Just Between Us (The Kings #3) by Lena Hendrix

 

Five minutes in his small town and I knew he was going to be nothing but trouble. He's an arrogant, tattooed playboy with a secret, and I'm the woman tasked with quietly cleaning up his family's mess. I never dreamed he could be the mysterious stranger behind my hidden, late-night messages. It doesn't matter what he says or how hard he tries to get under my skin. I won't break. Not for him. Not for anyone. But when our secrets are exposed, all bets are off. He knows the rules - just a little fun exploration. Nothing more. But one lesson leads to another...and another...and soon I realize that he's set out to break every rule I've ever put into place. I refuse to find myself melting under his gaze or swooning at the way he makes the noise around us quieter. I can handle men like him. Everything will be fine as long as we can keep this just between us. Just Between Us by Lena Hendrix was published on October 15th, 2024. This is the third book of The Kings series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Lena Hendrix and The Smuthood. I also will have to admit I have not been able to read the first two books of this series though I didn't feel like I needed to for this book. I thought this book was slow to start up. It was hard for me to get into the characters till after the midpoint of the book. There were even a few times I almost dnf the book. Though, I am glad that I stuck in there as the book picked up rather quickly. I really liked toward the end of the book the dynamics between the two main characters. Though the characters still needed to be well rounded I felt like I had an easier time liking them. I will say this though, there were times I felt like the two main characters had no reason that they were together. The plot is great and I liked how it wasn't entirely focused on the romance aspect of the story. I recommend checking this book out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I don't need your help."
"I never thought you did. Doesn't mean I don't like taking care of you all the same." 

"What the fuck, dude?......You're just sitting there like a bald guy in a turtleneck. Let's go." 

"Spread your legs. Show me what's mine." 

The Kings Series 

1. Just This Once 

2. Just My Luck 

3. Just Between Us 

4. Just Like That 

5. Just Say Yes 

Tropes 

Small Town 

Forced Proximity 

Secret Relationship

Enemies to Lovers 

Grumpy Sunshine 

He Falls First 

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 (09/14/2026) 

Tropes

Enemies to Lovers

Brother's Best Friend

Secret Romance 

Sports - Hockey 

College 

Grumpy Sunshine 

He Falls First 

Branded by Saffron A. Kent

 

It all began with letters. Every word he wrote etched itself into my mind, into my soul. I had no choice but to fall in love with him. Was it really so bad that the letters were part of a pen pal program, sent from a penitentiary? Or that they weren't really addressed to me? It's not as if he'd ever find out the truth. It's not as if I'd ever get to look those eyes that are as blue as the sky over his ranch he left behind. Or that I'd ever get to feel his work-roughened hands dominating my body as he does my fevered dreams. Until one afternoon when I find myself standing in front of him - pretending to be someone I am not. But the joke's on me because for all my pretenses, his deception is much crueler. The hardened, dangerous, impossibly beautiful man is nothing like the man in the letters. And it's too late for me to run. Branded by Saffron A. Kent was published on October 2025. 

This book was purchased while I was on a weekend trip with my lovely husband. So I finally got around to reading it and I am so happy that I made that choice. This book had me in all of the emotions. Through the book, I was trying to figure out what the hell was happening with the characters. Like what made the MMC do what he did to the FMC. The writing of this book is so top tier that every page and scene made you think and yet they flowed so perfectly. The smut scenes in this book are amazing and you will not want any distractions while reading them. I cannot wait to read more books by Saffron A. Kent. As if she writes more books like this then I know for sure she will become one of my favorite authors. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Hands off her now or I'll kill you right here for touching my wife." 

"And cowboys may be the worst boyfriends but we make the best husbands." 

"What were you gonna do with my knife then.....swat butterflies in the meadow?" 

"So if I wanna keep you, I'm gonna let you ride." 
"Ride?"
"Uh-huh."
"What?" 
"My mouth." 
"I...what?"
"Now, shut the fuck up, hold on to that knife, and keep those legs open." 

