Father Knows Best (A Family Affair #1) by Daisy Jane

 

On their wedding night, Avery's honeymoon gift shatters her new husband Sutton's world, leaving her fleeing in tears, and him chasing her in shock. But when she collides with her father-in-law, the silver fox Geo Mercer, he proposes a solution that will unite the three of them in ways they never imagined. Sutton, the strait-laced heir to Mercer Properties, thought he knew his wife. But Avery's desires seem to challenge everything he thought he knew about her and their relationship. Geo, the charismatic and extroverted CEO, has always regretted the distance between him and his son. Now, with Sutton and Avery's problem, he sees a chance to heal old wounds and save them before they crash. As the three of them navigate uncharted territory, the Mercers discover that love, trust, and intimacy can take many forms. Father Knows Best by Daisy Jane was published September 26th, 2025. This is the first book of A Family Affair series. 

So I have to say this I was asked by The Smuthood and Daisy Jane for my honest review for this advance book. Okay, second thing I need to say, I came so close in DNF this book until a little over half way of the book. I kept saying, "Give the book a chance....give it a chance." I am not a huge fan of slow-burn type of books because sometimes the buildup is slow and can feel dragging. I felt like this build up was slow and a lot of it could have been left out of the book. Actually, I think it could have started at the wedding. Anyways, but I am giving the book four stars. Why....because once I got over the hump of the build-up it took off. This book left me in shock. I was actually shocked to know more about myself that I was totally okay with a father and son sharing. The characters felt a little flat but the story-line once it picked up really helped the speed up. The smut in this book once it got started was amazing. I loved the two different male characters in this book. I also loved how they were in it for each other but for Avery. I recommend checking this book out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Avery, I'm a grown man. I don't play with toys. And I certainly don't play around when making love to my life." -I wanted to Smack Sutton for this. 

"Good girl, now turn around and face your husband." 

"Look at me while you take it from him." 

"The most un-vanilla thing about me is how fiercely I enjoy watching her." 

A Family Affair Series 

1. Father Knows Best 

2. TBA 

Tropes

MFM

Why Choose 

Forbidden Love

Millionaire

Slow Burn 

Workplace 

Deserving Maisy (The Refuge #6) by Susan Stoker

 

A fake-marriage, a lie, and a murderous brother somehow combine to give her the life she always wanted...if only she can live long enough. Maisy Feldman has lived in a haze for years, coming out of it only recently to learn the brother she thought she knew was a man she no longer recognizes. Evil. A monster. And he's about to prove it again - by forcing her to marry a stranger. It's the only way she can gain access to her inheritance, and Jason wants that money. Badly. Badly enough to kidnap a man and force him to marry Maisy long enough to fulfill the stipulations attached to her parents' will. But Jason has no idea who he's kidnapped...and he certainly didn't count on Maisy falling in love with her handsome fake husband. Deserving Maisy by Susan Stoker was published on October 2024. This is the sixth book in The Refuge series. 

I loved Jack Stone in the other books in the series and could not wait to read his book. This book did not leave me hanging at all. I loved how different this book was to all other books by Susan Stoker. Jack felt well rounded as a character who grew into his own self through this book. Maisy at the beginning of the book was this girl who did exactly what her brother wanted her to do. She did not have a backbone at all. Then as the story went her character developed and she grew worthy of having a strong male counterpart who can stand her ground. I absolutely loved the developing romance between the characters even though at the beginning Jack thought he was already in love with her. This book had some smut but it's a very small amount which is normal for Stoker's books. I highly recommend checking out this sweet romance. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I don't remember you, or the life we had, but deep down I know you're mine. My soul recognizes you. Not knowing who I am or anything..." 

The Refuge Series 

1. Deserving Alaska

2. Deserving Henley

3. Deserving Reese 

4. Deserving Cora

5. Deserving Lara 

6. Deserving Maisy

7. Deserving Ryleigh 

Tropes

Military Romance

Forced Proximity 

Burning Ivy (KORT #1) by Brandy Hynes

 

She's my mission. My prize. My obsession. Ivy Kingston is the most wanted woman in the world for reasons she is completely oblivious to, reasons I intend to capitalize on. She needs a husband to receive her inheritance, so I'm on the hunt for a wife. As long as it's her. I'm not who she thinks I am. But she has no idea who she really is either. I'll be her groom. Her keeper. Her lover. And quite possibly her demise. Burning Ivy by Brandy Hynes was published on January 2024. This is the first book of KORT series. 

This book had so many turns that it's insane. At the beginning of the book I was confused on what was going on. I couldn't get into the characters of Ivy and Wells. But then as the book went on the confusion eased up and the characters didn't seem so flat. I felt like it was really uneven in the book. Though I have to say that the plot of the book really kept me going in the book. I found out that as the book went on things were explained. I absolutely ended up falling in love with this book. So I highly recommend checking this book out as you will not be disappointed. The characters even the side characters will keep you on your toes in the book. 

Quotes that I Loved

"He would never ask me to sell myself to a man to earn my money like one percent whore." 

"You okay, Little Storm?" 

"Look at that. You talk like a brat, but you jumped right up to do as I ordered. Good girl, Ivy. You'll do just fine." 

"Anyone can be the light when the sun is shining. It takes a goddamn force to strike with a crash so bright  that even the outlines of the raging clouds are illuminated." 

