Whisky and Roses (Loch Morven #2) by Bella James

 

Tilda MacLean's life is officially off the rails. Her ex ran off with her business (and her bank balance), and her dad left her crumbling cottage on a Scottish Island. Even Flora, her basset hound, is judging her life choices. Tilda's plan? Fix up the cottage, sell it fast, and escape - before anyone realises she's completely winging it. There's just one problem: Finn Kinnaird. He needs a gardener to help save his distillery. And Tilda, broke and stranded, needs a job. They're opposites in every way - but they're going to have to make it work. Whisky and Roses by Bella James will be published January 1st, 2026. This is book two of Loch Morven series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Bella James and Love Notes PR. First off, I didn't read book one before I read this book. Though, it was not needed in this book as you didn't get left behind if you read this book first like I did. Now that being said, I felt like this book was slow. Even slower than most slow burn type of books. There were times that I thought I needed something to happen and it didn't. I felt like some of the build up needed to be taken out or for something exciting to happen in the plot. Also there were some Scottish terms that went over my head. As both of the characters knew what the word was but I did not. So I had to do some research for parts of the book. Though, soon the plot picked up and I wasn't so worried about the other things. The ending of this book was perfect and I could not put the book down. If you need a good palate cleanser this book is for you.

Quotes that I Loved 

"I'm not really a dress sort of girl, but -"
"I prefer you in your dungarees, with mud on your boots, and hair in your eyes, Chaos." 

Loch Morven Series

1. Duke It Out

2. Whisky and Roses 

Tropes

Grumpy Sunshine

Forced Proximity 

Slow Burn 

Small Town 

Enemies to Lovers

Boss/Employee

No Longer Innocent (Rags & Riches #3) by Alora Kai

 

I wanted peace. A few weeks in the mountains to forget my family, my name, and everything waiting back home. Then I met him - quiet, rugged, and nothing like the men I was raised around. One night with Ivan felt like a lifetime. But when I returned home, my father was dead...and danger was suddenly everywhere. Now I'm trapped between grief and suspicion, and the only man I feel safe with is the one I'm forbidden to have. No Longer Innocent by Alora Kai was published on December 19th, 2025. This is book three of the Rags & Riches series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Alora Kai and Love Notes PR. First off I need to say that I have not read book one or book two of this series. I didn't feel like though that I was lost at all in the book by not reading the first two books in the series. So I would say that this can be a standalone book as well as in a series. I have to say that I actually enjoyed reading this book. I am not much for slow burn type of books and I thought at first this was not one of those books. As it starts off right away but then it fizzles a bit. I do say though it does pick up after you get some more information. Though I felt like some of the information in the beginning could be less. The characters in the book, Ivan and Poppy are really well written. While they are not as well rounded as I would have hoped they both had some growth through the book that you expect. The tension in this book is great and keeps you holding on to the bitter end. I really enjoyed this book. I am hoping to read the first two. Great job to Alora Kai. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You're going to trip running around like that..."

"You could always catch me."

"Don't tempt me, Poppy." 

"Just who do you think you are?!"

"Ivan Cristof is what it says on my birth certificate, I mean, last I checked."

"You were fired." 

"I need a shower..."

"Yes, a shower would be good....I think a shower sounds like a great idea."

"I meant alone."

"That's okay, I have more than enough toys to..." 

Rags & Riches Series

1. No Longer Safe 

2. No Longer Mine

3. No Longer Innocent 

Tropes

Bodyguard

Forbidden

Virgin

Slow Burn 

He Falls First 

Stalker

Mafia 

Forced Proximity 

The Mr & Mrs Mistake (Steel Brothers of Starlight Cove #3) by Brighton Walsh

 

My best friend's little sister has been getting under my skin for decades. She's my lifelong nemesis and now - apparently - my wife. When Willa Jameson stumbled into my bar drunk, heartbroken, and desperate to save her family farm, I offered to marry her. For "Convenience." Which is hilarious, because nothing about my attraction to this hurricane with hips has been convenient. Now we're sharing a roof, a bed, a potential felony thanks to our fake marriage. It's supposed to be a favor between not-quite-but-not-quite-enemies. Then our late-night arguments turn into practice make out sessions. But according to her, that changes absolutely nothing between us. No matter how many lines we draw, we keep crossing them - in the kitchen, on the porch, in the tiny bed that's become both heaven and hell. And the woman who swears she hates me starts looking at me like I might be exactly what she needs. She calls me her temporary husband. I call her my daily torture, because every day we play house, it feels less like pretending and more like home. When this ends, I don't know how i'm going to forget what it felt like to call her mine. So either I walk away with her, or I don't walk away at all. The Mr & Mrs Mistake by Brighton Walsh will be published on January 1st, 2026. This is the third book in the Steel Brothers of Starlight Cove Series. 

