Cruel Savior (Ruthless Arrangements #1) by Lilith Vincent

 

I saved his life. Now he owns mine. I've lived my whole life in a golden cage, the captive daughter of a powerful Mafia don. When my father arranges my marriage to Vincenzo Vici, a cold-blooded assassin from a rival family, it's a death sentence. For both of us. Because my father uses our engagement to slaughter the Vicis and take their territory. But he makes a grave error. He doesn't kill the most dangerous Vici of Vincenzo himself. I've never met my intended fiance, so when I stumbled upon a handsome, bloodied stranger being tortured in a laundromat in the middle of the night, I follow my instincts and save his life. Big mistake. The man I saved is Vincenzo Vici, and when he discovers I'm the woman who led his family to slaughter, I realize there are circles of hell my father never showed me. Vincenzo should kill me. He wants to kill me. Instead, he decided to make me pay in a different way - by holding me to our arranged marriage and exacting his revenge on me. But Vincenzo isn't the monster I expected. His ruthless kisses light up my soul. His darkness is a dangerous addiction. And when my father hands me poision and orders me to finish what he started, I'm caught between two impossible loyalty to my own blood, or devotion to the darkness that sets me free. Cruel Savior by Lilith Vincent was published February 25th, 2026. This is the first book in Ruthless Arrangements series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Lilith Vincent and The Smuthood. Let's talk about the cover first. The cover of this book is amazing! I feel like this character really brings out the character in the book. It also really drew me to the book so well done on the cover Lilith. Okay, let's talk about this book. This book is grade AMAZING! I could not put this book down for the life of me. I lost many hours of sleep reading this book. This book had the drama, had the romance, had the twist and turns. It had me crying and had me squealing in giddiness. The plot of this book is perfection and I felt like there was nothing that I needed to know more about. It had the perfect amount of background that gave you some answers but yet was not over running the whole book. The smut scenes are tame for a Dark Romance but still hot with tension. The tension between the two main characters is there from the first few chapters that make you want to fan yourself. The two characters are well written. I really like how the author wrote the Mafia princess in this book. You can tell that she was shelter from certain things and yet how she also suffered from abuse. She acted how a person would act if she was abused most of her life. I absolutely loved this book. I cannot wait till the second book comes out in May. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Where do you think you're going, my pretty little Savior?" 

"You're getting off on this? There are bodies right there. We're both soaking in their blood." 

"Doe knows how to handle herself, Zia. First time I met her, she brained me with a baseball bat." 
"Was that before or after you kissed her?"
"After."
"Damn, you need to work on your technique." 

"Eyes on me. I want to see your face when you come on my cock. Want to watch you fall apart for me." 

Ruthless Arrangement Series

1. Cruel Savior 

2. Forbidden Vow (May 6th, 2026) 

Tropes

Mafia 

Enemies to Lovers

Arrange Marriage 

Virgin

Dark Romance 

Slow Burn 

He Falls First 

Maksim (The Korolova Bratva #1) by Katie Ashley

 

Because of the way I speak, everyone judges me the moment I open my mouth. Even though I'm 6'5 and two eighty, they see me as weak. They always have. Even my father who passed me over as his heir. Behind the mask with the automated voice, I'm not weak. Women desire me, and men fear me. As fortunes change within my family, I need to correct my impediment. That's why I seek out one of the best speech pathologists on the East Coast. On paper, Dr. Sarah Whitfield looks boring and rigid. But the good doctor is hiding a secret: she has a kink for Masked Men. She sheds her professional facade on weekends when she attends Masked Events. And I'm here to fulfill her fantasies of being kidnapped by a masked man. But this time, it's for real. Maksim by Katie Ashley was published on January 29th, 2026. This is the first book in the Korolova Bratva series. 

I was given this book for my honest review by Katie Ashley and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved organized crime romances. Somehow they always make me feel good inside when I read them. Anyways, this is the first book that I have read by Katie Ashley and she did not disappoint me whatsoever. I think I highlighted so many good scenes and quotes in this book it is almost all highlighted. I absolutely loved that the big beefy Bratva guy had a disability. For me that was huge that you find out that both characters struggle with things and were not perfect. It made both of them seem so real to me. This book though made me feel the feels. I love how Sarah was not going to let Maksim by when he makes a mistake. Also how she was always trying to fix his disability through the book. Made me giggle so hard because I could totally see how it would cause him to set back some of his ego. I absolutely loved this book so much that I cannot wait to read more from Katie Ashley. Her writing is sweet and yet also makes you feel all tingly. I highly recommend it. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Do you want to be fucked like a lady or fucked like my whore?"
"Like your whore." 
"Good girl." 

