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 

Love Deep (Colorado Club Billionaires #2) by Louise Bay

 

My life is basically a three-item to-do. 1. Keep my eight year old daughter happy. 2. Keep my job at the elementary school. 3. Keep my big, scary dream of being a full-time artist locked up where it can't break my heart. Easy. Manageable. Drama-free. And then Fisher Wright strolls into Star Falls. Tall. Charming. British. The kind of dangerously attractive that should come with a warning label-or maybe a hazmat suit in my size. He's here for eight weeks, helping a famous music superstar record her next album. We have one harmless, flirty conversation at the local bar. Then it's wine on my porch. Then stolen kisses by the falls. Then...oh no, actual feelings. The big, messy, life-complicating kind I swore I didn't have time for. But his life is in New York. Mine is here. And long-distance fairytales? Please. They don't come true - especially when there's a kid involved. Love Deep by Louise Bay was published on October 9th, 2025. This is the second book in the Colorado Club Billionaires series. 

I was asked to review this book for my honest review from The Smuthood and Louise Bay. This was the first book that I have read in the series by Louise Bay. I have to say that I actually quite liked the book. The characters at first felt a little flat and it was hard to get into. But as the book continued I fell more into liking the two main characters. Though I think Riley stole the show with her silly little kid antics in the book though I think she acted mature for her age through the book. I felt like the book had a slow build up that it was hard to keep reading through the book. I didn't really get into the book until half of the book was done. Then I couldn't put the book down. I loved how the characters had to figure out their own lives separate from each other as well as figure out their lives together. The book, didn't really have a ton of smut scenes that you kind of see in several romance books. But, they were a nice touch in the book when they appeared. The romance was there throughout the book. I recommend checking this book out. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Now, you can have that one for free. You were so wet. You needed it so badly. But next time, you won't come without asking."
"Really?"
"Really. You can't come without my permission." 

"....Remember to be a good girl and ask permission before you come." 

"Hi, you two. Thanks for inviting me. I could eat a cow."
"A cow....Like really? Are you going to order a cow? I don't even know if they have it on the menu?" 

Colorado Club Billionaires 

1. Love Fast 

2. Love Deep 

3. Love Hard (TBA) 

Tropes 

Small Town Romance

Slow Burn 

Second Chance

Single Parent 

Billionaire 

Rebel Heart (Starlight Cove #6) by Brighton Walsh

 

Harper Davidson has been ingrained on my heart since we were kids, and now she's tattooed on my skin. But she'll never know about either. Not when she's better off thinking we're enemies. Having her in my space every day and sharing a wall with her every night is a challenge I never saw coming. A challenge I'm not sure I'm up to. Especially when our daytime games turn into nighttime dares, pushing each other to the breaking point until our neighbors know exactly who's making her scream. As lines blur and feelings deepen, we begin teetering on the edge of something more. And it's becoming harder to pretend that this is nothing - that she is nothing. Because this second chance is starting to feel like a last chance. Rebel Heart by Brighton Walsh was published on July 2024. This is book six of the Starlight Cove series. 

I have really enjoyed this series and a lot of books by Brighton Walsh. So I was really excited when this book came out. I couldn't wait to get started and started. I finished this book within a few days of checking it out. I loved the build up in this book. The characters don't see each other coming throughout the book. Though, it was interesting to see how much changes with them as they grow in the book. The characters, Harper and Levi are well rounded both with a lot of faults in the book. You see a lot of Levi's siblings through the book which you introduced in the other books. Also you really fall in love with the whole town of Starlight Cove. The plot of this story flows amazing and the smut scenes are tame compared to other books that I have read. But they are amazing and I highly recommend checking out this book, because you will fall in love with Levi. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"If I wanted to know how well I fuck now, Sparrow, you could've just asked." 

"Get on the bike, Harper...We're going to the same place."

"I can walk."

"I never said you couldn't. But it's midnight and you're alone. And I don't give a shit if we live in the most boring town in the country, I'm not just going to drive off and let you walk home by yourself. Now, get on the fucking bike." 

"If I tell you the secret, will you get on your knees and pray to it, Sparrow?" 

"Time to be my dirty girl, Sparrow." 

Starlight Cove Series

1. Defiant Heart

2. Protective Heart 

3. Fearless Heart 

4. Reckless Heart 

5. Possessive Heart 

6. Rebel Heart 

Tropes

Second Chance 

Small Town

Enemies to Lovers

Forced Proximity

Friends to Lovers 

Slow Burn

Childhood Friends

He Falls First 

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

 

Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A Junior at Standford and a student-athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from their injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships-at least, that's what she tells herself. Swim captain, world champion, all-around aquatics golden boy, Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It's how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus, with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes. So they start an arrangement. And as the pressure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes that her heart might be treading into dangerous water. Deep End by Ali Hazelwood was published on February 2025. 

