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 

Tethered Love (Silver Saddle Ranch #3) by Ann Einerson

 

No one plans on accidentally getting pregnant by their best friend's grumpy older brother. Heath is too hot, too serious, and absolutely has no business being the star of my fantasies. I thought our banter over the years was the closest to foreplay we'd ever get. Until the romance of a wedding and unexpected flirtations lead to a night tangled in the sheets together. It was supposed to be a no-strings-attached, years-in-the-making romp that we'd ever get. It was all going to plan until I saw those two pink lines. What I didn't count on was Heath getting down on one knee and popping the one question I never thought I'd hear coming from his mouth. But he has something I need, so a marriage of convenience is a means to an end. Who says romance is dead? Except Heath has a way with words and cares for me in ways I've never experienced. Not to mention his plans for our upcoming bundle of joy, or how every touch reminds me of that night when his name fell from my lips. Soon, playing house starts to feel natural, and I find it hard to picture my life without him. One night might have tied us together, but will it be enough to keep us from unraveling the knot? Tethered Love by Ann Einerson was published on July 17th, 2026. This is the third book in the Silver Saddle Ranch series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Ann Einerson and The Smuthood.  This is the third book that I have read from Ann Einerson and I have not yet been disappointed. The author has a way to create the plot of the story that flows so well from one scene to the next. This book had no big action scenes but it's a soft flow. It's completely different than say Dark romance tropes. I also love that there is no third-act breakup in the book. Though, I felt like there were times that the author could have slipped it in. This book made me feel a lot of emotions which is perfect on those lonely nights. Also the smut scenes from the very beginning of the book are top-notch. The characters are a little flat but it didn't take away from the book. I highly recommend checking this book out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Sure thing, daddy."
"Careful, hellcat. You're playing a dangerous game." 

"Careful, Heath...Keep looking at me like that, and I might start thinking you want to use that paddle of yours on me." 

"I'll make you so damn addicted you'll never want another man's hands on you again." 

Silver Saddle Ranch Series 

1. Wrangled Love 

2. Lassoed Love 

3. Tethered Love 

Tropes

Marriage of Convenience 

Small Town 

Age-Gap

He Falls First 

Enemies to Lovers

Forced Proximity 

Sister's Best Friend 

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 

For The Win (All for Love #3) by Katie Van Brunt

 

She wants a summer fling. He doesn't think he's worthy of more. Claire Connelly's life was on track - until it wasn't. Ambitious, driven, and ready to conquer Manhattan as a family physician, she never saw the catastrophe coming. Now she's jobless and adrift. When an an opportunity in Upstate New York offers her a break from reality, she quickly accepts. And when a proposition comes next, she's ready for a distraction. A fling. Nothing more. For the Win by Katie Van Brunt was published on May 8th, 2026. This is the third book in the All for Love series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Katie Van Brunt and Love Notes PR. First off, I should most likely let you know that I did not read the first two books in the series. So, my thoughts are on just this book. Okay, I thought the two characters in this book were a little flat. I felt like a lot of their character development felt rushed and yet it's a very Slow build type of book. I also didn't see much of a connection between the two main characters so it was really hard to see the two of them fall in love. The plot was a cute and didn't have much conflict throughout except conflict vs. self throughout the book. The book didn't give me a WOW factor but I enjoyed reading it. It was just that it didn't grab my attention like I would have liked. Though, I kept reading because I felt like it had something there that kept some attention. But, don't take my word for it make sure you check it out. 

All for Love Series

1. For the Plot 

2. For the Show

3. For the Win 

Tropes

Boss/Employee 

Friends to Lovers 

Forced Proximity 

Small Town 

Best Friend's Brother

Single Parent 

He Falls First 

Red Zone (Rock City Renegades #4) by C.L. Rose

 

I used to love being referred to as the bad boy running back - until my antics landed me in hot water. I didn't think life could get much worse than being released by the team I poured my heart and soul into, just to find out I'd be playing for the Rock City Renegades. They may have the league fooled into believing they've got a shot at a championship, but I see through the facade. They've a joke, and it's only a matter of time before the rest of the world catches on. With no other choice, I sign the contract and agree to let the owner's daughter help me clean up my image. If I play my cards right and put on a show, I'll be on my way to better team in no time. But when Sydney Grant walks into our first meeting, I realize I'm not working with a stranger at all, but the woman who had me crawling for her the right before. Can I keep it professional and do what it takes to fix my reputation? Or will I risk it all for another chance with the one person I should stay far away from? Red Zone by C.L. Rose was published on April 30th, 2026. This is the fourth book in the Rock City Renegades series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from C.L. Rose and The Smuthood. I have absolutely loved this series so far. Each of the books so far have their own plot that makes them unique. The characters in this book are amazing. This book had me laughing from the very beginning. I loved how the relationship between the two characters build through the book. This book made me squeal in excitement throughout the book. The conversation through the book is on point and helped push the story through the plot. The characters really helped with talking about things in the plot instead of reading it in the description. There are some turns in the book that will catch you off guard. It doesn't take over the plot but I don't know if it really fits in the book. Though, I highly recommend checking this book out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I hope you're ready, baby boy. I'm about to turn you inside out." 