KORT series 

1. Burning Ivy

2. Carving Graves 

3. Tracing Scars 

4. Charring Bones 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Mafia 

Marriage of Convenience 

Age-Gap

Billionaire

Grumpy Sunshine

Virgin 

He Falls First 

Leather and Lark (The Ruinous Love Trilogy #2) by Brynne Weaver

 

Contract killer Lachlan Kane wants a quiet life working in his leather studio and forgetting all about his traumatic past. But when he botches a job for his boss's biggest client, Lachlan knows he'll never claw his way out of the underworld. At least, not until songbird Lark Montague offers him a deal: use his skills to hunt down a killer and she'll find a way to secure his freedom. The catch? He has to marry her first. And they can't stand each other. Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver was published on June 2024. This is the second book in The Ruinous Love Trilogy series. This book was nominated for Goodreads Readers' Favorite Romance in 2024. 

I absolutely loved the first book of The Ruinous Love Trilogy series that I had to get the second book to read. I love how the author takes dark theme books and yet gives them a humor background. But let's first talk about the main characters shall we. So in this book with Lachlan who is the brother of one of the main characters in book 1. Then we have Lark who is the friend of that of the other main character in book one. Both characters you learn more about them then the occasionally passing like you did in the first book. They both have some major character development through the book. I felt like I could picture them through the book. They were well rounded in the book. The love story part of the book was not instant they are in love. No there is a lot of bitterness back and forth but they slowly give way to their feelings in the book. Which I absolutely love that it was not instant fall in love. The humor in this book is on point that really makes the dark parts more lighter. Though warning...be careful what you eat while reading this book. I really enjoyed the book, while it doesn't have a lot of smut it's well placed. This book is one of the top reads that I have read. I highly recommend checking out this book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Do you know why you're there with fireworks strapped to your dick and I'm over here with a fuse?" 

"The math. It ain't mathin'" 

"That's my girl." 

"Just don't go thinking I want you to play nice....I'm not your demure little duchess. I'm your fucking whore, understand?" 

The Ruinous Love Trilogy 

1. Butcher & Blackbird

2. Leather & Lark 

3. Scythe & Sparrow 

3.5. Love & Other Killers 

Tropes 

Dark Romance

Enemies to Lovers

Marriage of Convenience 

Forced Proximity

Serial Killers 

Slow Burn 

Rom-Com 

The One Night Match (Mafia Matchmaker #1) by Montana Fyre

 

Riley Callahan has spent years trying to escape the life of a Mafia princess, only to be dragged back in when her parents sign her up for the Mafia Matchmaker. The service uses its unique algorithm to match her with Cruz De Luca, the ruthless boss of the Settle Mafia, and she starts making a plan to convince him to invoke the 90 day clause that would allow them to dissolve their marriage. When she decides to spend her last night of freedom before the wedding with a handsome stranger in a nightclub, she assumes she'll never see him again. But when she walks down the aisle the following morning, the last thing she expects is to find her one night stand waiting at the alter for her. The One Night Match by Montana Fyre will be published on September 23rd, 2025. 

This is another advance read that I received for my honest review from The Smuthood and Montana Fyre. I absolutely love Mafia romances. Hint why I have a lot of Mafia romances that come through. Anyways, I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down from the beginning. This book had a different take on the Mafia world. I would have never thought they would have a Mafia matchmaker services but it makes sense. Riley and Cruz are top tier in character development as well. Riley had a lot of back story that you learn with Cruz as he comes across it. She acts like a middle sister to a T who is struggling with where she fits in the Mafia world but also sets herself apart. It was so much fun watching her develop through the book into a strong Mafia Queen. I loved Cruz as watching him become this Labrador dog around Riley but then switch gears to run his empire. This book has some smut and it's about level 3 on spice. The plot is perfection in this book. The book had great slow parts then fast parts where you had to buckle down and read. I absolutely loved this book. I cannot wait to read more from Montana Fyre soon. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I'm not usually the possessive type, Kitten, but every time I spot another man looking your way, I get the urge to tear his eyes from their sockets." 

"Now, little wife, let's show off how happy we are with our match." 

"You okay?"
"You're not planning on killing me, right?"
"No, baby. If I were planning on killing you, you'd know about it." 

"Are you okay, Kitten?"
"I'll be better when Barbie here gets her hand off your thigh as part of her desperate attempt for you to give a fuck about her." 

"I couldn't wait to give your pretty pussy its perfect throne." 

Mafia Matchmaker Series

1. The One Night Match

2. The Stalker Match 

Tropes 

Dark Romance 

Rom-Com

Mafia

Arrange Marriage 

God of Malice (Legacy of Gods #1) by Rina Kint

 

I caught the attention of a monster. I didn't ask for it. Didn't even see it coming. But the moment I do, it's too late. Killian Carson is a predator wrapped in sophisticated charm. He's cold-blooded, manipulative, and savage. The worst part is that no one sees his devil side. I do. And that will cost me everything. I run, but the thing about monsters? They always chase. God of Malice by Rina Kent was published in July 2022. This is the first book in the Legacy of Gods series. 

