Next Best Swing by Shann McPherson

 

Not so long ago, Brookes Devereaux was the world number one golfer. Now, fresh out of rehab, his comeback is not quite according to plan, and he's seriously starting to worry that the old Brookes is gone for good, and what's left is nothing more than a 32-year-old washed-up has-been. When faced with the real threat of losing his tour card, Brookes and his management team are left scrambling. But, with a litter help from his meddling 80-year-old bestie, Brookes decides that Poppy Crawford, the curvy cart girl with endless sunshine and spunk, might just be what he needs to help him improve his image. Brookes and Poppy come to an arrange; she agrees to be his fake girlfriend for the summer, and he'll pay her enough money that she'll finally be able to get out of her ex-boyfriend's apartment. It's the perfect deal: Brookes isn't at all interested in her or a relationship, and Poppy needs money to help turn her small business into a dream career. But when Poppy helps Brookes find himself again, and Brookes helps Poppy fight the demons from her past that she's kept hidden from everyone, the two grow closer. And when the lines between real and fake, and right and wrong begin to blur, Brookes finds himself wondering if what he didn't want, might exactly what he needs. Next Best Swing by Shann McPherson was published on April 9th, 2026. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Shann McPherson and The Smuthood. I want to first explain that I know every little bit about golf so this was all new to me. Though, since I didn't know much about golf I was not lost in the book. Golf was only a small part of the plot of the story. I absolutely loved this book. I loved Poppy and her spunky behavior and Brookes grumpy behavior. I absolutely hated another character in this book as he made me uneasy just like he did to Poppy. The author knew how to make sure that the other character came across the reader so well that it makes you feel uneasy by his behavior. I loved how Poppy and Brookes were not instantly in love. It took time through the book for them to get to the point of past friends. The smut scenes were sweet and did not overpower the plot of the story. The plot of the story flowed really well from each scene and I felt like by the end of the book a lot of my questions were answered. I highly recommend checking out this book. I for one will read more books by Shann McPherson. 

Tropes 

Sports - Golf 

Fake Dating 

Forced Proximity 

Friends to Lovers 

Grumpy Sunshine 

Slow Burn 

Rucking Obsessed (Knights of St. Killian #1) by London Snow

 

MySongbird, 3,748 days. I know the number without looking it up. Ten years, two months and six days since the first time I saw your face. I track every aspect of your life like you're my religion. When I reveal myself, you'll understand that I'll never worship anyone else. You were always meant to be mine, my little songbird. But for now, I have to settle for keeping you safe. Yours in every lifetime. Rucking Obsessed by London Snow was published March 25th, 2026. This is the first book in the Knights of St. Killian series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from London Snow and The Smuthood. I had a hard time getting into this book. There were times where I was so close in DNF it. But then...there were moments where I was like wait...this is finally getting interesting. I could not get into the two main characters at all though. I felt like they had no chemistry other then him saving her when she was little. Though he was the only one who remembered. So it was a challenging book for me. I felt like the characters really didn't have any depth to them. But yet the plot had some interesting points involved in it. While, I am not sure if I will read another book in the series. You might light this book. It does have a few good spicy scenes. 

Quotes that I Liked 

"Leave her the fuck alone...Or I'm going to shove that little rowboat of yours up your ass and send you out to sea." 

"I see you watching me all the time. For such a psycho.....you're very handsome." 

"You're awfully cuddly for a stalker, Sabastian..." 

Knights of St. Killian Series

1. Rucking Obsessed 

2. TBA 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Rugby

Dark Romance 

Stalker 

New Age

He Fell First 

Virgin 

The Roommate Rules (Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove #4) by Brighton Walsh

 

Starlight Cove's prim little librarian has despised me since the first day I parked my motorcycle on her sidewalk. Now our feud has landed us as roommates....and she just asked me to teach her every dirty thing she's never experienced. Making Penelope Shea lose her mind has been my favorite hobby since she moved here. But our infamous daily sparring backfires when the town's meddling grandma sentences us to five hundred hours of community service...or thirty days of living together. Penelope chooses cohabitation with the enemy to protect her spotless record. I agree because watching her unravel sounds like fun. What I don't expect is to discover my rule-enforcing roommate has secrets - namely, a hidden career penning filthy romances and a list of sinful lessons she's written about but never learned firsthand. Like an idiot, I volunteer as her tutor. Penelope calls it research. I call it trouble. Because somewhere between her first lesson and her first tattoo, she goes from being in my head to being in my bed. Now she's under my skin as permanently as my ink is under hers. The Roommate Rules by Brighton Walsh was published on May 7th, 2026. This is the fourth book in the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove series. 

I was so excited when I was given this book for my honest review from Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood. This is the fourth book that I have received from these lovely ladies and I absolutely love this series. Brighton Walsh is one of my top favorite authors that I always love reading her books. So let's talk about this book. This book sets the bar so high that it's hard to get into another book after you finish it. The smut scenes in this book are top notch as Declan does not hold back when he teaches Penelope the ropes of a good scene. There are times when you might need to fan yourself or find your lovely husband to help ya out. I absolutely loved Declan in the other books in the series so of course I was so excited that it was finally his book. Mind you he loved to give his brothers a hard time previously so you know those brothers are going to come after him. This book has so much chemistry that builds up throughout that you knew they were going to combust. I love that Penelope has such an amazing friendship with some of the leading females in previous books and Declan's mom. The characters in this book are amazing and it's hard to realize that they are in fact not real. Brighton Walsh has pulled off another book and then she left us with the biggest surprise at the end of this book. Sneaky...Sneaky author. I highly recommend checking out this amazing book, I for one will be on the look out for more books by this author as she never has failed me yet. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I'm telling you, she's gonna snap one day."

"Worth it."

