Category Archives: Book Review

Review – Hot Axe

21 Saturday Mar 2026

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Hot Axe

Axford Brothers #2

by May Archer

Blurb:

Falling in love with my straight best friend? Tragically inevitable.

Telling him? Completely out of the question.

Everyone in Winsome knows Robbie and I are a matched set. A package deal. Ames and Robbie, Robbie and Ames.

He’s the calm to my chaos. The sun shining through my rain cloud. The guy who convinced me to be a firefighter. The man who’s known every single thing about me since we were thirteen…

Except for the teeny, tiny, inconsequential fact that I’ve been in love with him for years.
I planned to take this secret to the grave. Robbie’s straight. He’s engaged. And I’m finally–finally–ready to move on.

But one uncontrollable blaze, one daring rescue, one inconvenient injury, and one heavily-medicated, wildly inappropriate love confession later, my plan’s up in flames.

Suddenly helpful, perfect, shirtless Robbie is bathing me, dressing me, and nursing me back to health. And if being around my gorgeous bestie 24/7 wasn’t torture enough, it seems I’m not the only one having un-platonic thoughts.

But there’s no way I’m letting myself fall into the fantasy again. Because if I let myself believe this is real and it isn’t, it won’t just break my heart… it’ll break us.

And I refuse to risk our friendship, no matter how tempting the man’s hot axe might be.

https://getbook.at/AxfordBrothers2

*****

Review:

My heart hurt for Ames being in love with his engaged best friend. And just as much when it seems like maybe Robbie isn’t straight after all. It has to be hard for Ames to take the chance on something more with him. If things go wrong he could lose everything and having something of Robbie is better than nothing, right? Although, really, we know that would eventually eat away at him. He was already struggling with the engagement.

But Robbie’s feelings are real and he goes all out to convince Ames that he’s totally in this. And I thought Robbie’s realization of his true feelings for Ames worked. He’s been in therapy and it has him evaluating his life. Throw in the possibility that he could lose Ames forever and he’s more than sure. He just has to be patient with Ames. Very patient.

This is the first of Archer’s books for me and I really enjoyed it. While I think I would have loved to see more of the Axford sibilings, and will be adding Kiss My Axe to my TBR, this one pretty well stands on its own.

Review – It Started with a Text

20 Friday Mar 2026

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It Started with a Text

Queer Ways to Fall in Love Series

by Jax Calder

Blurb:

NICK

Okay, so making a viral video mocking my celebrity crush’s pretentious apartment tour isn’t exactly a strategy for finding love.

But when some random guy slides into my DMs claiming to be Anthony Devine—Grammy Award-winning pop star, LGBTQ+ icon, and owner of cheekbones that should be illegal—I assume he’s a forty-five-year-old catfish living in his mom’s basement.

However, we start chatting, and it’s the most real conversation I’ve had in ages. One month and approximately five thousand messages later, AntD has become my favorite person to talk to. He sends me funny memes, asks about my assignments, and actually listens when I rant about my cheating ex. And him insisting he really is Anthony Devine has become our running joke.

Hilarious, right?

I need to stop catching feelings for a guy whose real name I don’t even know, but meeting AntD would mean risking everything we’ve built.

What if he’s not who he says he is?
What if he is?

It Started with a Text is a swoony MM novella about finding real connection in the digital age, featuring a broke college student with too many posters on his wall and the one catfish who might actually be the real deal.

https://geni.us/ItStartedWithAText

*****

Review:

*sigh* This was the sweetest, cutest, funnest thing I’ve read in a long time. I loved Anthony and Nick together – the banter (over text and in real life, so adorable and funny!), their thoughts & fears & inner workings & vulnerabilities & *ugh* everything! Granted it’s a novella, but I started it and didn’t put it down until I was done.

Nick is sassy and smart and the biggest Anthony Devine fan. And while Anthony may be a big star, he’s struggling with his muse and the new normal that fame has brought him. There is something freeing for both of them to make a connection behind a screen, even though (and maybe especially because) Nick doesn’t believe Anthony is who he says he is. We know and it is a delight to see the relationship between them grow and deepen all the way until they are brave enough to meet for real.

