Review – Free Falling

05 Thursday Feb 2026

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Book Review, Colburn Brothers series, Free Falling, Jill Shalvis

Free Falling

Colburn Brothers #2

by Jill Shalvis

Blurb:

College rivals become workplace frenemies-turned-lovers in this warm, sexy contemporary romance from New York Times bestseller Jill Shalvis. First, they were rivals… Now they’re stuck with each other…

Retired hockey player Caleb Colburn needs this construction project to prove himself in the family business, but he also needs to recover from the injury that ended his pro career. Too bad Emma Sumner, architect liaison and Caleb’s college nemesis, is back in town and assigned to the project. They’re going to have to see each other almost every day. Which means once again she’ll make his life a living hell.

As for Emma, her job is on the line with this big project, made all the more challenging by the project manager. Caleb was the one who had snagged the scholarship she’d desperately needed to stay in college. She’s been living hand to mouth ever since and has no intention of ever forgiving the man.

But the beautiful historic building they’re renovating is exactly the kind of project that they both love best. Their surprising common ground and a burning mutual attraction start bringing them closer and closer to a potentially explosive mistake. And that’s even before the secrets come out…

*****

Review:

I am loving this series. Especially the close relationship between the Colburns after surviving an abusive childhood, how they became pillars of their community with an amazing support network for themselves and others. And it’s that network that would be there for Emma. If she would only let them.

Emma is sassy and stubborn and sharp, the perfect match for Caleb. Their relationship still has some of the negativity from their college years, plus the secrets and baggage that Emma is carrying, and it definitely takes them some time to let that go. Well, her more so than him. But with patience and charm, he’ll get her to let down her guard. At least a little bit.

Being a second chance romance, with a small town feel, there’s just so much to like with Free Falling. It’s funny, with the way that Caleb & Emma create sparks and with the boisterous family’s complicated dynamic. They might fight and tease big but they also love big and they warmly embrace Emma. It gives all the feels and plenty of steam, and a glimpse at what might be next.

(Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. There is a bit of a mystery that is not resolved tho that will probably be in the next book.)

Review – The Ultimate Goal

02 Monday Feb 2026

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

The Ultimate Goal

Brooklyn Blades #1

by Felice Stevens

Blurb:

Rip

In the fifteen years I’ve played for the Brooklyn Blades, I’ve won all the awards except the most important one. The Stanley Cup.

But my annoying ex-boyfriend is the team’s goalie, and the paparazzi is loving it. What’s worse is, my absentee father decides to make an appearance and won’t leave me alone.

I’m ignoring it all. My ultimate goal is to win the Cup.

Then my best friend’s younger brother, Adrian, shows up to interview me for the sports segment of the evening news. He’s nervous and unsure, so I have to help him. We grew up together,but I barely noticed him then.

I’m definitely noticing him now.

Adrian

Our sports reporter is injured, so I have to cover the hockey game when my ultimate goal is to be a hard news reporter. Not only am I camera shy, but I know nothing about sports. Sure, I know Rip Tremaine—I’ve had a crush on him for years. Not that he’s ever noticed me.

Maybe I can fake it.

Nope, I can’t.

But Rip saves my interview, and now the station wants me to follow the team. With my job on the line, Rip comes up with a plan: Get my own sports show to prove I can be on camera. I’ll pretend to be his boyfriend, and no one will know, not even my brother.
I’ll have unlimited access to the team.

And Rip.

We can do this. We’re professionals. He’s teaching me all about hockey…and kissing. And I’m helping him navigate his father’s betrayal.

Except neither one of us is pretending anymore. And our ultimate goal now is to win it the Cup, my job, and love.

Buy Link

https://geni.us/TheUltimateGoal

*****

Review:

I enjoyed this read. I liked Rip and I really liked him with Adrian, loved the whole best friend’s sibling thing as well as the Fake Dating trope. I felt like Stevens did a good job with integrating actual hockey with the romance (except that NHL lockers don’t actually have doors on them …) and that it wasn’t overly angsty. And while he is a self-centered @ss, I loved Rip’s ex Denis and hope that he gets his own story next.