I was so excited to receive this advance copy for my honest review from Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood. That being said, I read this book within a day as I could not put it down. That is saying something when I received it right after Christmas. I absolutely loved the first two books of this series and I absolutely loved the other books that are based in Starlight Cove. I mean can we all have a small town that must have something in their water to have all these alpha males that live there. I have to say that I loved this book so much. I could not stop sharing quotes that I read through this book. Let me talk to you about Willa. Willa acts strong and that she doesn't need help from those around her. When in reality she suffers daily pain from her body betraying her. I felt for her right off the bat as I myself suffer from daily pain. I was born with arthritis so my life is full of pain. I could feel her independence in this book and most likely thinking that no one wants to be with her because of her pain. So she has to take care of herself. Let me tell you Brighton wrote Willa perfectly and I cried at the way Lincoln took care of her. It reminded me of my husband forcing me to take a step back at times when I am in a ton of pain. It really shows how much he cares for her throughout the book. I loved the characters in this book and I love how the drama in the book was not really over the top. This book had me laughing, crying, and giggling. The plot in this story never felt like a bore as it went up and down perfect flow. I highly recommend this book because I absolutely loved it from the first page to the last page. I cannot wait for Declan to get his own book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I mean, getting married isn't the only way to make you a family. I could also do what your latest book boyfriend excelled at and breed you..." 

"If I stay here another second, I'll stab you with that fork."
"Ohhh...fork play. I didn't read about that in Bred by the Moonlight, but I'm up for trying anything with you." 

"You're anything but weak, hellcat. You deal with unimaginable pain every day and just go about your life as usual. What you are, though, is so goddamn stubborn that you'd rather crawl across broken glass than admit you need help." 

"You taste like my wife." 

Steel Brothers of Starlight Cove Series 

1. The Grump Next Door

2. The Live-In Temptation

3. The Mr & Mrs Mistake

4. TBA 

Tropes

Marriage of Convenience

Enemies to Lovers

Forced Proximity

Small Town

Brothers Best Friend

He Falls First 

Grumpy/Sunshine

Reckless Need (Russo Mafia #3) by Lena Vox

 

I was given one order - watch her. Not want her. Not touch her. Definitely not make her mine. But Elena Messina is a beautiful disaster - sharp-tongued, reckless, and hiding secrets that could destroy us all. She slips past my men like smoke, playing games she doesn't understand, and walks straight into danger with those caramel eyes wide open. My job is to uncover her secrets. To keep her from becoming a threat. But the more I watch her, the more I crave her. I'm not her savior. I'm her shadow. The consignee who's seen too much blood to pretend I'm anything but deadly. And I'll protect her from the Irish, her father's debts, and every threat that comes her way. Even if the most dangerous thing in her life...is falling for me. Reckless Need by Lena Lox was published December 18th, 2025. This is book three of the Russo Mafia series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Lena Lox and Literally Yours PR. I loved this book with the banter between Marco and Elena. They have this love hate relationship from the start of the book. The relationship was naturally building through the book. The characters were at the beginning flat but over the book they grew more rounded. I was able to picture the characters through the book. The plot of the story started slow and it was hard to get into it. But as you read further to give it more time it gets more active and it picks up fast after that. I highly recommend checking out this book and this series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"It's not up for debate. You can hang out with your friend but I'm going too."
"I'm sorry--did you not hear the words 'girls' night'?......Is there a vagina hiding under that towel that I should known about? Because last I checked, you're very much not a girl." 

"You want me. I can see it every time you look at me. But you won't do anything about it. So forgive me if I went looking for someone who actually---" 

"Fuck it" 

Russo Mafia Series 

1. Savage Union

2. Brutal Kiss

3. Reckless Need

4. Wicked Games 

Tropes

Mafia 

Bodyguard

Age Gap

Grumpy/Sunshine

Forced Proximity

Forbidden 

Dark Romance 

Mountain Boss (Mountain Men #1) by S.J. Tilly

 

I'm just so exhausted - always living on the edge of desperation, one paycheck away from ruin. But this new job...It could be the fresh start I need. It could change everything. The contract is only for three months, but if I keep my head down, work hard, and prove myself, maybe I could stay longer. Maybe I could make Black Mountain Lodge my home. As I pull down the gravel drive, surrounded by the forest and mountains and bright blue skies, I feel something I haven't felt in a while. I feel hope. Mountain Boss by S.J. Tilly was published on March 27th, 2025. This is the first book in the Mountain Men series. 

I absolutely love S.J. Tilly books that I have read so far. Her writing in her books sends you to the setting. Where you can picture the scenes in your mind. You are able to see the characters and watch them fall in love. Also it helps you fall in love with the characters that she has in her mind. Like most of her books the men are grumpy and get thrown for a loop when they meet the female lead character. But what is different in this book is that the setting is in a small town in the mountains. I absolutely loved the story in Mountain Boss. I loved Courtney and the mix up that had Sterling hire her. Right off the bat, I knew when these two finally admitted that there is mutual attraction. This book made me chuckle throughout the book at their antics. I love the smut scenes in this book and I love how they are involved in the plot. S.J. Tilly has created yet another great series. 

Book Quotes that I Loved 

"I called you Cookie for two reasons. And neither of them had anything to do with the shape of your perfect fucking body...Reason one.....You literally threw a cookie at me. And two....I call you Cookie because you're sweet and delicate and....I want to eat you." 

"That's my good girl." 

Mountain Men Series 

1. Mountain Boss 

2. Mountain Daddy

3. Mountain Grump 

Tropes

Age-Gap

Enemies to Lovers

Boss/Employee

Forced Proximity

Small Town

Grumpy Sunshine 

Keep Me (Sinful Manor #1) by Sara Cate

 

All Killian Barclay wants is to be left the hell alone. He's had enough heartache to last a lifetime, and he has no more need for love - earning him the reputation of a broody Scot and eventually turning his famous ancestral home into a den of iniquity. It doesn't take long for tales of his raunchy house parties to reach the rest of his family, though, inspiring them to hatch a plan to shake Killian out of his routine. Keep Me by Sara Cate was published on December 3rd, 2024. This is the first book in the Sinful Manor series. 

