Depraved Devotion (Villains & Vices #1) by Morgan Bridges

 

My patient is stalking me...and he's a psychopath. I've dedicated my life to understanding the darkest corners of the human psyche, but nothing prepares me for him. Ghost. The man is brilliant, ruthless serial killer who thrives on chaos. Just like his cult following enrapt by his brutality and beauty, he's completely unhinged. And he's obsessed with me. So when Ghost turns himself in and demands to speak to me, I'm forced to confront the beautiful monster sitting across the glass. And the one inside - the one lurking in my own fractured soul. Ghost's rapt attention brings goosebumps to my skin and sends chills down my spine. I choose to believe my reaction is based in fear. When I'm alone in bed, it's harder to convince myself. As boundaries fade and the line between doctor and patient blurs. I'm faced with What am I willing to pay to unveil the truth about my haunted past? Because to Ghost, the price is me. All of me. Depraved Devotion by Morgan Bridges was published on December 9th, 2025. This is the first book in the Villains & Vices series. 

This was another book that I got over a weekend stay with my husband at a hotel. This book is intense from the very beginning. I am not much a fan of true crimes but I do have friends that are. This book is right up their alley. I loved the tension in this book from the very beginning. I could not put this book down as it just kept me hanging on. The sexual tension was there through the whole book. Though, I really wanted to shake FMC so much for not telling anyone about Ghost. I felt like the two main characters were real and I would hear about Ghost on the news. Sadly I never did hear the serial killer name Ghost being caught. The only thing that I didn't like was that this book ends in a massive cliffhanger. Also the next book is not out yet. At last though, I highly recommend checking this book out. Especially if you are into Dark Romance and serial killers it's up your alley. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You may like to hurt women to gain a sense of control...but you only do it behind closed doors because you're a coward. So, either man up and hit me, or get the fuck out of my way." 

"Blood pressure, blood sample, etcetera...etcetera....You'd think I'd be thrown in a cell by now. Killing with style is mentally exhausting, you know? I really need some 'me time.'" 

"You won't be able to pull a disappearing act now, Ghost. After this assessment, we're throwing your ass in a hole so deep you'll never see daylight, or civilization again." 

"An introvert's wet dream. Can't wait." 

"Who. Fucking. Touched. You?" 

"That's my good girl." 

Villains & Vices Series

1. Depraved Devotion

2. Depraved Desires (06/23/26) 

Tropes

Dark Romance 

Stalker

Serial Killer

Slow Burn 

Enemies to Lovers

He Falls First 

Forbidden

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 

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 

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

 

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

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

The Good Girls of NE University Series 

1. Getting the Goalie 

2. Convincing the Catcher 

3. Stealing the Shortstop 

4. Praising the Pitcher (TBA 12/31/2026) 

Tropes

Sports - Hockey

Enemies to Lovers 

College Age 

He Falls First 

Forbidden Love 

Forced Proximity

Bad Boy

Second Chance 

No Longer Innocent (Rags & Riches #3) by Alora Kai

 

I wanted peace. A few weeks in the mountains to forget my family, my name, and everything waiting back home. Then I met him - quiet, rugged, and nothing like the men I was raised around. One night with Ivan felt like a lifetime. But when I returned home, my father was dead...and danger was suddenly everywhere. Now I'm trapped between grief and suspicion, and the only man I feel safe with is the one I'm forbidden to have. No Longer Innocent by Alora Kai was published on December 19th, 2025. This is book three of the Rags & Riches series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Alora Kai and Love Notes PR. First off I need to say that I have not read book one or book two of this series. I didn't feel like though that I was lost at all in the book by not reading the first two books in the series. So I would say that this can be a standalone book as well as in a series. I have to say that I actually enjoyed reading this book. I am not much for slow burn type of books and I thought at first this was not one of those books. As it starts off right away but then it fizzles a bit. I do say though it does pick up after you get some more information. Though I felt like some of the information in the beginning could be less. The characters in the book, Ivan and Poppy are really well written. While they are not as well rounded as I would have hoped they both had some growth through the book that you expect. The tension in this book is great and keeps you holding on to the bitter end. I really enjoyed this book. I am hoping to read the first two. Great job to Alora Kai. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You're going to trip running around like that..."

"You could always catch me."

"Don't tempt me, Poppy." 

"Just who do you think you are?!"

"Ivan Cristof is what it says on my birth certificate, I mean, last I checked."

"You were fired." 

"I need a shower..."

"Yes, a shower would be good....I think a shower sounds like a great idea."

"I meant alone."

"That's okay, I have more than enough toys to..." 