The only thing keeping this from a full 5 star read is that I wanted more of them actually together. I got the bonus epilogue from Calder and that helped a lot, loved loved loved Anthony meeting Nick’s family, but the story jumps from them first getting together to 3 years later. I wanted to see more of them together in the same space, how they went from falling in love to in love to HEA. Because I adored them to the ends of the earth and I needed more!

Review – Love Pucktually

14 Saturday Mar 2026

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Love Pucktually

Melting Ice #3

by M.M. Phoenix

Blurb:

I wasn’t planning on making out with him. I’m straight. I just…got bullied into it by a talking parrot, okay? Please, you have to believe me…

ACE

None of what happened was my fault, and I’d rather not explain how I ended up in Devon’s bed.

First, I’d have to tell people I’m straight, and that would already raise questions. Then I’d have to explain why I set his bar on fire, and then got bullied into making out with him by a talking parrot, and—

You can see how that would be an awkward conversation.

In my defense, it was all for charity. The making out part, I mean. Pucks for Paws and all.

Well, technically it wasn’t, but it was during this thing for charity. I didn’t actually have to make out with him, I just…

I’m not really making my case, am I?

DEVON

Some say December’s the busiest time of the year, and it definitely is for me.

This one started with two dozen oversized penguins (also known as a hockey team in formal wear) trashing my bar. And by “my” bar, I mean a bar I work at. Since—checks watch—earlier today.

But that’s okay, because I got to lie on top of one of them (the hottest one, thank you)for a minute, so all is well in the universe.

Speaking of hockey players… Have you seen a warm-up skate? Because if you haven’t, you definitely should. The way they drop down on the ice, spread their legs, and pump their—

Actually, I can’t talk right now. I have an animal shelter to save, a parrot to thank, a warm-up to catch, and an unfairly hot hockey forward to try to convince to let me lie on top of him again.

Like I said, December’s super busy.

Low Pucktually is a low angst, high-heat bi-awakening Hockey Romance. It’s a part of Melting Ice series and can be read as a stand-alone.

https://getbook.at/MeltingPucktually1

*****

Review:

Devon is hilarious – both with his inside AND his outside voice. He’s sassy, with just a smidge of a filter 🙂 And he’s a good match for Ace, who doesn’t take but about 3 days to realize he might not be as straight as he thought he was. With a little (respectful) teasing from Devon, and a few too close encouters, he’s re-evaluating his romantic past. And ready to explore his new feelings with Devon.

Was it the most believable of stories? No. Was it fun? For sure, yes! It was kinda like the hallmarkiest of Hallmark movie in book form. The characters are entertaining, the romance is sweet, and the whole saving an animal shelter thing was a great way to bring a HEA for Devon & Ace. When you throw in a few shelter animals with interesting personalities to mix with the equally interesting human ones (the rest of the guys are a hoot & a half), a good time was had by all 🙂

Review – Protected from Evil

11 Wednesday Mar 2026

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Protected from Evil

Blade & Arrow Shadow Team series

by Gia Cobie

Blurb:

A terrible betrayal cost me everything.

My home. My job. My reputation. My so-called friends.

Scared, hurting, the life I’d worked so hard for in shambles, there seemed no better option than to leave.

After years of city life, the idea of escaping to the small town of Williston seemed appealing. So I picked up and moved there to take a job at the local diner. It might not have been what I’d trained for, but I came to enjoy it.

Something else I enjoyed? Talking to Webb—my favorite customer, the most handsome man I’d ever met, and a man I might have considered dating if things were different.

Ever since I met Noelle at the diner, it’s become my favorite place to visit.

And if she gave any sign of being interested, I’d ask her out in a second.

As we grow closer, I can tell she’s keeping a secret. I’m worried, but I don’t know her well enough to push. Not until I find her hurt and and humiliated and crying in the diner bathroom, that is. Not until I find out the truth of why she left her old life behind. 

