Spotlight – Hate To Be The One

13 Thursday Nov 2025

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Hate To Be The One

Shafer U Book Three

by Kristen Vail

Blurb:

Hating the arrogant quarterback was easy… until I needed his help.

My escape is all planned out: get promoted at my restaurant job, finish college, avoid distractions—i.e. men—and soon love, with all its broken promises, will be in the rearview mirror.

Until my manager informs me that if I want that promotion, I’ll need to be trained—by none other than Reeve Dalton.

Shafer U’s cocky blue-eyed quarterback?

The man I’ve despised since he humiliated my best friend?

Please, no.

I’m not afraid to let Reeve know I find his arrogance infuriating instead of intoxicating—no matter how many times he catches me staring at his sexy signature smirk.

If only he didn’t step in and rescue me from a humiliating showdown with my ex.

If only he wasn’t so good at firing up my short temper.

Then maybe my desire wouldn’t burn even hotter than my hate.

Now I’m in trouble.

Because girls all over campus would throw away their lives for one night with Reeve… and I might just be one of them.

Hate To Be The One is a full-length standalone novel and can be enjoyed even if you haven’t read the other books in the Shafer U Series.

Pre-Order Link:

https://a.co/d/8gfBuND

Available in KU 

*****

Author Info:

Kristen Vail is the author of spicy sports romance featuring realistic characters and relationships with plenty of delicious tension. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, kids and rescue pup.

When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking, listening to music and rewatching shows from the ‘90s.

Connect with Kristen Vail:

https://www.instagram.com/kristenvailbooks/

Spotlight – Training Mr. Right

13 Thursday Nov 2025

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Training Mr. Right

by E.E. Byrnes

Blurb:

Helen Young has made a career out of fixing other people’s relationships while keeping her own heart firmly off-limits. As one of New York City’s most sought-after relationships therapists, she’s seen it all, and her opinion of men couldn’t be lower. So when a cattle ranching couple from Wyoming desperately seek her help, she agrees to travel west, expecting another routine case of miscommunication and wounded egos.

What she doesn’t expect is Skip.

The couple’s son is everything Helen can’t egotistical, short-tempered, and maddeningly dismissive of her “city slicker” expertise. Their first encounter is a disaster. Their second is worse. As sparks fly, but not the romantic kind, Helen finds herself in an impossible position. She came to Wyoming to save a marriage, but now she’s locked in a battle of wills with a stubborn cowboy who seems determined to prove her wrong about everything.

Skip thinks Helen’s psychology degree makes her a pretentious city snob, while Helen thinks Skip could use a serious lesson in basic human decency. But as the big sky country works its magic and forced proximity turns hostility into something far more complicated, both begin to wonder. Is Helen really there to train Skip into being Mr. Right? Or is he about to teach this cynical therapist that she’s been wrong about men all along?

In the sweeping landscape of Wyoming, two stubborn hearts will collide, and discover that sometimes the person who challenges you the most is exactly who you need.

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243147208-training-mr-right

Amazon – www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWXT3R76

*****

Author Info:

E.E. Byrnes writes women’s fiction, historical fiction, and romance. Readers often say her books are heartfelt with engaging characters, captivating stories, and unexpected twists that keep them intrigued and wanting more.

Although born in northern California, her natural wanderlust and family history led her to Ireland, where she currently resides with her husband and three children. When she’s not busy writing, Erin enjoys baking, reading, and hiking along the nearby beaches and sprawling landscapes while spending time with her family.

Review – Yule Be Mine

13 Thursday Nov 2025

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Yule Be Mine

by Piper Rayne

Blurb:

When workaholic best man Carter arrives in Mistletoe Falls for his best friends’ Christmas wedding, a town-wide Santa Festival and a misplaced motel reservation leave him with one option—beg the woman he once rejected for a room at her bed-and-breakfast. Unfortunately, that woman also happens to be the bride’s sister…and the maid of honor.