But there were a few issues as well. There are inconsistencies that may be because I read an ARC but they seemed pretty central to the plot, with weird character choices and time jumps. Some of the character interactions seemed a bit juvenile and for all his talk about how he’s a grown man, Adrian seemed a little young for his age. I get that he’s inexperienced with low self-esteem (which I don’t really get why) but duuuuuude….he seriously couldn’t just shut up and get out of his own way with Rip 🙂

While I liked it well enough, and will try this author again, there were emotional moments that weren’t acknowledged and were great opportunities to deepen their relationship and make the story even better. I get the feeling that this isn’t normal for this author, based on some reviews I read, so I’m going to consider this a slightly awkward but enjoyable introduction to her books.

Review – Sincerely, Mr. Braden

28 Wednesday Jan 2026

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Book Review, Melissa Foster, Sincerely Mr Braden, The Bradens at Ridgeport series

Sincerely, Mr. Braden

The Bradens at Ridgeport Series

by Melissa Foster

Blurb:

Come along for the fun, sexy ride as this business-savvy, pleasure-oriented billionaire gets the shock of his lifetime and finds out his ever-efficient virtual assistant is not the man he thinks he is but a beautiful businesswoman who knows many of his secrets and has some of her own in Sincerely, Mr. Braden.

You know what they say about best-laid plans…

When the chance to finally meet my virtual assistant arises, I jump on it. Imagine my surprise when I find his beautiful sister Eleanor in his place.

The moment I meet Ellie Mitchell, my world shifts.

What was supposed to be a brief hello with my assistant turns into an unforgettable weekend with an incredible woman.

I’ve spent a lifetime keeping people at arm’s length and walking away unscathed, but Ellie obliterates every wall I’ve ever built.

What I learn next shatters my world.

I don’t know which betrayal cuts deeper: The lie she told me or the truth that I still want her.

THE BRADENS AT RIDGEPORT
Playing Mr. Perfect
Sincerely, Mr. Braden
Shamelessly Mr. Charming

Get Your Copy Here!
Melissa’s Shop: https://shop.melissafoster.com/collections/sincerely-mr-braden-collection
Amazon: https://lnk.to/SMB_Kindle
Apple: https://lnk.to/SMB_Apple
Nook: https://lnk.to/SMB_Nook
Kobo: https://lnk.to/SMB_Kobo
GPlay: https://lnk.to/SMB_GPlay

Audio – Releasing February 26 on all retailers!
Pre-Order Audio from Melissa’s Shop: https://shop.melissafoster.com/products/sincerely-mr-braden-audiobook

*****

Review:

Like most of Foster’s stories, it’s the characters that kept me turning the pages. What do you mean the MMC is a dirty talker in little nerdy glasses and quirky clothes, with a too big brain? And he’s found himself a delightful FMC that truly appreciates all of that and his humongous heart. I love that for him and the fact that he’s pretty quick to realize what he’s got right in front of him.

But as much as I love Seth, it’s really Taylor’s story. She’s struggling with a lot between caring for her dad and the fact that she’s never really gotten over the way her mom left. She has the support of her sister but she hasn’t really let herself relax. Until her weekend with Seth …

I’m not a huge fan of intentionally lying as a trope. I get why Taylor kept her identity secret and it plays out pretty smoothly but it just isn’t my favorite. I do think that Foster does a good job with setting us up. We understand how Taylor gets here and why she feels like this is her only option. I also think that the reveal and aftermath are handled well. It doesn’t go too long and is resolved in a pretty believable way. There’s a little bit of angst and some trouble coming their way but it works. And I love to see them as a couple, supporting each other and their loved ones, meshing their two lives together. So very satisfying.

Review – Just Don’t Call It Love

23 Friday Jan 2026

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Bayou Blades series, Book Review, Erin Nicholas, Just Don't Call It Love

Just Don’t Call It Love

Bayou Blades series

by Erin Nicholas

Blurb:

Welcome to Rebel, Louisiana—where the humidity feels personal, even the otters hold grudges, and chaos is a competitive sport.

I used to play hockey in sold-out arenas. Now my wrecked knee and I are stuck in a little bayou town that’s been mad at me for a year. I need a big comeback–and ZERO drama.

So first thing, I get tackled at the airport by a sunshiny woman in yellow overalls who’s thwarting my kidnapping… by her grandpas.

That’s Nora Delaune—Parks & Rec director, caffeine-powered menace, and the only person in Rebel willing to give me a chance. She needs me to win games and help save the town’s ice arena before it gets turned into a laser-tag nightmare.

And I… kind of like being needed by her. Even when she’s producing a singing, dancing, wig-wearing ice extravaganza that is definitely not hockey.

Then my sister—the team’s new owner—drops the bomb: if Nora and I “date,” the town might stop hating me.