"Nope, not at all. Now, be a good boy and get on your knees." 

"Fuck Around and Find Out: Party of one. Your table's ready." 

"There she is. There's my dirty fucking girl." 

Rock City Renegades Series 

1. Mr. Irrelevant 

2. Bad Call 

3. The Interception 

4. Red Zone 

5. Clock Play (October 1st, 2026) 

Tropes 

Sports - Football 

BDSM 

Forced Proximity 

Enemies to Lovers 

He Falls First 

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

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 

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

 

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

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

Quotes that I Loved 

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

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

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

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

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

Deep Cove Millionaires Book Club Series 

1. Deal Breaker 

2. Rule Breaker 

3. Heart Breaker (09/15/2026) 

Tropes

Boss/Employee 

Enemies to Lovers 

Slow Burn

Fake Dating

Forced Proximity

Billionaire 

He Falls first 

Small Town 

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

 

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

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

Quotes that I Loved 

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

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

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

"Good girl.....Good. Fucking. Girl." 

Steel City Legacy Series

0.5: Merrily Us 

1: Perfectly Us 

2: Irresistibly Us (06/05/26) 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Football

Secret Relationship

Forced Proximity

He Falls First 

Single Parent

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

 

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

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

Quotes that I Loved 

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

"Who. Fucking. Touched. You." 

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

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

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

Sinful Spartans of SCU Series

0. A Very Sinful Christmas 

1. Sinful Obsession 

2. Sinful Ruin (TBA) 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Friends to Lovers

Sports Romance - Hockey & Dance 

College/New Age 

He Falls First 

Roommates to Lovers

Stalking 

Forbidden 

Bad Boy / Good Girl 

The Interception (Rock City Renegades #3) by C.L. Rose

 

Since I was a kid, I've only wanted two to be a professional football player and to have a family of my own. Being drafted by the Rock City Renegades was the first step, but now I'm now I'm ready for the rest. I have the house and the rescue dog, who's proven to be a bit of a menace for everyone other than my crush, Finley Bolton. So when I find myself needing someone to watch him while I'm away, moving her in is the logical option. She may be pregnant by another man, but it doesn't take long for her and the baby to etch their names into my heart. I want a life with them, but will I be able to break down Finley's walls and proven that I can be the man she needs, or she will pack up and obliterate every dream I've ever had? The Interception by C.L. Rose was published on January 22nd, 2026. This is the third book in the Rock City Renegades Series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from C.L. Rose and The Smuthood. I absolutely loved this book. I could not get enough of Theo and Finley in this book. Though I wanted to smack a person throughout the book. This book made me giggle and squeal throughout the book. I was also crying because some of the things that Finley was feeling I have felt. The characters in this book both have some faults and they both had to grow from those. But not only were they growing separately but they helped each other as well. The relationship between them are so sweet and you can totally see how they are falling in love throughout the book. Heck, I fell in love with Theo in this book. He is such a good golden retriever of a guy it's crazy. The plot in this book is perfect as it ebbed and flowed from each scene. Everything had a reason to be in the book. Also...you will fall in love with the dog in this book as he makes the book absolutely perfect. I highly recommend checking out this sweet book. I cannot wait for book four and see which character I am going to meet next. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"There's my good girl."

"Tell me you want me to split you open and paint your walls." 

"You're right. You can't. But I can. I'm going to come on your cock, Theo. And you're going to sit still like a good boy while I do it." 

