Roped In (Windy Peaks #2) by Elle Jordan

 

Twelve years apart. Two broken hearts. One love that refuses to fade. I spent the majority of my younger years dreaming of marrying Weston Taylor, my childhood sweetheart. Until he shattered my heart the night before I left for college. I left our small town, vowing to never look back. My eyes now set on big city dreams. Life took that as a challenge, apparently. Because twelve years later, I'm back in Windy Peaks, and if I want to climb the corporate ladder, I have to knock this project out of the park. The only problem? I'm working on Weston's family ranch for the summer and there's a sparkling engagement ring adoring my left hand. I thought I was strong enough to resist his charm but the more I see him, the more I'm reminded of why I fell in love with him all those years ago. And the more I realize how badly I've been settling in my life. Our fire is burning brighter and hotter than ever. Weston's made it clear he's determined to correct the mistakes of his past. His biggest regret? Letting me go. That's one mistake he isn't making twice. Roped In by Elle Jordan was published February 6th, 2026. This is book two of the Windy Peaks series. 

First off I was given this book for my honest review from Elle Jordan and Love Notes PR. I really wanted to read this book because I judge books by their covers (I know the horror). Anyways, the plot in this story is sweet and it makes you think. I wanted more in some parts of the book as I did not think the FMC was angry enough at the MMC. I mean for twelve years she thought he didn't love her after he broke her heart. I wanted more passion from both characters. I really felt like the two characters were not meshing well in the story except the history was there. I wanted more from both of the characters. I did feel like Weston was a little one sided as well as a massive EGO. Though, through all of that I really did enjoy the book and was able to overlook things. I really enjoyed this story but it is a bit slow through the book. I needed more action throughout the book. I highly recommend checking out this book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

If the ring is off, she's fair game, and I'm coming for what's mine. 

"Are you going to be a good girl and come for me? Be sure to moan extra loud for me. I want to see you come undone." 

"Look at how well you took my come, baby. Such a good little cum slut for me. Come around and sit on the edge of the bed." 

Windy Peaks Series 

1. Spurred On 

2. Roped In 

3. Saddled Up (2026) 

3.5: Wrapped Up (2026) 

Tropes

Second Chance 

Small Town 

Forced Proximity 

Childhood Friends 

Boss/Employee 

Collide (Cedar Lakes University #5) by Meghan Hollie

 

This wasn't the plan. I was supposed to be photographing NFL sidelines, athletes in their prime. Instead I'm working a job that pays the bills and nothing more. Then Liv Matthews barrels into my life and suddenly I've got a roommate. She's real, unfiltered and nothing like the calm I thought I wanted, but somehow she's the first thing that's made this place feel alive again. I promised myself I wouldn't fall for her. But promises don't mean much when she's already in every part of my world. Collide by Meghan Hollie was published on February 5th, 2026. This is the fifth book in the series Cedar Lakes University. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Love Notes PR and Meghan Hollie. It seems that a lot of books are using the cartoon covers more and more. They are not my favorite but this one is pretty cute. This book took me awhile to get through. Not only is it a slow burn but I felt like there was not much actions taking place in the book. I felt like I was stuck on a loop throughout the book. But the characters were a little flat sided and I felt like both characters needed more background to get to know them. Though, not sure if it's because I didn't read book one through four that I missed some of the background. It is sad though that I wanted more of the side characters then the actual main characters. I did enjoy the humor in this book and how the two slowly showed that they had interest in each other. I felt like their love interest was a slow build but it made since in the end. The smut scenes are loosely written which is great for those who don't like a lot of smut scenes. I recommend checking out this book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Hm, seems we're meant to be besties after all, huh?"
"I guess so....Just promise me you won't go jumping off cliffs to save my life and humanity as we know it, hm?" 

"I might not have taken you on the date, but I'm the one you came home to. I can still be the one to end your night right." 

"Most people think 'alive' means staying indoors where the lightning can't turn them into a human toast."

 
"Just ignore it, it'll go down." 
"Just what every girl wants to hear when a boy is about to get into bed with them." 