Noelle needs someone who believes in her. Someone who’ll do anything to protect her. And with the help of my Blade and Arrow teammates, I intend to do just that.

Protected from Evil is a steamy he-falls-first story featuring a former Night Stalker, a scared but strong heroine, a team of Army veterans, found family, forced proximity, thrilling twists, and a guaranteed HEA. Can be read as a standalone.

https://a.co/d/05RJEbxH

Available in KU

*****

Review:

**minor spoilers**

Unfortunately, this wasn’t my favorite of Cobie’s stories, which was disappointing because I love Webb & Noelle. Things were a little awkward in places. While I love the idea of Webb being a little uncertain, a little less confident going into his first serious relationship, I would have preferred for him to get more comfortable in his wooing a little quicker. Is it realistic? Yes. Is it what I would expect from this kind of story? Not so much. You imagine these guys to be a bit more take charge and assured.

And like the last one, if you find your bad guy at about the 2/3 mark there’s going to be another at the end 🙂 So it wasn’t a surprise that something else was coming, which was a bit of a bummer. But I was engaged in the mystery itself. I was pulled in, especially in the last third, and I felt like Cobie did a fantastic job of keeping things suspenseful and the danger level high for me.

But even if they sometimes seem a bit formulaic, I really look forward to Cobie’s stories. I like her characters, and there’s plenty of opportunity to get to know them as they spend time together while they work to figure out whatever suspense element is involved. And so far, all of those parts have worked for me. The bad guys make sense and she does a good job of giving a feeling of risk. I’ll definitely continue to add all of her books to my TBR as soon as I find them.

*****

Author Info:

Gia Cobie is an award winning author living in upstate New York with her husband and small zoo of animals. She loves writing about protective heroes and the strong women they fall in love with.

In her spare time (when she has any!), Gia enjoys reading and spending time in the Adirondacks, and also has a weakness for reality romance shows, wine, and buying way too many books!

Follow Gia for updates on her latest releases!

https://www.giacobie.com

Review – Wilde Ride

03 Tuesday Mar 2026

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Wilde Ride

Love is a Cowboy series

by Kelly Elliott

Blurb:

From New York Times bestselling author, Kelly Elliott, comes a new small town, family saga series.

EMELINE
Seven years.
That’s how long it’s been since I last came face-to-face with Levi Tucker. He’s my older brother’s best friend, and the man I’ve loved for as long as I can remember. Now he’s back in River Falls, along with his young son, Rhett, and suddenly they’re woven into both my personal and professional life.

The last thing I expected was the wild, undeniable pull between Levi and me to turn something strictly professional into something deeply personal. But Levi’s past is closing in, and this time, I refuse to walk away. I’m ready to fight for the life and the love I want, because both Levi and Rhett Tucker are worth the battle.

LEVI
Tragedy brings my son, Rhett, and me back to River Falls, Colorado. After losing my daughter in a devastating car accident and watching my marriage fall apart, returning home feels like my last chance to start over.

When I’m roped into volunteering at the Wilde Family’s summer camp for underprivileged kids, the last person I expect to fall for is my best friend’s younger sister. For the first time, I can see a future filled with love and happiness for my son and me. Yet when my soon-to-be ex-wife reappears in River Falls, everything I’ve begun to build is suddenly at risk.

Will the past destroy our second chance, or will true love finally get its happily ever after?

Wilde Ride is book 2 in the Love is a Cowboy series.

Available Today!
https://geni.us/WildeRide

*****

Review:

Poor Emeline, loving her brother’s best friend but she’s too young, he’s with someone else, they get married and move away … It’s so heartbreaking. And extremely relatable. Years later he’s back, grieving the loss of his daughter and the end of his marriage, and they are spending time together, growing closer again. Of course Emeline finds herself falling in love all over again, with Levi and his son.