Tropes 

Dark Romance 

Age-Gap

Small Town

Enemies to Lovers 

Grumpy Sunshine 

Virgin 

Marriage of Convenience 

Test of Time (Blossom Peak #3) by Harlow James

 

Falling for the single dad next door wasn't part of my plan when I moved to Blossom Peak. I accepted the teaching job for a fresh start, far away from the controlling ex I left behind. But Rhonan Hart is everything you could ask for in a man. Strong, dependable, helpful, an amazing father to his daughter, Ellis...and looks beyond Sinful in his sheriff's uniform. Except his daughter is my student, and he's determined to pretend like our connection doesn't exist. (I'm determined to pretend he didn't see me naked when my shower blew up, and he tried to save me.) But soon, he's sneaking over to my house at night - warming my bed, tearing down his walls, and making me want something I knew I couldn't have. My life is a mess, one I'm still trying to clean up. But this man and his child give me a glimpse of a future I want, no matter what the cost. Just when I think I'm on the path to moving on, fate decides to give us the test of Time. I just hope this is a test we both survive. Test of Time by Harlow James was published on April 10th, 2026. This is the third book in the Blossom Peak series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Harlow James and The Smuthood. I have to say that this series has me in all the emotions of the world. I have cried, laughed, giggled, squealed, and swooned through out each book. This book was no different as the other two in the series. I absolutely love the way Harlow James writes each of her characters and how each book you see pieces of the characters that you haven't read about. I already knew this book was going to knock my socks off from the previous books when I met Rhonan. Then this book still blew me away when you get to meet the amazing Vienna. This book had so much chemistry between the characters. But not only that the friendship of Vienna and Rhonan's little girl. It's such an amazing book and I couldn't put this book down even for a minute. I highly recommend checking this book out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Are you not actually planning on getting your dick pierced, then? Did I just get manipulated with the threat of penis mutilation?" 
"I mean, the thought has crossed my mind, actually. New penis, new me."
"Your dick will still be the same."
"No, he'll be bejeweled."
"For the love of God, please stop." 

"Everyone go look outside. I think pigs are flying because Elliot and Dilynne just agreed on something." 

"Don't. Fucking. Think. About. It." 

"You look so fucking good on your knees." 

Blossom Peak Series 

1. All This Time 

2. On Borrowed Time 

3. Test of Time

4. It's About Time (07/10/2026) 

Tropes 

Single Parent

Small Town 

Forced Proximity 

Grumpy Sunshine 

Men in Uniform - Sheriff 

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 

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 

Penalty Play (Boston Rebels #5) by Julia Connors

 

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

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

Quotes that I Loved 

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

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

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

Boston Rebels Series

1. Center Ice 

1.5. The Trade Up

2.  Fake Shot

3. Cross-Checked 

4. Goal Line

5. Penalty Play 

Tropes

sports - hockey

Forced Proximity 

Forbidden Romance 

step-siblings 

friends to lovers 

grumpy - sunshine 

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

 

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

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

Quotes that I Loved 

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

"I need you to touch my stick." 

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

Skate Me Home Series

1. Blocked Shot

2. Twisted Shot

3. Poke Check 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Hockey

Grumpy Sunshine

Slow Burn

Whisky and Roses (Loch Morven #2) by Bella James

 

Tilda MacLean's life is officially off the rails. Her ex ran off with her business (and her bank balance), and her dad left her crumbling cottage on a Scottish Island. Even Flora, her basset hound, is judging her life choices. Tilda's plan? Fix up the cottage, sell it fast, and escape - before anyone realises she's completely winging it. There's just one problem: Finn Kinnaird. He needs a gardener to help save his distillery. And Tilda, broke and stranded, needs a job. They're opposites in every way - but they're going to have to make it work. Whisky and Roses by Bella James will be published January 1st, 2026. This is book two of Loch Morven series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Bella James and Love Notes PR. First off, I didn't read book one before I read this book. Though, it was not needed in this book as you didn't get left behind if you read this book first like I did. Now that being said, I felt like this book was slow. Even slower than most slow burn type of books. There were times that I thought I needed something to happen and it didn't. I felt like some of the build up needed to be taken out or for something exciting to happen in the plot. Also there were some Scottish terms that went over my head. As both of the characters knew what the word was but I did not. So I had to do some research for parts of the book. Though, soon the plot picked up and I wasn't so worried about the other things. The ending of this book was perfect and I could not put the book down. If you need a good palate cleanser this book is for you.