"Not if she stabs you with a pencil engraved with World's Best Librarian and you bleed out on the sidewalk you were bound and determined to park on." 

"What're you thinking about, rebel?" 

"Choking you with my bare hands."

"Maybe next time. If you're a good girl." 

"You know I can't fake my dick getting hard, right?" 

"Well, I don't have one of those things! I don't have firsthand knowledge of how they work."

"Clearly, But I do. And I can promise you, my cock doesn't lie." 

"Look at you. Soft everywhere I wanna sink my teeth." 

"Some would say too soft."

"Good thing those assholes aren't here." 

"All I see are tits I wanna fuck, thighs I wanna bury my face between, and hips I wanna dig my fingers into while I'm fucking you." 

Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove Series 

1. The Grump Next Door 

2. The Live-In Temptation 

3. The Mr & Mrs Mistake 

4. The Roommate Rules 

Tropes 

Forced Proximity 

Small Town 

Enemies to Lovers 

Grumpy - Sunshine

He Falls First 

Unplanned Play (Nashville Players #1) by Chelle Sloan

 

The itinerary for girls' weekend in Las Vegas was simple. Gamble. Get drunk. Wear a little black dress that screamed "newly single and ready to make bad decisions." That bad - yet oh so very good decision - came when Maddox Gallagher walked into the bar. In my defense, it was hard to resist the younger football player. Between the dimple in his cheek and the way he held me when we danced, I was a goner. Add in the fact that he was celebrating a championship trophy and I was toasting to no longer being married, we were a match made in one-night-of-fun heaven. But what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Whoever said that was a liar. Because tell me why my one-night stand is now walking into my bakery, bound and determined to turn our one night into something more. And why did I bring home a souvenir that won't get here for nine months and also not have a return policy? Unplanned Play by Chelle Sloan was published on March 26th, 2026. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Chelle Sloan and The Smuthood. Thanks Ladies! This is my first book that I have read by Chelle Sloan and I am so excited to say I was not disappointed. This book made me feel all of the feels. Though, I am not a huge fan of surprise pregnancy this one didn't bother me as much. Though, as a reader I was able to spot it pretty quickly. I was really excited through when ever I had time to read to get back into this book. It's Maycember in my house so everything is happening this month. I loved the dynamic between the two main characters in this book. I loved how the one-night stand turned into more. I also loved how Maddox was not pushing FMC to become more than friends. That he was able to just be her friend and be there for her even though he wanted more. I absolutely loved this book and I am sure you will too. There are also some nice smut scenes throughout the book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Been friends with this woman for fifty years and to this day I have to remind her that we stay away from red flags, not run toward them like a goddamn bull." 

"I want to know every good, bad, or ugly thought that's bouncing around in that beautiful head of yours. Because the good ones I want to make sure happen, and the bad ones I want to fuck right out of you." 

"Abso-fucking-lutely." 
"Good boy."
"Now fuck me until I come again."
"With pleasure." 

Nashville Players Series

1. Unplanned Play 

2. Unexpected Shot (04/30/2026) 

Tropes

Age Gap

Sports Romance - Football

Friends to Lovers 

He Fell First 

Lassoed Love (Silver Saddle Ranch #2) by Ann Einerson

 

Spicy lessons turn into undeniable chemistry, blurred lines, and broken rules between a reformed cowboy Casanova and the girl he's secretly pined after for years in this steamy, friends-to-lovers, fake-dating, small-town romance. I wasn't expecting to bail my little sister's best friend out of jail. But what else could I do? I've wanted her for far longer than I care to admit. Too bad she thinks I'm a notorious Playboy, leaving my firmly in the friend zone. Not that I didn't earn that reputation once upon a time, but Birdie is the only one I have eyes for now. Luck is on my side when, after a few too many shots, the girl of my dreams propositions me. Will I be the first one to take her for a roll in the hay and teach her everything I know? Getting involved with the woman I've been yearning for is a bad idea. But it's one I plan to take for a ride, especially when Birdie becomes my fake girlfriend with benefits. This might not be my first rodeo, but agreeing to give her spicy lessons blurs the lines between friendship and what lies beyond. If I'm already bending the rules, I'm determined to lasso her heart. Lassoed Love by Ann Einerson was published March 26th, 2026. This is the second book in the Silver Saddle Ranch series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Ann Einerson and The Smuthood. I have to first say that I have not read book one before I read this book. Though, you didn't really need to read book one first. It was quick way to get the background just by reading this book. Though, you don't know how to background characters got together. It didn't take away from the book at all or the plot. I absolutely enjoyed this book. It is very light hearted and makes you giggle a lot. I absolutely loved Birdie in this book. She seems to be a girl who has so much strength when in reality she is drowning until Walker comes in. I loved that both characters have both strengths and weaknesses that balance each other out. It makes it seem like a perfect fit through the book. The plot in this book is amazing and it flows so well through each page. I didn't feel like I was always playing catch up or feeling like screaming because nothing was happening. I loved the romance the two characters have for each other. It works really well together as you can see how they work together in the book. The spicy scenes are spicy as Walker teaches Birdie what it means to be spicy. I highly recommend checking this book out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"If you're responsible for this, I'm totally putting glitter in your body wash the next time I'm at the ranch, Deputy." 

"That's one dirty mouth for someone who claims to be so innocent." 

"God, you're so hot when you beg."

"You need me to help get you off, baby? Is that what you've been missing?" 

"Eyes on me." 