"I have no fantasies that involve you."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Absolutely."
"You lie to me, and you lie to yourself."
"You're an egomaniac." 
"When you were making yourself come in the shower, were you thinking about Maksim or me?"
"Fuck you."
"I would love you to."
"I wish it had been Maksim I was thinking of."
"Why? I'm the one who made you come last night."
"He's a better man than you.....I hate you."
"Oh, I know."
"No. I don't just hate you. I despise you." 
"Surely you're aware that angry sex can be very, very hot." 

Korolov Bratva Series 

1. Maksim 

Tropes

Dark Romance

BDSM

Forced Proximity 

Organized Crime 

Sinful Obsession (Sinful Spartans of SCU #1) by Havoc Wilde

 

He's been her hero once. Now, he'll be her ruin. Ramsey Blackwood is a menace on the ice. A bruiser. A fighter. A legacy at St. Charles University, keeping his family name alive even after his cousins have graduated. But his real obsession? Reese St. Pierre. It started the first time he saw her. Years ago, he saved her from a man who meant to hurt her. But it wasn't just a white knight move. It was the beginning of his downfall. She's all he sees. All he wants. All he craves. But Reese is off-limits. His best friend. The little sister of his cousin's wife. A dancer with more grace than anyone he's ever known. The only person who makes him feel like there's a shred of good left inside him. She's also someone else's. Ramsey tells himself she deserves better. That no one is good enough for her - not even him. That he'll protect from the shadows, even if it means burying his own secrets - his violent tendencies, his obsession, his addiction to the darkness his cousin Penn introduced him to. But when he finds out just how unworthy her boyfriend really is, all bets are off. Reese has always known Ramsey was dangerous. But when she follows him into the night, she realizes she never knew just how dark he truly is. And now that she's seen him like this, there's no turning back. She was his once-upon-a-time salvation. Now, he'll be her sweetest sin. Sinful Obsession by Havoc Wilde was published on February 19th, 2026. This is the first book of the Sinful Spartans of SCU series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Havoc Wilde and The Smuthood. I absolutely devoured this book. I mean this book had me drooling in parts and gasping in others. Also had me cheering and me angry muttering in parts as well. This book I could not put down which is really hard when you have four kids and watch your two year old niece. Havoc knows what she is doing when she created Ramsey and Reece. Ramsey had so much depth in him that it made me want to cheer for him to know that he is worth everything even though he is a creepy dude. Then there is Reece who you get to know has many layers as well she is just better hiding them. Both of these characters grew into themselves more as the book progressed. Their romance is top tier and I was a little jealous of parts of how much Ramsey loved her. I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed. Also the smut scenes are AMAZING!!!!! 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Like a wolf not even bothering to show its teeth because it knows the lamb is already dead." 

"Who. Fucking. Touched. You." 

"You need to climb that tree as soon as fucking possible. Why wait? The man is a fucking redwood, and you're over here making lists when you should be making babies." 

"Don't waste the fucking time being a white knight....Maybe what she needs is the villain." 

"To be fucked like an animal in the dirt?" 

Sinful Spartans of SCU Series

0. A Very Sinful Christmas 

1. Sinful Obsession 

2. Sinful Ruin (TBA) 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Friends to Lovers

Sports Romance - Hockey & Dance 

College/New Age 

He Falls First 

Roommates to Lovers

Stalking 

Forbidden 

Bad Boy / Good Girl 

Roped In (Windy Peaks #2) by Elle Jordan

 

Twelve years apart. Two broken hearts. One love that refuses to fade. I spent the majority of my younger years dreaming of marrying Weston Taylor, my childhood sweetheart. Until he shattered my heart the night before I left for college. I left our small town, vowing to never look back. My eyes now set on big city dreams. Life took that as a challenge, apparently. Because twelve years later, I'm back in Windy Peaks, and if I want to climb the corporate ladder, I have to knock this project out of the park. The only problem? I'm working on Weston's family ranch for the summer and there's a sparkling engagement ring adoring my left hand. I thought I was strong enough to resist his charm but the more I see him, the more I'm reminded of why I fell in love with him all those years ago. And the more I realize how badly I've been settling in my life. Our fire is burning brighter and hotter than ever. Weston's made it clear he's determined to correct the mistakes of his past. His biggest regret? Letting me go. That's one mistake he isn't making twice. Roped In by Elle Jordan was published February 6th, 2026. This is book two of the Windy Peaks series. 

