Leather and Lace (Black Diamond Ranch #1) by Kinsley Hunt

 

After my mother's death, I was thrown into a world I never asked to be part of - one built on bloodlines, legacies, and a father I've never met. I didn't come here looking for answers, but the ones I've found threatened to unravel everything. There are secrets buried deep in the soil of Black Diamond, and I should be afraid of what they'll cost me. But I'm not. Not when he's watching. Colter Shaw. The heir to the southern empire. Arrogant, magnetic, and cold as the bourbon in his glass. He's the kind of man who keeps people at arm's length - and yet looks at me like I'm the only thing worth touching. We're from two different worlds, raised on opposite sides of privilege and pain. He says I don't belong here. Maybe he's right. But that hasn't stopped him from acting like I do. Like I will. They warned me that Black Diamond would change me. What they didn't tell me is how much I'd want it to. Leather and Lace by Kinsley Hunt was published on January 2nd, 2026. This is the first book in the Black Diamond Ranch series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Kinsley Hunt and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved this book. This book had me on the edge of my seat because things that I thought were not actually happening. It had so many twists and turns throughout the book that I was not expecting. Though, it did not have any plot holes at all at the end of the story. I absolutely loved how the author wrote the plot of this story. While there is not many spicy scenes it didn't take away from the story. I felt like both characters had depth that was slowly revealed through the book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and Kinsley Hunt is now on my favorite author list. I highly recommend checking out this story. 

Quotes that I Loved

"You'll get used to him. He's kind of like a yeast infection. Gone for a while but always pops back up when you least expect it." 

"Good girl." 

Damn. Why is my pussy so wet from this? I should be seeing red flags not yummy green ones. 

"Come on now, Little Star.....We're the stars. Meant to be. Giant balls of gas that blink out of existence only to blink right back in under a new sky...." 

Black Diamond Ranch Series

1. Leather and Lace 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Forced Proximity

Billionaire 

Age Gap 

Mafia 

Small town 

Scars of You (Amity #2) by Madi Danielle

 

Three years ago I moved to Amity. This was the place I was going to set my roots and live my life without the constant reminders of the pains of my past. That first night I fell into bed with a sexy stranger, only to find out he's none other than my neighbor. And he didn't even remember me or the night we spent together. Or so I thought. Years have past and it seems that may not be the case after all. Even though we don't get along, our chemistry is impossible to ignore. Turns out the fire between us may not be based on hatred at all. But rather something much more explosive. Scars of You by Madi Danielle was published January 13th, 2026. This is the second book of Amity series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Madi Danielle and The Smuthood. Now, first I want to say that mental health is so important. So please take the time to read the trigger warnings from this book for your own mental health. Also if it gets to rough for you do not shame yourself for walking away from the book. Okay, let's talk about the book. I absolutely loved this book and read it through having sickness. It took me longer then I would have loved but that's because I needed lots of sleep to get through this nasty cold. It took me two days mind you still. I loved how in depth the characters of Bailey and Wes are in this story. I felt like I could feel their struggles and I was silently cheering them on to open up to those around them. Also silently cheering that they were finally opening up in some way with each other about their struggles. I felt like both Wes and Bailey grew so much through this book not just with each other but themselves as well. They both had their own battles and were able to overcome those in some ways. The plot is intense but the slow parts really helped even it out. While I am not a huge fan of slow burn type of books this one didn't really bother me. It had great little scenes that all led up to the final moments. The spicy scenes were mild for something I would have thought for this type of books. But they were sweet and spicy. I highly recommend this book and now I am for sure going to add book one and book three to my every growing TBR. 

Quotes that I Loved 

Bailey: You don't tell me what to do.
Wes: Watch me. 

"Good. I don't want you to be a good girl. Get on your stomach."
"Make me." 

"Brats get punished. Now you get to go through the rest of the night needy, wet, and unsatisfied." 

Amity Series

1. Embers of You

2. Scars of You

3. Memories of You 

Tropes

Enemies to Lovers

Small Town 

Slow Burn

Men in Uniform 

For Now (Star-Crossed City #3) by Ari Wright

 

Marco Amir is great at his job. With one notable exception. He absolutely cannot keep himself away from the beautiful, wallflower wedding planner. He's supposed to be protecting her from the rabid media, ensuring there are no leaks that compromise the big event. Though, as threats close in and his carefully laid plans begin to unravel, Marco finds he isn't just guarding Alice because he has to, but because he's pretty sure she just might be the one...If he can somehow convince her their connection isn't just for now. For Now by Ari Wright was published January 8th, 2026. This is the third book in Star-Crossed City series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Ari Wright and The Smuthood. Okay first thing first, I have not read book one or book two of this series so it's all new characters to me. I have to say the characters were not something that I normally read. While yes, I read about bodyguard romances Marco did not act like the strongest bodyguard. Also Alice, really was hard on herself so much that at times it took over the story and you just wanted to escape. I did enjoy the plot of this story, but it made me realize that I knew nothing of what was going on in the other books which if I had the knowledge it would have helped me understand the plot better. I did enjoy this book and it was a nice escape from the world around me. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Good Girl." 

