Clock Play (Rock City Renegades #5) by C.L. Rose

 

All I ever wanted was to play football. I made it my life, sacrificing romantic relationships, figuring I'd have all the time in the world after I hung up my cleats for good. But here I am: in my late thirties, single, and ready to accept that I may never have a family of my own. But everything changes the moment I lay eyes on Paris Bellamy - the beautiful, strong, captivating single mother of three who's more than ten years my junior. I'm supposed to be coaching her sons and working alongside her at the Renegades facility, but when my cravings to care for her become too incessant to ignore, I find myself on her doorstep, desperate to be let in. She wants to find herself after years of being torn down by her toxic ex. I'm determined to show her just how priceless she is, but can I be the man she needs? Or will I be left to go on without the woman and children who've quickly become the best part of my days? Clock Play by C.L. Rose was published on August 27th, 2026. This is the fifth book in the Rock City Renegades series. 

I received this book for my honest review from C.L. Rose and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved this story and could not put it down. The plot of this story flowed so well together that I didn't feel like I was rushed or that there was unnecessary info that made it drag on. Each page is just built upon each other. The characters....they were I think one of the best of the series. I thought that I loved Austin from the other books in the series. The way that he helped the other guys get their girls. Also the way of his friendship he had with the girls. But, I for sure added Austin to my book boyfriend's collection from this novel. The way that he was so patient with Paris and the way that he let her be independent but yet didn't mind stepping in to help her. Also the way that he didn't mind being there for the kids. It was the chief's kiss! I loved Paris, and how she was trying to find herself in this book. How she was wanting to be the best mom she could for her three children and just pushing herself. It really shows how a good single parent is with her kids. Both characters I felt that I could picture in real life. They both had strengths and weaknesses. Also loved how their love was not instant in the book. It was built by Austin doing the little things. I could totally picture the two of them falling in love through the book. I highly recommend reading not only this book but also the series. I can't wait to read other series that are by C.L. Rose as she knows how to write love stories. 

Rock City Renegades Series 

1. Mr. Irrelevant 

2. Bad Call 

3. The Interception

4. Red Zone 

5. Clock Play 

Tropes 

single parent 

sports - football 

forced proximity 

friends to lovers

Brother's Best Friend

He Falls First 

It's About Time (Blossom Peak #4) by Harlow James

 

Pretending to be engaged to my enemy might not be my brightest idea. But it is definitely necessary. On the brink of the biggest car show of my career, I start to panic because it's the first time I have to see my ex since our break-up. Spoiler alert: It wasn't clean or amicable. Then when Elliot Thorne's ex-fiance shows back up in town, I devise a plan for both of us to get what we want: a buffer from our exes with a dash of revenge. The problem is Elliot takes his role to protect me too seriously. He brings me food while I'm working to make sure I eat. He even silences the self-doubt I feel on a day-to-day basis. And before I know it, he has me on my knees in my garage, and on my back on the hood of my car. The hate I've harbored toward him melts away as fast as my panties, and I soon realize we have more in common than I thought. Then he tells me a secret that makes me reevaluate our entire relationship. Now I'm left to consider if something fake could be real...And that maybe it's about time I admit that Elliot isn't my enemy after all. It's About Time by Harlow James was published on July 10th, 2026. This is the fourth book in the Blossom Peak series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Harlow James and The Smuthood. I had that amazing pleasure to be able to review all four of the books in this series. I was so excited for this couple to finally get their heads on straight. This book had lots of lead up through the other books in the series. So by the time this one came around it was a massive tension that was building. So I highly recommend reading the first three books in the series. Anyways, I absolutely love the FMC and MMC in this book. They are both so different from each other that you can see how their relationship blows up. The build up in this book and to see how they are finally seeing that there is more than hatred towards each other. It is perfection. I am actually really bummed that the series is coming to an end. The smut scenes will leave you satisfied. I highly recommend checking out this amazing book and series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Now, go. Scrub your pits and balls, Thorne. I don't have all day." 

"Couch"

"Having a love affair with your couch now?"

"Yes. This couch has never let me down, unlike some people." 

"Jesus, you really do need someone to suck you off, don't you? Like a penis exorcism, maybe?" 

"Such a good fucking girl." 