Rags & Riches Series

1. No Longer Safe 

2. No Longer Mine

3. No Longer Innocent 

Tropes

Bodyguard

Forbidden

Virgin

Slow Burn 

He Falls First 

Stalker

Mafia 

Forced Proximity 

Reckless Need (Russo Mafia #3) by Lena Vox

 

I was given one order - watch her. Not want her. Not touch her. Definitely not make her mine. But Elena Messina is a beautiful disaster - sharp-tongued, reckless, and hiding secrets that could destroy us all. She slips past my men like smoke, playing games she doesn't understand, and walks straight into danger with those caramel eyes wide open. My job is to uncover her secrets. To keep her from becoming a threat. But the more I watch her, the more I crave her. I'm not her savior. I'm her shadow. The consignee who's seen too much blood to pretend I'm anything but deadly. And I'll protect her from the Irish, her father's debts, and every threat that comes her way. Even if the most dangerous thing in her life...is falling for me. Reckless Need by Lena Lox was published December 18th, 2025. This is book three of the Russo Mafia series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Lena Lox and Literally Yours PR. I loved this book with the banter between Marco and Elena. They have this love hate relationship from the start of the book. The relationship was naturally building through the book. The characters were at the beginning flat but over the book they grew more rounded. I was able to picture the characters through the book. The plot of the story started slow and it was hard to get into it. But as you read further to give it more time it gets more active and it picks up fast after that. I highly recommend checking out this book and this series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"It's not up for debate. You can hang out with your friend but I'm going too."
"I'm sorry--did you not hear the words 'girls' night'?......Is there a vagina hiding under that towel that I should known about? Because last I checked, you're very much not a girl." 

"You want me. I can see it every time you look at me. But you won't do anything about it. So forgive me if I went looking for someone who actually---" 

"Fuck it" 

Russo Mafia Series 

1. Savage Union

2. Brutal Kiss

3. Reckless Need

4. Wicked Games 

Tropes

Mafia 

Bodyguard

Age Gap

Grumpy/Sunshine

Forced Proximity

Forbidden 

Dark Romance 

Overdrive (Speed Demons #1) by Caitlyn P. Tajon

 

She's the rookie with something to prove. He's the reigning champion with everything to lose. Aurelie Dubois has spent her life chasing speed. When her twin brother is forced off the Formula 1 grid, she steps into his seat with no apologies. The world isn't ready for a female driver. And they're especially not ready for her. Callum Fraser has dominated the sports for years-four-time World Champion, racing royalty, and emotional untouchability. Until Aurelie. The fierce, defiant French rookie who threatens his legacy and makes him feel everything. Tension crackles on the track and off. Rivals by reputation. Entangled by obsession. But in a world where everything is about control, what happens when the one thing they can't manage...is each other? Overdrive by Caitlyn P. Tajon was published August 6th, 2025. This is the first book in the Speed Demon series. 

I received this book for my honest review from The Smuthood and Caitlyn P. Tajon. Let me totally honest I don't follow Formula 1 races at all. So I was very grateful for the term list at the beginning of the book that I could occasionally go back to look at if I felt lost. Now saying that, I read the terms before I started to read and yet I never checked again. Because the author did amazing job in explaining things throughout the book. That I didn't feel lost through it at all. I also felt like I was in the race during certain scenes. The characters I felt were a little flat in some areas but I was able to look over them. The story-line was fast paced which is great for a book that is involved in races. I didn't have a hard time keeping up with the story. I loved the tension in this book. Also I am not usually into the slow burn stories but this one didn't bore me as the tension made up for the burn. This book is amazing and the smut scenes were great. Just be warned that it is a cliffhanger and the next book doesn't come out until September. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Still not going soft, I see.....Good." 

"Didn't expect to find you here. Though you weren't a morning person."

"Didn't take you for one either."

"I don't sleep much."

"Shame. You'd sleep like a baby if you weren't so wound up." 

"You. Are. Mine, Aurelie." 

"You can run all you want, Dubois....But you're gonna spend the rest of the season looking over your shoulder...Wondering how long before I finally catch you." 

Speed Demons Series 

1. Overdrive 

2. Close Contact (09/03/2025)

3. Flat Out (10/01/2025)

4. Red Flagged (10/29/2025)

5. Finish Line (11/26/2025) 

Tropes

Enemies to Lovers

Forbidden Desire

Forced Proximity

Slow Burn

Sports 

Get a Room by Casey Dembowski

 

Brian Hawkins has had the worst year. He watched his girlfriend marry another man, lost his job and his apartment, and, after a summer under his parents' roof, has taken refuge with his younger sister. A quiet few months in Philadelphia is just what he needs to clear his head and get back on his feet. But he's barely unpacked before the bane of his existence, his sister's best friend shows up. His planned solitude is replaced by pop songs, rom-coms, and bright pink hair. Which would be fine, except there's only one extra bed, and there's no way he's sharing it with her. Get a Room by Casey Dembowski was published July 2023. 

I don't know how many times I was laughing at the silly antics of Brian and Sarah. Doesn't help that my best friend name is Sarah. I loved the two main characters in this book. They both had a lot of personality both things that make you wonder what the heck they are doing to OMG they are so cute. They both grew into an actual adult in this book with ways to handle situations. I absolutely loved how they were taking care of each other without saying that there might be something going on. I could totally see Brian and Sarah being people that I would hang out. The plot in this story is perfect and I was just waiting for something to happen to their little bubble. Didn't know whether it was going to be Brian getting a job out of the city or if Brian sister was going to find out that the two of them were hooking up. But this book did not disappoint me at all. It's the perfect Rom-Com with the humor throughout the book. You see minor action going on between the two. It really read like a chick flick that you would find for all ages to watch. Minor hints that things were happening between closed doors and minor petting. But it didn't take away from the story at all. I highly recommend this light story. 

