Penalty Play (Boston Rebels #5) by Julia Connors

 

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

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

Quotes that I Loved 

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

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

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

Boston Rebels Series

1. Center Ice 

1.5. The Trade Up

2.  Fake Shot

3. Cross-Checked 

4. Goal Line

5. Penalty Play 

Tropes

sports - hockey

Forced Proximity 

Forbidden Romance 

step-siblings 

friends to lovers 

grumpy - sunshine 

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

 

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

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

Erie City Hawks 

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

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

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

Erie City Hawks Series

1. Single Glance 

2. Double Down 

Tropes

Sports - Baseball

Friends to Lovers 

Secret Relationship

The Interception (Rock City Renegades #3) by C.L. Rose

 

Since I was a kid, I've only wanted two to be a professional football player and to have a family of my own. Being drafted by the Rock City Renegades was the first step, but now I'm now I'm ready for the rest. I have the house and the rescue dog, who's proven to be a bit of a menace for everyone other than my crush, Finley Bolton. So when I find myself needing someone to watch him while I'm away, moving her in is the logical option. She may be pregnant by another man, but it doesn't take long for her and the baby to etch their names into my heart. I want a life with them, but will I be able to break down Finley's walls and proven that I can be the man she needs, or she will pack up and obliterate every dream I've ever had? The Interception by C.L. Rose was published on January 22nd, 2026. This is the third book in the Rock City Renegades Series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from C.L. Rose and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved this book. I could not get enough of Theo and Finley in this book. Though I wanted to smack a person throughout the book. This book made me giggle and squeal throughout the book. I was also crying because some of the things that Finley was feeling I have felt. The characters in this book both have some faults and they both had to grow from those. But not only were they growing separately but they helped each other as well. The relationship between them are so sweet and you can totally see how they are falling in love throughout the book. Heck, I fell in love with Theo in this book. He is such a good golden retriever of a guy it's crazy. The plot in this book is perfect as it ebbed and flowed from each scene. Everything had a reason to be in the book. Also...you will fall in love with the dog in this book as he makes the book absolutely perfect. I highly recommend checking out this sweet book. I cannot wait for book four and see which character I am going to meet next. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"There's my good girl."

"Tell me you want me to split you open and paint your walls." 

"You're right. You can't. But I can. I'm going to come on your cock, Theo. And you're going to sit still like a good boy while I do it." 

Rock City Renegades Series 

1. Mr. Irrelevant 

2. Bad Call 

3. The Interception

4. Red Zone (05/14/2026) 

Tropes 

Sports Romance - Football 

Friends to Lover 

Forced Proximity

He Falls First 

 

Getting the Goalie (The Good Girls of NE University #1) by Hannah Gray

 

Being the child of a hockey legend is great and all, until you figure out that people either respect you for it or think you've only gotten as far as you have because of the name on your jersey. I may be Cam Hardy's daughter, but I've worked my butt off for every minute. I've earned on the ice. When I land at NE University, I'm eager for a fresh start and a new season of hockey to begin. But when a ghost from my past - one I never wanted in my present - comes out of nowhere, I learn quickly that even the biggest campus can become small, fast. Especially when said ghost has made it his mission to pursue me. My dad forbids it. But unfortunately for us both, guys like Hendrix Hunt don't back down from a challenge. No, just the opposite, actually---. Hendrix is the bad boy on campus with a mile-long list of debatable choices under his belt and an abnormally large chip on his shoulder. And when he lets me see his softer side, I fall for him - heart first. But just when I think I can trust him, he flips the script, reminding me that I can't. So when he comes back again this time, with a grand gesture - I know I should guard my heart like I guard my goal. But the reality is, unlike facing my opponents on the ice. Getting the Goalie by Hannah Gray was published on January 15th, 2026. This is the first book in The Good Girls of NE University series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Hannah Gray and The Smuthood. I have to say that I absolutely devoured this book. This book was so good that it was really hard to put it down and function around my family. The characters had so many backstories that you had to pay attention throughout the book to hear pieces and put them all together. You were just given enough to understand and then try to figure it all out. I loved that this book showed the ending five years later. The romance in this book was amazing and really kept me loving the two characters. I love how you see how the two characters work together to help each other grow. The spicy scenes are tame but there are pieces that make you giggle in joy. I highly recommend checking this amazing book out. I know that I am going to be reading more by Hannah Gray in the near future. 