Quotes that I Loved 

"I'm not really a dress sort of girl, but -"
"I prefer you in your dungarees, with mud on your boots, and hair in your eyes, Chaos." 

Loch Morven Series

1. Duke It Out

2. Whisky and Roses 

Tropes

Grumpy Sunshine

Forced Proximity 

Slow Burn 

Small Town 

Enemies to Lovers

Boss/Employee

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 

Mountain Boss (Mountain Men #1) by S.J. Tilly

 

I'm just so exhausted - always living on the edge of desperation, one paycheck away from ruin. But this new job...It could be the fresh start I need. It could change everything. The contract is only for three months, but if I keep my head down, work hard, and prove myself, maybe I could stay longer. Maybe I could make Black Mountain Lodge my home. As I pull down the gravel drive, surrounded by the forest and mountains and bright blue skies, I feel something I haven't felt in a while. I feel hope. Mountain Boss by S.J. Tilly was published on March 27th, 2025. This is the first book in the Mountain Men series. 

I absolutely love S.J. Tilly books that I have read so far. Her writing in her books sends you to the setting. Where you can picture the scenes in your mind. You are able to see the characters and watch them fall in love. Also it helps you fall in love with the characters that she has in her mind. Like most of her books the men are grumpy and get thrown for a loop when they meet the female lead character. But what is different in this book is that the setting is in a small town in the mountains. I absolutely loved the story in Mountain Boss. I loved Courtney and the mix up that had Sterling hire her. Right off the bat, I knew when these two finally admitted that there is mutual attraction. This book made me chuckle throughout the book at their antics. I love the smut scenes in this book and I love how they are involved in the plot. S.J. Tilly has created yet another great series. 

Book Quotes that I Loved 

"I called you Cookie for two reasons. And neither of them had anything to do with the shape of your perfect fucking body...Reason one.....You literally threw a cookie at me. And two....I call you Cookie because you're sweet and delicate and....I want to eat you." 

"That's my good girl." 

Mountain Men Series 

1. Mountain Boss 

2. Mountain Daddy

3. Mountain Grump 

Tropes

Age-Gap

Enemies to Lovers

Boss/Employee

Forced Proximity

Small Town

Grumpy Sunshine 

Keep Me (Sinful Manor #1) by Sara Cate

 

All Killian Barclay wants is to be left the hell alone. He's had enough heartache to last a lifetime, and he has no more need for love - earning him the reputation of a broody Scot and eventually turning his famous ancestral home into a den of iniquity. It doesn't take long for tales of his raunchy house parties to reach the rest of his family, though, inspiring them to hatch a plan to shake Killian out of his routine. Keep Me by Sara Cate was published on December 3rd, 2024. This is the first book in the Sinful Manor series. 

I read this book awhile ago but I absolutely loved this book. It starts off slow but picks up quickly. I love the antics of Killian in trying to make Slyvie not fall in love with him. But of course it didn't work. The characters in this book are very well rounded. I could picture the characters. Both had faults and strengths. They also grew through the book to be able to get better when they were together. I could totally see how the characters balance each other and would work best together. The plot is great and easy to follow I didn't feel like there was anything that was left hanging at the end of the book. I recommend checking out this book from Sara Cate. 

Quotes that I Love 

"Where the fuck have you been?"
"Killian?"
"Get in the fucking car, Sylvie." 
"I'm not getting in there with you if you're going to yell at me like that." 
"I told you to get in the fucking car, women. You can either listen to me, or I'll toss you over my shoulder and put you in there myself."
"What is wrong with you?"
"For fuck's sake..."
"Okay, okay!....I'll get in. Just...relax."
"Relax?.....You have had us worried sick. Peter came looking for you, but you didn't answer your phone, and he couldn't find you." 
"I lost track of time. I'm sorry." 
"Just get in the fucking car." 

"You're all bark and no bite, my wee wife."

"Oh, I'll bite." 