I read this book awhile ago but I absolutely loved this book. It starts off slow but picks up quickly. I love the antics of Killian in trying to make Slyvie not fall in love with him. But of course it didn't work. The characters in this book are very well rounded. I could picture the characters. Both had faults and strengths. They also grew through the book to be able to get better when they were together. I could totally see how the characters balance each other and would work best together. The plot is great and easy to follow I didn't feel like there was anything that was left hanging at the end of the book. I recommend checking out this book from Sara Cate. 

Quotes that I Love 

"Where the fuck have you been?"
"Killian?"
"Get in the fucking car, Sylvie." 
"I'm not getting in there with you if you're going to yell at me like that." 
"I told you to get in the fucking car, women. You can either listen to me, or I'll toss you over my shoulder and put you in there myself."
"What is wrong with you?"
"For fuck's sake..."
"Okay, okay!....I'll get in. Just...relax."
"Relax?.....You have had us worried sick. Peter came looking for you, but you didn't answer your phone, and he couldn't find you." 
"I lost track of time. I'm sorry." 
"Just get in the fucking car." 

"You're all bark and no bite, my wee wife."

"Oh, I'll bite." 

Sinful Manor Series 

1. Keep Me 

2. Promise Me (TBA 2026) 

Tropes 

Enemies to Lovers

Marriage of Convenience 

Age-Gap

Dark Romance 

Billionaire 

Grumpy/Sunshine 

Ruthless Obsession (Crecent City Sins #1) by Rayna James

 

The masquerade gala was full of secrets, lies, and bloodstained power plays. It was also the beginning of my doom. When I stumbled into something I was never meant to see, the masks come off-and the danger becomes real. The mayor's men want my silence. My boyfriend's lies are unraveling. And the only person who seems to care whether I live or die is a stranger with murder in his eyes and a smile on his lips. Ruthless Obsession by Rayna James was published on April 23rd, 2025. This is the first book in the Crescent City Sins series. 

I was given this book for my honest review by Literally Yours PR and Rayna James. This was such a quick read that had me laughing at the antics of the characters. I fell in love with Kate in this book with her history that you get to know through the book and how strong she gets through the book.  Then there is Bastian who acts like this tough guy and you find out that in reality he is a giant teddy bear in the book. I still feel like the story is missing some history between the two characters. I felt like Bastian has known about Kate way before the book started. The plot in this book made me giggle and could not put the book down at all. There are minor errors throughout the book but the book was so well created that it's easy to overlook. The smut in this book is light but the romance gets you through the book. I highly recommend checking out this book. I know I want to read the next book in the series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"This is where you pressure me. Say something like, 'Oh, the gentle giant groping your friend? He wouldn't hurt a fly." 

"Warning bells are clanging in my head."
"Because I called you beautiful?"
"No. This. All of this. Including you. It screams danger. And yet, I don't feel threatened. Maybe you're like a Venus flytrap, daring people to get close, charming them into safety...and then boom!" 

"Perhaps, I'm just marking my territory."
"First you say things like 'belong,' now 'territory." I'm not a remote island that needs to be colonized, you know."
"Either way, I'm planting my flag." 

Crescent City Sins series 

1. Ruthless Obsession 

2. Crowning Temptation 

Tropes

Mafia 

Dark Romance 

forced Proximity 

Billionaire 

Stalking 

Brat Christmas (Holiday Heat #1) by Melody Tyden

 

Getting drunk after finding out your boyfriend of 4 years cheated? Totally normal. Keying his new girlfriend's car? Understandable. Finding out that car actually belongs to someone else? A nightmare. Now, Maxine finds herself working for Reid to payoff the repairs. He's not all the kind of man she thought she wanted, but the more time she spends under his watchful eye, the harder it is to ignore the sparks between them or the heat simmering beneath his controlled exterior. With Reid as the reward, being naughty has never felt so nice. Brat Christmas by Melody Tyden was published October 31st, 2025. This is book one of the Holiday Heat series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Melody Tyden and The Smuthood. This book had me laughing through the whole thing. It reminds me a little bit like a Hallmark movie if it was a comedy and had lots of smut. The characters were amazing even though they felt like they needed more personality in some parts of the book. The relationship is fast paced and they rarely fought in the book. When they do fight in the book it's quick and no one is really upset. The plot of this book is simple but a really quick read. You know what you are expecting but it didn't take away from the book. The plot is great and and I really loved reading this. This book is a great palette cleanser between some dark books or a book that can get you into the Christmas feelings. I recommend checking this book out as you won't be disappointed through the book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

Besides, there's a twisted kind of logic at work. She took my boyfriend? Fine. I'll fuck her dad. 

"Every time you pass my office, I get a craving for something wet. Must be a coincidence." 

"You might want to pace yourself. You wouldn't want to be up all night."
"You're playing with fire."
"Maybe it's worth getting a little burned." 

"Good girl." 