To make matters worse, the bride and groom are delayed, turning Ashley and Carter into last-minute wedding planners, forced into a truce neither of them wants. But late-night checklists, a blizzard of holiday activities, and a charming small town turn their snark into sparks.

When they get snowed in and every near-kiss feels dangerously close to something real, Carter realizes there’s more to December than year-end deadlines.

As their truce melts, one question remains—is this a holiday fling, or the start of forever?

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4l9y8He

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://books2read.com/YBM

Audiobook Narrated by: Christine Lakin & Sean Masters

*****

Review:

I love this time of year, with all of the holiday romances full of quirky seasonal fun and the opportunity for a little magic. And Piper Rayne has done a good job of bringing all that and more. Those who have read their other holiday stories will likely be delighted for Carter from Claus and Effect & Merry Kissmas to find his own HEA. (Although this can totally stand on its own if this is your first.)

Carter made less than a stellar impression on Ashley after their one & only date and it makes sense why she would be hesitant to give him a second chance. The timing and circumstances for the end of their previous encounter was … so much less than ideal. But it was fun seeing Carter try to win Ashley’s favor again. He’s a good man, with a big heart and a playful side, and it doesn’t take long for her to see it.

Like the previous books, this one has fun holiday moments, silly hijinks (although not as many as before), steam, and feels. There is a bit of insta-love with the timing, which is kinda standard for this kind of story. But if you take out how many days the book covers, I feel like the pacing of it is well done. Yes it’s like a week or so from beginning to end but for me they were able to spend quality time together, getting to know each other and falling in love. It’s sweet, and that’s what I want from a Christmas read, not realism.

Spotlight – Sin Bin with the Scrooge

11 Tuesday Nov 2025

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Sin Bin with the Scrooge

by Brooke O’Brien

Blurb:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to end up snowed in with your ex-boyfriend’s brother.

Clay Barlowe’s NHL career ended the night his knee gave out. One torn ACL was bad enough. The second? Game over.

Now he’s the guy with a reputation—grumpy, stubborn, hotheaded. Every teammate would agree he’s impossible, and he hasn’t bothered to prove them wrong. Coaching might be his second chance…if he can avoid distractions and keep the rumors under wraps.

Which is why being snowed in with Tessa St. James is a temptation he can’t afford.

Their families spent every Christmas together. Everyone thought she’d grow up to marry Clay’s brother. No one knew her heart quietly belonged to Clay.

She’s sunshine, sugar cookies, and Christmas cheer. He’s a grinch, cold as ice, with more coal than candy canes.

When one stolen kiss under the mistletoe leads to one night tangled up by the fire, Tessa isn’t just snowed in… 

She’s stuck in the sin bin with the scrooge.

And this holiday season, the only thing at risk is her heart.

Buy Link:

geni.us/sinbinscrooge

Available in KU

*****

Author Info:

Brooke O’Brien grew up with a creative mind and a wild imagination, writing poetry and short stories when she was younger. This passion ignited when she began reading angst and hate-fueled stories about vampires and werewolves before she branched into contemporary and new adult romances. 

When Brooke isn’t writing or falling in love with a new book boyfriend, you can find her scrolling TikTok, watching ASMR, or devouring her latest binge-worthy TV show. 

She loves rockin’ a good hoodie with leggings, is addicted to chocolate, and believes the best days include a good nap.

Brooke O’Brien is represented by Two Daisy Media. For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell at info@twodaisy.com.

Connect with Brooke O’Brien:

https://beacons.ai/authorbrookeobrien

Review – Tinsel & Tools

07 Friday Nov 2025

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Tinsel & Tools

by Kimberly Knight & Rachel Lyn Adams

Blurb:

Cole Maddox isn’t looking for romance. After a painful betrayal ends his marriage, he returns to his small hometown to work alongside his dad and keep his life simple. He knows his way around every tool in the box, but nothing prepares him for the writer from New York who tempts him with things he never imagined.

Gavin Price used to believe in love stories. Now he’s grieving the loss of his parents, staring at a blank page, and wondering if he’ll ever write again. Inheriting a rundown inn in snowy New England feels like one more burden, until the straight handyman renovating it helps him find inspiration.