Blossom Peak Series 

1. All This Time 

2. On Borrowed Time 

3. Test of Time 

4. It's About Time 

Tropes 

Enemies to Lovers 

Small Town 

He Falls First 

Brothers Best Friend 

Slow Burn 

Fake Dating 

Grumpy Mother Pucker (Hollis U #2) by Sarah Smith

 

I can't stand Anna St. George. The bratty and infuriatingly beautiful premed student has always gotten on my nerves, ever since we met in middle school. But one accidental make out changes everything. We've always kept our distance, but after that insanely hot hookup, we can't keep our hands off each other. One problem: she's my teammate's twin sister, which means she's forever off-limits. We agree to be secret friends with benefits, nothing more. I don't do relationships. I'm one hundred percent focused on hockey and being the best goalie at Hollis U so that I'll hopefully get drafted into the pros. But the more time I spend with Anna, the deeper my feelings grow...I'm obsessed with spoiling her in and out of the bedroom. She makes me feel seen and cared for in way I never have before. If her brother finds out about us, he'll destroy me. But I don't care. Anything's worth it as long as I have her. Grumpy Mother Pucker by Sarah Smith was published on May 11th, 2026. This is the second book in the Hollis U series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Sarah Smith and The Smuthood. I have absolutely loved this series so far. The first book was my first book that I have read from Sarah Smith and so I was excited to read this book. This book did not leave me hanging at all. I actually read it in 24 hours which is a challenge when it's summer and you have four children. I absolutely could not put this book down though. I love the two main characters Anna and Travis. Their chemistry in this book are off the chart from the very beginning. I love when it's enemies to lovers type of books because there is such a fine line between love and hate. The plot in this book will leave you wanting to turn the page from each section. Though I was shocked to see how Anna brother responds to his best friend and sister. I highly recommend checking out this amazing book as you won't be left disappointed. I cannot wait to read book three of the series. 

Hollis U Series

1. Cocky Mother Pucker

2. Grumpy Mother Pucker 

3. Hot Mother Pucker

4. Lucky Mother Pucker 

5. Sweet Mother Pucker

Tropes

Enemies to Lovers

Brother's Best Friend

Secret Romance 

Sports - Hockey 

College 

Grumpy Sunshine 

He Falls First 

Saving the Shortstop (The Good Girls of NE University #3) by Hannah Gray

 

As the daughter of a retired NFL player, college softball's number one ranked shortstop, and someone usually considered an all-around good time, I've never had an issue getting attention. But getting the attention of the person I most want it from? Now that's a different story. When Dallas Rivers, my brother's best friend who also happens to be one of my dad's players on the NEU football team, is struggling in school. I find myself volun-told to help. I should be thrilled with this arrangement. After all, I'm in school to become a teacher. Except, I've always made it a point to keep a respectable distance from him. Because the one person whose attention I've always longed for? Yep, you guessed it...It's Dallas Rivers. Saving the Shortstop by Hannah Gray was published on June 11th, 2026. This is the third book in The Good Girls of NE University series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Hannah Gray and The Smuthood. Okay, now that has been said, I am absolutely enjoying this book series. I have actually had the amazing pleasure of being able to get all three of the books that are currently out to read. Hannah Gray knows how to create each book to be their own but yet, also have the same characters throughout the series. I absolutely loved the two main characters in this book. I love learning about Dallas and his past that has been hinted in the other books then there is Haven. This book has amazing trope of lifelong friends who finally realize that perhaps they love each other more then friends. These two are such opposites that really work. I love how they finally ended up together in the book. It was easy to see how their relationship shifted and changed on each page. The dialogue in this book is top notch. I cannot wait to read book four at the end of the year. I also need to check out the other books by Hannah Gray. She is becoming one of my favorite authors. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"It's just so funny that the guy half the team can't stand is the one you choose to turn into your fuck buddy."

 
"Years ago....He was drunk, and he didn't remember it the next day. I didn't bring it up. It was nothing."
"Or....he did remember but was embarrassed....This happens in my romance books all the time. They're friends. Lines get crossed. The MMC finds a way to cover it up." 
"Gigi, did you just compare Dallas to one of the male main characters in your spicy books?" 

"Because things went from, like, zero to sixty in about three seconds."
"Give me a little credit, Short....I lasted more like two minutes, for sure." 

"You can make it up to me when you sit there like a good girl while I paint your face with my cum....The cum you could have had inside you, if only you didn't act like a brat."  

The Good Girls of NE University Series 

1. Getting the Goalie 

2. Convincing the Catcher 

3. Saving the Shortstop 

4. Praising the Pitcher

5. TBA

Tropes 

Sports Romance - Football & Softball

Friends to Lovers 

Forced Proximity 

Brother's Best Friend 

College Romance 

Childhood Friends 

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

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 

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 

Smoky Darling (Darling #1) by S.J Tilly

 

I fell in love with Beckett when I was 7. He broke my heart when I was 15. When I was 18, I promised myself I'd forget about him. And I did. For a dozen years. But now he's back home. Here. In Darling Lake. And I don't know if I should give in to the temptation swirling between us or run the other way. 