Fine. We’ll fake it. As long as we don’t call it love.

But between late-night practices, the sugar-addicted swamp-werewolf mascot, otter drama, and the way Nora looks at me like I’m worth rooting for…I’m in trouble.

I came to Rebel to rebuild my career.

I didn’t expect to lose my heart doing it.

𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙄𝙩 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘵, 𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴, 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭-𝘰𝘧-𝘩𝘪𝘫𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘺-𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘧𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳!

https://a.co/d/7ZjG02A

Available in KU

*****

Review:

This was such a fun read. Nicholas’s books are always full of humor and quirkiness and small town eccentricities. Throw in a hockey game based off of the zaniness of Banana Ball and it’s a win for me! Readers will need to be OK with what is basically insta-love because the whole book is about a week long 🙂 But that doesn’t keep it from being an enjoyable reader.

Nora is very dedicated to her hometown and she has her reasons for wanting to keep everyone happy & to stay in Rebel. It’s complicated but born of love and is handled in a way that totally works. Alex has his own troubles. He’s basically only ever been wanted or needed because of hockey. Finding himself cut from his team leaves him struggling. But time spent with Nora and the rest of the citizens in Rebel has him looking at life a little differently.

From the the very first page, I was hooked. Goofiness mixed with heart is a hallmark of Nicholas’s stories and she brings it in spades. Returning readers will recognize some of their favorite characters but there’s lots of new ones to fall in love with too. From Otter Club to bonkers hockey, Just Don’t Call It Love is all rom-commy fun with a HEA and a glimpse of what’s to come.

*****

Author Info:

Erin Nicholas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over sixty sexy contemporary romances and rom coms. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy, and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines and happily ever afters. She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).

https://www.instagram.com/erinnicholasbooks/

Review – Louis

21 Wednesday Jan 2026

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Book Review, Harper Robson, Louis, Seattle Sasquatch Hockey series

Louis

Seattle Sasquatch Hockey Series

by Harper Robson

Blurb:

Two Goalies. Only One Net. A Game They Never Saw Coming.

LOUIS

I thought I knew exactly who I was—until a career-threatening injury forced me to realize I was wrong about my hockey future. And my heart.

My name is Louis Tremblay, and I’ve spent twelve years being the King of the Crease and the life of the locker room. But when a brutal on-ice collision tears my world apart, I’m suddenly the guy on the sidelines watching a rookie take my net.

My body is broken, my “straight guy” identity is crumbling after one too many dreams about my backup, and now management wants me to mentor that same backup who’s gunning for my job.

Teaching Tanner Sinclair is supposed to save the team’s season, but the more I show him about life in the pros, the more I realize he’s the only one who truly sees me.

TANNER

I don’t do “low-maintenance” because I’m easy; I do it because I’ve spent my life trying not to rock the boat or cause problems. I came to the Seattle Sasquatch to prove I’m a starter, not to fall for the legendary veteran who thinks he has to push me away to save both our careers.

Helping Louis through his injury was supposed to be a professional courtesy, but it ended up being the first time in my life I felt like I belonged.

Now a starting job with another team is on the table, and the only thing more terrifying than leaving the man I’m falling for is staying in a net he thinks he has to give up for me.

The high-stakes world of pro-hockey only has room for one Number One goalie. But as their connection grows, Louis and Tanner must decide if being the starter is a prize worth holding onto—or if they’re ready to rewrite the game plan together.

Tropes: Bi-Awakening, Grumpy x Sunshine, Goalies in Love, Hurt/Comfort, and one very judgy bearded dragon.

Louis is a complete standalone novel in the Seattle Sasquatch series with no cliffhangers and a guaranteed HEA.

*****

Review:

This is the first of Harper’s books that I’m reading and I really like her style. It’s a smooth, easy read and her characters were interesting, with complex issues. Louis’s fear after his injury was soaked into every page and in the way that he interacts with Tanner. And oh Tanner. The way that he spent his entire life making himself small, never finding a place where he fit in, to just be. And them finding a space together, one of support and connection … buuuut, because of that I wanted more. I wanted more of the two of them with their friends and teammates. I wanted more of them together, Tanner learning from Louis, forming a relationship so that the potential trade had more bite. It’s a solid story and one with a good dose of heart but also one that needed just that little bit more to elevate it.