I have to say this warning right off the back. Read the author's notes before you start to read this book. This book is intense and really catches people off. Even those who enjoy reading Dark Romance. This is a Dark Romance. This book had a weird hold on me until I finished. I actually bought this book at a bookstore at full price (shocking) while on an anniversary trip with my husband. Yes, I buy books while on anniversary trips. Anyways, getting off course. This book is intense to the extreme but for me who reads a lot of dark romance tropes it wasn't over the top. I read Haunting Adeline in a week. The author needs some editing here and there but it wasn't so much that it made me dnf. I actually shared a lot of quotes from this book to a Facebook message group that I created to share books in. (Hi Girls) Anyways, let's talk about the characters. I really like Glyndon even though her name really drove me crazy. How do you say it any tips (problems for those of us who read the books in physical not audio). I felt though she lacked some roundness in the way she was. I didn't get a ton of personality or history. It just starts and goes intense from there. Killian is a character that I hate to admit that I loved. I felt like I knew more about him then Gyndon and felt like it was off balance. Which made their relationship feel off balance in parts of the books. There were points in the plot that I was like this piece needs something. I wanted to poke them with a stick. But the smut scenes were in what word overwelming. But the good overwhelming. They made you like, "Holy Crap...." to "How is that possible?" to "Why do I like this?" Anyways, I really enjoy the book and need to read the next book in the series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Ask nicely and I might." 
"What's the definition of nicely to you?"
"Add a please or drop on your knees. Either will do. Doing both at the same time would be highly recommended." 

Fuck you. I'm a King, and we don't get told what to do. Despite the fear that paralyzes my limbs, my gaze clashes with his as I bite down on his dick. Hard. 

"Giving away my emotions is my business. At least I have those unlike a certain someone."
"Is this the part where I should act offended? Maybe try a shed a tear or two?"
"Yeah, and look into ways to grow a heart while you're at it."
"The world won't function correctly if all of us are emotional, morally right creatures. There needs to be a balance, or else there'll be chaos." 

Legacy of Gods Series 

1. God of Malice 

2. God of Pain

3. God of Wrath 

4. God of Ruin

5. God of Fury

6. God of War 

Tropes

Dark Romance 

Enemies to Lovers 

College/ New Age 

Mafia Romance 

Stalker

Bully Romance 

Virgin 

Forced Proximity 

Best Kept Secret (The New York Thunder #3) by Shann McPherson

 

If there's one thing Logan Cullen is good at, it's hockey. With an ex-NHL player with impossibly high standards as a father, there was never any other option. If there's another thing Logan Cullen is good at, it's hiding the truth. But when the shine of being one of the best in the league starts to fade, the dull brings out the scars he's learned to hide so well. There's only so much fame, women, and money can blur before he's left wondering how much longer he can keep up the facade. That is until he meets the one person's who's off limits. After spending a night with his teammate's little sister, Logan feels like maybe there's more to all this than hockey. But then, as it always does, fate plays a cruel hand and he unwittingly manages to screw everything up. Best Kept Secret by Shann McPherson was published September 18th, 2025. This is the third book in the New York Thunder series. 

So I was asked for my honest review from The Smuthood and from Shann McPherson. I was iffy about this book by the cover. I know that's a huge shocker, but I am so glad that I decided to sign up to read it. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. It took me a few days to read it and I could not put it down. The two main characters Logan and Millie I fell in love with both of them right from the start. Both characters had strengths and they had failures based on their individual past. I loved how Millie needed to be a rock for Logan. Usually in books that I have read it's usually the guy who needs to be a rock. This book is so sweet and yes, there is some spice but it's really tame based on other books that I have read. The only thing is I felt like it jumped from each character's point of view a lot in this book. I felt like it kept the book fast past rather than slow with a build up. But I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more by Shann McPherson. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Logan, my ex is there. He's drunk. Possibly even high....Showing up with you is only going to cause...trouble." 

"Good thing I know how to fight then, huh?" 

"This is so against the rules...Messing around with the a teammate's sister....Fuck the Rules." 

"Millie, I'm not fucking playing...I want you waiting outside next to the bouncers in eleven fucking minutes, or I will come in there, throw you over my shoulder and carry your drunk ass out. You wanna test me, babe?" 

What if he has a bad habit? Like drinking milk straight from the carton or, I don't know, picking up prostitutes and carving their bodies into pieces with a chainsaw. 

"Who did this to you?" 

New York Thunder Series 

1. Famous Last Words 

2. One Night Only

3. Best Kept Secret 

4. Happy Ever After (01/15/2026) 

Tropes 

Forced Proximity

Second Chance

Sports Romance - Hockey

Best Friend's Sister 

Virgin 

Secret 

Brutal Reign (Bratva Kings #3) by Monica Kayne

 

For five years, I've hunted the Triad princess. The daughter of my enemy. The woman who haunts my every waking moment. When I find her on her wedding day, I don't eliminate her like I was ordered to - I marry her instead. She thinks I'm the monster who destroyed her world, and she's right. But she also shattered mine - carving a void in my soul that only she can fill. Now she's trapped in my compound, in my bed, in my life. She can fight me all she wants, even plan her escape. But Hope is mine now, and i'm never letting her go. Brutal Reign by Monica Kayne was published September 2025. This is the third book of Bratva Kings series. 

So, I was asked by The Smuthood and Monica Kayne for my honest review of this book. So I was ready to DNF this book. I felt like it started extremely slow but I kept reading as I wanted to make sure I gave the story an honest chance. I am so glad I did. The story picked up around 40% and I fell in love with the characters. I felt like Pavel could give a lot of people run for their money. It was amazing to see this big tough Mafia like guy go soft and gooey for the girl he has fallen for. Also watching him interact with the little boy was adorable. I also loved how Hope did not seem like a true Mafia princess. But a girl who could hold her own against the men in the book. Yes, she gave in a few times but it was to protect her son. The plot at the beginning of the book could be reworked in a way to keep the attention. But I felt like when it finally picked up that it kept my attention. I highly recommend checking this amazing love story. You won't be disappointed. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I like when he's so obsessed he'd burn the world down before letting anyone hurt her." 