Sinful Manor Series 

1. Keep Me 

2. Promise Me (TBA 2026) 

Tropes 

Enemies to Lovers

Marriage of Convenience 

Age-Gap

Dark Romance 

Billionaire 

Grumpy/Sunshine 

Savage Obsession (Savage Sins #2) by Kate Oliver

 

I'm drowning in grief, anger, and whiskey. Haunted by my father's murder and what could have been. No matter what I do, my demons never stop pulling me under. Then I meet Quinn Summers, a beautiful ray of sweet sunshine. Her innocence ignites an obsession I can't control. She's everything I should stay away from. The last thing I want is to tarnish one of the only good things left in this world. But the more I fight it, the more she becomes my reason to breathe...my reason to live. Savage Obsession by Kate Oliver was published November 25th, 2025. This is the second book in the Savage Sins series. 

I was given this ARC for my honest review from Kate Oliver and The Smuthood. Now that's been said, I absolutely loved this book. So much that I really want to go read book one as I did not read it before I read this one. Though, you didn't need anything from book one I don't think so it's a-okay. Anyways, back to this book. This book has such an amazing plot that it was hard to put down the book to function in the real world. I mean who needs to feed their children and make sure they don't kill each other or sleep. The book had such an amazing plot that it was easy to see the characters Xander and Quinn falling for each other. Though, it cracks me that Quinn knows some of Xander's stalking behaviors that he thinks she doesn't know. I absolutely loved how Quinn brings out the best in Xander but yet doesn't destroy who he is. Both of the characters have so much background that you could imagine how their background created who each of them are. They have a lot of baggage but it was not overwhelming for the reader to understand what was going on. Also it was not taking over the whole plot (a huge plus in my book). Like I said, I fell in love with this book and I can't wait to read more books by Kate Oliver. She just made the top of my favorites list of authors. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Sorry, Lassie. I prefer pit bulls over golden retrievers." 

"I'll never lie to you, Sunshine, so make sure you really want the answers to your questions." 

"No, asshole. I'm just trying to figure out in my head. I happen to have one of the highest IQs in the world, by the way, so I'd like to think I understand most things. But what I can't figure out is why you, the COO of Savage Entertainment, need me to hack your own system for employee information. Dude, if you're too dumb to use a computer, I can send you some videos. I think they're usually for preschool kids, but that's cool. I'm not judging." 

Savage Sins Series 

1. Savage Revenge 

2. Savage Obsession 

Tropes 

Dark Romance

Age Gap 

Billionaire

Boss/Employee 

Stalking 

Mafia Romance

Grumpy Sunshine

BDSM 

Mountain Grump (Mountain Men #3) by S.J. Tilly

 

I have a new house: Well, new to me. Just like living in my own place on top of a mountain, rather than in a city apartment, is new to me. But it's mine now because my Great Uncle Jack passed away, and he left me his freaking house. In Colorado. On the border of Lonely Peak State Park. But that's not all he did. He also left a series of letters. A scavenger hunt of clues that leads me back to Vegas. To his lawyer's office. To the reading of his will. Where I learn I must marry in order to keep my sudden inheritance out of the greedy hands of my family. and since they're the worst, I only have one option. Ask the grumpy park ranger I just met to be my husband. Mountain Grump by S.J. Tilly was published on November 20th, 2025. This is book three of the Mountain Men series. 

I have absolutely loved all the books that S.J. Tilly has produced so far. I am so happy that she is still writing and creating these amazing books of art. This book is the third in the Mountain series and I believe the last book in the series. I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Though, I think Ethan's name really doesn't fit him so like Tilda, I want to call him Ranger. I loved the personalities of the two main characters. Their personality while opposites fit so well together. It made total sense how the two of them fell in love. I love how their love is shaped and both make mistakes throughout the book. This plot is top tier and while I am sad that this series is ending. I cannot wait to read the next series that S.J. Tilly has in her brain. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You gonna take it?"
"You gonna admit your butthole looks like an asshole?" 

"Tilda, this is Fisher. Fisher, this woman is none of your business." 

"Are you my Good Boy?" 

"I've provided my lawyer with a whistle. Please don't embarrass me in death and make him use it." 