The Good Girls of NE University Series 

1. Getting the Goalie 

2. Convincing the Catcher (05/01/26) 

3. Stealing the Shortstop (08/01/2026) 

Tropes

Sports - Hockey

Enemies to Lovers 

College Age 

He Falls First 

Forbidden Love 

Forced Proximity

Bad Boy

Second Chance 

Wilde Cowboy (Love is a Cowboy #1) by Kelly Elliott

 

As the son of a third-generation cattle rancher, it's expected that I would follow in the footsteps of my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and work the family ranch just as they did. However, that wasn't my dream, and thankfully, my parents stood behind me when I told them I wanted to open a sporting goods store in our hometown of River Falls, Colorado. That's my plan, My endgame, and nothing is going to distract me from that goal. Then, I met Vivianne Pennington. It soon becomes clear to me that Vivianne is now a part of my dreams, and when I bring her home for Christmas, my entire family and town of River Falls fall head over heels in love with her. Wilde Cowboy by Kelly Elliott was published on January 20th, 2026. This is the first book of Love is a Cowboy series. 

I was given this book for my honest review by Kelly Elliott. So I tried really hard to get into the book and I did finish it. This book is not like a lot of books that I have read so it took me awhile to get through it. It is slow paced and you knew at the beginning of the book that the two main characters were getting together. It's a sweet book and if you need a palate cleaner type of book this would be the book that would do it. I loved the characters in this book even the minor characters. I felt like each character had a reason to be put in the book. The love between Vivianne and Ladd I felt like could have used more then instant falling in love. I felt like both were just there. I wanted more passion between the two characters to show that they do love each other. The plot was sweet and had some extra fluff that was really needed in the book. It's a sweet read with very few spicy scenes. I recommend you check it out. 

Love is a Cowboy Series

1. Wilde Cowboy

2. Wilde Ride (03/03/26)

3.  Wilde Flame (05/26/26)

4. Wilde Hearts (08/18/26)

5. Wilde Night (11/10/26) 

Tropes

Small Town

He Falls First

College Romance 

On Borrowed Time (Blossom Peak #2) by Harlow James

 

Being a nanny for a newly single dad wasn't the job I applied for when I decided to lick my wounds in Blossom Peak. But showing Henley Clark my bare backside wasn't in my plans either. When the pursuit of my dream career seemed unattainable, instead of going home and proving my parents right, I made a detour to the small mountain town I remember visiting as a kid. I just wanted a waitressing job to make some extra money while I figured out my next steps. But then the lumberjack of an owner begged me to help him with his three month-old daughter that he just found out existed, and I couldn't resist his plea. Or his massive physique - the one I saw every detail of when he appeared shirtless in front of me three times in the first week. The problem with living together though is there's little space, especially when my boss is so closed off that he's like a nut I want to crack open. And when I do, he steals my breath from my lungs - and reignites my creativity as well. But I gave myself a deadline to figure out what's next. Nowhere in that plan though did I account for falling for Henley Clark. Turns out the heart doesn't care, even when you're on borrowed time. On Borrowed Time by Harlow James was published on January 16th, 2026. This is the second book in the Blossom Peak series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Harlow James and The Smuthood. I am so excited that I was asked to read this book. I read the first book of the series when it came out so I couldn't wait to read this book. This book did not disappoint at all. I absolutely loved the two characters in this book. Also revisiting Laney and Fletcher from book one. Henley made me chuckle in this book as he was the big old grump who had a lot of history with people leaving. Then he is thrown a curve ball after curve ball to help shape him and help him overcome his past. Then you have Elodie who is the complete opposite. She doesn't let the past change her but watches her overcome her own past and failures. While they both had things that they had to get past they did it separately but with the help of each other. Also the baby is so sweet throughout the book. Something about big grumpy men with sweet babies makes me smile. While the smut scenes are not all in depth they are still spicy. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to read book three and even four when they come out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Because she doesn't need all of the details, and she's leaving anyway. She's leaving just like everyone else does." 