"I'm a patient man when it comes to things that matter." 

"You carved yourself into my soul, Hope. Made yourself mine before either of us knew what that meant." 

"Good girl." 

Bratva Kings Series 

1. Ruthless Reign 

2. Savage Reign

3. Brutal Reign 

Tropes 

Dark Romance

Mafia Romance 

Second Chance 

Forced Proximity

Enemies to Lovers 

Age Gap

Accidental Pregnancy 

Fall with Me (Playing for Keeps #4) by Becka Mack

 

Jaxon Riley is exceptional at three things: starting fights on the ice, picking up women post-game, and going home to fulfill his role as the world's best cat dad. Relationships, unfortunately, missed the list. Lennon Hayes is supposed to be on her honeymoon. Instead, she's alone and single, vacationing next door to a surly tattooed man who ran his date off the resort. When a run-in at the bar results in a night of bickering and cocktails, she finds herself tumbling into bed with the enemy next door, then sneaking out before the sun comes up. Lennon's plan to start over in a new city is going great, until she starts her new job. The job? The Vancouver Vipers' new photographer. And the defense man scowling at her from across the room? The one-night stand she wasn't supposed to see again. Fall With Me by Becka Mack was published July 2024. This is book four of the Playing for Keeps series. 

I absolutely loved books one through three in this series. I loved every single player on the Vancouver Vipers hockey team. Jaxon in the other books seemed like he just liked where his life was. He loved that he wasn't in a relationship and joked with the others. So it was fun to watch him crash and burn in this book. I loved the characters in this book. I loved that both of them had a background that they had to work past to be able to make the relationship they wanted to work. Lennon was a perfect personality that was not going to take any crap from Jaxon. This book was amazing and I loved it so much. The smut was not over the top and it was just the right mix between story-line and and smut. I cannot wait to read book five when it comes out. This will be a book that I keep on my book shelf and will read over and over again. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I'm gonna fuck you the way a bride deserves to be fucked on her honeymoon, and when I'm done, you're going to thank me and ask for more.....Got it?"
"Got it." 
"Good girl. Now take off those panties and show me how badly your pussy wants my cock, honey." 

"Silly kitty, chunky kitty, I kiss your tiny nose. Fluffy kitty, handsome kitty, I love your extra toes." 

Playing for Keeps Series

1. Consider Me 

2. Play with Me

3. Unravel Me

4. Fall with Me 

5. Breathe With Me (October 28th, 2025) 

Tropes

Sports Romance -Hockey

Forced Proximity

Enemies to Lovers 

Roommates 

Grumpy - Sunshine 

He Falls First 

We Dance in Sin (Sinners' Playground #1) by M.T. Morgan

Brixley Archer has always had a taste for danger. Allured by the darkness she can't escape that lingers deep in the back of her mind. She's spent most of her life hustling, striving for more than the poverty she's always known. So when she gets accepted into one of the most selective colleges in the country, she thinks this is her fresh start. Buried in the dense forests of Washington, she finds that darkness follows. A campus serial killer on the loose, and an elite group that seems responsible for the deaths of the students. She knows she should mind her own business, keep her head down and concentrate on her schoolwork, but when Beckett Cutler - the group leader - sets his sights on her, she can't help but feel this is her way in to prove the group is responsible. But as revelations are made, her morals are questioned. Her heart is on the line. We Dance in Sin by M.T. Morgan was published on October 2022. This is the first book of Sinners' Playground series. 

I was not so sure about this book in the beginning. I was so confused about how Brixley's past was going to come to play in the book. But I was pleasantly surprised at how everything starts to make sense as you keep reading the book. I was so happy that I kept the book. I loved the tension in this book and the consent of who is killing people on the campus. I felt for Brixley as her memories were coming back through little tidbits through the book. This book has a very small amount of smut but it didn't take away from the book. I highly recommend checking out this book as you won't be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Hey....You better not hurt her." 
"What would you do if I did?"
"Shove your dick down your throat until you chocked to death." 

"Come on, Rabbit. I don't bite...much." 

"What a good little rabbit." 

Like I want to hate-fuck him with a knife to his throat. 

Sinners' Playground Series 

1. We Dance in Sin

2. We Vow in Sin 

3. We Lay in Sin 

Tropes 

Dark Romance 

Enemies to Lovers 

Mafia 

College 

He Falls First 

Childhood Friends 

Call of Booty by Anastasia Austin

I've always had two dreams. One, develop games for Asteroid Studios. Two, lose my virginity to Gwen, the girl I've had a crush on since I was eleven. Career goals are easy. Work my ass off and get the job. My relationship goals, on the other hand, are impossible seeing how my childhood crush is also my little sister's best friend. After four years of college and six years of successful indie game development, I finally got my dream job but I'm no closer to getting my dream girl. Gwen and I are solidly in the friend zone. But when my sister has to go on a business trip and leaves Gwen without a human shield to warn off an over-zealous co-worker, I have the chance to show her we could be more than friends. Or I could ruin our friendship trying to turn our fake date, and my lifelong dream, into something real. Call of Booty by Anastasia Austin was published in July 2021. 

I really wanted to love this book but I felt like it could have used some more editing to produce a better finish product. But there is a lot of good things in this book. I felt like the relationship went from zero to 100 really fast but since it's a short but you kind of expect it. I do love how the two of them had a bond before the book even began. They hinted at their history before the story started since they were friends since they were younger. I also feel like some of their reactions didn't feel genuine. I absolutely enjoyed the smut scenes in this book. It gave me some ideas to help my gamer husband. For a quick read it was an okay book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Oh, Josh...What are you doing?" 