Silver Saddle Ranch Series

1. Wrangled Love 

2. Lassoed Love 

3. Tethered Love (07/17/2026) 

Tropes 

small town

friends to lovers 

fake dating

virgin

sister's best friend 

Convincing the Catcher (The Good Girls of NE University #2) by Hannah Gray

 

From a young age, I knew things to be true. Number one, I was going to play professional softball. And number two, in order to get there, I couldn't allow myself any distractions. Ever. Being a type 1 diabetic catcher at a division one college, I'm no stranger to challenges. But when my dad gets diagnosed with cancer and my mom finds herself drowning in his medical bills, losing our health insurance while my dad becomes unrecognizable has me questioning my own strengths. Cane Hall is the stepson of retired NHL legend Tripp Talmage. He's also NEU's most beloved baseball player. At least, he was before one mistake has everyone second guessing his integrity, and he finds himself at odds with social media backlash. As NEU's first type 1 diabetic female catcher, I have my share of fans. And when Cane approaches me, offering to pay for my prescriptions in return for me faking a friendship to help him save his image...I somehow find myself saying yes. Under one condition-no romance. No feelings. Because I don't do boyfriends. Especially ones that look like Cane Hale. But when my dad dies, Cane is there, being everything I need him to be, making it hard not to fall for him. And though he distracts me from my grief, eventually, I know i'm going to come head to head with the pain. So, will I let Cane hold my hand while I face it? Or will I do what I do best and push him away? Not long ago, I would have known the answer. But now, I have no idea. Convincing the Catcher by Hannah Gray was published on March 16th, 2026. This is the second book in The Good Girls of NE University series. 

I was given this book for my honest review by Hannah Gray and The Smuthood. I was so excited to read this book as I loved the first book of the series. This book made me giggle and smile throughout the book until Harley's dad passed away. I sobbed and sobbed as the relationship between the Harley and her dad you could see how much she loved her dad. Though, I loved the romance in this book and how the two characters were supporting each other. The spicy scenes were top notch even though I thought that Harley was in no way ready for it when they finally both gave in. The two characters in this book are both well rounded as they both have a past that affects their future. They also both grow through this book as a person and are even better because of their relationship. I highly recommend checking out this amazing book. I cannot wait for the third book in this series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Seriously, I was here all last year and never even ran into you. Now you're popping up like a jack-in-the-box." 

"I know. How dare he make money for his charity with our fine asses? With my luck, I'll get bought by some old cougar or something." 
"Old cougar need love too, Hale!...Besides, maybe she'll, like, bake you cookies or some shit." 
"Why the fuck would she pay for a date with him and then bake him cookies?"
"Because old ladies love to bake, dickwad! And they're good at it. I mean, fuck, if I could live to play hockey for ninety years, I'd probably get pretty good too. You know?" 
"But your body would be decrepit, Einstein." 

Stupid six-pack. Stupid wet six-pack. Stupid V-line and stupid towel. 

The Good Girls of NE University Series

1. Getting the Goalie 

2. Convincing the Catcher

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

Tropes

Sports - Baseball / Softball 

Friends to Lovers 

He Falls First 

New Age 

Slow Burn 

Virgin

Forced Proximity

Fight for Us (Pinecrest, Montana #1) by Emily Silver

 

The love of my life left our small town without a second glance. What he didn't know? I had a secret of my own. I created a life for myself and my daughter in Pinecrest with someone who was supposed to take care of us. But all he wanted was my father's company. He didn't care about us. So I left. When tragedy strikes and my first love comes back to town, I'm thrown for a loop. And I'm not the only one. When he discovers the truth about my daughter, he does what's needed to stick around. For our daughter. But I can't ignore the chemistry still there between us. It never left. I want him more than anything. But if he leaves town again, I don't know if I'll be able to recover. Will we be able to move on from the past? Will my ex let us go? Only if Kade has what it takes to fight for us. Fight for Us by Emily Silver was published on March 16th, 2026. This is the first book in the Pinecrest, Montana book series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Emily Silver and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved this book so much. It's a sweet second chance love story that gets you all up in the feels. I absolutely loved the plot of this story and how it flowed from each scene to the next. I didn't feel like I was struggling to keep up or being overloaded with background noise. The two characters had some flatness to them but it was easy to overlook in the book. You can see why they got along though, I wanted to see when Kade broke the news to his family that Poppy was his...I missed it. The smut scenes were perfect but not like a dark romance which works for the book. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read book two. 

Pinecrest, Montana Series

1. Fight for Us 

2. Anything for You (06/26/2026)

3. Falling Together (09/30/2026) 

Tropes

Small Town

Second Chance 

Single Parent 

Secret Baby

Rule Breaker (Deep Cove Millionaires Book Club #2) by Lily Miller

 

You could say Jesse Winters and I got off on the wrong foot. The first time I laid eyes on him, I let him know exactly where he could shove that smug grin on his face. I've met plenty of guys like Jesse - handsome, charming, infuriating. He skates through life on good looks and charisma, leaving a trail of broken hearts along the way. It's clear that most girls find him impossible to ignore, but then, most girls haven't been raised with powerful political family legacy resting squarely on their shoulders. My parents taught me to be poised, and perfect. And to stay far away from men like Jesse Winters. Unfortunately, he's one of the owners of the company I now work for and seeing as I uprooted my entire life and moved to Deep Cove for this job, I tell myself just do my best to avoid him. That is, until an out-of-town gala I'm pressured to attend forces us together. An airplane ride away from the office and town we both call home, we're stuck sharing one hotel room. And one bed. Suddenly, Jesse is my fake date for the weekend - only nothing about it feels like we're pretending. Especially not the possessive way he looks at me. Or how much I like it. Rule Breaker by Lily Miller was published on March 1st, 2026. This is the second book of the Deep Cove Millionaires Book Club series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Lily Miller and The Smuthood. This is my first book that I have ever read by Lily Miller and I am so happy that I had the chance to check her book out. I really enjoyed the dynamic of the two characters in the book. I felt like the two characters really fit well together where he was the goofy kid and she was the serious person. I loved how the book started so that you got to know Madeline and see that she is trying to get away from her parents. I then love how that Jesse is though opposite of Madeline he is also a billionaire. They both had a hard time while growing up from their parents. Yet, they were not the same it helped them make a connection that way. The smut in this book is perfect but very light. The tension in this book between the characters is perfect. Though I wish the characters were a little more well rounded. It did not take away from the book. I can't wait to go back and read book one of the series. For sure adding Lily Miller on my favorite authors list. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Definitely not. To recap: Jesse sat down, you froze, he flirted, and then you torched him with that 'maybe focus on one woman at a time' line. Iconic." 