Mountain Men Series 

1. Mountain Boss 

2. Mountain Daddy 

3. Mountain Grump  

Tropes 

Small Town 

Marriage of Convenience 

Grumpy Sunshine

Forced Proximity 

Men in Uniform - Park Ranger 

Troublemaker: A Dark College Hockey Romance (Tabb U #2) by Jo Brenner

Lucy Braverman might be eighteen, but she's my ward. Half my age, and completely off limits. I haven't seen her since she was an awkward, lonely orphan being shipped off to boarding school. Now she's brilliant, beautiful, and reckless. Every rebellious word that passes those lips makes me want to do dark and depraved things. So when she enrolls at the University where I'm the head hockey coach, I do everything in my power to stay away. But the hot little spitfire is determined to get under my skin. Control means everything to me...and if I have to exert dominance to protect her, I will. If I have to do illegal, immoral things to have her, I will. If I have to embrace the darkest parts of both of us to keep her, I will. Because Lucy may be completely off limits. But she's mine. Troublemaker by Jo Brenner was published November 15th, 2025. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Jo Brenner and The Smuthood. The characters in this book had me so into it that I needed more. They both had many many faults and a lot of strengths. They both grow through the book together and separate. While I enjoyed the book and its plot I still had the heebie jeebies knowing that Coach was also the guardian who was supposed to be like a father figure to Lucy. I was able to overlook the relationship knowing that Coach was able to send Lucy to a boarding school for most of the time. The story had some great ups and downs throughout the book. They had some massive build-up to some of the scenes that make you squeal. I highly recommend that you check it out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Well, as fun as it would be to desecrate something that's important to Coach, I don't think I want to come all over his whistle. Although....No, I'll find better ways to torture him." 

"You touch her?....Tell me. Did. You. Touch. Her?" 

"Yeah, he's hard for you, troublemaker. And I promise you're going to become intimately acquainted with him. But for now, daddy wants to eat." 

"Don't tell me I can't. Don't tell me anything right now. Daddy's eating, and he doesn't want any interruptions." 

Tabb U Series 

1. Butterfly: A Dark College Hockey Romance

2. Troublemaker: A Dark College Hockey Romance 

Tropes 

Age-Gap

Dark Romance 

Hockey 

Grumpy/Sunshine 

Forbidden Romance 

BDSM 

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 

Burning Ivy (KORT #1) by Brandy Hynes

 

She's my mission. My prize. My obsession. Ivy Kingston is the most wanted woman in the world for reasons she is completely oblivious to, reasons I intend to capitalize on. She needs a husband to receive her inheritance, so I'm on the hunt for a wife. As long as it's her. I'm not who she thinks I am. But she has no idea who she really is either. I'll be her groom. Her keeper. Her lover. And quite possibly her demise. Burning Ivy by Brandy Hynes was published on January 2024. This is the first book of KORT series. 

This book had so many turns that it's insane. At the beginning of the book I was confused on what was going on. I couldn't get into the characters of Ivy and Wells. But then as the book went on the confusion eased up and the characters didn't seem so flat. I felt like it was really uneven in the book. Though I have to say that the plot of the book really kept me going in the book. I found out that as the book went on things were explained. I absolutely ended up falling in love with this book. So I highly recommend checking this book out as you will not be disappointed. The characters even the side characters will keep you on your toes in the book. 

Quotes that I Loved

"He would never ask me to sell myself to a man to earn my money like one percent whore." 

"You okay, Little Storm?" 

"Look at that. You talk like a brat, but you jumped right up to do as I ordered. Good girl, Ivy. You'll do just fine." 

"Anyone can be the light when the sun is shining. It takes a goddamn force to strike with a crash so bright  that even the outlines of the raging clouds are illuminated." 

KORT series 

1. Burning Ivy

2. Carving Graves 

3. Tracing Scars 

4. Charring Bones 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Mafia 

Marriage of Convenience 

Age-Gap

Billionaire

Grumpy Sunshine

Virgin 

He Falls First 

The Live-In Temptation (Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove #2) by Brighton Walsh

 

Hiring the chaotic woman I pulled out of a shed fire to be my daughter's nanny was a bad idea. Letting her live with me? Even worse. Chloe Bradshaw is too vibrant, too bold, and way too young for me. She's pure sunshine-in-a-hurricane energy and the exact opposite of the clam, steady influence my daughter needs. But Emma adores her from the second they meet, and I'd do anything for my little girl. Including sharing a roof with the one woman I shouldn't want. Chloe's the walking definition of off-limits. And one hell of a temptation I can't stop thinking about. Between midnight snack run-ins, hair-braiding lessons, and the way she looks in my stolen hoodie, forbidden stopped being a warning and started feeling like a dare. I swore I wouldn't cross that line with her. Then I did. And again. The Live-In Temptation by Brighton Walsh will be published on September 4th, 2025. This is book two of the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove series. 