Review – Protected from Villainy

20 Tuesday Jan 2026

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Blade and Arrow Shadow Team, Book Review, Gia Cobie, Protected from Villainy

Protected from Villainy

Blade & Arrow Shadow Team series

by Gia Cobie

Blurb:

As soon as I heard the news, I knew it had to be wrong.

Bea? A killer? Impossible.

Not the sweet therapist who gently bullied me into recovery and never gave up on me, no matter how grouchy I was. She believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. And I wouldn’t be where I am now without her.

Helping Bea means breaking the law. It means asking my Blade and Arrow teammates to risk their freedom, if we’re caught. But the idea of leaving Bea on her own is unthinkable. So, with my friends’ help, we race to stage a daring rescue before it’s too late.

I woke up from one nightmare only to be thrust into another.

First witness to a horrific crime; now accused of being the one who did it.

On top of that, my protector is a man I never expected to see again. I thought about Indy from time to time—wondering, worrying, even toying with the idea of checking up on him. But I never, ever imagined I’d wake up on the other side of the country after he abducted me.

I want to be angry with him for what he did, even though he claims he’s just trying to help me. But it’s really hard to stay mad at Indy when he’s the only one who makes me feel safe.

Protected from Villainy features a wounded warrior hero, a sweet and strong heroine with struggles of her own, forced proximity, found family, a security team of Army veterans, and plenty of sweet and steamy moments. Can be read as a standalone and an HEA guaranteed!

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/fj0CrNF

Available in KU

*****

Review:

I really enjoy Cobie’s stories and was so happy for Indy to get his own story after seeing him in Protected from Malice. He struggled so much after losing his hand, falling into depression and anger, but is starting to find his way again thanks to his work with Blade & Arrow. And he’s going to use his skills to protect the one woman he can’t forget, spiriting her off in the dark to keep her safe.

As they give in to the pull between them, Indy & Bea help each other feel more confidence in themselves & their attraction. The relationship they develop together may be fast, but it works on building on their previous connection. While there is no third act breakup, when you are about 2/3 way thru and you find your baddie you know that something more is coming. Cobie makes it work like she always does 🙂

I find Cobie’s stories a well-balanced mix of suspense, action, steam, and emotion. Her bad guy works, the way we get there flows well, and the team is always fun to read. We’ve got a few more guys that need a book and I’ll be first in line.

*****

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!

Connect with Gia Cobie:

https://www.giacobie.com

Review – What It Takes

15 Thursday Jan 2026

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Book Review, What It Takes, Willow Aster, Windy Harbor Series

What It Takes

The Windy Harbor Series

by Willow Aster

Blurb:

A Sexy, Small town, Enemies to Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Willow Aster

Camden Whitman has always been in my life. I met him when I was five and he was seven, but when he and my brother became best friends, I became nothing more than the pesky little sister he didn’t want around.

There was a period of time when I thought I felt a connection between us, but he shut that down faster than I could blink. Fast forward to adulthood years later, and here I am, still the annoying little sister he can’t stand.

Now there’s one difference: I want nothing to do with him.

I’m happy running The Kitty-Corner Cafe in my small town of Windy Harbor, Minnesota, and love living in my little slice of paradise on Lake Superior…until Camden decides to move here and open up a new restaurant.

Who cares if he’s a well-known chef who can prepare the most delectable food? He will never hear that from me. He’s wrecked my small-town, stress-free bubble and filled it with his abrasive comments and intrusive looks.

But then the unexpected happens. One night, when both of our walls are down, I see a glimpse of something other than distaste in his eyes. And it has me wondering if I’ve misjudged the man that has always gotten under my skin.

When those boundaries are crossed, there’s no turning back. Camden is on a mission and will do whatever it takes to make me his…

What it Takes is book two in the interconnected, standalone Windy Harbor series.

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/48COhl0

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: http://bit.ly/4qtvnDK

Audible: https://adbl.co/4q38aYc

Narrated by: Rose Dioro & Sebastian York

*****

Review:

I adore Cameron and Juju together but oh my goodness the angst that these two bring us. I know that part of it was that they were young and Cameron didn’t really know how to handle his feelings & the situation but he sure did make things worse. And they kept at it for years!

I don’t blame Juju for her reactions, especially as the flashbacks give us glimpses into exactly how bad things got. And once they started down that path it was probably hard to come back from it but *whew*

When things are good though, they are delightful. There’s a deep understanding between the two of them and a playfulness that makes me smile. They’ve known each other for years and share so many experiences & interests. They make a great team … as long as they get out of their own way 🙂

Aster may bring us years of pining, sniping, and hurt, but she also gives us a good mix of spice and connection. I love the small town charm & close family ties of her stories and I’m looking forward to seeing what we get next with Dylan’s story.