Levi is a fabulous father, back home to make a good life for what’s left of his family. Being in River Falls, and with his parents and the Wilde’s again, brings the two closer and has them happy again. Especially one Wilde in particular, one who just fits them. Making him think differently about the future.

Kelly Elliott delivers a delicious mix of emotion, pining, want, and steam. I felt Emeline’s turmoil over her teenage crush on Levi, and how that crush didn’t go away. This is my first of her books and it was a fabulous introduction. Which means I didn’t read the first book in the series but I don’t think it’s needed, although it’ll definitely go on my TBR after this 🙂

(Please make sure you read the blurb. The death of Levi’s daughter and his divorce play a pretty important part of the book and it may be a little too heavy for some.)

Review – Wild Kiss

27 Friday Feb 2026

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Wild Kiss

Wilder Valley series

by Kacey Shea

Blurb:

I always swore I’d never settle down. I didn’t want a family or responsibilities beyond my own needs. Life was easier and a lot more fun when you kept things casual.

But Rosalie Masters made a liar out of me.

As one of my sister’s best friends, we’ve known each other for years. A single mom pretty enough to turn every head in town—including my own—I never imagined she’d be interested in knocking boots with this cowboy.

Boy, was I wrong.

What starts as a week of secret hook ups, quickly becomes something I can’t live without.

She’s prim and proper.

I’m rugged and rough.

We could not be more opposite if we tried.

But her brilliant mind and naughty side have lassoed my attention. And her tender heart—the one she doesn’t let most people close enough to witness—makes it impossible to leave her alone.

For the first time in my life, I’ve fallen for someone I can’t get out of my system. Wild horses couldn’t drag me away from this woman. The problem is I don’t know how I’ll convince her to give us a chance.

Wild Kiss is the next small town romance in the Wilder Valley series by USA TodayBestselling Author Kacey Shea. Enjoy as a standalone, or start at the beginning of the series!

Buy Link:
https://amzn.to/46TNB9L

*****

Review:

Love this. Love it! The opposite attracts trope, Rosalie in her book loving glory, Jackson being willing to try new things and throwing himself into it full body, the steam (oh, the steam) … just all around fantastic! I couldn’t get enough of them. But, whew, do these two have issues. I feel so bad because both of them can get caught up in their insecurities and it just leads to so much hurt feelings & confusion.

Gotta hand it to Jackson tho, because there are times that he pushes through and puts himself out there when things don’t seem right, getting Rosalie to open up some. Showing her that there are good people in the world, people who will make her a priority and keep coming back. Even when it is scary for him, giving her honesty and emotions that she responds to, which in turn lets him see that he can be more than he thinks. And having someone see & appreciate a deeper him has Jackson evaluating himself in other places.

But I appreciate that Shea also doesn’t go too all in on where their issues could have taken us. There are opportunities to add some extra (probably unnecessary) drama and troubles for them but she gives us something that feels very real for these two. No drama just for drama’s sake.

Y’all, I think I need to change this to a low angst and sweet read page because that seems to be my TBR pile 🙂 Not that I’m complaining. I really feel these two, their hang ups and their struggle with the changes & potential that their relationship brings. I adore how they are open to it once they get past those issues and work through road bumps. Love you Kacey Shea and I’ll be coming back for more!

*****

Author Info:

Kacey Shea is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance. She enjoys writing strong and smart heroines, heroes with hearts of gold, and stories that deliver a satisfying, well-earned happily ever after. 

When she’s not writing you will find her spending time with her children, drinking iced tea by the gallon, or planning her next escape from the Arizona heat. 

Kacey has a free book for all newsletter subscribers along with bonus epilogues for her most beloved novels.

Kacey enjoys interacting with her fans so please feel free to stalk her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Connect with Kacey Shea:

https://linktr.ee/kaceysheabooks

Review – Whiskey, Words and Whispers

26 Thursday Feb 2026

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Whiskey, Words and Whispers

Sweet Tea & Trouble series

by Sawyer Bennett

Blurb:

In the nosy town of Whynot, North Carolina, secrets don’t stay quiet for long. When Penny Pritchard returns home to help run her aunt’s café, she doesn’t expect to fall for Sam-Pete Rochelle—the charming bartender with a very big secret: he’s the anonymous, wildly successful author of steamy fantasy romance novels.