Quotes that I Liked 

"You're beautiful...I've wanted to since you fell into my lap...How could I not?" 

"You can have the bed back."

"What?"

"It's your room. She was always saving it for you." 

"Why are you walking around like an ad for Old Spice?" 

Tropes

Rom-Com

Best Friend's Brother

Enemy to Lovers

Forced Proximity 

Fake Dating

Forbidden Romance

The Wrong Bride (The Windsors #1) by Catharina Maura

 

She's his fiancee's younger sister. He's the man she's always loved. When her sister doesn't show up on her wedding day, Raven has no choice but to take her place - but marriage to Ares Windsor is nothing short of torture. The elusive billionaire media mongul is the man she's always loved...yet he's only ever had eyes for her sister. Married to him at last, Raven is determined to win him over. After all, everything is fair in love and war. And this? This is war. The Wrong Bride by Catharina Maura was published October 2022. This is book one of The Windsors series. 

I really struggled with this book, but I did not dnf it. The characters were interesting to me but I felt like both of the characters felt flat. I didn't love either one of them with how they were treating others and especially how Ares was treating Raven throughout the book. I wanted to hug that poor girl through most of the book. She really drew the short end of the stick from everything that was happening. The plot was interesting but I felt like there was so much going in this book it was hard to keep track of what was going on. I felt like some of the story could have happened in another book. I did not see much love Ares had for Raven so it was hard to see how they were going to be in love. Though, I could see Raven being in love with him. It's a book that left me with more questions then there were answers. But, please don't take my word for it you may have a different experience all together. 

Quotes That I Liked 

"What?....Can't stand the idea of Raven being with anyone else? I thought you didn't want her as your wife?" 

"Fuck off" 

"Why can't I ever be anyone's priority? What makes me so undeserving of that? Why can I never measure up against Hannah in my parents' eyes? In Ares's eyes? What is it that she's got and I'll never have? Why is my best never enough..." 

"Good girl..." 

"Let go of my wife..." 

"Let's normalize walking away from toxic situations. You don't have to stick it out when your mental health is taking a beating, just because that's what everyone expects of you. It's okay to reassess and decide whether or not a situation is still acceptable to you." 

The Windsors Series

1. The Wrong Bride

2. The Temporary Wife

3. The Unwanted Marriage

4. The Broken Vows 

5. The Secret Fiancee 

6. Unnamed (July 26th, 2024)

Tropes

Forbidden Love

Friends to lovers

Marriage of Convenience

Billionaire

Age-Gap

Best Friend's brother 

Slow Burn 

King of Pride (Kings of Sin #2) by Ana Huang

 

She's his opposite in every way...and the greatest temptation he's ever known. Reserved, controlled, and proper to a fault, Kai Young has neither the time nor inclination for chaos - and Isabella, with her purple hair and inappropriate jokes, is chaos personified. With a crucial CEO vote looming and media empire at stake, the billionaire heir can't afford the distraction she brings. Isabella is everything she shouldn't want, but with every look and every touch, he's tempted to break all his rules...and claim her as his own. King of Pride by Ana Huang was published in April 2023. This is the second book in King of Sins series. This book was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance in 2023. 

I think I fell in love with Kai in the first book of this series. Kai is one of those guys you know is goofy at times but also can be super serious. In this book you also see his fun sexual side as well. I love his personality in this book and you see a lot of it through his view and also Isabella's view of him. Isabella is such a quirky girl that I absolutely want to be my best friend. She has a lot of secrets in this book and a lot of pressure from her family (especially her brother). But, I knew that there was more to Isabella then having a rich brother. She shows sides of her that keep you guessing but you get hints along the way what her secret is. I totally saw the two of them coming together in a relationship. Their personalities just mesh in an uncomplicated way. Also when they do get together it's steamy that you might need to take a breather. I absolutely loved this book and could not wait to read the next book in the series. Ana Huang has a way with words and of course a way to write the dirty side of romance books perfect. I will forever be reading her works of arts as they are masterpieces. 

Quotes That I Liked 

For all the girls who think smart is sexy. (And who know the quiet ones are the freakiest.) 

"So you didn't use the glow-in-the-dark condoms I gave you?" 

"You said you finally consulted a doctor about a sense of humor implant. It's experimental technology, but the situation is dire." 

"Friends don't let friends answer the door with phallic accessories. Don't come running to me if your husband keels over from cardiac shock." 

"That's it, love.....Be a good girl and come for me." 

Kings of Sin Series

1. King of Wrath

2. King of Pride

3. King of Greed

4. King of Sloth 

5. King of Envy

6. King of Gluttony (March 24th, 2026)

7. King of Lust (TBA) 

Tropes 

Billionaire 

Friends to Lovers

Forbidden

Grumpy-Sunshine