Review – Stealing His Thunder

14 Wednesday Jan 2026

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Beth Bolden, Book Review, Stealing His Thunder, Toronto Thunder series

Stealing His Thunder

Toronto Thunder series

by Beth Bolden

Designer: Ozark Witch Cover Design

Blurb:

Can rookie Cam’s sunshine steal veteran Dawson’s thunder?

Kicker Dawson Hall is ready to leave his past in the dust. His last season was catastrophically bad, with the distraction of his divorce and discovering that his father-in-law wasn’t managing his money—he was stealing it, instead.

He signs with the Toronto Thunder, poised for his redemption arc, but he’s grumpy and frustrated he has to undertake one at all. He should be better than this. He is better than this.

The new rookie punter’s hero worship might be just another annoyance, but Cameron Green is sweet and kind and more than a little naïve. He’s a country boy suddenly dumped amongst all the skyscrapers, with no idea of how the real world can chew him up and spit him out. It’s practically Dawson’s duty to mentor him and if Dawson soaks up a little of his sunshine, too?

Well, nobody could blame him for that. Not after the year’s he’s just had.

But when Dawson starts craving more and more of Cam, his crush dangerously teetering into passion kind of territory, he’s forced to not just confront his own past, full of disappointment and distrust, but his future, too.

He wants his redemption, and that perfect vision of a season feels just within reach. But it turns out he doesn’t just want Cam for single season—even if it’s everything he believed he wanted—he wants Cam for every season.

Available on: Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, paperback, and audio narrated by Darcy Stark (est February)

On Amazon & Kindle Unlimited: https://readerlinks.com/l/5111928

*****

Review:

I think I’m going to wear out the word but once again this is such a sweet read. Cam is all sorts of golden retriever energy. Positive, happy, set on showing Dawson how awesome Daws is … and that Cam might just be the perfect man for him. Loved it from the first kiss to the HEA.

And Dawson really is awesome. He’s a little battered, a little doubtful, and way too hard on himself but he’s had a rough year. No one could blame him for being a little hesitant to trust, in himself and in others. But there’s no denying his attraction to Cam. And while he’s a little slow to recognize how deep he is in with Cam, the man does eventually figure it out 🙂

Bolden did it again. I love Cam & Dawson together – they are just so sweet as a couple. I love, love, love that she didn’t make it overly angsty. Instead we get Dawson working to get his feet back under him after his divorce and the fall out from his FIL’s deception. And when he starts to look up, there’s Cam right there in all his sunshiny, positive glory. Oh, my heart.

Review – Rebound Control

09 Friday Jan 2026

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Book Review, Chicago Thunder Hockey series, Jodi Oliver, Rebound Control

Rebound Control

Chicago Thunder Hockey series

by Jodie Olver

Blurb:

Elliot

How is it possible to be surrounded by people who love me, yet I still feel alone?

Everyone is falling in love, and it’s like I’ve been left on the outside.

I want that for myself, but the thought of putting myself out there is terrifying.

Growing up being told you’re ‘too much’ puts a dent in your confidence, no matter how hard you try to hide it.

Until one day, Lieutenant Hunter Bowen finds me trapped in an elevator.

His kind words and gentle smile only heightens the crush I have on him, and when he asks me to join him one night, I push my fears aside and say yes.

I’m great at controlling the rebound on the ice, but when it comes to bruised hearts?

I guess we’ll find out.

Hunter

When I became a widower seven years ago, my entire world was flipped upside down.

I needed a fresh start, so I left the military and moved across the country, and vowed never to fall in love again.

That was until I met Elliot Olsen.

The guy who has the brightest smile, the biggest heart, and a whole heap of unspoken emotions.

I try to keep my heart at a distance, but the fire burns too bright between us to ignore.

The only problem is I’ve been here before, and I don’t know if I can risk having my heart torn apart again.

Rebound Control is a sports romance featuring a hockey goaltender and a firefighter. It includes ADHD rep, a protective mc, late night ice cream drives and all the Thunder found family vibes.

It is book five in the Chicago Thunder series and can be read as a standalone.