"Don't get me wrong, I love a man in a suit. But there's something about a blue-collar man that will win out every time." 

"Good girl." 

She's the sunshine pulling the darkness from my soul. 

Blossom Peak Series

 1. All This Time

2. On Borrowed Time

3. Test of Time (04/10/26)

4. It's About Time (07/2026) 

Tropes

Small Town

Single Parent 

Forced Proximity

Nanny

Boss/Employee

He Falls First 

Grumpy Sunshine

Leather and Lace (Black Diamond Ranch #1) by Kinsley Hunt

 

After my mother's death, I was thrown into a world I never asked to be part of - one built on bloodlines, legacies, and a father I've never met. I didn't come here looking for answers, but the ones I've found threatened to unravel everything. There are secrets buried deep in the soil of Black Diamond, and I should be afraid of what they'll cost me. But I'm not. Not when he's watching. Colter Shaw. The heir to the southern empire. Arrogant, magnetic, and cold as the bourbon in his glass. He's the kind of man who keeps people at arm's length - and yet looks at me like I'm the only thing worth touching. We're from two different worlds, raised on opposite sides of privilege and pain. He says I don't belong here. Maybe he's right. But that hasn't stopped him from acting like I do. Like I will. They warned me that Black Diamond would change me. What they didn't tell me is how much I'd want it to. Leather and Lace by Kinsley Hunt was published on January 2nd, 2026. This is the first book in the Black Diamond Ranch series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Kinsley Hunt and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved this book. This book had me on the edge of my seat because things that I thought were not actually happening. It had so many twists and turns throughout the book that I was not expecting. Though, it did not have any plot holes at all at the end of the story. I absolutely loved how the author wrote the plot of this story. While there is not many spicy scenes it didn't take away from the story. I felt like both characters had depth that was slowly revealed through the book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and Kinsley Hunt is now on my favorite author list. I highly recommend checking out this story. 

Quotes that I Loved

"You'll get used to him. He's kind of like a yeast infection. Gone for a while but always pops back up when you least expect it." 

"Good girl." 

Damn. Why is my pussy so wet from this? I should be seeing red flags not yummy green ones. 

"Come on now, Little Star.....We're the stars. Meant to be. Giant balls of gas that blink out of existence only to blink right back in under a new sky...." 

Black Diamond Ranch Series

1. Leather and Lace 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Forced Proximity

Billionaire 

Age Gap 

Mafia 

Small town 

Scars of You (Amity #2) by Madi Danielle

 

Three years ago I moved to Amity. This was the place I was going to set my roots and live my life without the constant reminders of the pains of my past. That first night I fell into bed with a sexy stranger, only to find out he's none other than my neighbor. And he didn't even remember me or the night we spent together. Or so I thought. Years have past and it seems that may not be the case after all. Even though we don't get along, our chemistry is impossible to ignore. Turns out the fire between us may not be based on hatred at all. But rather something much more explosive. Scars of You by Madi Danielle was published January 13th, 2026. This is the second book of Amity series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Madi Danielle and The Smuthood. Now, first I want to say that mental health is so important. So please take the time to read the trigger warnings from this book for your own mental health. Also if it gets to rough for you do not shame yourself for walking away from the book. Okay, let's talk about the book. I absolutely loved this book and read it through having sickness. It took me longer then I would have loved but that's because I needed lots of sleep to get through this nasty cold. It took me two days mind you still. I loved how in depth the characters of Bailey and Wes are in this story. I felt like I could feel their struggles and I was silently cheering them on to open up to those around them. Also silently cheering that they were finally opening up in some way with each other about their struggles. I felt like both Wes and Bailey grew so much through this book not just with each other but themselves as well. They both had their own battles and were able to overcome those in some ways. The plot is intense but the slow parts really helped even it out. While I am not a huge fan of slow burn type of books this one didn't really bother me. It had great little scenes that all led up to the final moments. The spicy scenes were mild for something I would have thought for this type of books. But they were sweet and spicy. I highly recommend this book and now I am for sure going to add book one and book three to my every growing TBR. 

Quotes that I Loved 

Bailey: You don't tell me what to do.
Wes: Watch me. 

"Good. I don't want you to be a good girl. Get on your stomach."
"Make me." 