Cedar Lakes University Series

1. Trouble

2. Fragile

3. Pieces

4. Riptide

5. Collide 

Tropes

Friends to Lovers 

Forced Proximity 

Brat Christmas (Holiday Heat #1) by Melody Tyden

 

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

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

Quotes that I Loved 

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

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

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

"Good girl." 

Tropes 

Holiday

Age-Gap

Single Parent 

Workplace 

BDSM 

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

 

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

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

Quotes That I Loved 

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

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

The Playbook Series

1. Replay

2. Trick Play

3. Sneak Play

Tropes

Sports - Hockey/Basketball 

Friends to Lovers 

Slow Burn

New Age / College 

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 

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 

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 

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 
3. The Interception 
4. Red Zone

5. Clock Play (10/01/2026) 

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 

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

 

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

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

 

Quotes That I Loved 

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

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

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

Blossom Peak Series

1. All This Time

2. On Borrowed Time  

3. Test of Time 

4. It's About Time 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Football

Enemies to Lovers

Brother's Best Friend 

Small Town 

Second Chance 

Forced Proximity 

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

 

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

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

Kings of Castlebrook Series

1. Pucking Obsessed 

1.5. Burn It Down

2. Pucking Possessive 

3. Pucking Unhinged 

3.5. A Very Unhinged Christmas 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Sports Romance - Hockey

Forced Proximity 

College Romance 

Forbidden Romance

He Falls First 

Friends to Lovers 

Small Town

Virgin 

The One Night Match (Mafia Matchmaker #1) by Montana Fyre

 

Riley Callahan has spent years trying to escape the life of a Mafia princess, only to be dragged back in when her parents sign her up for the Mafia Matchmaker. The service uses its unique algorithm to match her with Cruz De Luca, the ruthless boss of the Settle Mafia, and she starts making a plan to convince him to invoke the 90 day clause that would allow them to dissolve their marriage. When she decides to spend her last night of freedom before the wedding with a handsome stranger in a nightclub, she assumes she'll never see him again. But when she walks down the aisle the following morning, the last thing she expects is to find her one night stand waiting at the alter for her. The One Night Match by Montana Fyre will be published on September 23rd, 2025. 

This is another advance read that I received for my honest review from The Smuthood and Montana Fyre. I absolutely love Mafia romances. Hint why I have a lot of Mafia romances that come through. Anyways, I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down from the beginning. This book had a different take on the Mafia world. I would have never thought they would have a Mafia matchmaker services but it makes sense. Riley and Cruz are top tier in character development as well. Riley had a lot of back story that you learn with Cruz as he comes across it. She acts like a middle sister to a T who is struggling with where she fits in the Mafia world but also sets herself apart. It was so much fun watching her develop through the book into a strong Mafia Queen. I loved Cruz as watching him become this Labrador dog around Riley but then switch gears to run his empire. This book has some smut and it's about level 3 on spice. The plot is perfection in this book. The book had great slow parts then fast parts where you had to buckle down and read. I absolutely loved this book. I cannot wait to read more from Montana Fyre soon. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I'm not usually the possessive type, Kitten, but every time I spot another man looking your way, I get the urge to tear his eyes from their sockets." 

"Now, little wife, let's show off how happy we are with our match." 

"You okay?"
"You're not planning on killing me, right?"
"No, baby. If I were planning on killing you, you'd know about it." 

"Are you okay, Kitten?"
"I'll be better when Barbie here gets her hand off your thigh as part of her desperate attempt for you to give a fuck about her." 

"I couldn't wait to give your pretty pussy its perfect throne." 

Mafia Matchmaker Series

1. The One Night Match

2. The Stalker Match 

Tropes 

Dark Romance 

Rom-Com

Mafia

Arrange Marriage 

Brutal Reign (Bratva Kings #3) by Monica Kayne

 

For five years, I've hunted the Triad princess. The daughter of my enemy. The woman who haunts my every waking moment. When I find her on her wedding day, I don't eliminate her like I was ordered to - I marry her instead. She thinks I'm the monster who destroyed her world, and she's right. But she also shattered mine - carving a void in my soul that only she can fill. Now she's trapped in my compound, in my bed, in my life. She can fight me all she wants, even plan her escape. But Hope is mine now, and i'm never letting her go. Brutal Reign by Monica Kayne was published September 2025. This is the third book of Bratva Kings series. 