Tropes 

Holiday

Age-Gap

Single Parent 

Workplace 

BDSM 

Sneak Play (The Playbook #3) by L.A. Shaw

 

I may be known as the campus flirt. But the truth is I've only ever wanted one thing more than hockey...and that's her. Shay Moore. Not only is she my hockey coach's daughter, but she's also the star point guard on the women's basketball team here at Mountain Ridge University. My draw to her is unlike anything I've ever experienced before, but there's one huge problem...her boyfriend. The one who doesn't deserve her. So I've stayed in my lane, admired from a distance, and accepted residency in the friend zone. Patiently hoping for my chance to tell her what I should have told her years ago. Until this summer...Sneak Play by L.A. Shaw was published on December 4th, 2025. This is the third book in The Playbook series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from L.A. Shaw and The Smuthood. So, I am not much a fan of slow burns as other tropes. But then tend to find me and I give them my honest effort to get through them. I have to say though this book surprised me with the slow burn. Though, I think I was rooting for the wrong couple in the book. I absolutely loved the characters in this book especially Mav in the book. He made me laugh at his antics but also fall in love with him. As a mom of a child with autism the author portrayed that aspect in the book correctly. I absolutely loved the characters and wish that I too can hang out with them at the college house. Now, the romance I struggled with. I could see the characters having a friendship but felt like it was really one sided when they took it further. It didn't make me squeal or anything. There is not very much smut in this book except near the end of the book. So if you want some smut and lots of it then this book is not for you. It's a sweet book and it's a feel good book. A good palate cleanser when you have been in the dark romance section. 

Quotes That I Loved 

Sometimes, I want to forget about the fact that she has a boyfriend and pretend she's mine. 

"A morning grope is a great way to kick off my Monday." 

The Playbook Series

1. Replay

2. Trick Play

3. Sneak Play

Tropes

Sports - Hockey/Basketball 

Friends to Lovers 

Slow Burn

New Age / College 

Savage Obsession (Savage Sins #2) by Kate Oliver

 

I'm drowning in grief, anger, and whiskey. Haunted by my father's murder and what could have been. No matter what I do, my demons never stop pulling me under. Then I meet Quinn Summers, a beautiful ray of sweet sunshine. Her innocence ignites an obsession I can't control. She's everything I should stay away from. The last thing I want is to tarnish one of the only good things left in this world. But the more I fight it, the more she becomes my reason to breathe...my reason to live. Savage Obsession by Kate Oliver was published November 25th, 2025. This is the second book in the Savage Sins series. 

I was given this ARC for my honest review from Kate Oliver and The Smuthood. Now that's been said, I absolutely loved this book. So much that I really want to go read book one as I did not read it before I read this one. Though, you didn't need anything from book one I don't think so it's a-okay. Anyways, back to this book. This book has such an amazing plot that it was hard to put down the book to function in the real world. I mean who needs to feed their children and make sure they don't kill each other or sleep. The book had such an amazing plot that it was easy to see the characters Xander and Quinn falling for each other. Though, it cracks me that Quinn knows some of Xander's stalking behaviors that he thinks she doesn't know. I absolutely loved how Quinn brings out the best in Xander but yet doesn't destroy who he is. Both of the characters have so much background that you could imagine how their background created who each of them are. They have a lot of baggage but it was not overwhelming for the reader to understand what was going on. Also it was not taking over the whole plot (a huge plus in my book). Like I said, I fell in love with this book and I can't wait to read more books by Kate Oliver. She just made the top of my favorites list of authors. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Sorry, Lassie. I prefer pit bulls over golden retrievers." 

"I'll never lie to you, Sunshine, so make sure you really want the answers to your questions." 

"No, asshole. I'm just trying to figure out in my head. I happen to have one of the highest IQs in the world, by the way, so I'd like to think I understand most things. But what I can't figure out is why you, the COO of Savage Entertainment, need me to hack your own system for employee information. Dude, if you're too dumb to use a computer, I can send you some videos. I think they're usually for preschool kids, but that's cool. I'm not judging." 

Savage Sins Series 

1. Savage Revenge 

2. Savage Obsession 

Tropes 

Dark Romance

Age Gap 

Billionaire

Boss/Employee 

Stalking 

Mafia Romance

Grumpy Sunshine

BDSM 

Mountain Grump (Mountain Men #3) by S.J. Tilly

 

I have a new house: Well, new to me. Just like living in my own place on top of a mountain, rather than in a city apartment, is new to me. But it's mine now because my Great Uncle Jack passed away, and he left me his freaking house. In Colorado. On the border of Lonely Peak State Park. But that's not all he did. He also left a series of letters. A scavenger hunt of clues that leads me back to Vegas. To his lawyer's office. To the reading of his will. Where I learn I must marry in order to keep my sudden inheritance out of the greedy hands of my family. and since they're the worst, I only have one option. Ask the grumpy park ranger I just met to be my husband. Mountain Grump by S.J. Tilly was published on November 20th, 2025. This is book three of the Mountain Men series. 

I have absolutely loved all the books that S.J. Tilly has produced so far. I am so happy that she is still writing and creating these amazing books of art. This book is the third in the Mountain series and I believe the last book in the series. I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Though, I think Ethan's name really doesn't fit him so like Tilda, I want to call him Ranger. I loved the personalities of the two main characters. Their personality while opposites fit so well together. It made total sense how the two of them fell in love. I love how their love is shaped and both make mistakes throughout the book. This plot is top tier and while I am sad that this series is ending. I cannot wait to read the next series that S.J. Tilly has in her brain. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You gonna take it?"
"You gonna admit your butthole looks like an asshole?" 