"Brats get punished. Now you get to go through the rest of the night needy, wet, and unsatisfied." 

Amity Series

1. Embers of You

2. Scars of You

3. Memories of You 

Tropes

Enemies to Lovers

Small Town 

Slow Burn

Men in Uniform 

For Now (Star-Crossed City #3) by Ari Wright

 

Marco Amir is great at his job. With one notable exception. He absolutely cannot keep himself away from the beautiful, wallflower wedding planner. He's supposed to be protecting her from the rabid media, ensuring there are no leaks that compromise the big event. Though, as threats close in and his carefully laid plans begin to unravel, Marco finds he isn't just guarding Alice because he has to, but because he's pretty sure she just might be the one...If he can somehow convince her their connection isn't just for now. For Now by Ari Wright was published January 8th, 2026. This is the third book in Star-Crossed City series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Ari Wright and The Smuthood. Okay first thing first, I have not read book one or book two of this series so it's all new characters to me. I have to say the characters were not something that I normally read. While yes, I read about bodyguard romances Marco did not act like the strongest bodyguard. Also Alice, really was hard on herself so much that at times it took over the story and you just wanted to escape. I did enjoy the plot of this story, but it made me realize that I knew nothing of what was going on in the other books which if I had the knowledge it would have helped me understand the plot better. I did enjoy this book and it was a nice escape from the world around me. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Good Girl." 

"I want to fuck you." 

"Your gun...You forgot to take it out of your pants." 
"That's not a gun, sweet girl." 

Star-Crossed City Series

1. For Always 

2. For Ever

3. For Now 

Tropes

Soulmates 

Fake Dating 

Bodyguard

He Falls first 

Happy Ever After (New York Thunder #4) by Shann McPherson

 

Two words describe Happy Slater; unserious and slutty. The second line defenseman, son of a former supermodel and a rockstar, is known for a good time and not a lot else. But sometimes appearances can be deceiving, and it's often the ones we least expect that are hiding the biggest secrets. Hannah Draper, daughter of New York Thunder head coach, Lance Draper, has officially had it with men. Forced to wait in the rain for an Uber that never shows, that is driven by - yep - a man, it only proves her point that all men suck. During her time of need, the last person Hannah wants to accept help from is Happy Slater, but desperate times often lead to terrible mistakes. After an unexpected night of hate-filled passion, they part ways only to find themselves brought back together again, and again, and again. Just when Hannah thinks she's got Happy figured out, he opens up his heart and shares his deepest secrets with her. This new side to the once insufferable member of her dad's hockey team has her cold heart thawing and her resolve to cancel all men starts to slip. But as the unlikely pair try to navigate their foreign feelings together, ghosts from their past start to surface, threatening everything. Happy Ever After by Shann McPherson will be published January 14th, 2026. This is book four of the New York Thunder series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Shann McPherson and The Smuthood. I fell in love with this series from Best Kept Secret. I thought that was going to be the high of the series but in reality I think this book took over the stop. This book had me giggling and crying, and squealing. I absolutely loved Hannah in this book. I felt like she grew as the character in this book. Then there is Happy....omg I think he has such a unique name. Anyways, I loved him and really could not see him as a Playboy in the book. So when the truth of his secret comes out I was not surprised. Though, the secret really sent me in a frenzy. I loved the plot in this book. Yes, it's fast paced and they fall in love quickly but the characters have known each other before this book. Also sometimes it's fun to read a fast paced book. I highly recommend checking out this book. I for sure need to read the other books in this series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Are you going to be able to fuck me if I let you come right now, or are you a pathetic one-hit wonder?" 

"Oh, fuck yes, good boy!" 

"I'm going to suck your cock so you'll stop being such a downer." 

