

I’m tired of being underwhelmed by every relationship I attempt with other guys. None of them measure up to Spencer, and it’s time I did something to make him mine.

Just don’t tell my brothers.

Rescue the Night is a small-town, brother’s-best-friend, steamy, contemporary romance.

https://books2read.com/RescueTheNight

*****

Review:

Spencer is such a good soul – steady, big-hearted, and quietly pining for Vanessa. And her for him – both having to ignore their attraction due to their mutual connections. They are so sweet once they get together and I love the way they complement each other. Spencer does have some scars from a past relationship that leaves him a little extra jumpy, and making a few bad choices, but it doesn’t take them long to figure themselves out.

And the reason they haven’t gone there before is Vanessa’s over-the-top protective brothers, who are a hoot and a half. (Often acting more like tweens than grown ups, so I’m definitely looking forward to meeting the partners willing to take them on.) The family dynamic tho is a draw. The way the Hartleys have drawn together over the years, standing together thru good times and bad, creating a refuge for themselves & others. Throw in an adorable kid that needs a little extra love & care, and I’m mush.

There’s so much that appealed to me – small town vibes, yes please. Brother’s best friend, oh yeah. Pining for each other for over a decade, the slowest of slow burns. DePetrillo is a new read for me and I enjoyed her feel good, low angst, sweet style. She nicely mixes sweetness, steam, & fun and I am ready to see where we go next.

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Review – This Guy

17 Friday Apr 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, Lane Hayes, This Guy, Wood Hollow Stories series

This Guy

Wood Hollow Stories #1

by Lane Hayes

Genre: Contemporary, Small-Town, Bisexual

Designer: Sleepy Fox Studio

Blurb:

The football star, the lumberjack, and a small-town love story…

SILAS

Not to sound dramatic, but I can’t decide if I’m a hot mess, a has-been…or both.

There’s nothing quite like being in the spotlight at my lowest point. I could use a break from LA and my agent—just for a little while.

But Vermont in the middle of a blizzard? Probably not a great idea. However, the sexy lumberjack who lives next door is a sweet surprise. And so are his kids and the town.

I like this place. I could be happy here…at least till my new season begins.

COOPER

My time is split between work and fatherhood. That’s it. Boss and Dad. Maybe that’s why the football star is a breath of fresh air. Silas is funny, charismatic, and cool.

My kids love having a celebrity living next door. And me? I can’t remember the last time I felt quite so alive.

Yes, I’m well aware this isn’t going anywhere. Our worlds are just too different. 

Too bad, ’cause this guy feels like the real thing.

This Guy is an MM bisexual, single dad, small-town romance featuring a football hero, a sexy lumberjack, and some neighbor-friendly shenanigans.

AVAILABLE NOW

Tropes: Single Dad, Sports, Lumberjack, Hurt/Comfort

*****

Excerpt:

Ignore it, ignore it. Nothing happening here. Just a case of post-nap wood. Totally normal. 

Silas unabashedly stuck his hand inside his briefs and pushed his hard-on out of the way like a man wrangling a snake into submission. 

“That’s embarrassing,” he said, clearly not embarrassed. 

I didn’t move. I couldn’t. 

The danger of the situation had passed, leaving me with a half-naked warrior with golden skin and glistening muscles, who just happened to have a fucking semi…in my living room. I was a strong man with nerves of steel and more willpower than the average joe, but something was wrong with my reflexes ’cause now I was the one who was frozen still.

“We should…omelet,” I whispered.

“Omelet. Yeah.” Silas’s nostrils flared as his gaze flitted from my eyes to my mouth. 

Neither of us moved.

*****

Review:

Silas comes to Wood Hollow for a quick vacation and meets his neighbor Cooper. Thanks to some … questionable choices amid a blizzard, the two find themselves spending time together. And giving in to the potent attraction between them. But what starts off as just sex slowly becomes more.

It’s definitely not going to be for everyone tho. There really isn’t any drama between them, just the slow deepening of feelings as they spend more & more time together. With both of them facing (potential) changes in their lives, they have to decide what they want their futures to look like. What are they willing to do and are they willing to take the chance on doing it together.

But I am there for every moment of it. For me Hayes has a certain feel to her stories and I love the way they are all about the slow burn, with tons of feel good moments and steam. These are the kinds of books you read when you just want to settle in and enjoy a mostly chill, feel good ride to a HEA.

*****

Author Info:

Lane Hayes  lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg

My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK

Website: www.lane-hayes.com

Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3

FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor

Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes

BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes

Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayesauthor/

Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes

Bluesky: lanehayes.bsky.social

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lane.hayes6

*****

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Review – The Ultimate Save

15 Wednesday Apr 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Brooklyn Blades series, Felice Stevens, The Ultimate Save

The Ultimate Save

Brooklyn Blades #2

by Felice Stevens

Blurb:

Denis

I’m the best goalie in the league.

Just ask me.

Yes, I have an ego the size of NYC. Maybe that’s why I’ve crashed and burned all my relationships. Love, like a hockey game, is a competition. And once I win, I’m ready for the next game, the next man.