"So, are you just giving in to me because your pants were already off?"
"No. I'm giving into you because you're the reason I always kept them on. Shit..." 

Tropes 

Friends to Lovers

Forced Proximity 

Virgin 

Age-gap

Best Friend Brother 

The Live-In Temptation (Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove #2) by Brighton Walsh

 

Hiring the chaotic woman I pulled out of a shed fire to be my daughter's nanny was a bad idea. Letting her live with me? Even worse. Chloe Bradshaw is too vibrant, too bold, and way too young for me. She's pure sunshine-in-a-hurricane energy and the exact opposite of the clam, steady influence my daughter needs. But Emma adores her from the second they meet, and I'd do anything for my little girl. Including sharing a roof with the one woman I shouldn't want. Chloe's the walking definition of off-limits. And one hell of a temptation I can't stop thinking about. Between midnight snack run-ins, hair-braiding lessons, and the way she looks in my stolen hoodie, forbidden stopped being a warning and started feeling like a dare. I swore I wouldn't cross that line with her. Then I did. And again. The Live-In Temptation by Brighton Walsh will be published on September 4th, 2025. This is book two of the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove series. 

I was asked to review this book for my honest review from Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood. I fell in love with Starlight Cove through another series that Brighton Walsh writes. Of course you get to see some the famous characters you fell in love with that series in this series as well. I love how each of her books build upon the same town and you get to see more and more of the people who live in the small town. I absolutely loved that series and I have already read book one of this series. So each book from this series makes me fall in love with it. I fell in love with the three main characters of this story. I say three main characters because Emma the little girl has a role in the series and it's a big one. Chloe has a lot of heartache that keeps her running and trying some interesting jobs until she lands in Starlight Cove. Her past is shown throughout the series and you get to understand why she runs. You also see how her past shapes her in her romance with Xander. Let's talk about grumpy daddy for moment. Xander has his own past that has shaped him. Being the second oldest in his family and now finding out that he has a four year old. But not only that finding out he has a four year old who's now his sole responsibility as her mom past away. You see him struggle to find his footing but also trying to help his daughter grieve and live in a strange new world. He struggles with his memories overtaking his present. This book he has a lot of growth and it shows through out the book. Also Emma grows as well. The characters in this book are so rounded that you could picture each of them in your mind in this small town. The romance in this book is steady and slowly happens throughout the book. You can feel the tension on every page as it builds. I absolutely loved this book and I am chewing for the chance to read book three of the series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Oh god, oh my fuck, oh sweet sparkling Moses!" 

"Before you lie again and say it was nothing, or it wasn't a big deal, or it was just one-time lapse in judgement-"
"It was all of those things."
"-Let me just ask one question.....Why are you wearing his sweatshirt?" 

"And if you break your damn ankle on those heels, I'm going to set the fucking things on fire." 
"For a fire chief, you sure do threaten to burn a lot of things." 
"Seems to me the only things I threaten to burn are ones that fuck with you." 

Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove Series 

1. The Grump Next Door 

2. The Live-In Temptation

3. United (January 1st, 2026) 

Starlight Cove Series 

1. Defiant Heart 

2. Protective Heart

3. Fearless Heart 

4. Reckless Heart 

5. Possessive Heart

6. Rebel Heart 

Tropes 

Single Parent 

Nanny 

Boss/Employee

Grump Sunshine 

Small Town 

Men in Uniform 

Age Gap

Forbidden Romance 

forced proximity 

  

Searching for Heather (Eagle Point Search & Rescue #6) by Susan Stoker

 

Ever since hearing about the mysterious woman in the woods who'd rescued his friends, Talon Ross has been intrigued. Who is she? Why is she there? Is she cold? Hungry? Scared? He can't rest until he's found her, made sure she's all right. But when he finally manages to track her down, that difficult task turns out to be the easy part - now he has to earn her trust. The more he gets to know her, the more he wants to know, and the more vital that trust becomes. And there's an even bigger mystery surrounding the wary redhead, one he wants to solve so she can reclaim her life...possibly with Talon by her side. Searching for Heather by Susan Stoker was published in 2024. This is book six of the Eagle Point Search & Rescue series. 

I have always enjoyed Susan Stoker's books since I found them. I am sure if you follow me enough you will see the signs. I knew I had to read this book so that I could add another book to my collection. I absolutely loved this book. This book was a build up from previous books as you get glimpses of the main female character. You also know a lot about Talon from the other books in the series. The characters in this book are so well defined that it was easy to be able to picture them. They both had faults and strengths that you see through the book. Also you see how their past has reshaped them and how each other help change them. The plot had me on the edge of my seat at times and then relaxed in others. I read this book so quickly because I couldn't put it down. When you have four kids having trouble putting a book down shows how much you enjoy the book. I highly recommend checking out this book and fall in love with the way Susan Stoker writes.

Quotes that I Loved 

"So...when you feel as if you're ready...I'll be here. I want to be your man, Sunset. I want to have the privilege of being yours." 

"You've gotten under my skin in a way no other woman has before, Heather. It scares me to death. You scare me. I don't want to do anything that will make you want to leave. I lie awake at night and listen to you breathe and thank God that I found you. That you're mostly all right. That you've somehow managed to retain a beautiful, sweet personality even after the Devil tried to beat it out of you. So, do I think I can feel something for you besides friendship? Sweetheart...I already do." 