New York Thunder Series 

1. Famous Last Words

2. One Night Only

3. Best Kept Secret 

4. Happy Ever After 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Hockey

He Falls First 

Single Dad

Poke Check (Skate Me Home #3) by Rachel Anthony

 

Naomi Piccolo is done being underestimated. Chronically overlooked at her marketing firm, landing a consulting gig for a pro hockey team is her chance to prove she belongs in the big leagues - even if she's the shortest person in every boardroom. Garrett Tall doesn't do apologies. Not for his size, not for his ridiculous pre-game rituals, and definitely not for pissing off the fierce little redhead. As the Hartford Whalers' starting goalie, he's paid to be immovable, and he's very good at his job. When Naomi walks into the arena, neither of them is thrilled. She thinks he's a superstitious man-child who smirks instead of speaks. He thinks she's all bark and no bite. Then she accidentally touches his lucky stick. And he wins. Now Garrett is convinced she's his good luck charm - and he's not above asking her to touch his stick again. She finds the whole thing absurd. He finds her protests irrelevant. Suddenly they're bound together by superstition and stubbornness, stuck in each other's orbit with all the friction combusting into something a lot harder to ignore. Poke Check by Rachel Anthony was published on January 4th, 2026. This is the third book in the Skate Me Home series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Rachel Anthony and Book Siren. This was a super short book then what I am used to. I loved the two characters in this book though. They had me giggling at their silly antics and word choices. Though, I felt like both characters lacked something that could make them feel more rounded. The plot while it was a slow burn I felt like there was a lot of it missing on the pages. I felt like we needed more time for the two characters to fall in love. I felt like it was skipped a lot of things without telling the reader. Though this book was a cute read and I would love to read more from this author. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Wouldn't want to get any taller. Ceiling fans are already dangerous."
"What?"
"Blades....They're everywhere. Gotta stay alert." 

"I need you to touch my stick." 

"Have you been stalking me again?"
"Please. If I was stalking you, you'd never see me coming. I'm small and sneaky, remember?" 

Skate Me Home Series

1. Blocked Shot

2. Twisted Shot

3. Poke Check 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Hockey

Grumpy Sunshine

Slow Burn

The Sugar Plum Rebellion by Megan Astraus

 

Clara Winters has one never let anyone see the ADHD-fueled chaos underneath her ballet perfection. As the adopted daughter of a ballet legend, she's spent her entire life proving she belongs by forcing her neurodivergent brain into the Porcelain Princess mold everyone expects. This Christmas Eve Nutcracker is her final audition. One flawless Sugar Plum Fairy performance will land her prestigious contract and prove she deserves her legacy. Then, her dance partner snaps his ankle. His only replacement? Trevor Williams, a tattooed, recovering addict from the county arts program next door. Their partnership should fail. But between heated arguments and hotter stolen glances, their forced proximity turns into late-night rehearsals and vulnerable confessions. The Sugar Plum Rebellion by Megan Astraus was published December 3rd, 2026. 

I was given this book from Book Siren and Megan Astraus for my honest review. This book took me awhile to get into the story. For over half of the books the author spent the time to build the story. It actually made me not like Clara at all with her attitude about everything. Even though you know that it's not her true thoughts. I had a hard time thinking Clara had anything in common with Trevor. I couldn't see how or why they were falling for each other. Then in the second half of the book everything started to make sense. I actually started to enjoy the book and was able to finish the book. While, I didn't overly enjoy the book the book had some issues but overall I did have some enjoyment in the end. 

Quotes That I Loved 

I know what cages look like. Hers is made of mirrors. 

"Tell me to stop, Clara....because I don't think I can."
"Don't you dare fucking stop." 

"Do you want advice, or would you rather I listen?" 

Tropes 

Enemies to Lovers

Forced Proximity

Holiday Romance 

He Falls First 

Bad Boy

Sports Romance 

The Promise of Forever (Holly Ridge #2) by Morgan Elizabeth

 