"But sometimes doing what's right for you means pissing a few people off." 

"I'm not gentle when I want someone...I take control. I lead.....But I only go as far as you want, and I'll always stop the second you tell me to." 

"On the bed, Mads, so I can worship you...." 

"Madeline, the man is stupid hot. Like offensively attractive. If that man took his clothes off in front of me, I would need to be resuscitated."
"Babe. I'm literally right here." 
"I married you. You're fine."
"I don't feel fine." 

Deep Cove Millionaires Book Club Series 

1. Deal Breaker 

2. Rule Breaker 

3. Heart Breaker (09/15/2026) 

Tropes

Boss/Employee 

Enemies to Lovers 

Slow Burn

Fake Dating

Forced Proximity

Billionaire 

He Falls first 

Small Town 

Cocky Mother Pucker (Hollis U #1) by Sarah Smith

 

I'm known for three things: I'm the captain of my college hockey team. I'm hot. I've got a big "stick" and plenty of pretty ladies to handle it for me. Yeah, that's cocky as hell, but it's true. One problem: I'm failing my classes. I need to get my grades up or I'm off the team, and i'll lose my shot to play pro hockey. So when Poppy Wylder asks me to fake date her to get back at her ex, I'm in. Under one condition: she tutors me. I've had a crush on this beautiful genius since we went to high school together. She hates me though. But one unexpected kiss changes everything. This good girl with a naughty streak in the bedroom is my fantasy come true. She confides in me about her dreams. I tell her mine. We agreed to call it quits at the end of the semester, but I've caught major feelings...I want to make Poppy mine for real... I just have to convince her to take a chance on the guy she never wanted. Cocky Mother Pucker by Sarah Smith was published on March 9th, 2026. This is the first book of Hollis U series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Sarah Smith and The Smuthood. I am so glad that I was able to read this book as I have not read anything by Sarah Smith before. This book had everything that you would want as a reader. It had drama and it had so many funny scenes that Make you giggle in delight. I loved the drama between Poppy and Nick as it made it even sweeter when they got together in the book. The romance was there in the book from the beginning as they try to figure out ways to get a long. But with all their fighting with each other you knew there was more to the story. The plot was perfect and there was nowhere that I thought it was too slow or too fast of a scene. It had a flow that kept you turning the page to find out what was about to happen. The only thing was I felt like the characters needed more depth to them but it was easy to overlook. The spicy scenes were spicy and at times extra spicy in the book. I highly recommend checking out this great book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Please, Poppy? I'll get down on my knees and beg if I have to." 

"Now hop on my cock and ride me like a good girl." 

"I want to break my rules for you." 

"I wanna see my name and my number on your back when you come on my dick like a good girl that you are." 

Hollis U Series

1. Cocky Mother Pucker 

2. Grumpy Mother Pucker (May 11, 2026) 

Tropes

Fake Dating

Bad Boy/ Good Girl

Sports -Hockey 

New Age 

Sister's Best Friend 

Flock (The Ravenhood #1) by Kate Stewart

 

Can you keep a secret? I grew up sick. Let me clarify. I grew up believing that real love stories include a martyr or demand great sacrifice to be worthy. Because of that, I believed it, because I made myself believe it, and I bred the most masochistic of romantic hearts, which resulted in my illness. When I lived this story, my own twisted fairy tale, it was unbeknowst to me at the time because I was young and naive. I gave into temptation and fed the beating beast, which grew thirstier with every slash, every strike, every blow. Triple Falls wasn't at all what it seemed, nor were the men that swept me under their wing. But in order to keep them, I had to be in on their secrets. Secrets that cost us everything to keep. That's the novelty of fiction versus reality. You can't re-live your own love story, because by the time you've realized you're living it, it's over. At least that was the case for me and the men I trusted my foolish heart to. Looking back, I'm convinced I willed my story into existence due to my illness. And all were punished. Flock by Kate Stewart was published July 27th, 2020. This is the first book in The Ravenhood series. 

I actually read this book a long time ago and just got some time to type up the review. I absolutely devoured this book. I loved the characters in this book that I had to actually read the next book in the series so I could stay with the characters longer. This book had so many twist and turns through out the book. You were caught in the love triangle through the book. The author wrote it to confuse the reader on who the main FMC was going to end up with. I thought all three main characters in this book had so much depth and history that was shown little by little through the book. Though you find out more in the following book. The author had no trouble with the three main characters and kept them straight through the book. The plot in this book is perfectly written. It has lots of spice and smut that will keep you up at night. Like what goes where and that goes there. I highly recommend checking out this book. Just know it's a FMC with two MMC. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I've been to plenty of parties, Sean. I'm no Little Red Riding Hood." 

"Good, because we don't want to let the Wolf get a whiff." 

...I want it to hurt. When we fuck, I want to feel it with every fiber of my being. When a man confesses his love to me, I expect him to mean it. I don't want to question the words' authenticity. I want to be claimed and owned and ruled and possessed by love. 

"You catchin' feelings for me, Pup?"
"Yes, of course I am. We...I was hoping....I don't know."
"That's right, we don't, so let's not go around getting offended and slinging drama where it isn't needed. You want to trust me, but you're not letting yourself, and there's nothing I can do about that. I can tell you every day you're safe with me, but unless you believe it, it's pointless. And for the record, I caught feelings the minute I laid eyes on you." 