She had a crush on me when she was a kid. But she was my brother's best friend's little sister. I didn't see her like that. And even if I had, she was too young. Our age difference was too great. But now I'm back home. And she's here. And she's all the way grown up. It wouldn't have worked back then. But I'll be damned if I won't get a taste of her now. Smoky Darling by S.J. Tilly was published on January 2023. This is the first book in the Darling series. 

I found S.J. Tilly though another series and after that it's been history. I absolutely love the way she writes her books. I love that she gives a great story-line and also lots of fun pages sprinkled throughout. I love the backstory between the two characters and then fast forward to what was happening at the present. I didn't feel like their relationship was super fast because they have history. Even hinted at some history more then what was in the book. The characters both have faults but also strength which keeps each character balanced to seem real. They were both really easy to picture in my head. I really love a lot of scenes in this book and their banter back and forth. I highly recommend checking this book out. You won't be disappointed in S.J. Tilly books. 

Quotes That I Loved 

Elouise is hopping around, and her tits are bouncing, and I no longer care that there's a fire. What fire? Tits. All I see are tits. 

"Are you gonna be quiet for me? Or do I need to leave?"

"I'll be quiet..."

"No one else sees you....Not even a silhouette....And no one hears you....not a single sound.....not a single moan....not even the smallest groan...not a peep, Elouise. Behave this time, or I'll have to find another way to keep your mouth occupied." 

"If you know what's good for you, you're gonna shut your mouth and take your punishment like a good girl." 

Darling Series 

1. Smoky Darling

2. Latte Darling 

Tropes 

Age-Gap

Friends to Lovers

Brother's Best Friend

Small Town 

Letting It Ride (Betting on Love #2) by Kate Campfield

 

After my last break up, I know better than to gamble on love. And going after my best friend's younger sister is a sure way to lose it all. At thirty-four, I should be focused on buying my first house and funding my 401k- not dragging my best friend on a cruise to escape reality. But after a brutal breakup, this vacation is the only bright spot on my otherwise crappy life. Not on my cruise itinerary? My best friend's sister showing up...or gambling my heart with her in the worst rebound fling decision of my life. Letting it Ride by Kate Campfield. This book is book 2 in the Betting on Love series. 

Let me talk about the positives of this book. I really enjoyed the plot line of this story. I felt like the story flowed really well. That things progressed really well throughout the story. I felt like I could see how the two of them could fall in love on the boat and how things progressed from there. The thing that I had trouble with this book was that I couldn't get into the characters. I felt like there was so much that I needed to know about the characters. They felt very flat and one to me. I didn't love them at all and could not see how each of them could love the other. I needed more from the characters, more passion, more anger, sadness, enjoyment. I needed more and perhaps if I read book one first I may have known more about the characters but I am guessing not. While I didn't get into the story because of the characters doesn't mean that you won't. Check out this pretty good story. 

Quotes That I Liked

"Don't say the f word."

"How the fuck old do you think I am, Cam? I'm a fucking adult. I'll say fuck whenever the fuck I fucking feel like it. And fuck whoever I fucking want to." 

"I want to stare at the gorgeous ass while I'm deep inside you."

"Get on the bed, Addie. If I come, it's going to be inside you."

"I fucking love you too, my little hurricane." 

Betting on Love Series

1. Going All In 

2. Letting it Ride 

Tropes

Brother's Best Friend 

Forced Proximity

Forbidden Romance

Rom Com

Never Fall for Your Brother's Best Friend (Sweet Spring Kisses) by Abby Greyson

 

I'm not in love with Mason Sanderson anymore, so I keep telling myself. It doesn't matter that he's the face of every hero in any romance novel I've ever read. My new next-door neighbor is not the man of my dreams. The flutter and butterflies when I see him around don't mean anything. As his best friend's little sister, I'm the perfect choice when he needs a date for his former team's fundraising event. No drama, no expectations - off limits. Then his ex shows up. I've waited a lifetime for him to ask me out, but it's not real. I'm in the friend zone. Anyone know how to keep a heart intact when heartbreak is inevitable? Never Fall for Your Brother's Best Friend by Abby Greyson was published February 2024. 

I was asked to review this story for my honest review. I absolutely adored this light hearted story. The chemistry for the two characters were there. I love how Mason started to be jealous when Emily started to give his teammates some attention. I love how Emily was fighting with herself knowing she still had a crush on Mason. The two characters personalities are a little flat compare to other books I have read. I wanted more background about both characters. I wanted to see how their friendship has grown over the years. Do they have secret jokes that send them laughing. I love the nickname that Mason has for Emily. The love between them though was cute and could see it forming through the book. There is no spice involved in this book as much. But there is room if the author wanted to put in there. But it's a sweet book and I recommend this quick read. 

Quotes That I Loved 

See you around, 'happily ever after' girl." 

Tropes

Brother's Best Friend

Friends to Lovers

Opposites Attract

Slow Burn 

Sports - Football