"Tilda, this is Fisher. Fisher, this woman is none of your business." 

"Are you my Good Boy?" 

"I've provided my lawyer with a whistle. Please don't embarrass me in death and make him use it." 

Mountain Men Series 

1. Mountain Boss 

2. Mountain Daddy 

3. Mountain Grump  

Tropes 

Small Town 

Marriage of Convenience 

Grumpy Sunshine

Forced Proximity 

Men in Uniform - Park Ranger 

Kiss of Deceit by Kay Riley

 

When snow falls, Winterlake is cut off from the world once the mountain road becomes impassable. With no high-speed internet or cell phone service, life is slow and peaceful. At least it used to be. Danger lurks in the shadows of Winterlake. It started with someone chasing me in the woods. Now a masked killer is terrorizing this town. The mysterious murderer isn't the only problem in this secluded place. The longer I'm here, the more I realize this mountain town isn't what it seems. The locals guard their secrets, looking at us interns with distrust. Except Kole. The bar owner who is determined to learn all about me. What's worse is I think I'm falling for him. Which is something I can't let happen. I'm hiding my own skeletons. Dark secrets I will do anything to protect - secrets the masked killer already seems to know. Winterlake was supposed to be my fresh start. Now I'm not sure I'll make it out alive. Kiss of Deceit by Kay Riley was published on November 15th, 2025. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Kay Riley and The Smuthood. I absolutely fell in love with this book and was so into this book that I read it in one day. I fell in love with the two main characters that you met right away in the book Dani and Kole. Within a few minutes you know there were secrets that both of the characters are hiding even from the readers. Though, not the secrets that I thought was going to come out of it. I loved how their relationship from the get go started and then just kept growing from a quickie to something more towards the end. There is not a lot of smut scenes through the book but the cliff hangers and the secrets keep you hooked through the whole book. I loved the plot as it had a perfect flow throughout the story. I loved how the author made sure even the reader had no clue what all the secrets are throughout the book. We slowly found out with the characters. Though some secrets I figured out but the big ones I had no clue about. I highly recommend checking out this book. I know for me I will be checking out more books by Kay Riley. 

Tropes 

Enemies to Lovers 

Slow Burn 

Thriller 

Small Town

Forced Proximity 

Troublemaker: A Dark College Hockey Romance (Tabb U #2) by Jo Brenner

Lucy Braverman might be eighteen, but she's my ward. Half my age, and completely off limits. I haven't seen her since she was an awkward, lonely orphan being shipped off to boarding school. Now she's brilliant, beautiful, and reckless. Every rebellious word that passes those lips makes me want to do dark and depraved things. So when she enrolls at the University where I'm the head hockey coach, I do everything in my power to stay away. But the hot little spitfire is determined to get under my skin. Control means everything to me...and if I have to exert dominance to protect her, I will. If I have to do illegal, immoral things to have her, I will. If I have to embrace the darkest parts of both of us to keep her, I will. Because Lucy may be completely off limits. But she's mine. Troublemaker by Jo Brenner was published November 15th, 2025. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Jo Brenner and The Smuthood. The characters in this book had me so into it that I needed more. They both had many many faults and a lot of strengths. They both grow through the book together and separate. While I enjoyed the book and its plot I still had the heebie jeebies knowing that Coach was also the guardian who was supposed to be like a father figure to Lucy. I was able to overlook the relationship knowing that Coach was able to send Lucy to a boarding school for most of the time. The story had some great ups and downs throughout the book. They had some massive build-up to some of the scenes that make you squeal. I highly recommend that you check it out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Well, as fun as it would be to desecrate something that's important to Coach, I don't think I want to come all over his whistle. Although....No, I'll find better ways to torture him." 

"You touch her?....Tell me. Did. You. Touch. Her?" 

"Yeah, he's hard for you, troublemaker. And I promise you're going to become intimately acquainted with him. But for now, daddy wants to eat." 

"Don't tell me I can't. Don't tell me anything right now. Daddy's eating, and he doesn't want any interruptions." 

Tabb U Series 

1. Butterfly: A Dark College Hockey Romance

2. Troublemaker: A Dark College Hockey Romance 

Tropes 

Age-Gap

Dark Romance 

Hockey 

Grumpy/Sunshine 

Forbidden Romance 

BDSM 

Dreaming of a Cowboy Christmas by Ann Einerson

 

A grumpy cowboy with a permanent scowl isn't quite what I had on my holiday wishlist this year. Except we don't always get what we wish for, which I quickly learn when I find out the Christmas vacation home I booked is a scam. Which means I need to get off the surly silver fox's property ASAP. But even a grumpy cowboy has manners, and he isn't about to send this city girl away with a snowstorm blowing through town - even if it would make his life less complicated. Another not-so-small problem? There's only one bed in his cabin. I might be used to bright city lights, but country evenings turn into the perfect holiday nights when I find myself wrapped up in his arms. It seems the crackling fire isn't the only thing heating up, and I can't help but wonder if fate led me here after all. Dreaming of a Cowboy Christmas by Ann Einerson was published on November 13th, 2025. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Ann Einerson and The Smuthood. Thanks ladies for giving me the chance to read this book. Now, this book isn't what I normally read. So first off don't expect dark romance type of shit. But it's a cute holiday romance book that is perfect to read for the holiday. I actually started laughing from the get go of the first page. The first quote grabbed my attention that I had to actually send it to my friends because it made me crack up laughing. Then of course later had to do some Google searches to see if some things were actually out there for products (By the way...yes they are.) Anyways, this book had me laughing so much through the book. This tough cowboy who has become so isolated in a small town opening up and becoming a big teddy bear slowly through the book was top tier. It's everything you expect from a Cowboy. Noelle (love the Christmas name) was so fun to get to know. I loved her weaknesses in the book and how her weaknesses tend to bring out even more lovable characteristics from the Cowboy. I loved how their relationship ebbed and flowed until they slowly fell from just lust for each other to love. The smut scenes are not as graphic as I am used to but really sweet. I highly recommend this amazing Christmas theme book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Is there a reason you have a two ten-inch dildos in your carry-on?" 