"It's okay to want his dick, baby, I'll watch it go inside you and fucking love the view, and the savage it'll make me." 

The Ravenwood Series

1. Flock

2.  Exodus

3. The Finish Line 

Tropes 

Dark Romance 

New Adult 

Why Choose 

Enemies to Lovers 

Small Town

Perfectly Us (Steel City Legacy #1) by Samantha Brinn

 

Since my wife died ten years ago my life has revolved around two things: football and my kids. Then I met a girl in a bar and one single night changed everything. For six hours I wasn't the veteran Pittsburgh Renegades offensive linemen or single dad of two. I was just a man, and it felt like she was the one I had been waiting for. But when morning came I woke up to an empty bed, the girl of my literal dreams nowhere to be found. Until I walk into work the next day and there she is. Maddy Wright, Director of Sports Psychology for the Renegades and niece of the team's General Manager, is the last woman on earth I should want, but she's the one women I can't stay away from. With my position on the team and her career on the line, a relationship is a terrible idea. But the draw to each other is too strong, the way she fits into my little family undeniable, our chemistry impossible to ignore. We shouldn't need each other like this when being together could ruin everything we've both worked for. I shouldn't feel like I can't breathe without her when dating in secret is our only choice. With our careers in the cross hairs, forever is the last word that should be on my mind. But with my heart utterly lost to Maddy, I'll stop at nothing to make sure that forever is exactly what we get. Together. Perfectly Us by Samantha Brinn was published March 5th, 2026. This is the first book in the Steel City Legacy series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Samantha Brinn and The Smuthood. Let's just say that I absolutely loved this book. I loved how the book built up the relationship with little things throughout the book. How you fall in love with Cam is this perfect guy throughout the book. The two main characters both have some baggage. Maddy was adopted from the system when she was seven years old and Cam's wife passed right after childbirth of their second child. The plot in this book is perfect, it has a ton of side characters but it didn't take away from the book. I really want to hear all the way the parents in the book met their spouses. There seems to be a story for each couple. I absolutely loved the book and the way the romance was in the book. The smut scenes were tame but still spicy. I highly recommend checking out this amazing book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You've been my best friend for twenty-three years. You should know I don't have that kind of self-control....He caught me staring at him. What the fuck am I supposed to do now?"
"What do you want to do?"
"I want to lick his forearms." 

"We'll get back to the hockey team because that is straight sexy, Maddy. And that thing you did with your tongue when your head was hanging off the bed? That felt wild to me." 

"Will you come eat tacos with me?"
"What?"
"Liv said your dad made tacos. It's time for dinner."
"It's time for..."
"Dinner.....Come on, Wildcat. I want you to sit by me." 

"Good girl.....Good. Fucking. Girl." 

Steel City Legacy Series

0.5: Merrily Us 

1: Perfectly Us 

2: Irresistibly Us (06/05/26) 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Football

Secret Relationship

Forced Proximity

He Falls First 

Single Parent

Wild Love (Rose Hill #1) by Elsie Silver

 

She's been driving him wild for years. The good kind of wild. The bad kind of wild. But mostly, the kind of wild that comes with wanting your best friend's little sister and knowing you can't have her. Forbes may have labeled Ford Grant the World's Hottest Billionaire, but all he cares about is escaping the press and opening a recording studio in gorgeous small town Rose Hill. Something that comes to a screeching halt when he ends up face-to-face with a young girl who claims he's her biological father. Now, he spends his days balancing business with parenting a sullen twelve-year-old, all while trying desperately to keep his hands the hell off his best friend's sister, Rosie Belmont. After living in the city, Rosie-came blasting back into town like a storm. Beautiful, messy, and chaotic. He vows to keep her at arm's length. Tries to stick to scowls and grumpy one-liners. But with her, verbal sparring is a type of foreplay-friction that soon turns to blistering heat. Ford knows damn well he shouldn't cross the line. But shouldn't and can't are two very different things. And the only thing he truly can't do is resist her. Wild Love by Elsie Silver was published on April 9th, 2024. This is the first book in the Rose Hill series. This book was also nominated in the Goodreads choice award for favorite romance in 2024. 

I actually read this book awhile ago but now just getting to review it. I absolutely loved this book. The cover attracted my attention just because it's all in one cover and it's not something that I normally see. I loved the tension between Rosie and Ford. They fought so much that you knew once they both gave in to their temptation that it was going to be explosive. Also I fell in love with Ford's twelve year old daughter with her snarky and sass behavior. Though, you will see where she gets it from as you read the book. The plot is great, a little slow in some parts but it is easy to get past it. If you want to build up with some humor this is the book for you. The smut in this book is mild but it is what is expected since it's not a dark romance. I highly recommend checking out this book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"World's Hottest Billionaire."
"I hate you."
"Nah. You love me. I'm the sunshine to your grumpy."
"What?"q`
    "It's a thing in romance books -" 

"Rosalie, when have I ever said no to you?" 

"That journal entry is fascinating, but all wrong. I was at home when you called that night. And I broke every speed limit to get to you." 

"I definitely don't hate , Rosie. Not even close. But I can fuck you like I do if that's what you need." 