Eagle Point Search & Rescue series 

1. Searching for Lily

2. Searching for Elsie

3. Searching for Bristol

4. Searching for Caryn

5. Searching for Finley

6. Searching for Heather 

7. Searching for Khloe 

Tropes 

Military Fiction 

Friends to Lovers 

Small Town

Riot's Thorn (Sons of Erebus Reno, NV #4) by Misty Walker

 

Mine is the story you've been waiting for, the one about the mysterious man with crazy eyes and no conscience. You only think you know who I am, but you don't. No one does. Except her - the little Thorn in my side that I captured and locked away after killing her dad right in front of her. She'll never forgive me for all I've done, but I can live with that because she's the only one who's ever seen me. Not the man the club relies on to do the dirty jobs, not the freak who rocks himself in the corner while his pet rats crawl all over him, and not the loner who cares for no one. She sees me. So, I'll keep her under lock and key, expose the deepest parts of my soul to her, and hope someday she might learn to feel for me the way I feel for her. And should anyone or anything even try to take what's mine? Well, they better hope I never find them. Riot's Thorn by Misty Walker was published on August 14th, 2025. This is book four in the Sons of Erebus Reno, NV series. 

I was asked by The Smuthood and Misty Walker for my honest review when I received this book. So, I love dark romance type of book and this book is right up that alley. So be warned its a pretty dark book that has lots of content warnings. So I almost dnfed the book till about midway because the book starts slow. With very little going on especially after the big scene of Riot killing Parker's dad at the beginning. I really though stuck with it and I am so glad that  I did. This book started to have turns throughout and you never really know who was going to cause some issues. The characters had so much depth and throughout the book you learned even more about each of the characters. I felt like it took the whole book to really get to know the characters. Which was great because the characters were learning more about themselves as well and growing. I also loved how Parker took a long time to come to grips  with Riot. I felt Ike in real life it would be a long time before a female would forgive someone from killing their father. No matter what the reason was. The smut in this book was top notch but not over powering that you felt like you shouldn't be reading on their personal time. I highly recommend checking this book out. Especially if you don't mind a slow build. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"There's my good little Thorn." 

"Because I took you thinking you were delicate and beautiful like a rose, but really, you're just a goddamn Thorn on my side." 

"Goodnight, Little Thorn"

"Goodnight, asshole." 

"You can't make someone marry you. This isn't some Mafia romance novel." 

Sons of Erebus Reno, NV Series 

1. Rigger's Mistake

2. Lucky's Trouble

3. Judge's Mercy 

4. Riot's Thorn 

Tropes 

Dark Romance 

Forced Proximity

BDSM 

Stalker

Slow Burn

Motorcycle Club 

"Because I took you thinking you were delicate and bea

A Wreck You Make Me ( Bad Boys of Bardstown #3) by Saffron A. Kent

 

I have been in love with Shepard Thorne since I was twelve. He's my best friend's hot older brother, and I am the weird redhead who low-key follows him everywhere. He's soccer's bad boy, and I am stuck in a dead end job, serving drinks at the local strip club. Our paths aren't meant to cross. Until one day I catch him getting a lap dance at the club and jealousy makes me ruin his fun. Now's he's made it his mission to make my life hell and no matter what I do, there is no escape. Everywhere I turn, there he is, waiting for his payback. He threatens to kiss me one second, and choke me the next. He promises to bring me to my knees and make me beg...A Wreck, You Make Me by Saffron A. Kent was published on August 8th, 2025. This is the third book in the Bad Boys of Bardstown series. 

I was asked for my honest review in getting the ARC of this book from Saffron A. Kent and The Smuthood. Also I will admit that I have not read book one or two of the series. On to the review, I thought at first the book started out slow but it quickly gained speed. I realized the slow beginning was just the building blocks being put down. I did get confused at times on who was speaking through the book but it didn't mess up the story at all. The characters were on par amazing. I fell in love with Shepard and his weird mood swings. I also feel bad for him through the book. The mother in me wanted to coddle him. But not only did I want to coddle him but I wanted to coddle Jupiter. I felt horrible for her to keep secrets through the book but not only that but had to raise her little sister. The background of the main characters really made you feel for the two and hope and pray that they get a future. Though it also helped to realize they needed each other to have that future. The smut scenes were on fire. There is a scene with a military type boot of a ride. I fell in love with this book and will for sure be reading the other books in this series. But not only that I love the way Saffron A. Kent built the scenes in this book. I highly recommend checking out this book and most likely any of her books. I give her an amazing A plus. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Lose him."
"What?"
"Right the fuck now."
"Are you...What is the matter with you? Are you absolutely crazy? You touched me. You-"
"He started it."
"He started what?"
"He touched you."
"What?"
"He put his hand on you." 

"Because this isn't a fucking date." 

"Crawl to me." 

"Your freckles still sparkle like a sprinkle of cinnamon on my favorite coffee..." 