"I should've brought you a helmet." 
"The bright side is I'm probably less talkative after a head injury." 

"Save a horse, ride a toy, and a Cowboy!" 

"Fuck it.....The only man who can give you what you need is me."
"You sure about that, cowboy?"
"You. Are. Mine." 

Tropes 

Christmas

Small Town

Age-Gap 

Grumpy/Sunshine

Forced proximity 

Play the Game (Boston Hearts #4) by Samantha Brinn

 

Evan Rhodes is the bane of my existence. She's frustrating, competitive, irritatingly brilliant, and annoyingly beautiful - a fellow lawyer with a steely spine, sharp tongue, and an unmatched ability to get under my skin. With two of us and one open partnership position available at the law firm where we work, we're locked in a battle of wills with no resolution and no end in sight. Until a single moment of late-night insanity fueled by not enough sleep, too much caffeine, a dark conference room, and a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city of Boston ties us to each other in a way that wasn't in either of our life plans. Play the Game by Samantha Brinn was published on November 14th, 2025. This is book four of the Boston Hearts series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Samantha Brinn and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved this book. This book had me giggling throughout the book. Also I felt for Evan in the book. The characters in this book are such a joy to read. They both are well rounded with each fault and strengths through the book. They both grow as a person by themselves and together. The passion through this book is top T from the beginning. The plot of this story flowed so well that I had to keep reading. Which is hard to do when you have four kids in eight activities. I absolutely love this book and cannot wait to read more from Samantha Brinn and some from this series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I'm not buying you a new Prada shirt. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes, Rhodes." 

"Don't want to tell me how good I make you feel? How badly do you want to come on my cock? It's okay, Rhodes. You don't have to say the words for me to know it's true."
"Fuck you." 

"Well happy fucking birthday, Cooper. I got you a baby." 

"Good girl." 

Boston Hearts Series 

1. Yours to Lose 

2. Not Your Girl 

3. Just My Type 

4. Play the Game 

Tropes 

enemies to lovers 

All's Fair in Love and Chaos (Queens & Heathens #1) by Jenn Plummer

 

Ten years ago, my family was brutally taken from me because of the actions of vicious criminals who live above the law. I've made it my life's purpose to bring those men to their knees, with my eyes focused on the man responsible for their deaths. Camden Young. Was becoming his prisoner my plan? Not even in the realm of possibilities. But one look at him on that bike, and the earth shook under me. For the first time in my life, I stumbled, and it could cost me everything. Now, I find myself locked in the Hell's Heathens' clubhouse, trying to conceal my identity. Torn between completing my goal to avenge my family and coming to terms with the fact that not everything is as it seems. All's Fair in Love and Chaos by Jenn Plummer was published November 13th, 2025. This is the first book in the Queens & Heathens series. 

I was given this book for free for my honest review from Jenn Plummer and The Smuthood. This book had me crying, laughing, giggling, fanning myself, and laughing some more. The characters Saige and Camden are top notch written. They felt like extremely real people that I could reach out and touch. I absolutely loved Saige though. I loved how she took her sadness and it shaped her to be someone strong who fights for what is right. Even though sometimes she gets it wrong. I loved how she shows everyone how strong she is and then she slowly lets go some of the power. Camden knows the worth of Saige in his life. He doesn't overpower in some sense unless he thinks it's needed. This book was so amazing from every page and it had some great ebb and flow on the plot. The spice in this book is top tier. It left me fanning myself in some parts because Holy Hotness...it was spicy. I highly recommend checking out this book. I cannot wait till the second book in the series comes out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Careful, I might think you're jealous."
"Of what? Your tiny cock and your inability to find a clit? I'm good, I fuck myself better than you ever could." 

"Oh. Well, that's part of the fun. I like it when they scream." 

"If I had my way, Camden, you'd be the one handcuffed to the bed while I rode your face, fucking myself on your tongue. After I came all over you, then I'd take your big dick inside me. I bet you'd fill me so good." 

"Has anyone ever told you, you've got quite the mouth on you? I'm sure it's gotten you into trouble before."
"I'm a ray of fucking Sunshine, I don't know what you're talking about...." 