Rose Hill Series

1. Wild Love

2. Wild Eyes

3. Wild Side

4. Wild Card 

Tropes

Small Town

Brother's Best Friend 

Friends to Lovers

Single Parent

Billionaire

Grumpy Sunshine

Forced Proximity

All's Fair in Love & Sin (Queens & Heathens #2) by Jenn Plummer

 

He lives by the club's code; she's bound to a man who isn't him. When their forbidden love ignites, every stolen moment binds them together, until they discover secrets that twist their lives in a way they never expected. But some hearts collide despite the cost and fall anyway. After all, all's fair in love and sin. All's Fair in Love & Sin by Jenn Plummer was published on March 5th, 2026. This is the second book in the Queens & Heathens series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Jenn Plummer and The Smuthood. Thanks again ladies for choosing me to review. So, this is the second book in the series and I thought that the first book was written well but I think this book topped it. I absolutely loved the chemistry between the two main characters in this book. You could see them physically falling in love while reading every single page. You also could tell that Sin was okay with just being her friend if that means he gets to stay with her. I also loved seeing the chemistry of Chaos with his Old Lady in this book. This book is so sweet and really outside the norm for dark romance tropes. But I loved the plot where the action really wasn't a huge part of the book. It was the build up between the two characters. The smut scenes were pretty mild for dark romance but I highly recommend checking this book out. I cannot wait to read Malice's story next. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"What? That my best friend has been reduced to the equivalent of a Fleshlight?" 

"You don't even realize what you do to me, the power you hold, how one word from you quiets every storm in my head. I swear, being near you feels like finally finding the place I've been trying to return to my entire life. There isn't a single part of my existence, past, present, or whatever the hell comes next, that doesn't ache for you." 

God, she's everything. My endgame. My future wife. My old lady. My queen. 

"Rhys...I'm....I'll crush you. You won't be able to breathe." 

"Good. Fucking 

Queens and Heathens Series

1. All's Fair in Love & Chaos 

2. All's Fair in Love & Sin

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

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

Tropes

Dark Romance 

Motorcycle Club

Small Town

He Falls First 

Friends to Lovers 

Forbidden 

Behind Closed Doors (Kept in Paradise #1) by Shain Rose

 

He's the forbidden enigma I wanted to ignore...but instead I'll be forced to share a home with him. Jameson Knight arrives at precisely the same time every day to pick up his young daughter from school, smiling as she runs into his open arms. It's the only time I see him smile. I don't ask questions because it's not my place. I'm just his daughter's favorite teacher, nothing more...Until the first bullet flies by us at recess. Suddenly, I'm risking my life to protect her. And then Jameson drags me back to his estate, claiming it's a matter of life-or-death. Now I'm in the most beautiful home I've ever seen, faced with an offer from a man who's just as gorgeous: Be the temporary live-in nanny until he can ensure my safety and find a more permanent solution. It'll be easy, he promises. Yet, the arrangement is anything but simple. Not when Jameson's hungry stare is all consuming and his touch pulse racing. And definitely not when I find that nothing in this neighborhood is as it seems, including Jameson. He may be powerful, possessive, and protective. But he's also dangerous, demanding, and calculating. As more of his secrets come out, I should run but...How do I escape the enigma of Jameson Knight if he's already captured my heart? Behind Closed Doors by Shain Rose was published on February 24th, 2026. This is book one of the Kept in Paradise series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Shain Rose and The Smuthood. I first need to talk about the cover of this book. The cover is AMAZING! I actually wanted to read this book first because of the cover which is a no no in the book world. It drew my attention to the book which made me want to read the back of the book. Of course I have read other books by Shain Rose and yet they didn't even come close to how amazing this book is. This book brought out so many feelings. I absolutely loved the main characters in this book especially little Franny. This book had me smiling every time that I was able to pick it up. But of course with four kids of my own then watching my nieces on top of it. It didn't give me the time I wanted to spend on this book. The plot of this story was perfect as it left me hanging and kept my attention throughout the book. The smut scenes were perfection and made me giggle throughout. I highly recommend checking this book out. I can not wait for the next book in the series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Don't make me shoot you, Darling."
"What the fuck are you doing?....Don't threaten my daughter's favorite fucking teacher. She's the reason Franny smiles every damn day. You cause her trauma, and I'm gonna kill you. Understand?" 
"Jesus Christ. We don't have time for this."
"Fuck, Jameson."
"My men think before they pull their weapon. Or I blow their brains out. Understood?" 

"Because were about to let Archer grab it for you without a problem." 

"Yes, well. Archer and I are friendly."

"Define friendly, Mia."

"I'm used to Archer's help, Mr. Knight." 

"Dress appropriately around my men from now on, Mia."

"Or what?....I'll pay the consequences?"

"They will, Darling Mia. Not you." 

"Mr. Knight."

"My whole name, Mia. Who's going to make you come all over and leave a mess?"

"Jameson Knight."

"Whose household do you teach within?"

"Jameson Knight's."

"Whose rules do you follow?"

"Jameson, I'm going to act more unprofessional than ever if you don't let me finish."

"Say it then. Whose rules do you follow, baby?"

"Yours, you ass."

"Such a little pretty brat when you could just submit for a second. I'm not an ass. I'm Jameson Knight, your boss, and you should show me some respect. Tell me you'll listen, Mia. Moan it for me out of that snarky mouth. Then i'll let you feel it, that high you want so bad." 

Kept in Paradise series 

1. Behind Closed Doors 

2. In the Dark (09/29/26) 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Forced Proximity

Single Dad 

Mafia Romance 

Enemies to Lovers

Boss/Employee 

Redemption for Them (Nashville Security #5) by Sara Evou

 