I was asked to review this book for my honest review from Brighton Walsh and The Smuthood. I fell in love with Starlight Cove through another series that Brighton Walsh writes. Of course you get to see some the famous characters you fell in love with that series in this series as well. I love how each of her books build upon the same town and you get to see more and more of the people who live in the small town. I absolutely loved that series and I have already read book one of this series. So each book from this series makes me fall in love with it. I fell in love with the three main characters of this story. I say three main characters because Emma the little girl has a role in the series and it's a big one. Chloe has a lot of heartache that keeps her running and trying some interesting jobs until she lands in Starlight Cove. Her past is shown throughout the series and you get to understand why she runs. You also see how her past shapes her in her romance with Xander. Let's talk about grumpy daddy for moment. Xander has his own past that has shaped him. Being the second oldest in his family and now finding out that he has a four year old. But not only that finding out he has a four year old who's now his sole responsibility as her mom past away. You see him struggle to find his footing but also trying to help his daughter grieve and live in a strange new world. He struggles with his memories overtaking his present. This book he has a lot of growth and it shows through out the book. Also Emma grows as well. The characters in this book are so rounded that you could picture each of them in your mind in this small town. The romance in this book is steady and slowly happens throughout the book. You can feel the tension on every page as it builds. I absolutely loved this book and I am chewing for the chance to read book three of the series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Oh god, oh my fuck, oh sweet sparkling Moses!" 

"Before you lie again and say it was nothing, or it wasn't a big deal, or it was just one-time lapse in judgement-"
"It was all of those things."
"-Let me just ask one question.....Why are you wearing his sweatshirt?" 

"And if you break your damn ankle on those heels, I'm going to set the fucking things on fire." 
"For a fire chief, you sure do threaten to burn a lot of things." 
"Seems to me the only things I threaten to burn are ones that fuck with 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

Starlight Cove Series 

1. Defiant Heart 

2. Protective Heart

3. Fearless Heart 

4. Reckless Heart 

5. Possessive Heart

6. Rebel Heart 

Tropes 

Single Parent 

Nanny 

Boss/Employee

Grump Sunshine 

Small Town 

Men in Uniform 

Age Gap

Forbidden Romance 

forced proximity 

  

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 

King of Sloth (Kings of Sin #4) by Ana Huang

 

Charming, easygoing, and rich beyond belief, Xavier Castillo has the world at his fingertips. He also has no interest in taking over his family's empire (much to his father's chagrin), but that hasn't stopped women from throwing themselves at him....unless the woman in question is his publicist. Nothing brings him more joy than riling her up, but when a tragedy forces them closer than ever, he must grapple with the uncertainty of his future - and the realization that the only person immune to his charms is the only one he truly wants. King of Sloth by Ana Huang was published in 2024. This is book four of the Kings of Sin series. This book was a nominee for Goodreads Choice Award for Romance in 2024. 

I absolutely loved the two main characters in this book. We knew a little about Sloan from pervious books because she is friends with their main characters. But Sloan took this book to a women who is strong in her own right. I loved how she had her own background and did not fall head over heels for him. This book had me experiencing so many emotions and ups and downs as well. I absolutely loved the plot in this story that it was easy to see how they slowly fell for each other. Especially when neither of them wanted to. It was not all sunshine and rainbows for sure. There were a few parts that were a little slow but it was easy to over look. The characters are well rounded that it makes you feel like you are in the room with them. I highly recommend checking out this book as well as the series. 

Quotes That I Loved 

If I ruined my brand-new Stella Alonso dress over this, I'd kill him, bring him back to clean up the mess, then kill him again. 

"Just shut up and follow me..."

"Yes, ma'am.....I love a woman in charge." 

"You don't know how I taste."

"Not yet." 

"I like it better wrapped around my fist." 

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

Grumpy-Sunshine

Enemies to Lovers 

Forced Proximity