First off I was given this book for my honest review from Elle Jordan and Love Notes PR. I really wanted to read this book because I judge books by their covers (I know the horror). Anyways, the plot in this story is sweet and it makes you think. I wanted more in some parts of the book as I did not think the FMC was angry enough at the MMC. I mean for twelve years she thought he didn't love her after he broke her heart. I wanted more passion from both characters. I really felt like the two characters were not meshing well in the story except the history was there. I wanted more from both of the characters. I did feel like Weston was a little one sided as well as a massive EGO. Though, through all of that I really did enjoy the book and was able to overlook things. I really enjoyed this story but it is a bit slow through the book. I needed more action throughout the book. I highly recommend checking out this book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

If the ring is off, she's fair game, and I'm coming for what's mine. 

"Are you going to be a good girl and come for me? Be sure to moan extra loud for me. I want to see you come undone." 

"Look at how well you took my come, baby. Such a good little cum slut for me. Come around and sit on the edge of the bed." 

Windy Peaks Series 

1. Spurred On 

2. Roped In 

3. Saddled Up (2026) 

3.5: Wrapped Up (2026) 

Tropes

Second Chance 

Small Town 

Forced Proximity 

Childhood Friends 

Boss/Employee 

Collide (Cedar Lakes University #5) by Meghan Hollie

 

This wasn't the plan. I was supposed to be photographing NFL sidelines, athletes in their prime. Instead I'm working a job that pays the bills and nothing more. Then Liv Matthews barrels into my life and suddenly I've got a roommate. She's real, unfiltered and nothing like the calm I thought I wanted, but somehow she's the first thing that's made this place feel alive again. I promised myself I wouldn't fall for her. But promises don't mean much when she's already in every part of my world. Collide by Meghan Hollie was published on February 5th, 2026. This is the fifth book in the series Cedar Lakes University. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Love Notes PR and Meghan Hollie. It seems that a lot of books are using the cartoon covers more and more. They are not my favorite but this one is pretty cute. This book took me awhile to get through. Not only is it a slow burn but I felt like there was not much actions taking place in the book. I felt like I was stuck on a loop throughout the book. But the characters were a little flat sided and I felt like both characters needed more background to get to know them. Though, not sure if it's because I didn't read book one through four that I missed some of the background. It is sad though that I wanted more of the side characters then the actual main characters. I did enjoy the humor in this book and how the two slowly showed that they had interest in each other. I felt like their love interest was a slow build but it made since in the end. The smut scenes are loosely written which is great for those who don't like a lot of smut scenes. I recommend checking out this book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Hm, seems we're meant to be besties after all, huh?"
"I guess so....Just promise me you won't go jumping off cliffs to save my life and humanity as we know it, hm?" 

"I might not have taken you on the date, but I'm the one you came home to. I can still be the one to end your night right." 

"Most people think 'alive' means staying indoors where the lightning can't turn them into a human toast."

 
"Just ignore it, it'll go down." 
"Just what every girl wants to hear when a boy is about to get into bed with them." 

