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