Redemption comes at a price. And I'm not sure either of us can afford it...My life was perfect. On the surface. In truth, my husband was a vicious man. I was just a pawn in his dangerous game. But when he was murdered, there was only one obvious suspect. Me. I didn't expect anyone to be there for me. So, imagine my surprise when Chris Rivers showed up to defend me. Chris is a brilliant attorney. Observant. Entirely too good breaking down the emotional walls I've built to protect myself. Falling for him would be a huge mistake. But every time he looks at me like I'm worth fighting for, like the shattered, broken pieces of my heart might fit perfectly with his own, I forget why loving him would be so wrong. So...forbidden. I've trusted Chris with my life. He's the only one who can save me. The only question now is, will he still want to when he learns the truth about what really happened to my husband? Redemption for Them by Sara Evou was published on February 25th, 2026. This is the fifth book in the Nashville Security series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Sara Evou and Love Notes PR. I was really excited to check out this book because I have not read anything by this author. Also that it seemed like a story-line that I have not come across yet while reading. I have not read book one through four yet. So things that I liked were I enjoyed the characters in the book. I felt like the characters had their own faults and secrets that slowly came out through the book. I also liked the plot for the most part of the book. I felt by the end of the book a lot of things were answered in the book. Now, I struggled with the romance part of the book. I felt like it was not needed in the book. It felt like the relationship was rushed especially for someone coming out of a harsh relationship that Lily had. I felt like she would be more uneasy around men and being in a relationship afterwards. All in all I did enjoy the book but I felt like it was lacking something. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Your second favorite? What's your first?"
"These tits. They are magnificent. If I could be smothered by them, I would die, not just happy, but ecstatic." 

Nashville Security Series

1. Found by Him

2. Peace for Her

3. Protected by Him

4. Love for Her

5. Redemption for Them 

Tropes

Forced Proximity

Slow Burn

Forbidden 

Unbroken (The Bradshaw Brothers #1) by Janice Whiteaker

 

I came to Willow Bend, Wyoming with nothing but the clothes on my back and a secret. It won't be easy hiding morning sickness and swinging emotions as the live-in chef for a wealthy tech genius, but I'll do whatever it takes to build a life for myself and my baby. Because I'm in this alone. For weeks I hold my breath, waiting for the moment I come face to face with reclusive Titus Bradshaw and have to explain my ... condition. But when our paths finally cross late one night, I discover why he's hidden away from the world. His scars are deep and far-reaching. A reminder of what he lost. Who he couldn't save. I know I should keep my distance, but Titus's calm demeanor and steady presence draw me in. Make me want things I can't have. Wish for a life that won't be mine. Because my future and his past are incompatible. He's been through enough. I won't make him suffer any more. But someone else might. Someone who's keeping a secret of their own. And they'll kill to protect it. Unbroken by Janice Whiteaker was published on February 27th, 2026. This is the first book of The Bradshaw Brothers series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Janice Whiteaker and The Smuthood. I have to say that I have never read any books by Janice Whiteaker and I really feel like I am missing out on her writings. This book was amazing. It's such a sweet soft type of romance book that leaves you feeling all lovey dovey. While there is smut scenes, do not expect a lot of them and dark romance type. This book is sweet and I love the build up between the characters as they fall in love with each other. I really felt for both of the main characters as they both have a lot of baggage and things that they both needed to work through in the book. Though they found out that they can still love while they work through those things that causes them to be who they are. I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend checking this book out. I know I am going to read some more books by this author very soon. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I'm gonna recommend you don't tell her to calm down...You might end up with - You know what, maybe you should tell her to calm down. You don't need her butting into your business." 

"Good girl." 

"Abso-fucking-lutely not." 

"Do you want to eat only cake for breakfast?"
"No. I don't want to only eat cake for breakfast." 
"You can have whatever you want for breakfast." 
"Whatever I want?"
"Yes."
"What if I want you?" 

The Bradshaw Brothers Series

0.5. Undeterred 

1. Unbroken

2. Unfinished (TBA)

3. Untamed (TBA)

4. Unleashed (TBA)

5. Unbound (TBA)

Tropes 

Boss/Employee

Forced Proximity 

Small Town

Single Parent 

Billionaire 

Cruel Savior (Ruthless Arrangements #1) by Lilith Vincent

 

I saved his life. Now he owns mine. I've lived my whole life in a golden cage, the captive daughter of a powerful Mafia don. When my father arranges my marriage to Vincenzo Vici, a cold-blooded assassin from a rival family, it's a death sentence. For both of us. Because my father uses our engagement to slaughter the Vicis and take their territory. But he makes a grave error. He doesn't kill the most dangerous Vici of Vincenzo himself. I've never met my intended fiance, so when I stumbled upon a handsome, bloodied stranger being tortured in a laundromat in the middle of the night, I follow my instincts and save his life. Big mistake. The man I saved is Vincenzo Vici, and when he discovers I'm the woman who led his family to slaughter, I realize there are circles of hell my father never showed me. Vincenzo should kill me. He wants to kill me. Instead, he decided to make me pay in a different way - by holding me to our arranged marriage and exacting his revenge on me. But Vincenzo isn't the monster I expected. His ruthless kisses light up my soul. His darkness is a dangerous addiction. And when my father hands me poision and orders me to finish what he started, I'm caught between two impossible loyalty to my own blood, or devotion to the darkness that sets me free. Cruel Savior by Lilith Vincent was published February 25th, 2026. This is the first book in Ruthless Arrangements series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Lilith Vincent and The Smuthood. Let's talk about the cover first. The cover of this book is amazing! I feel like this character really brings out the character in the book. It also really drew me to the book so well done on the cover Lilith. Okay, let's talk about this book. This book is grade AMAZING! I could not put this book down for the life of me. I lost many hours of sleep reading this book. This book had the drama, had the romance, had the twist and turns. It had me crying and had me squealing in giddiness. The plot of this book is perfection and I felt like there was nothing that I needed to know more about. It had the perfect amount of background that gave you some answers but yet was not over running the whole book. The smut scenes are tame for a Dark Romance but still hot with tension. The tension between the two main characters is there from the first few chapters that make you want to fan yourself. The two characters are well written. I really like how the author wrote the Mafia princess in this book. You can tell that she was shelter from certain things and yet how she also suffered from abuse. She acted how a person would act if she was abused most of her life. I absolutely loved this book. I cannot wait till the second book comes out in May. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Where do you think you're going, my pretty little Savior?" 