"I want to fuck you." 

"Your gun...You forgot to take it out of your pants." 
"That's not a gun, sweet girl." 

Star-Crossed City Series

1. For Always 

2. For Ever

3. For Now 

Tropes

Soulmates 

Fake Dating 

Bodyguard

He Falls first 

Happy Ever After (New York Thunder #4) by Shann McPherson

 

Two words describe Happy Slater; unserious and slutty. The second line defenseman, son of a former supermodel and a rockstar, is known for a good time and not a lot else. But sometimes appearances can be deceiving, and it's often the ones we least expect that are hiding the biggest secrets. Hannah Draper, daughter of New York Thunder head coach, Lance Draper, has officially had it with men. Forced to wait in the rain for an Uber that never shows, that is driven by - yep - a man, it only proves her point that all men suck. During her time of need, the last person Hannah wants to accept help from is Happy Slater, but desperate times often lead to terrible mistakes. After an unexpected night of hate-filled passion, they part ways only to find themselves brought back together again, and again, and again. Just when Hannah thinks she's got Happy figured out, he opens up his heart and shares his deepest secrets with her. This new side to the once insufferable member of her dad's hockey team has her cold heart thawing and her resolve to cancel all men starts to slip. But as the unlikely pair try to navigate their foreign feelings together, ghosts from their past start to surface, threatening everything. Happy Ever After by Shann McPherson will be published January 14th, 2026. This is book four of the New York Thunder series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Shann McPherson and The Smuthood. I fell in love with this series from Best Kept Secret. I thought that was going to be the high of the series but in reality I think this book took over the stop. This book had me giggling and crying, and squealing. I absolutely loved Hannah in this book. I felt like she grew as the character in this book. Then there is Happy....omg I think he has such a unique name. Anyways, I loved him and really could not see him as a Playboy in the book. So when the truth of his secret comes out I was not surprised. Though, the secret really sent me in a frenzy. I loved the plot in this book. Yes, it's fast paced and they fall in love quickly but the characters have known each other before this book. Also sometimes it's fun to read a fast paced book. I highly recommend checking out this book. I for sure need to read the other books in this series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Are you going to be able to fuck me if I let you come right now, or are you a pathetic one-hit wonder?" 

"Oh, fuck yes, good boy!" 

"I'm going to suck your cock so you'll stop being such a downer." 

New York Thunder Series 

1. Famous Last Words

2. One Night Only

3. Best Kept Secret 

4. Happy Ever After 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Hockey

He Falls First 

Single Dad

Poke Check (Skate Me Home #3) by Rachel Anthony

 

Naomi Piccolo is done being underestimated. Chronically overlooked at her marketing firm, landing a consulting gig for a pro hockey team is her chance to prove she belongs in the big leagues - even if she's the shortest person in every boardroom. Garrett Tall doesn't do apologies. Not for his size, not for his ridiculous pre-game rituals, and definitely not for pissing off the fierce little redhead. As the Hartford Whalers' starting goalie, he's paid to be immovable, and he's very good at his job. When Naomi walks into the arena, neither of them is thrilled. She thinks he's a superstitious man-child who smirks instead of speaks. He thinks she's all bark and no bite. Then she accidentally touches his lucky stick. And he wins. Now Garrett is convinced she's his good luck charm - and he's not above asking her to touch his stick again. She finds the whole thing absurd. He finds her protests irrelevant. Suddenly they're bound together by superstition and stubbornness, stuck in each other's orbit with all the friction combusting into something a lot harder to ignore. Poke Check by Rachel Anthony was published on January 4th, 2026. This is the third book in the Skate Me Home series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Rachel Anthony and Book Siren. This was a super short book then what I am used to. I loved the two characters in this book though. They had me giggling at their silly antics and word choices. Though, I felt like both characters lacked something that could make them feel more rounded. The plot while it was a slow burn I felt like there was a lot of it missing on the pages. I felt like we needed more time for the two characters to fall in love. I felt like it was skipped a lot of things without telling the reader. Though this book was a cute read and I would love to read more from this author. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Wouldn't want to get any taller. Ceiling fans are already dangerous."
"What?"
"Blades....They're everywhere. Gotta stay alert." 