Cedar Lakes University Series

1. Trouble

2. Fragile

3. Pieces

4. Riptide

5. Collide 

Tropes

Friends to Lovers 

Forced Proximity 

Penalty Play (Boston Rebels #5) by Julia Connors

 

We were never meant to see each other again. It was a one-night, no-names fling in Bermuda...until the next day when I watch her walk down the aisle at our parents' wedding and discover she's now my stepsister. We say it won't happen again, but we give in to the temptations of "just one more time"...twice. We tell ourselves there's no harm in it. Given my stepdad's and her mom's rocky marital histories, it's unlikely we'll ever see each other again. Except, a few days later, I walk into the Boston Rebels' offices to assure management that I'll focus on nothing but hockey after I missed last season thanks to an injury. Instead, I find myself face-to-face with my stepsister, Morgan, who now works for the team. At first, we pretend we've never met and try to steer clear of each other. But it's impossible. Her friends are tangled up with my teammates. Her dad is my agent. She's everywhere: at the rink, out with our firneds, and in my head. I have every reason not to pursue her. I tell myself I'll stay away. And yet, I can't get enough of her. So we make a deal: a secret friends with benefits arrangement - no feelings, no commitment. The more I truly get to know her, the more I can't imagine my life without her. But forever is the one thing I promised myself I'd never give anyone again.  Penalty Play by Julia Connors was published on January 23rd, 2026. This is the fifth book in the Boston Rebels Series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Julia Connors and The Smuthood. This is the first book that I have read from Julia Connors and I have to say she is now an author that I will follow for more of her books. I absolutely loved the two main characters in this book, Morgan makes me laugh at her silly stories of past boyfriends. She really does have the worst luck in dating men. Then also her background of how she was always put down from her mother made me really sad. But I could totally see how she was a people please. Then there is Aiden in the book that he was trying so hard in the book to not be in a relationship but yet everything he was doing led him into a relationship. I laughed in this book and lots of giggling. The smut scenes in this book are tame but yet they still light a fire. I love the chemistry between the two main characters and can see them in a relationship through the book. I highly recommend checking out this book. You won't be disappointed. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Real men like to eat. So I don't know who you've been with before, but they clearly weren't men." 

"You are so fucking hot right now...above me like this. I want to watch the way you take me when you sink onto my cock, and I want to watch your tits bounce as you fuck me." 

"Take. It. Off....If you're trying to make me jealous by showing up in my best friend's jersey, you've got my attention. So take it off, or I can't be responsible for how I play tonight." 

Boston Rebels Series

1. Center Ice 

1.5. The Trade Up

2.  Fake Shot

3. Cross-Checked 

4. Goal Line

5. Penalty Play 

Tropes

sports - hockey

Forced Proximity 

Forbidden Romance 

step-siblings 

friends to lovers 

grumpy - sunshine 

Double Down (Erie City Hawks #2) by K.C. Brooks

 

When Hearts are on the line, sometimes you have to double down. The worst part about getting divorced after almost a decade of marriage? Trying to start over again. But as much as I want to move on after my ex-husband's betrayal, my heart's still bruised, and I'm not about to put myself out there anytime soon. At least, until my path crosses with Damien Ramos, Star player on the Erie City Hawks. One chance encounter changes everything, and even though he leaves me wanting more, he's a risk I can't take. But Damien's not about to give up that easily. One night turns into two, and before I know it, we're sneaking around every chance we get. The rules are simple: no feelings, no emotions, no promises of no future. It should be easy enough, but as I get to know the man sharing my bed, the lines between us fade. Every smile makes me want another, and before I know it, my heart is on the line again. The rules of the game were simple. And falling in love breaks every single one. Double Down by K.C. Brooks was published on January 22nd, 2026. This is the second book of the Erie City Hawks series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from K.C. Brooks and Love Notes PR. I don't normally read a lot of baseball type of books just because usually I have a hard time getting into them. But, I really liked the two characters in this book and they were able to keep my attention. Though I did think they both felt flat and it was hard to stay with them at times. Also I think the time line was hard to follow because of the huge jump part way through in time line especially for a slow burn type of book. The smut scenes were top notch though and really made you think of how things were happening. I did like how they were helping the main character find herself. I recommend checking this book out. 

Erie City Hawks 

"You're so pretty when you beg for me, Brianna."

"You look too good taking my cock to stop now. Now, be a good fucking girl and sink down on top of me. Let me give you everything and more." 

"Brianna Sideris! Are you reading porn?" 
"Don't defile romance books with the word porn. It's smut, if you must know."
"Smut where three baseball players are sharing one girl?....And here I was, thinking we were opening your eyes to all these new experiences. Who knew a little skank was hiding underneath those cardigans?" 

Erie City Hawks Series

1. Single Glance 

2. Double Down 

Tropes

Sports - Baseball

Friends to Lovers 

Secret Relationship