"You're getting off on this? There are bodies right there. We're both soaking in their blood." 

"Doe knows how to handle herself, Zia. First time I met her, she brained me with a baseball bat." 
"Was that before or after you kissed her?"
"After."
"Damn, you need to work on your technique." 

"Eyes on me. I want to see your face when you come on my cock. Want to watch you fall apart for me." 

Ruthless Arrangement Series

1. Cruel Savior 

2. Forbidden Vow (May 6th, 2026) 

Tropes

Mafia 

Enemies to Lovers

Arrange Marriage 

Virgin

Dark Romance 

Slow Burn 

He Falls First 

Maksim (The Korolova Bratva #1) by Katie Ashley

 

Because of the way I speak, everyone judges me the moment I open my mouth. Even though I'm 6'5 and two eighty, they see me as weak. They always have. Even my father who passed me over as his heir. Behind the mask with the automated voice, I'm not weak. Women desire me, and men fear me. As fortunes change within my family, I need to correct my impediment. That's why I seek out one of the best speech pathologists on the East Coast. On paper, Dr. Sarah Whitfield looks boring and rigid. But the good doctor is hiding a secret: she has a kink for Masked Men. She sheds her professional facade on weekends when she attends Masked Events. And I'm here to fulfill her fantasies of being kidnapped by a masked man. But this time, it's for real. Maksim by Katie Ashley was published on January 29th, 2026. This is the first book in the Korolova Bratva series. 

I was given this book for my honest review by Katie Ashley and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved organized crime romances. Somehow they always make me feel good inside when I read them. Anyways, this is the first book that I have read by Katie Ashley and she did not disappoint me whatsoever. I think I highlighted so many good scenes and quotes in this book it is almost all highlighted. I absolutely loved that the big beefy Bratva guy had a disability. For me that was huge that you find out that both characters struggle with things and were not perfect. It made both of them seem so real to me. This book though made me feel the feels. I love how Sarah was not going to let Maksim by when he makes a mistake. Also how she was always trying to fix his disability through the book. Made me giggle so hard because I could totally see how it would cause him to set back some of his ego. I absolutely loved this book so much that I cannot wait to read more from Katie Ashley. Her writing is sweet and yet also makes you feel all tingly. I highly recommend it. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Do you want to be fucked like a lady or fucked like my whore?"
"Like your whore." 
"Good girl." 

"I have no fantasies that involve you."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Absolutely."
"You lie to me, and you lie to yourself."
"You're an egomaniac." 
"When you were making yourself come in the shower, were you thinking about Maksim or me?"
"Fuck you."
"I would love you to."
"I wish it had been Maksim I was thinking of."
"Why? I'm the one who made you come last night."
"He's a better man than you.....I hate you."
"Oh, I know."
"No. I don't just hate you. I despise you." 
"Surely you're aware that angry sex can be very, very hot." 

Korolov Bratva Series 

1. Maksim 

Tropes

Dark Romance

BDSM

Forced Proximity 

Organized Crime 

Sinful Obsession (Sinful Spartans of SCU #1) by Havoc Wilde

 

He's been her hero once. Now, he'll be her ruin. Ramsey Blackwood is a menace on the ice. A bruiser. A fighter. A legacy at St. Charles University, keeping his family name alive even after his cousins have graduated. But his real obsession? Reese St. Pierre. It started the first time he saw her. Years ago, he saved her from a man who meant to hurt her. But it wasn't just a white knight move. It was the beginning of his downfall. She's all he sees. All he wants. All he craves. But Reese is off-limits. His best friend. The little sister of his cousin's wife. A dancer with more grace than anyone he's ever known. The only person who makes him feel like there's a shred of good left inside him. She's also someone else's. Ramsey tells himself she deserves better. That no one is good enough for her - not even him. That he'll protect from the shadows, even if it means burying his own secrets - his violent tendencies, his obsession, his addiction to the darkness his cousin Penn introduced him to. But when he finds out just how unworthy her boyfriend really is, all bets are off. Reese has always known Ramsey was dangerous. But when she follows him into the night, she realizes she never knew just how dark he truly is. And now that she's seen him like this, there's no turning back. She was his once-upon-a-time salvation. Now, he'll be her sweetest sin. Sinful Obsession by Havoc Wilde was published on February 19th, 2026. This is the first book of the Sinful Spartans of SCU series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Havoc Wilde and The Smuthood. I absolutely devoured this book. I mean this book had me drooling in parts and gasping in others. Also had me cheering and me angry muttering in parts as well. This book I could not put down which is really hard when you have four kids and watch your two year old niece. Havoc knows what she is doing when she created Ramsey and Reece. Ramsey had so much depth in him that it made me want to cheer for him to know that he is worth everything even though he is a creepy dude. Then there is Reece who you get to know has many layers as well she is just better hiding them. Both of these characters grew into themselves more as the book progressed. Their romance is top tier and I was a little jealous of parts of how much Ramsey loved her. I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed. Also the smut scenes are AMAZING!!!!! 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Like a wolf not even bothering to show its teeth because it knows the lamb is already dead." 

"Who. Fucking. Touched. You." 

"You need to climb that tree as soon as fucking possible. Why wait? The man is a fucking redwood, and you're over here making lists when you should be making babies." 

"Don't waste the fucking time being a white knight....Maybe what she needs is the villain." 

"To be fucked like an animal in the dirt?" 

Sinful Spartans of SCU Series

0. A Very Sinful Christmas 

1. Sinful Obsession 

2. Sinful Ruin (TBA) 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Friends to Lovers

Sports Romance - Hockey & Dance 

College/New Age 

He Falls First 

Roommates to Lovers

Stalking 

Forbidden 

Bad Boy / Good Girl