Queens & Heathens Series 

1. All's Fair in Love and Chaos 

2. All's Fair in Love and Sin (TBA March 5th, 2026)

3. All's Fair in Love and Malice (TBA May 1st, 2026)

4. All's Fair in Love and Wrath (TBA August 6th, 2026) 

Tropes 

Dark Romance 

Enemies to Lovers

Forced Proximity

He Falls First

Motorcycle Club 

The Christmas Catch (Holiday Harbor #1) by Hannah Gray

 

He's the salty fisherman whose family owns miles of coastline...she's the business-savvy realtor looking for oceanfront property to develop. The Christmas Catch by Hannah Gray was published on November 6th, 2025. This is the first book of the Holiday Harbor series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Hannah Gray and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved this book. This book had so many great lines throughout the books that it's too many too count. The characters were those that you fell in love with from the first page. From Stella being from the city whose background was being in foster care. To the fisherman who is gruff and had a family who he adored. Both of the characters had great character development through the book. This book kept me entertained throughout the book. Also the smut scenes were top knotch. Though, I haven't read where the women is more of the dominated in scenes before but it didn't take away from this book. Hannah Gray did amazing at this book and it's perfect to read for the Christmas season. I cannot wait to read more books by this author and can't wait to check out book two of the series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You know, I could give you what I know you so badly want....And no, I'm not talking about my family's land, sweetheart. i'm talking about my cock." 

"If you sit here like a good girl, I'll take you back to your place. If you try to run again, I'll chase you down, and next time, I'll handcuff you to something." 

"Good girl." 

"Good boy. Now taste me, Outlaw. Lick my fingers clean." 

"Such a good boy for me." 

Holiday Harbor Series 

1. The Christmas Catch 

2. The Holiday Trawl (TBA November 6th, 2026) 

Tropes 

Small Town Romance 

Enemies to Lovers 

Close Proximity 

Holiday Romance 

Bad Call (Rock City Renegades #2) by C.L. Rose

 

From the moment I met Stella Wilder on the first day of kindergarten, I knew she'd be a part of me forever. We were inseparable, slowly falling for one another more with each passing year. The summer before we went to college on opposite sides of the country, she made me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be my wife. But it wasn't long before it all fell apart. It's been over seven years, and just when I think I've finally found my place with Cleveland's brand-new football team, she crashes back into my life and turns everything upside down. Bad Call by C.L. Rose was published October 30th, 2025. 

I was given this book for my honest review from C.L. Rose and The Smuthood. So I was about to DNF the book as I am not much into the build up that it was doing. But I am so glad that I didn't because about 43% in the book started to pick up the pace. I absolutely loved the book from then on. The characters both had me falling in love with them. I loved Emmett and Stella on every page and even Austin and his naughty schemes. This book left me hanging throughout the book just waiting for something to go wrong. I absolutely loved the plot after 43%. I felt like I was in the book. Also the smut scenes when you finally get to them in the book are top knot smoking hot panties dropping hot. I highly recommend checking this book out and I will for sure be checking out other books from this series and author. 

Quotes that I Loved 

".....I have a guy who's in the step-down unit after a motorcycle accident. His friends decided to send him an exotic dancer at three in the morning. I have no idea how she got past security, but his heart monitor was going crazy, so I went to check on him. She was mid-lap dance, and he had the biggest boner I've ever seen in my life.....I made him empty his wallet into her G-string and told her to come back during visiting hours." 

"Get your fucking hands off my wife." 

"You said you'd use your last breath to apologize for what you did to me...I'd rather you choke on it, instead. Get on your fucking knees." 

Rock City Renegades Series

1. Mr. Irrelevant 

2. Bad Call 

Tropes 

Sports - Football 

Second Chance 

Friends to Lovers 

Cooper ( Nashville Firebirds #2) by Lexi James

 

The blurb will come out soon so stay tuned. Cooper by Lexi James was published on October 24th, 2025. This is the second book in the Nashville Firebirds series. 

I was asked by The Smuthood and Lexi James for my honest review. I have to say that I loved this story. I haven't read any books by Lexi James before this one and I can safely say that I will be reading more of her books as well as more from this series. The characters had me giggling and crying throughout the book. I felt like I could be their friends throughout the story. I felt for Ally in how she seems to be her own biggest critic and not trusting herself to not ruin anything. Though as I didn't read book one I am hoping it's her sister's story. I loved how Cooper was so trusting with Ally watching his adorable son. His son who acted way more mature than that of a four year old. I loved how they immediately fell in love with Ally. For someone who didn't think she was good with kids she showed everyone even herself that she is. Oh the smut in this book is middle ground. But really sweet and amazing. This book is so sweet and cute. I highly recommend checking out this amazing book. 

Quotes that I Loved

"Well, Ally Cat, before you leave I should -"
"Ally Cat?"
"Yeah? You have claws like a cat, so I think it suits you....Anyways, can I see your phone?"

"And Ally, if Crosby doesn't put his name on your back - tell me, I will." 

I definitely had to download an app on my phone to remind myself to drink water because no matter how many times I point out to my doctor that water is the first ingredient in coffee - he likes to remind me it doesn't count towards hydration. Quite the opposite in fact. I always just tell him I don't have any room for that sort of negativity in my life...as I take another sip of my iced coffee. 