As their connection deepens, Gavin’s work begins to blur the line between fiction and reality. The story he’s writing could expose the secret relationship they’ve tried to keep hidden, and Cole isn’t sure if risking his heart is worth it when privacy is no longer certain.

Under the glow of twinkling lights and tinsel, a small-town handyman and a big city author might just discover that the best stories aren’t the ones you plan, but the ones that linger long after the last page.

Tinsel & Tools is a holiday MM romance full of opposites attract tension, forced proximity, blue-collar heat, and a bi-awakening that turns a season of repair into a season of love.

Buy Link:

https://books2read.com/u/mZDeWy

Available in KU

*****

Review:

Tinsel & Tools is a cute, small town romance with humor, steam, and holiday fun. I enjoyed Cole’s bi-awakening and his developing relationship with Gavin. They make a good opposites attract pairing with a touch of insta-love.

I did have a few issues. I know everyone’s journey is their own, but Cole seemed a little too quick to be ok with getting sexually involved with a man. I would have thought there would be more contemplation of his new feelings and attraction. And how are we OK with outing someone else, especially someone just exploring a change in sexuality? Totally not cool! Cole is completely in his rights to be upset and these people should know better. And I’m not 100% sure they really understand that.

While I enjoyed it overall, I am knocking down this sweet steamy romance a little for bad behavior by some people who I would have expected better from.

*****

Author Info:

Kimberly Knight is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in the Central Valley of California with her loving husband, who is a great research assistant, and young daughter who keeps her on her toes.

https://authorkimberlyknight.com/socialmedia

Rachel Lyn Adams is a USA Today Bestselling author who was born in Southern California and currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, five children, and a crazy number of fur babies. In 2017, she took a chance and published her very first book. Little did she know just how much that decision would change her life.

https://linktr.ee/rachellynadams

Spotlight – Vixen’s Guide to Christmas

06 Thursday Nov 2025

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Vixen’s Guide to Christmas

by Chelle Sloan

Blurb:

GUIDE TO LOVE (& CHRISTMAS) RULE #27: Make your list. Check it twice. Because Santa knows how naughty you’ve been. 

I haven’t written a letter to Santa since I was eight years old, but maybe this year I need to.  

Dear Santa, 

I promise, no matter what “he” told you, I’ve been good this year. 

I didn’t know he was my business rival when I slept with him. 

I didn’t know he hated me. Though, he didn’t know it either. 

And I didn’t know that we would get snowed-in together in the mountains. In one hotel room. With one bed. 

Anything that has been deemed naughty by the infuriatingly sexy man is accidental. 

But maybe look into him. You know. To check it twice and all. 

Signed, an apparent Vixen

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3K0dStJ

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://geni.us/J9RrK      

*****

Author Info:

Known for her witty sense of humor, Chelle Sloan is a former sports reporter who recently completed her Masters in Journalism, and is now putting that to good use — one happily ever after at a time.

An Ohio native, she’s fiercely loyal to Cleveland sports, is the owner of way too many — yet not enough — tumblers and will be a New Kids on the Block fan until the day she dies. She does her best writing at Starbucks, where you can usually find a venti Pink Drink within reach. Oh, and yes, you might have checked her out on TikTok with her thirst traps.


As for her own happily every after? Maybe one day…

Connect with Chelle

Website | chellesloan.com   

Goodreads | https://geni.us/ChelleGoodreads   

Amazon | https://geni.us/ChelleAmazon    

Facebook | https://geni.us/ChelleFacebook     

Facebook Group |  https://geni.us/ChelleSquad     

Instagram |  https://geni.us/ChelleInstagram    

Bookbub |  https://geni.us/ChelleBookBub          

Newsletter |  https://geni.us/ChelleNewsletter   

Spotlight – If You Claim Me

06 Thursday Nov 2025

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If You Claim Me

Toronto Terror #5

by Helena Hunting

Blurb:

Hockey’s most hated player just asked me to marry him. 