Bad Boys of Bardstown Series

1. You Beautiful Thing, You 

2. Oh, You're So Cold 

3. A Wreck, You Make Me

4. Bad Kind of Butterflies 

5. For You, I Fall to Pieces 

6. I'm Hopeless, You're Heartless 

Tropes 

Dark Romance

Sports Romance 

Enemies to Lovers

Forced Proximity 

Forbidden

Step-brother

Best Friend's Brother

Stalker

Virgin

Sex Worker

Overdrive (Speed Demons #1) by Caitlyn P. Tajon

 

She's the rookie with something to prove. He's the reigning champion with everything to lose. Aurelie Dubois has spent her life chasing speed. When her twin brother is forced off the Formula 1 grid, she steps into his seat with no apologies. The world isn't ready for a female driver. And they're especially not ready for her. Callum Fraser has dominated the sports for years-four-time World Champion, racing royalty, and emotional untouchability. Until Aurelie. The fierce, defiant French rookie who threatens his legacy and makes him feel everything. Tension crackles on the track and off. Rivals by reputation. Entangled by obsession. But in a world where everything is about control, what happens when the one thing they can't manage...is each other? Overdrive by Caitlyn P. Tajon was published August 6th, 2025. This is the first book in the Speed Demon series. 

I received this book for my honest review from The Smuthood and Caitlyn P. Tajon. Let me totally honest I don't follow Formula 1 races at all. So I was very grateful for the term list at the beginning of the book that I could occasionally go back to look at if I felt lost. Now saying that, I read the terms before I started to read and yet I never checked again. Because the author did amazing job in explaining things throughout the book. That I didn't feel lost through it at all. I also felt like I was in the race during certain scenes. The characters I felt were a little flat in some areas but I was able to look over them. The story-line was fast paced which is great for a book that is involved in races. I didn't have a hard time keeping up with the story. I loved the tension in this book. Also I am not usually into the slow burn stories but this one didn't bore me as the tension made up for the burn. This book is amazing and the smut scenes were great. Just be warned that it is a cliffhanger and the next book doesn't come out until September. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Still not going soft, I see.....Good." 

"Didn't expect to find you here. Though you weren't a morning person."

"Didn't take you for one either."

"I don't sleep much."

"Shame. You'd sleep like a baby if you weren't so wound up." 

"You. Are. Mine, Aurelie." 

"You can run all you want, Dubois....But you're gonna spend the rest of the season looking over your shoulder...Wondering how long before I finally catch you." 

Speed Demons Series 

1. Overdrive 

2. Close Contact (09/03/2025)

3. Flat Out (10/01/2025)

4. Red Flagged (10/29/2025)

5. Finish Line (11/26/2025) 

Tropes

Enemies to Lovers

Forbidden Desire

Forced Proximity

Slow Burn

Sports 

Mountain Daddy (Mountain Men #2) by S.J. Tilly

 

Moving into my dad's house at age thirty-two because my roommate scammed me out of my rent...not exactly what I'd call winning at life. So on my drive to Colorado, I decided I need one more night of freedom, and the cute motel on the side of the road is the perfect place to stop. Bonus that it has a bar. Extra bonus when I spot him sitting at the end of the bar. The super hot silver fox, with biceps testing the limits of his flannel. I debate between sitting alone or being bold. But when I catch him watching me, like I'm watching him, bold wins. He's charming and sweet, and I can practically feel the chemistry crackling between us. And when I give my room key...he uses it. But we both know this is just for one night. That we'll never see each other again. Until a week later. When he shows up at my house. Because he's my dad's best friend. Mountain Daddy by S.J. Tilly will be published on July 31st, 2025. This is the second book in the Mountain Men series. 

I was given this ARC for my honest review from S.J. Tilly and The Smuthood. First off let me tell you a few things. I absolutely love all of the books that S.J. Tilly so far. I literally screamed in excitement to see that I was getting the ARC for her newest book. Second thing, I screamed and gasped loudly when I saw that the female main character and myself share the same name. I actually told my friends it was a good thing that I didn't have an audio-book of this one because I would totally be blushing and would have to pause the thing 100 plus times. Okay, now let's talk about the characters. I fell in love with Kendra so much. I loved her story from the beginning. I love that she had a relationship with her dad that they tried new recipes together over the internet. From that moment, I knew that she was close to her father. I felt like Kendra and I were good friends and I cried in some parts of the book when you find out more about her. I absolutely loved Luster/Rocky in this book. His character is so well rounded and we are not shoved from the beginning into his background. But we learned with the other characters through the book. The story-line in this book kept me up at night just thinking about it. I felt like I was witnessing everything that was happening on every page. I never felt like the scenes were dragging. They flowed so well together and I always knew who was the voice in the chapter. I do think we need a book about Joe. When you know you know. The smut in this book was top notch. I am not much into the Daddy kink but this book really made me rethink it. I highly recommend checking out this book because if I keep talking I am going to spoil it for you. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I've never met a Kendra before." -I have heard this quote myself in the world. 

"That's right, Kendra. I'm your daddy now too." 

"The second problem is....I like you a brownie amount." 

"Crawl to me."

Bareback sex is hot. But the aftermath is real. 

Mountain Men Series 

1. Mountain Boss 

2. Mountain Daddy 

Tropes 

Small-town

age-gap

forced proximity

single dad

forbidden love

he Falls first 

Pucking Enemies (Night Hawks Hockey #5) by Katie Strong

 

After my ex cheated and a random guy used me for a one-night stand, I made myself a promise. No more hookups. No more heartbreak. The next guy I let in had to be perfect. Period. Thankfully, my career was thriving. As lead photographer at ICON Magazine, I landed two big features on the Stanley Cup champs - The Night Hawks. Even better? My best friend Grace offered me her old apartment in Denver while I worked on the articles. It felt like a clean slate...until a late-night intruder had me face-to-face with him. Zander. The one-night stand. The guy who disappeared. And now? The player I'm supposed to photograph - and my unexpected roommate. Pucking Enemies by Katie Strong will be published on July 30th, 2025. This is the fifth book in the Night Hawk Hockey series. 