Until I meet him. Sterling Forest. The arrogant, obnoxious news anchor who calls hockey players thugs on ice. He tempts me…intrigues me. Makes me want to kiss that scowl off his lips. I want him to burn for me.

Instead Sterling is the one to set my heart on fire.

Sterling

I know nothing about hockey, and I’m happy to keep it that way. I’ve apologized for my remarks, but the insufferable Denis Bouvier isn’t satisfied. I even do the unthinkable and attend a hockey game. Okay, maybe it is more than brute force. But I can’t tell him he’s right.

Now he’s everywhere I go, and I hate that he fascinates me. 

I can’t escape his larger-than-life presence, and that sexy French accent. The more I push him away, the closer he pulls me in.

And I’m afraid to admit I don’t want to let him go.

We’ve spent years running away from broken families and broken promises. But when life explodes around us, we’re running toward each other. And now that the unthinkable has happened, we need to find trust in each other and what our hearts are saying: love is the one thing that ultimately can save us.

Buy Link:

https://geni.us/TheUltimateSave

Available in KU 

*****

Review:

Even tho he was all sorts of problematic in The Ultimate Goal, I was really hoping to get more of Denis in book 2 so I couldn’t have been more excited to get my hands on The Ultimate Save. And oh my heart! It just broke for him and what he had to go thru, making him the man we met in Rip’s story. Then there’s Sterling with his own messed up childhood – my heart again! They are both carrying a lot of baggage and it makes them prickly when they first meet. But I gotta say, I love Denis’s tenacity and his straightforward communication. That man is not willing to let Sterling run & hide from his feelings and I’m here for it. Together they learn to open up, letting someone else in, and to lean on one another when they need it. Little bit angsty, little bit sassy, and a whole lot steamy, Stevens really brought it for me with Denis’s story.

*****

Author Info:

Felice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.

Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.

Felice is a two time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda Literary Award winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir.

Connect with Felice Stevens:

https://www.instagram.com/felicestevens/

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Review – Unplanned Play

15 Wednesday Apr 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Chelle Sloan, Nashville Players series, Unplanned Play

Unplanned Play

Nashville Players series

by Chelle Sloan

Blurb:

The itinerary for girls’ weekend in Las Vegas was simple. Gamble. Get drunk. Wear a little black dress that screamed “newly single and ready to make bad decisions.”

That bad—yet oh so very good decision—came when Maddox Gallagher walked into the bar.

In my defense, it was hard to resist the younger football player. Between the dimple in his cheek and the way he held me when we danced, I was a goner. Add in the fact that he was celebrating a championship trophy and I was toasting to no longer being married, we were a match made in one-night-of-fun heaven.

But what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?

Whoever said that was a liar.

Because tell me why my one-night stand is now walking into my bakery, bound and determined to turn our one night into something more.

And why did I bring home a souvenir that won’t get here for nine months and also not have a return policy?

This isn’t how the new chapter of my life was supposed to start. I wanted to be my own person.

Own the bakery I’ve always dreamed of.

Travel.

Date and see what the world had to offer.

Not fight off feelings for the football player who’s turning my world upside down and painting a nursery in the process, wondering if he’s really my forever.

Because he, and this baby, might’ve been unplanned, but I’m now wondering if this is exactly what the itinerary was supposed to be all along.

*****

Review:

I loved these two. Maddox is all sorts of golden retriever goodness. He may be young but he’s smart, caring, and supportive. He is so attentive and observant, doing everything he can to help Gabi in whatever way she needs it. And Gabi needs it because she has spent years in a relationship with an absolutely awful man, one who has done a number on her self-esteem. She’s working to find who she is again and she could not have found a better partner to help her than Maddox. There’s little to no angst between them but lots of sweet moments mixed with a bit of steam. This is my first Chelle Sloan book and for sure I did not know what I was missing.

(Being the first in a new series we get a glimpse of possible MCs from future stories – and apparently some glimpses of characters from past series for returning readers. It’s a good group and has a lot of promise for what comes next.)

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Review – Test of Time

10 Friday Apr 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Blossom Peak series, Book Review, Harlow James, Test of Time

Test of Time

Blossom Peak #3

by Harlow James

Blurb:

Falling for the single dad next door wasn’t part of my plan when I moved to Blossom Peak.

I accepted the teaching job for a fresh start, far away from the controlling ex I left behind.

But Rhonan Hart is everything you could ask for in a man. Strong, dependable, helpful, an amazing father to his daughter, Ellis… and looks beyond sinful in his sheriff’s uniform.

Except his daughter is my student, and he’s determined to pretend like our connection doesn’t exist.

(I’m determined to pretend he didn’t see me naked when my shower blew up, and he tried to save me.)

But soon, he’s sneaking over to my house at night—warming my bed, tearing down his walls, and making me want something I knew I couldn’t have.

My life is a mess, one I’m still trying to clean up. 

But this man and his child give me a glimpse of a future I want, no matter what the cost.

Just when I think I’m on the path to moving on, fate decides to give us the test of time.