Rock City Renegades Series 

1. Mr. Irrelevant 

2. Bad Call 

3. The Interception

4. Red Zone 

5. Clock Play (10/01/2026) 

Tropes 

Sports Romance - Football 

Friends to Lover 

Forced Proximity

He Falls First 

 

Wilde Cowboy (Love is a Cowboy #1) by Kelly Elliott

 

As the son of a third-generation cattle rancher, it's expected that I would follow in the footsteps of my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and work the family ranch just as they did. However, that wasn't my dream, and thankfully, my parents stood behind me when I told them I wanted to open a sporting goods store in our hometown of River Falls, Colorado. That's my plan, My endgame, and nothing is going to distract me from that goal. Then, I met Vivianne Pennington. It soon becomes clear to me that Vivianne is now a part of my dreams, and when I bring her home for Christmas, my entire family and town of River Falls fall head over heels in love with her. Wilde Cowboy by Kelly Elliott was published on January 20th, 2026. This is the first book of Love is a Cowboy series. 

I was given this book for my honest review by Kelly Elliott. So I tried really hard to get into the book and I did finish it. This book is not like a lot of books that I have read so it took me awhile to get through it. It is slow paced and you knew at the beginning of the book that the two main characters were getting together. It's a sweet book and if you need a palate cleaner type of book this would be the book that would do it. I loved the characters in this book even the minor characters. I felt like each character had a reason to be put in the book. The love between Vivianne and Ladd I felt like could have used more then instant falling in love. I felt like both were just there. I wanted more passion between the two characters to show that they do love each other. The plot was sweet and had some extra fluff that was really needed in the book. It's a sweet read with very few spicy scenes. I recommend you check it out. 

Love is a Cowboy Series

1. Wilde Cowboy

2. Wilde Ride (03/03/26)

3.  Wilde Flame (05/26/26)

4. Wilde Hearts (08/18/26)

5. Wilde Night (11/10/26) 

Tropes

Small Town

He Falls First

College Romance 

On Borrowed Time (Blossom Peak #2) by Harlow James

 

Being a nanny for a newly single dad wasn't the job I applied for when I decided to lick my wounds in Blossom Peak. But showing Henley Clark my bare backside wasn't in my plans either. When the pursuit of my dream career seemed unattainable, instead of going home and proving my parents right, I made a detour to the small mountain town I remember visiting as a kid. I just wanted a waitressing job to make some extra money while I figured out my next steps. But then the lumberjack of an owner begged me to help him with his three month-old daughter that he just found out existed, and I couldn't resist his plea. Or his massive physique - the one I saw every detail of when he appeared shirtless in front of me three times in the first week. The problem with living together though is there's little space, especially when my boss is so closed off that he's like a nut I want to crack open. And when I do, he steals my breath from my lungs - and reignites my creativity as well. But I gave myself a deadline to figure out what's next. Nowhere in that plan though did I account for falling for Henley Clark. Turns out the heart doesn't care, even when you're on borrowed time. On Borrowed Time by Harlow James was published on January 16th, 2026. This is the second book in the Blossom Peak series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Harlow James and The Smuthood. I am so excited that I was asked to read this book. I read the first book of the series when it came out so I couldn't wait to read this book. This book did not disappoint at all. I absolutely loved the two characters in this book. Also revisiting Laney and Fletcher from book one. Henley made me chuckle in this book as he was the big old grump who had a lot of history with people leaving. Then he is thrown a curve ball after curve ball to help shape him and help him overcome his past. Then you have Elodie who is the complete opposite. She doesn't let the past change her but watches her overcome her own past and failures. While they both had things that they had to get past they did it separately but with the help of each other. Also the baby is so sweet throughout the book. Something about big grumpy men with sweet babies makes me smile. While the smut scenes are not all in depth they are still spicy. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to read book three and even four when they come out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Because she doesn't need all of the details, and she's leaving anyway. She's leaving just like everyone else does." 

"Don't get me wrong, I love a man in a suit. But there's something about a blue-collar man that will win out every time." 

"Good girl." 

She's the sunshine pulling the darkness from my soul. 

Blossom Peak Series

 1. All This Time

2. On Borrowed Time

3. Test of Time 

4. It's About Time (07/2026) 

Tropes

Small Town

Single Parent 

Forced Proximity

Nanny

Boss/Employee

He Falls First 

Grumpy Sunshine

For Now (Star-Crossed City #3) by Ari Wright

 

Marco Amir is great at his job. With one notable exception. He absolutely cannot keep himself away from the beautiful, wallflower wedding planner. He's supposed to be protecting her from the rabid media, ensuring there are no leaks that compromise the big event. Though, as threats close in and his carefully laid plans begin to unravel, Marco finds he isn't just guarding Alice because he has to, but because he's pretty sure she just might be the one...If he can somehow convince her their connection isn't just for now. For Now by Ari Wright was published January 8th, 2026. This is the third book in Star-Crossed City series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Ari Wright and The Smuthood. Okay first thing first, I have not read book one or book two of this series so it's all new characters to me. I have to say the characters were not something that I normally read. While yes, I read about bodyguard romances Marco did not act like the strongest bodyguard. Also Alice, really was hard on herself so much that at times it took over the story and you just wanted to escape. I did enjoy the plot of this story, but it made me realize that I knew nothing of what was going on in the other books which if I had the knowledge it would have helped me understand the plot better. I did enjoy this book and it was a nice escape from the world around me. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Good Girl." 