Connor Grace is the league’s bad boy–and my best friend’s worst enemy. 

He’s the fallen prince of a famous hotel chain dynasty. 

Me? I’m the foster kid who grew up to be a librarian. 

I never thought I’d end up in a marriage of convenience to make someone’s grandma happy, but here we are. 

I have no plans to kiss my husband for any reason other than show. 

I have no plans to fall in love with the arrogant man dressed in a custom suit hiding intricate tattoos. 

But when we’re alone, he drops the mask he wears for the rest of the world. 

He holds me like he means it when he says I’m his. And I want to believe him.

Too bad I learned early on that fairytales aren’t real, and nothing good lasts forever.

Buy Link: 

https://geni.us/IfYouPlayMeEbook

*****

Author Info:

NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her adorable, emotional cat, who thinks the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from emotional contemporary romance to romantic comedies that will have you laughing until you cry.

Connect with Helena Hunting:

https://linktr.ee/helenahunting

Review – Hit the Ground

06 Thursday Nov 2025

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Hit the Ground

The Kelly Ranch #3

by Julia Wolf

Blurb:

Caleb Kelly has been my secret weakness since the day I moved to Sugar Brush, Wyoming.

I spend my days among the stacks as the town’s librarian and my nights serving drinks at Joy’s Elbow Room. It’s safe, predictable, and a little boring. The only thing that makes my pulse kick is when Caleb Kelly walks through the door and takes a seat at one of my tables.

Four years of stolen glances, watching him laugh with his family, listening to him talk about his son, and pretending he doesn’t unravel me just by saying my name. Alice.

Then one reckless night, I steal a kiss. And for one perfect, heart-stopping second, he kisses me back.

But the thing is, Caleb doesn’t date. He has his son, his ranch, and no room for anything—or anyone—else.

So I finally stop waiting, stop hoping, stop hiding. It’s way past time to begin living my life on my own terms.

Just as I start to move forward, trouble knocks me back. And when I need someone the most, Caleb is the one by my side again and again, standing between me and the worst of it. His steady, fierce presence is impossible to ignore.

I should know better than to keep falling for a man who told me he can’t give me more. I should walk away before I get hurt again.

It’s just that every time he shows up, every time he really sees me, every time he stays, my heart refuses to listen.

But letting him in might be the one thing I can’t come back from.

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/46LMbMV

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: http://bit.ly/4mNTUAn

*****

Review:

I read half of this in one sitting, just couldn’t put it down. I didn’t even get 15% into it before my heart just broke for Alice. She’s so strong, tough, finally to the point of asking for what she wants and … oh honey. Goodness that man can’t see what’s right in front of him. The whole allowing her time to lick her wounds – hahahahahaha, clueless man. But she doesn’t back down and I love love love how she put him in his place. Love her!

When Caleb finally figures his crap out, though, he goes all in and he makes a really great boyfriend. Supportive, sweet, wonderful … until he’s not. But that’s OK because Alice is willing to go after what she wants, speak her mind, and stop taking his crap. And it is awesome. I love that for her and it helps redeem him for some of his more stupid moments.

I will say that I’m not really sure I understand Caleb’s hostility towards Kent. I get that he wants to protect his son but I think that there needed a bit more fleshing out Kent’s potential issues. Otherwise, combined with his inflexibility towards Shelby and Kent’s needs, it just made Caleb look like an jerk. Of course, until proven otherwise.

I think readers are going to love Alice and be a little iffy on Caleb at first. But he does prove himself to her and to us so by the end I was more than rooting for them. And I think that’s where Wolf shines. Like with the other two books in the series, her characters are just so fabulously done you can’t help but love them.

Review – Rookie Season

04 Tuesday Nov 2025

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Rookie Season

Denver Kodiaks #4

by Piper Lawson

Blurb:

‘Tis the season… for deliciously bad decisions.

Last Christmas, I made a rookie mistake.
I had a one-night stand with the Denver Kodiaks’ new golden boy.

It was hot, reckless, and a play I’ll never make again.
At least, that’s what I tell myself.