Nashville Firebirds Series 

1. Levi

2. Cooper 

Tropes 

Sports Romance - Hockey 

Single Parent 

Forced Proximity 

Slow-burn 

Bar Down (Nashville Knights Hockey #4) by Emily Silver

 

As the world's biggest pop star, I'd given up on love. I wasn't supposed to find it on an app with a hockey star. With my life in tatters, I escaped to a dating app where no one knows who I am. That's when I discover that I matched with one of the stars on the Nashville Knights Hockey team. Falling in love over an app? Not going to happen. I've been burned too many times to want to meet. Except I keep going back to him. Every text, every message draws me in. Until a chance encounter brings us together. The chemistry? It's electric. Jasper is everything I've ever wanted. With him? Everything that's going wrong in my life fades to the background. But we're on two different paths. I'm fighting to escape my past, and Jasper? Well, he's fighting for his future with the team. He's a hockey player. I'm a pop star. There's no way this is going to work. Bar Down by Emily Silver was published on October 2025. This is the fourth book in the Nashville Knights Hockey series. 

I was asked to review this book for my honest review from The Smuthood and Emily Silver. So, I live near Kansas City. So I am deep reach Kansas Chiefs fans and let me tell you this book so reminds me of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce relationship. I immediately picked up similarities of the main characters. I fell in love with Jasper in this book. His humor comes out in each text message that he sent. I have to say I loved how the two characters got to know each other in this book through the text messages. I loved how both grew from their little interactions. You can see them falling in love without seeing them face to face meet. The characters are well written and the book plot is top tee. The smut scenes are a little tamer then those I have read from other books. But it's still worth checking out. I can't wait to read more books by Emily Silver. 

Nashville Knights Hockey Series 

1. Game Misconduct 

2. The Playmaker

3. Breakaway

4. Bar Down 

Tropes 

Sports Romance - Hockey

He Falls First

Age Gap 

The End Zone (Playing for Keeps #2) by Bianca Boreli

 

Nothing is more tempting than the forbidden. I pride myself on my control. I am the best quarterback in the league with an iron will and unshakable discipline. Nothing can change that. Or so I thought. Then Lilly crashes back into my life. She's all I think of. Staying away is impossible. Being just friends is agonizing. A relationship with her is forbidden. Something I'm reminded of every time I go to practice and see my head coach. But damn if she doesn't make me want to risk it all to have her. The End Zone by Bianca Boreli was published on October 23rd, 2025. This is the second book in the Playing for Keeps series. 

I was asked to review this book for my honest review. I have never read the the first book in this series. But it did not hinder my ability to read this book in the series. I didn't feel like I lost any form of plot from the book because I did not read book one. I felt like the characters were a little flat in the book but the plot made up for the book. The smut scenes were great and not over descriptive and not under descriptive. The book made me chuckle in parts and cry in some parts. The flow of the plot was a little chopping when they did jumps in the timeline of the book. But, it was easy to follow along though it would be nice to have more in the book instead of jumping around. The football references in this book were spot on (as I am a football fan) so I really enjoyed that the author had the correct terminology in the book. I highly recommend checking out this book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"What? I don't need to overcompensate for anything."
"Oh, Lilly, we both know I don't need to either." 

"I think we're going to be great friends."
"We're going to rock this friendship thing." 

"You don't want just nice, Lilly."
"What do I want then?"
"To feel coveted. To feel as if you're everything to someone. Passion, love, adoration. You want a man who treats you right outside the bedroom and fucks you senseless behind closed doors...You want a guy to look at you and forget the world around him. So no, you don't want nice because it's implied. You want smitten." 

Playing for Keeps Series

1. The Endgame 

2. The End Zone 

Tropes 

Sports - Football 

Friends to Lovers 

Forbidden Romance

Second Chance

Slow Burn 

Brutal Kiss (Russo Mafia #2) by Lena Vox

 

I was given one job - protect the princess. Not fall for her. Not touch her. Definitely not kiss her like I own her. But Sofia Gallo is pure temptation - smart-mouthed, sharp-eyed, and too damn bold for her own good. She pushes every boundary, tests every rule. And I'm the only thing standing between her and a war that could rip our world apart. I'm not a good guy. I'm the enforcer. And I'll protect her with every brutal bone in my body. Even if the biggest threat to her safety....is me. Brutal Kiss by Lena Vox will be published on October 23rd, 2025. This book is the second book of the Russo Mafia series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Lena Vox. Now, I am a parent of four kiddos and married to a lovely husband. But...I haven't been able to read a book in a whole day before until this book. I could not put this book down for nothing. I read it until I finished the whole book. For me saying that, it means that this book captured my attention to the very end. I was on the edge of my seat to see what was going to happen to Dante and Sofia. The characters capture your attention as they both have faults and strengths. Throughout the whole book the two characters grow more strength as they mature and fall in love. The plot in this story, keeps you so invested. There is action and yet there are times when you're like, "What is going to happen next?" Also times when you are questioning why are they being so stupid. I did not have any slow parts of the book but it was not overly filled with action scenes all the time. The plot flowed perfectly through each page. Also the smut scenes when they finally came up are on fire. You won't be disappointed. This new author to me is going to be on my list to follow and read more. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Princess, I've been doing this job for fifteen years. You're going to have to try a lot harder than that to get away from me."

"You keep trying to run, I keep catching you. Sounds like a game to me."
"I need to get out of here....I need to be free." 

"You're playing with fire, princess."
"Maybe I want to get burned." 

"You okay?"

"I'm ruined."
"Good." 

"Get your fucking hands off her." 

Rosso Mafia Series 

1. Savage Union 

2. Brutal Kiss

3. Reckless Need 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Mafia 

Forced Proximity 

Bodyguard 

Forbidden Romance