When his identity is revealed, the town loses its collective mind—and Penny must decide between the big career she built in D.C. or the epic love story waiting for her back home.

A laugh-out-loud, friends-to-lovers romance filled with Southern charm, second chances, and small-town scandal.

Available now on the Sawyer Bennett Store and wherever books are sold.

*****

Review:

Sam loves Whynot but is not unaware of its faults. It’s full of traditional, small town, Southern vibes with a few pockets of progressiveness. And while they love Sam, most aren’t going to love the books he rights. He’s just at the point he can’t keep hiding who he is.

Penny left for college and on to Washington DC but she’s back home to help her aunt and isn’t leaving while she’s needed. Sam definitely makes the time in Whynot even more appealing but she quickly realizes that maybe there is something in her hometown that speaks to her. Reasons to stay.

Sweet is the only way I can describe this one. I loved Sam and Penny together, their issues as life brings them together only to present them with an unknown future, and how they have to decide what they are willing to risk. It’s low angst and that’s fine, because it is all that sweetness mixed with quirky small town fun that kept me glued to the pages.

*****

Author Info:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Sawyer Bennett writes emotionally rich stories inspired by real-life experience. From contemporary romance and fantasy romance to women’s and general fiction, she creates stories for a wide range of readers.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer now spends her days writing—and serving as chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her adorable daughter, plus full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

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https://geni.us/SawyerBennetthttps://geni.us/GR_Whiskey

Review – Whisper Sweet Nothings

25 Wednesday Feb 2026

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Whisper Sweet Nothings

Rosewood River #6

by Laura Pavlov

Blurb:

Winnie Smith is the perfect nanny.

She’s reliable, warm, and my daughter adores her.

She cooks like a pro, styles pigtails like a fairy godmother, and knows her way around a car engine better than most mechanics.

She’s made life easier.

The house feels full again.

And maybe… so do I.

But living under the same roof has its challenges.

Like catching her in the kitchen after midnight… barefoot, in tiny sleep shorts, eating ice cream straight from the tub.

Don’t even get me started on the way that her lips wrapped around that spoon.

I digress.

It shouldn’t mean anything.

She’s a decade younger. I’m her boss.

She’s off-limits.

And yet, it’s all I can think about.

I was just looking for a nanny—not nightly cold showers and definitely not feelings.

But the more we blur the lines, the harder it is to keep pretending.

We say it’s temporary. No strings. Just one harmless arrangement.

But what if she’s not just what my daughter needs…

What if she’s exactly what I’ve been missing too?

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/48WD6lz

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://bit.ly/3MCOCeF

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4aE3n96

Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4aGlBqx

Audiobook: https://geni.us/WSNAUDIO
Narrated by: Sebastian York & @savannahpeachwood

*****

Review:

Throughout the series, Archer has needed help with his daughter. His family does what they can but he really needs consistent care. Not a surprise to us that when he does find a nanny he finds her captivating. He’s a good girl dad but he can resist for only so long 🙂

Archer loves his daughter with all he has and I love the patience and care he shows her. And those traits extend to those around him. He’s so supportive of Winnie, showing her what a good man is like after years of her being treated poorly by her awful ex. No wonder she has trouble not falling for him.

While predictable for a nanny/single dad romance, I enjoyed it. Archer is just as charming as his brother & cousins and while maybe not as prevalent in some of the previous stories, I loved the family dynamic among them all. Plus, Archer’s daughter Melody is just the absolute cutest. (I too would have taken on the world for her.)

**A little bit of a spoiler but I appreciated that the author actually has had these guys seeking out help for their issues. It’s refreshing to see the prioritization of mental health and therapy.**

Overall, it’s pretty low angst and just a lot of the back & forth on whether they should get together because of who they are to each other, her age, and what she wants for her future. There really aren’t any surprises but it’s satisfying to see them figure out their relationship. The epilogue gives us a hint of what’s to come and I’m excited to see where Pavlov takes us next.