Because forgetting isn’t so easy when I work at the team’s bar.
When I see him twice a week, grinning, flirting, acting like he doesn’t remember.

Now, everyone’s favorite rookie is hosting a team holiday getaway, and guess who’s stuck on the invite list?
Me. Their favorite bartender.

Cue:
-One secluded cabin
-One massive blizzard
-One too-gorgeous rookie determined to test my limits

I can handle it. I can keep my distance. I can survive a few festive nights in close quarters without slipping up…
Right?

Rookie Season is a steamy, snowed-in holiday romance set in the Denver Kodiaks world. Devour a new couple’s story, plus catch up with all your fave characters! This novella is packed with snowy shenanigans, forced proximity, and enough heat to melt every mountain in Colorado.

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/4ltOPwi

Download today!

Amazon: http://bit.ly/4madvuS

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/htNK

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/4mCrNEo

Nook: http://bit.ly/4msrlc0

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3Hryzhu

Google Play: http://bit.ly/415QZea

Audible: Coming Soon! 
Narrated by: Simone Lewis & Tim Paige

*****

Review:

I’m not usually a fan of flash backs to show us what happened in the past but I feel like Lawson handled them well. There aren’t very many and they are pretty short & to the point, showing us what happened between them last Christmas.

But I will say that I really wanted more of these two. I want to know what it was like for them in the year since. I want to know more about Sierra’s ex(es) and the scars she carries because of them. I want to know more about her relationship with her dad and their struggles & new dynamic.

And I’d love to get more of Ryan’s history, his relationship with the others. If there is a reason that he’s pushing so hard for a great Christmas with them. And I would have loved for it to be more than 2 days of the group together.

I like them. I like all of them and the family they’ve created together. It’s an enjoyably quick holiday read, they just have so much potential and I wanted more of it.

(Returning readers will like the sweet little tidbits we get from previous couples but this one will stand alone just fine for new readers.)

Review – Love You, Mean It

04 Tuesday Nov 2025

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Love You, Mean It

Blushing series

by Laura Pavlov

Review:

From USA Today bestselling author Laura Pavlov comes a story about found family and the power of acceptance, all wrapped up in a sizzling romance set in the frozen north.

My new landlord’s a real hard-ass. And I can’t keep my hands off him.

Charlie Huxley’s the best—and grumpiest—general contractor in Blushing, Alaska. He built the venue for the wedding-planning business my bestie and I share. After I accidentally flood my home, he offers me his guesthouse while he handles the repairs. But when he starts to take charge, I feel myself losing control.

Unable to resist, we casually hook up. We both know once will never be enough.

Between us, we carry plenty of baggage. I’ve got the absent father, drunk mother, and estranged sister. He grew up in foster care and is single-handedly raising a daughter whose mom visits just once a year.

But Charlie makes me feel like I belong. And for the first time ever, I picture myself with a real family.

Before I go all in, I need to learn to set some boundaries. Question is: Am I strong enough?

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/42TMDqD

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://bit.ly/42Op8z5

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/LoveYouMeanIt

Audible: http://bit.ly/3Is7H1r
Narrated by: Connor Crais & Erin Mallon

*****

Review:

I luh-uhved these characters. I’m not usually into black cat types but I really enjoyed Violet. Thanks to troubles with her family she struggles to connect, finding it difficult to trust others. Charlie also has some issues thanks to his time in foster care, not having a good example of a healthy family or relationships. But he is such an exceptional dad and so patient, raising a delightful little girl. She’s adorable and has such a great connection with Violet.

Pavlov surprised me with how things went, especially their third act issues. Charlie showed so much understanding with Violet and proved what a great partner he is going to be. I just loved it, and him. And the way that Violet was able to bloom with Charlie’s love & support, standing up to her family, was so so sweet.

All the books by Pavlov that I’ve read have had such a fantastic small town vibe, full of charm and sweetness. She’s firmly on my one click list. I don’t even need to know what the story is before I’m standing in line to get my copy 🙂