I was asked by Katie Strong for my honest review of this book. I was so excited that I was selected to review this book. I have really enjoyed reading hockey romance books so this book I knew was right up my alley. I absolutely loved the main characters in this book. Rylee had so much back history that it made me chuckle. I love how Zander is like this girl is crazy at the beginning then he sees things that catch his eyes. The characters were amazing and I felt like I knew them personally throughout the book. The romance in this book is not sudden at all but slowly builds throughout the book. Then of course there are things that send one or both characters running for a bit away from each other. The story-line kept me reading and sometimes it was hard to put it down. I can't wait to read the other books in the series as this is my first one. I highly recommend checking it out. 

Quotes that I Liked 

"That's enough for you, Wild Card." 

"You petting yourself, dirty girl?....Getting that pretty pussy ready for me?" 

"Mmmmm, good boy." 

Fuck his stupid, handsome face. Fuck his charming good boy persona. Fuck his panty-dropping kisses." 

Night Hawks Hockey Series 

1: Pucking Vacation 

2. Pucking Never 

3. Pucking Only

4. Pucking Secret 

5. Pucking Enemies 

Tropes 

Hockey Romance 

Enemies to Lovers 

Forced Proximity 

Savage Revenge (Savage Sins #1) by Kate Oliver

 

Revenge is what I live for. My father's blood stains the streets of Las Vegas, and I know exactly who's to blame. To destroy the man who took everything from me, I'll start with his daughter. Jordyn is sweet, spoiled princess - or so I thought. Kidnapping her was supposed to be my way to break her father, but she's nothing like I expected. Her fire matches my rage, her softness tempts my darkness, and she sees me for more than the monster I am. Now I'm torn between punishing her...or keeping her. Or both. Savage Revenge by Kate Oliver was published today. This is book one of the Savage Sins series. 

I received this book for my honest review from The Smuthood and Kate Oliver. So when I started this book I was really excited to read it. The themes, tropes, and summary, I knew this book was right up my allay. Though for the first few chapters I was totally lost in the book. But, once the story-line got going I realized that I was going to really enjoy this book. I loved the two characters in the book, as the book progressed I was able to get to know the characters even better. Jordyn was my idol in how she loved to tease and torment Cash and his brothers. She was not going to back down to them through the book. Then I absolutely fell in love with Cash. He became my book boyfriend for the duration of the book. I loved how he did some things tender then other dark things. I loved the story-line in this book and loved how falling in love was not easy. How it was hard and they both made mistakes throughout the book. The smut in this book is top notch. I am not one to really get into the Daddy kink but this book made me rethink it. Kate Oliver did an amazing job in writing this amazing piece. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I am hoping it is Xander falling in love again because I need to know why he doesn't like females anymore. I also know those Savage brothers are all super kinky. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"It's a big soon for the fucking part, kitten....But we'll get there. For now, you're going to be a good girl and take a nap."

"As much as I'd love to watch you finish that, I didn't bring you here for a good time, kitten." 

"And remember what I said, if you touch her or look at her the wrong way, I'll cut your fucking dick off and feed it to the lion at The Royal." 

"Are you really sorry, kitten? Or are you just sorry you got caught and are now getting your bottom spanked like a naughty girl because you didn't listen to Daddy?" 

Savage Sins Series 

1. Savage Revenge 

Tropes 

Dark Romance 

Enemies to Lovers 

Forced Proximity 

He Falls First 

Billionaire 

Mafia 

BDSM 

Age Gap 

The Sleepover (Clear View Country Club #4) by Daisy Jane

 

Leaving my friends and home during senior year to move to Florida sucks, but when my dad decides to marry his long-distance girlfriend, I have no choice. My first night in Bipal is full of booze and bonfires, and a blue-eyed boy with adorable glasses and a charming smile. Footsies in the sand lead to a walk down the beach, and by the end of the night, I'm a changed girl. The next morning, I came downstairs to find my blue eyed boy sitting at the kitchen table.  We make a pact to leave when it happens in the past. But stolen glances across the kitchen, grazed pinkies in the hall, bumped knees at the dinner table....Pretending I don't want Reed Lancaster is the hardest thing I've had to do...You're not supposed to fall in love with your step-brother...but what if two pink lines are involved? The Sleepover by Daisy Jane was published on July 15th, 2025. This is a part of the Clear View Country Club series. 

I received this book for my honest review from The Smuthood and Daisy Jane. I really enjoyed the plot of this book. I felt like it flowed in a great way and kept me reading the book. I did feel like the characters could have been more rounded in the book. I felt like they both lacked something that made them more rounded. Some of the stories I felt like fell short in what was needed. I also wanted to see more of them trying to fight the feelings between them. But since it's a novella I felt like the book felt rushed towards the finish line. It was a great read though and I was not disappointed in reading the book. I just felt like the plot could have been better if it was a full novel rather than novella. I felt like things could have been stretched out more. Though I will still recommend checking this book out. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Do you feel bad because you're a good girl?"

I didn't expect to lose my virginity to my....step brother. 

I don't know where Chad Michael Murray is, but even as I teeter the line from buzzed to drunk, I know that this man between my legs is Reed. 

Clear View Country Club series 

1. The Enemy by C. Lymari

2. The Forbidden Muse by Dakota Wilde

3. The Nemesis by A.R. Hall 

4. The Sleepover by Daisy Jane 

5. The Cruel Heir by Selena Michaels 

6. The Assistant by C. Hallman 

Tropes 

Forced Proximity 

Step-Brother 

High School

Virgin