For as long as she can remember, Hallie Young's life has been intertwined with the King family in every way that matters. Over the years, the Kings have become the family she always desperately wanted after her mom left, and there is nothing she would ever do to jeopardize that. Not even Jesse, her best friend's hot older brother, whose name she used to doodle in the margins of her notebooks. Jessie King did not expect to become a dad at 21 or to take on the responsibility of raising his daughter alone soon thereafter, but he accepted it without hesitation. He's determined to make sure his now pre-teen daughter, Emma, makes it to adulthood with as few bumps and bruises as possible. This means his own personal life is on the back burner until she's out of his house, a decision he's never even questioned, much less regretted. That is, of course his little sister's best friend shows up at his front door to watch Emma over winter break. Suddenly, long-buried feelings are resurfacing, and he's wondering if she couldn't be exactly what his little family is missing. The Promise of Forever by Morgan Elizabeth was published December 26th, 2025. This is the second book of the Holly Ridge series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from House of Hearts and Morgan Elizabeth. First thing first, I did not read the first book of the series. But, I can honestly say that it did not take apart from this book. Though, maybe gives a little more background to that of Wren and her boyfriend Adam. The plot in this book was great. I felt like everything that was happening had a reason. It was easy to follow along and it had a good amount of ups and downs through the story. The characters were sweet characters and while Hallie I felt like was growing into herself through the book. I still felt like she lacked something to make her a more well rounded character. Jesse, I felt like his own personal growth felt rushed and last second toward the end of the book. Now, the big hiccup in this book and the reason why I couldn't give the book four stars out of five is because there were so many Grammar errors throughout the book. I felt like at some point they ruined the scene that would have been amazing. Though, for me who struggles with Grammar I was able to overlook it. Though, I will warn my followers if you have trouble with errors then this book is not for you. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You should know by now that Jesse's blind, Pete, .....He'll get it one day." 

"You don't get to deem what I'm wearing inappropriate; I am not yours." 
"Trust me, Hallie, I am incredibly aware you are not mine." 
"Thank God for that....What's that supposed to mean?" 

"You couldn't handle a woman like me, Jesse."
"Oh, I could handle you, Hallie Young." 

Holly Ridge Series

1. The Bright Side of Christmas 

2. The Promise of Forever

Tropes

Small Town

Single Parent

Friends to Lovers

Best Friend's Brother

The Stalker Match (Mafia Matchmaker #2) by Montana Fyre

Lexi De Luca lives a double life. By day, she's a Mafia princess, and by night, she makes spicy content for her fans. The thing is, along with the two lives, she also has feelings for two different men. Her brother's best friend and a perfect stranger on the internet. When loneliness gets the best of her, she decides to follow in her brother's footsteps and sign up for the Mafia Matchmaker, the last thing she never expects is to match with the man she's loved for most of her life. But there's another man in her life, one who threatens the future that is finally within her grasp, and he's always three steps ahead. The Stalker Match by Montana Fyre will be published on January 9th, 2026. This is book two of the Mafia Matchmaker series. 

I made an oops and accidentally applied twice to this book to review from two different P.Rs. It's because I fell in love with this series with The One Night Match book. So I knew that I wanted a chance to read this book before it was published. Anyways, thank you to Montana Fyre, The Smuthood, And Literally Yours for the opportunity on reading this advance copy for my honest review. Okay, now that is over let's get to the review. I am so glad that I was able to get this book. I fell in love with the characters right off the bat. I love how Lexi is not a normal Mafia princess at all. She had a rough growing up under her father's thumb until her Big Brother killed him. So she has some background craziness that you see come out. But she also didn't want to survive on the Mafia money and started to make her own in secret. This girl has so much personality and it all works in this book. It's also fun to watch her growth throughout the book. Colten has so many layers as well and it's so fun to watch this Mafia guy turn all gooey for the girl. You thought Cruz in book one was bad with his golden retriever ways...just wait till you meet Colten. I loved the characters in this book. The plot in this book was amazing and I really wanted to walk into the book and be a part of it. I could not put it down. Though, I feel like Lexi was really forgiving rather quickly for things that Colten did. I wanted to see her give him a run for his money. I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to read the next story. From what I can tell it's going to be amazing....

Quotes That I Loved 

"Pack a bag, baby.."Are you taking me back to the estate?" 
"No."
"Then where are we going?"
"My place."
"Why?"
"Because that's where you live now." 

"You gonna be a good girl for me, Lexi?"

"Is she allowed to leave?'
"Not without me."
"And does she know you've been obsessed with her for years?"
"No."
"So, she's there under false pretenses?"
"Yes."
"I hate to break this to you, bud, but you kinda kidnapped her." 

Mafia Matchmaker Series

1. The One Night Match 

2. The Stalker Match 

Tropes

Stalker

Mafia 

Brother's Best Friend 

Cam Girl 

Virgin 

He Fell First 

Arrange Marriage