I was wanting to read this book since it came out and I happened to be at a bookstore that had it on sale. I am so glad that I bought this book as I will be so wanting to read it over and over. This book is on the lighter side of smut but it has an amazing romance plot. The two main characters Scarlett and Lukas both have a history and personality before the book started. As the story went on both of their personalities grew with the book. Both characters are really well rounded as they have both faults and strengths throughout the book. The plot in this book has a lot of twists and turns that keep you wanting to turn the page. I read this book quite fast as I could not put it down. I highly recommend checking this book out. 

Quotes That I Loved

A minute later she's asleep. The entire universe is here, in his arms. 

"Scarlett....The only time wasted in time we are apart." 

"Mostly, I'm afraid of attempting something and not being perfect at it." 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Swim

College - New Age 

He Falls First 

Friends to Lovers 

BDSM 

All This Time (Blossom Peak #1) by Harlow James

 

Fletcher Adams is not just the man that stole my heart at fifteen and never gave it back. He's also my brother's best friend, and now one of the most famous players in the NFL. But now he's back in Blossom Peak for our mutual friend's wedding, and guess who are the maid of honor and best man? That would be us. I've spent the past twelve years ignoring what happened between us that fateful night, and avoiding him as much as possible when he did pop into town to visit. But now he's everywhere. All This Time by Harlow James will be published on October 10th, 2025. This is the first book in the Blossom Peak series. 

I was asked for my honest review from The Smuthood and from Harlow James. Now that is out of the way, I have to say I read this book in three days. It would have taken me a single day to read it but life of soccer games, and homecoming dances got in the way. I loved this book so much. This book sent me laughing like crazy as some of the crazy scenes. Then in the next second I was on the edge of tears. The characters, not just the two main characters Fletcher and Laney but all of the other side characters came to life on the pages. The story-line was perfected and left me hanging in some places but I felt fulfilled at the end of the book. I loved how their relationship was formed before the book started and then came back around. I didn't feel like I lost anything about their past relationship. I could totally see how these two characters came to each other. This is a book series I will for sure be grabbing each book as they come out. But not only that I will now check out all the other books by Harlow James. 

 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Then that settles it. We go out next Friday and you don't come home until you've seen a dick and felt it in your vagina."
"You'd think, given how long we've been friends, that nothing you say could shock me, yet here we are."
"It's a gift." 

"Awesome. I just want to make sure Laney eats something."
"That's really not necessary."
"Where are your snacks?" 

"Any man foolish enough to cheat on you deserves to have every one of his limbs ripped from his body." 

Blossom Peak Series

1. All This Time

2. On Borrowed Time (January 2026) 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Football

Enemies to Lovers

Brother's Best Friend 

Small Town 

Second Chance 

Forced Proximity 

Pucking Unhinged (Kings of Castlebrook #3) by London Snow

 

Tristan Vale was forced to make a sick choice: hurt his foster sister or watch someone else do far worse. The quiet and brooding goalie is known for his ruthless demeanor on and off the ice. When it comes to Winter LeBlanc, his dominance is gentle, protective and possessive in the most unhinged ways. Winter believes Tristan's careful attention is focused solely on her because of the guilt he carries. She's only ever felt self with him, and now he needs his dark side to help her heal. The delicate ballerina is unaware that her foster brother's need for her consumes him to the point it keeps him up at night. She doesn't know that the day they were attacked was not the first time he killed for her. Now they've expected to go back to their regular lives, but his obsession with her grown more intense. Tristan tracks Winter's every move, caters to her every whim without her having to ask, and there isn't a thing he wouldn't do to keep her safe. He vows to hunt down those who tried to harm her, but the villain might be closer than either of them realize. Pucking Unhinged by London Snow was published on October 1st, 2025. This is book three of the Kings of Castlebrook series. 

I was asked to read this book for my honest review from The Smuthood and London Snow. I will say that this is the first book that I have read in the Kings of Castlebrook series. I love hockey romances even though I will say that I know nothing about hockey. I have seen one game once in my lifetime in person as a kid. But anyways, something about hockey romances have always drawn me in. This book didn't per say have a lot of hockey references through the book but you got here and there. The characters go to one or two games in the book. I really enjoyed the book though. The characters, I felt like could use some more personality and personal growth in the book. But the plot was really unique and I loved how it was certain around the two characters who were foster siblings. Though, there was a lot of build up in the book that lost me a few times. There is not a lot of smut in this book but it hints of more to come. The author created a really nice book that I kind of wished we saw more of the characters when they were foster siblings and what happened the night that Tristian was forced to take Winter's virginity. It was a good book and I highly recommend this easy read. 

Kings of Castlebrook Series

1. Pucking Obsessed 

1.5. Burn It Down

2. Pucking Possessive 

3. Pucking Unhinged 

3.5. A Very Unhinged Christmas 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Sports Romance - Hockey

Forced Proximity 

College Romance 

Forbidden Romance

He Falls First 

Friends to Lovers 

Small Town

Virgin 

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