"I need you to touch my stick." 

"Have you been stalking me again?"
"Please. If I was stalking you, you'd never see me coming. I'm small and sneaky, remember?" 

Skate Me Home Series

1. Blocked Shot

2. Twisted Shot

3. Poke Check 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Hockey

Grumpy Sunshine

Slow Burn

The Sugar Plum Rebellion by Megan Astraus

 

Clara Winters has one never let anyone see the ADHD-fueled chaos underneath her ballet perfection. As the adopted daughter of a ballet legend, she's spent her entire life proving she belongs by forcing her neurodivergent brain into the Porcelain Princess mold everyone expects. This Christmas Eve Nutcracker is her final audition. One flawless Sugar Plum Fairy performance will land her prestigious contract and prove she deserves her legacy. Then, her dance partner snaps his ankle. His only replacement? Trevor Williams, a tattooed, recovering addict from the county arts program next door. Their partnership should fail. But between heated arguments and hotter stolen glances, their forced proximity turns into late-night rehearsals and vulnerable confessions. The Sugar Plum Rebellion by Megan Astraus was published December 3rd, 2026. 

I was given this book from Book Siren and Megan Astraus for my honest review. This book took me awhile to get into the story. For over half of the books the author spent the time to build the story. It actually made me not like Clara at all with her attitude about everything. Even though you know that it's not her true thoughts. I had a hard time thinking Clara had anything in common with Trevor. I couldn't see how or why they were falling for each other. Then in the second half of the book everything started to make sense. I actually started to enjoy the book and was able to finish the book. While, I didn't overly enjoy the book the book had some issues but overall I did have some enjoyment in the end. 

Quotes That I Loved 

I know what cages look like. Hers is made of mirrors. 

"Tell me to stop, Clara....because I don't think I can."
"Don't you dare fucking stop." 

"Do you want advice, or would you rather I listen?" 

Tropes 

Enemies to Lovers

Forced Proximity

Holiday Romance 

He Falls First 

Bad Boy

Sports Romance 

The Promise of Forever (Holly Ridge #2) by Morgan Elizabeth

 

For as long as she can remember, Hallie Young's life has been intertwined with the King family in every way that matters. Over the years, the Kings have become the family she always desperately wanted after her mom left, and there is nothing she would ever do to jeopardize that. Not even Jesse, her best friend's hot older brother, whose name she used to doodle in the margins of her notebooks. Jessie King did not expect to become a dad at 21 or to take on the responsibility of raising his daughter alone soon thereafter, but he accepted it without hesitation. He's determined to make sure his now pre-teen daughter, Emma, makes it to adulthood with as few bumps and bruises as possible. This means his own personal life is on the back burner until she's out of his house, a decision he's never even questioned, much less regretted. That is, of course his little sister's best friend shows up at his front door to watch Emma over winter break. Suddenly, long-buried feelings are resurfacing, and he's wondering if she couldn't be exactly what his little family is missing. The Promise of Forever by Morgan Elizabeth was published December 26th, 2025. This is the second book of the Holly Ridge series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from House of Hearts and Morgan Elizabeth. First thing first, I did not read the first book of the series. But, I can honestly say that it did not take apart from this book. Though, maybe gives a little more background to that of Wren and her boyfriend Adam. The plot in this book was great. I felt like everything that was happening had a reason. It was easy to follow along and it had a good amount of ups and downs through the story. The characters were sweet characters and while Hallie I felt like was growing into herself through the book. I still felt like she lacked something to make her a more well rounded character. Jesse, I felt like his own personal growth felt rushed and last second toward the end of the book. Now, the big hiccup in this book and the reason why I couldn't give the book four stars out of five is because there were so many Grammar errors throughout the book. I felt like at some point they ruined the scene that would have been amazing. Though, for me who struggles with Grammar I was able to overlook it. Though, I will warn my followers if you have trouble with errors then this book is not for you. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You should know by now that Jesse's blind, Pete, .....He'll get it one day." 

"You don't get to deem what I'm wearing inappropriate; I am not yours." 
"Trust me, Hallie, I am incredibly aware you are not mine." 
"Thank God for that....What's that supposed to mean?" 

"You couldn't handle a woman like me, Jesse."
"Oh, I could handle you, Hallie Young." 

Holly Ridge Series

1. The Bright Side of Christmas 

2. The Promise of Forever

Tropes

Small Town

Single Parent

Friends to Lovers

Best Friend's Brother