I just hope this is a test we both survive.

Buy Link: 

https://mybook.to/testoftime

Available in KU 

*****

Review:

Vienna and Rhonan have both been hurt in the past and are guarded about getting involved again. From their very first (adorable) meet-cute tho, there was something there between them. And the little dance they do, so hesitant to listen to their hearts, is fun and I enjoyed their back & forth as they (quickly) lose the battle to keep their distance.

While James’s spicy scenes aren’t always my favorite, I can definitely see why it would work for readers. They are definitely hot and steamy. But it’s her characters that are the draw for me – the way the whole group is there for each other, at times supportive and loving and teasing. I haven’t read the other two stories but I get the idea that there were some things that needed to be worked out among the guys. Based on this tho it just brought them closer. And I love the little family they’ve managed to make together.

While I enjoyed the story, the audiobook really made this one for me. The way the narrators (especially Aiden Snow) brought the characters to life, delivering lines in a way that made me laugh out loud and then later choke up a little … absolutely wonderfully done. I am definitely adding some star fragments to this one for them.

Just a heads up: The prologue would have you thinking there is a bit more of a suspense element than there is. It’s pretty much just the very end. While the story is good on its own, it won’t meet that need if you go into it expecting more.

*****

Author Info:

Steamy Romance Author

Harlow James is a pen name I use to protect my identity as a high school teacher. Keeping those two roles in my life separate is necessary, but also fun! It’s like a live two lives, and anonymity gives me the opportunity to be bold and take risks in my stories.

I stumbled upon romance novels in 2018 when I picked up Driven by Kristy Bromberg, and I was obsessed. I had just lost my grandmother too, so reading offered me an escape from reality and a chance to grieve on my own terms.

About a year later, I got an idea for my own book and started writing. I researched self-publishing and jumped in with both feet. I had no idea what I was doing!

But now I’ve built a business and hobby that I LOVE! I have an outlet that’s just for me. When I write, I’m not a mom, a wife, or a teacher…I’m a woman who gets to tell stories that no one else can.

My books are the perfect blend of heartwarming moments, full-bellied laughs, and PLENTY of steam to melt your Kindles 😉 And there are always elements of me sprinkled in to every character and story that I write.

When I’m not writing you can find me reading or spending time in my kitchen. I love to cook and feed my family and friends. Otherwise, you can find me watching comedy specials with my husband, camping with our kids, or taking naps. I live for naps 😉

Connect with Harlow James: 

https://linktr.ee/harlowjamesauthor

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Review – All for Love

09 Thursday Apr 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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All for Love, Book Review, Willow Aster, Windy Harbor Series

All for Love

Windy Harbor #3

by Willow Aster

Blurb:

A spicy Small Town, Single Mom, Forbidden romance from USA Today bestselling author Willow Aster

Waking up in a gorgeous man’s lap definitely wasn’t on this year’s bingo card, that’s for sure.

Flying halfway across the country, exhausted and on an empty stomach, is a lot. Having to do all that while realizing I’ll be away from my little girl while she’s at her dad’s is an even worse feeling.

Enter Dylan. The irresistibly gorgeous man whose lap I collapsed in on my flight home. He is handsome, charming, and manages to sweet-talk me right into bed with his beautiful smile and twinkling hazel eyes. This is sooo unlike me, but I couldn’t help myself.

Dylan and I don’t really know each other. Plus, I live in Minnesota, and he lives in California, and anything long-term would never work. Yet the chemistry between us can’t be denied.

But then the real problem between us comes to light, and it’s a big one. A forbidden one. There’s no way we can ever be together…but how do we give up on each other when our fiery connection feels like a once-in-a-lifetime love?

All for Love is book three in the interconnected, standalone Windy Harbor series.

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3ObYz3e

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://geni.us/AllforLove

Audible: https://adbl.co/4chNTcY
Narrated by: Isabelle Ruther & Austin Stone

*****

Review:

Just like the rest of Aster’s stories, All for Love delivers charm with a dash of steam. I love Dylan, with his enthusiasm, big heart, and sense of humor, and he’s absolutely adorable with Dahlia’s daughter, Chloe. Not a surprise considering how close the Whitman’s are with each other.

Dahlia is understandably concerned about the forbidden part of their romance, but finds the connection with Dylan irresistible. I mean, the man is not only good to her, but also amazing with her daughter. Something none of the men in her life have been so far. How could she resist this man?

There’s drama in their story, but unlike the first couple of books it’s external instead of internal to their relationship, which works well here. It relates to some issues that have been running thru the series and not completely resolved by the end. So while it isn’t necessary to have read the others, I feel like this is one of those cases where it helps to read the books in order.

Dylan and Dahlia and Chloe are adorable together. From their first meet cute moment to their happy ever after, I was delighted. Aster has created a large, loving, welcoming family with the Whitmans and I’m always so excited to get a new story.

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FTC Disclaimer - see bottom of page for complete statement, but please be aware that in many cases I am provided a book to read. However my opinions are my own & no guarantee of positive review is given by any party.

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