So, I was asked by The Smuthood and Monica Kayne for my honest review of this book. So I was ready to DNF this book. I felt like it started extremely slow but I kept reading as I wanted to make sure I gave the story an honest chance. I am so glad I did. The story picked up around 40% and I fell in love with the characters. I felt like Pavel could give a lot of people run for their money. It was amazing to see this big tough Mafia like guy go soft and gooey for the girl he has fallen for. Also watching him interact with the little boy was adorable. I also loved how Hope did not seem like a true Mafia princess. But a girl who could hold her own against the men in the book. Yes, she gave in a few times but it was to protect her son. The plot at the beginning of the book could be reworked in a way to keep the attention. But I felt like when it finally picked up that it kept my attention. I highly recommend checking this amazing love story. You won't be disappointed. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I like when he's so obsessed he'd burn the world down before letting anyone hurt her." 

"I'm a patient man when it comes to things that matter." 

"You carved yourself into my soul, Hope. Made yourself mine before either of us knew what that meant." 

"Good girl." 

Bratva Kings Series 

1. Ruthless Reign 

2. Savage Reign

3. Brutal Reign 

Tropes 

Dark Romance

Mafia Romance 

Second Chance 

Forced Proximity

Enemies to Lovers 

Age Gap

Accidental Pregnancy 

The Grump Next Door (Steel Brothers of Starlight Cove #1) by Brighton Walsh

 

Our first kiss was a lie. Our second was a mistake. And the night we spent tangled up in each other? Hot as hell but a complete disaster. Because now Sutton Sinclair - the sharp-tongued troublemaker who left claw marks down my back and a dent in my self-control - is living in my backyard cottage with her teenage daughter. And I'm her goddamn landlord.... The Grump Next Door by Brighton Walsh was published on June 5th, 2025. This is the first book of the Steel Brothers of Starlight Cove series. 

First I need to let you know I received this book as an ARC for my honest review. So, I have read a lot of books by Brighton Walsh. I have loved every single one of them that I have read. So when I was given the ARC for one of her new books that was coming out. I was so excited to read it. This book is in the same town as another series that Brighton Walsh has written. So first I will say you will see a lot of the familiar characters from that series in this one. Which I love when authors do that because it gives you a chance to see the characters that you once fell in love with. Also it's an easy way to see how they are doing in the future. Anyways, I absolutely loved this book so much that it was hard to attend to my children. It's summer and they are home. Anyways, this book sucked me in from the first page. The characters in this book are top notch. I think this is actually one of my favorite books from Brighton Walsh. I loved Sutton so much and her teenage daughter. Her daughter actually reminded me of my fourteen year old to a T. Also Atlas in this book cracks me up a lot. He can't make up his mind what he wants but yet assumes people should know. He makes mistakes and is not perfect. Which makes both of the characters well rounded. I swear I will find Starlight Cove on the map and they will live there. That is how real this book seems. The romance in this book was wonderful. It wasn't instant that they fell in love and left on a white horse. No, they had arguments and little fights. They had ups and downs. The smut scenes in this book are tasteful but steamy. They are oh so steamy. I can not wait to read more about Atlas brother's in their own books in the future. I highly recommend checking out this amazing book. Also thanks Smuthood and Brighton Walsh for selecting me for this ARC. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Your trouble, aren't you?"

"More like in trouble. But thank you....I just really needed---"

"Anything."

"There was this creepy guy, and he---"

"I'll kill him." 

"Doesn't matter. You were chosen by the Kitten Distribution System."

"By the fucking what?"

.......

"Why the hell did the system pick me? I hate cats." 

"Stay sexy and don't get murdered."

"I love it when my brat begs." 

Steel Brothers of Starlight Cove Series

1. The Grump Next Door 

2. The Live-In Temptation 

3. The Mr & Mrs Mistake

4. The Roommate Rules

Starlight Cove Series 

1. Defiant Heart 

2. Protective Heart

3. Fearless Heart 

4. Reckless Heart 

5. Possessive Heart

6. Rebel Heart 

Tropes

Forced Proximity

Single Mom

Fake Dating

Grumpy Sunshine

Age Gap

Sports Romance