Buy Link:

https://mybook.to/ReboundControl
Available in KU

*****

Review:

I am all over the board on this one. I’ve only read a couple of the Thunder books so I don’t have a lot to go on when it comes to Elliot. I remember him as playful and fun loving but scattered and he’s definitely that, tho here his ADHD really becomes evident. And I’m not sure how those close to him missed it. Not so much his brother, because it would have just been how he always has been to Blaine, but his teammates and their SOs … I mean, it is blatantly obvious. But I do love that he finally gets the recognition and help that he needs, that he finds someone who understands him and loves him exactly as he is.

I adored Elliot’s enthusiasm for life and my heart went out to him for his struggles. It cannot have been easy, even with his brother and his friends, to struggle thru them alone. He’s developed a few coping mechanisms but he still has to deal with so much anxiety and negative thoughts.

There were times tho where I felt like his personality might read as younger than his actual age. His unrestrained joy and the way he throws himself into things, plus his difficulty in doing some of the more “adult” things, has him coming across as childlike. But his relationship with Hunter didn’t read as icky to me but it did make it hard for me to get a feel for Elliot.

Especially when compared to Hunter’s more old soul. He’s a little beaten up and aged by his experiences so he comes across as older than I imagine he is. I do wish he’d gotten some help for his issues because they seemed to just go away and that’s not how it works. That man really needed to see a therapist, especially as he finds himself falling in love again. But he does throw himself into their relationship whole heartedly and I love that so much.

I do appreciate that there isn’t a whole lot of angst to go along with all of their issues. There are so many emotions, so much internal turmoil, that I don’t think I could have handled the external too. Instead we get Hunter learning to let himself care about someone again and Elliot finding that someone that can truly appreciate him for who he is. It’s just so so sweet.

*****

Author Info:

Jodi Oliver is a British author who writes MM romance, happily ever after guaranteed. She loves donuts, dogs and ice hockey, and when she hasn’t got her head in a book or hiding in the writing cave, you can find her at an ice hockey game.

She lives in England but dreams of living in the Canadian countryside, with some highland cows and otters.

You can find her on Instagram @JodiOliverAuthor or in her Facebook reader group ‘Jodi Oliver’s Sin Bin’

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Review – A Cowboy Holiday

02 Friday Jan 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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A Cowboy Holiday, Book Review, Lane Hayes

A Cowboy Holiday

by Lane Hayes

Blurb:

The cowboy, the rancher, and a little holiday magic…

TANNER

I met the grumpiest man on the planet and I’m head over heels in lust. No joke. Oak Ridge Ranch’s new part-time vet slash ranch hand is a bear and he’s built like one too. If I were smart, I’d keep my distance.

In a twist, I’m not so smart.

But I can tell that under his hard as nails exterior, the cowboy is a gentle giant. Axel is a devoted single dad, a dedicated vet, and…I think he likes me. Or he wants me.

I can work with that.

There’s nothing wrong with a little holiday fun, is there?

AXEL

I need the job at the ranch through December, then I’m out of here. I have a kid to think of and it’s time to settle old scores and build a new life.

But Tanner is making things complicated. He’s smart, intuitive, and charming, and— Whoa! I’ve learned my lesson. This is temporary. I’m not Tanner’s cowboy. I might be attracted to him, but I can handle it.

I hope.

Okay, fine. I may need some Christmas magic to get out of this with my heart in one piece. Wish me luck.

A Cowboy Holiday is an MM, bisexual romance featuring a single dad-cowboy-grump, a sweetheart of a rancher, and some holiday magic.

AVAILABLE NOW

*****

Review:

Hayes delivers a sweet, low angst, and quick holiday read. I always love her characters, how they interact, and this one is no different. Tanner is a big hearted, sweetheart of a cowboy and Axel is a little bit gruff, somewhat jaded, but a wonderfully committed girl dad. They find themselves attracted to each other but both have been burned in the past and with a time limit on Axel’s stay things get a little complicated. They are great together and have such a lovely connection, as Tanner helps Axel let go a little and allow himself to be a little more free. It doesn’t take long for their feelings to take over and I appreciate that Hayes doesn’t let things get overly difficult. A Cowboy Holiday is a little bit of grumpy/sunshine with a single dad cowboy twist (I do wish we’d gotten more of Axel’s daughter tho, she’s a cutie) all tied up with a Christmas bow.

**There are a few field trips to the Christmas themed town from Moody’s Grumpy Holiday but the story can easily be read as a stand alone.**

*****

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

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

*****