(Can it be read on its own? Yes. Will you miss out on a lot of the fun and vibes of this group? Also yes.)

Review – A Present for Parker

23 Monday Feb 2026

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A Present for Parker

Merry Everything #5

by Jodi Payne & BA Tortuga

Blurb:

Parker Stephens is a cowboy looking for a place to call home. His only family has kicked him to the curb, leaving him with his truck and the clothes on his back. He doesn’t even have his dog. So when he shows up at the Vermont home of his friends Skyler and Beckett, he’s got no idea what he’ll do beyond the holidays. For now, he just needs to visit and breathe.

Heath Wooledge is used to being alone, working on his vintage farmhouse, and eating a frozen pizza or two. Since he’s never been invited to his business partner Beckett’s house to eat dinner, it stands to reason they’re asking him for a favor. Luckily for him, when they ask if he’ll let Parker stay at his place because their guest room is a mess, Heath can’t believe his good luck. Parker is a sweetheart of a cowboy, and he’s never been more attracted to anyone in his life.

The two have immediate chemistry, but will magic of snowy holiday Vermont make the two of them accept the gift they’ve been given?

*****

Review:

Parker has finished his rodeo career and finds himself at loose ends, kicked out by his mother with nowhere to go. And I love his resilience and good humor. The man isn’t letting anything get him down and his enthusiasm for life is endearing. Heath, finding himself with a temporary roommate, thinks so too. Although it isn’t ever explicitly stated, you just know that Parker and Heath are set up by their friends to spend time together. And it doesn’t take them long to fully embrace the attraction that simmers between them. It may be a little fast, but I loved the way that these two just fell into a relationship. The way they support each other, enjoy each other, and fit together is all sorts of sweetness and warmth and fun. With minimal angst, a little bit of heat, and a whole lot of feels, it just brings that holiday feel & satisfaction.

Review – Playground Games

19 Thursday Feb 2026

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Playground Games

by Lily Morton

Narrator: Joel Leslie

Length: 2h 46m

Genre: contemporary

Tropes: teacher romance, opposites attract, forced proximity

Designer: Natasha Snow

Blurb:

School trips are hell on the teachers.

Auguste Patterson’s happy place on a winter holiday would involve a seat by a fire, a good book, and alcohol. Which is why he’s horrified when the headmaster at the primary school where he teaches demands he accompany a group of young students to France on a skiing trip. Gus believes snow should always be viewed from inside a warm building and never encountered while flailing on skis.

The holiday’s single perk is also the one reason Gus has for liking sports—the school’s PE teacher, Doug Henshaw. Doug is Gus’s secret crush, and sharing a room at the ski chalet with him almost makes managing forty school children bearable. But Gus doesn’t stand a chance with Doug. A handsome, funny ex-professional football player would never fall for a hopelessly unathletic language teacher. Would he?

Playground Games is a 25K word novella that first appeared in a promotional giveaway. No new content has been added.

LISTEN ON AUDIBLE

*****

Review:

Once I got used to Joel Leslie’s French accent, I loved this one. As a novella, it’s not a very detailed story but Gus and Doug already know each other and are thrown in close contact on a school trip so it’s pretty straightforward.

While it is a complete and satisfying story as is, I would have been happy with a longer one because Gus is absolutely adorable and a blast. He’s so funny and snarky but lovely. He ends up in so many outrageous situations but he handles them with grace and humor. And while Doug may be a little more reserved, he loves all that about Gus as well and together they work, an opposites attract kind of thing.

This is my first by Lily Morton but if they are all like this she is going straight on my must read list!

*****

Author Info:

Lily lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she bought her first Kindle.

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – chocolate Baileys! Her lifetime’s ambition is to have a bath in peace without being shouted by one of her family.

Website: www.lilymortonauthor.com

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