"I want to fuck you." 

"Your gun...You forgot to take it out of your pants." 
"That's not a gun, sweet girl." 

Star-Crossed City Series

1. For Always 

2. For Ever

3. For Now 

Tropes

Soulmates 

Fake Dating 

Bodyguard

He Falls first 

Happy Ever After (New York Thunder #4) by Shann McPherson

 

Two words describe Happy Slater; unserious and slutty. The second line defenseman, son of a former supermodel and a rockstar, is known for a good time and not a lot else. But sometimes appearances can be deceiving, and it's often the ones we least expect that are hiding the biggest secrets. Hannah Draper, daughter of New York Thunder head coach, Lance Draper, has officially had it with men. Forced to wait in the rain for an Uber that never shows, that is driven by - yep - a man, it only proves her point that all men suck. During her time of need, the last person Hannah wants to accept help from is Happy Slater, but desperate times often lead to terrible mistakes. After an unexpected night of hate-filled passion, they part ways only to find themselves brought back together again, and again, and again. Just when Hannah thinks she's got Happy figured out, he opens up his heart and shares his deepest secrets with her. This new side to the once insufferable member of her dad's hockey team has her cold heart thawing and her resolve to cancel all men starts to slip. But as the unlikely pair try to navigate their foreign feelings together, ghosts from their past start to surface, threatening everything. Happy Ever After by Shann McPherson will be published January 14th, 2026. This is book four of the New York Thunder series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Shann McPherson and The Smuthood. I fell in love with this series from Best Kept Secret. I thought that was going to be the high of the series but in reality I think this book took over the stop. This book had me giggling and crying, and squealing. I absolutely loved Hannah in this book. I felt like she grew as the character in this book. Then there is Happy....omg I think he has such a unique name. Anyways, I loved him and really could not see him as a Playboy in the book. So when the truth of his secret comes out I was not surprised. Though, the secret really sent me in a frenzy. I loved the plot in this book. Yes, it's fast paced and they fall in love quickly but the characters have known each other before this book. Also sometimes it's fun to read a fast paced book. I highly recommend checking out this book. I for sure need to read the other books in this series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Are you going to be able to fuck me if I let you come right now, or are you a pathetic one-hit wonder?" 

"Oh, fuck yes, good boy!" 

"I'm going to suck your cock so you'll stop being such a downer." 

New York Thunder Series 

1. Famous Last Words

2. One Night Only

3. Best Kept Secret 

4. Happy Ever After 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Hockey

He Falls First 

Single Dad

The Sugar Plum Rebellion by Megan Astraus

 

Clara Winters has one never let anyone see the ADHD-fueled chaos underneath her ballet perfection. As the adopted daughter of a ballet legend, she's spent her entire life proving she belongs by forcing her neurodivergent brain into the Porcelain Princess mold everyone expects. This Christmas Eve Nutcracker is her final audition. One flawless Sugar Plum Fairy performance will land her prestigious contract and prove she deserves her legacy. Then, her dance partner snaps his ankle. His only replacement? Trevor Williams, a tattooed, recovering addict from the county arts program next door. Their partnership should fail. But between heated arguments and hotter stolen glances, their forced proximity turns into late-night rehearsals and vulnerable confessions. The Sugar Plum Rebellion by Megan Astraus was published December 3rd, 2026. 

I was given this book from Book Siren and Megan Astraus for my honest review. This book took me awhile to get into the story. For over half of the books the author spent the time to build the story. It actually made me not like Clara at all with her attitude about everything. Even though you know that it's not her true thoughts. I had a hard time thinking Clara had anything in common with Trevor. I couldn't see how or why they were falling for each other. Then in the second half of the book everything started to make sense. I actually started to enjoy the book and was able to finish the book. While, I didn't overly enjoy the book the book had some issues but overall I did have some enjoyment in the end. 

Quotes That I Loved 

I know what cages look like. Hers is made of mirrors. 

"Tell me to stop, Clara....because I don't think I can."
"Don't you dare fucking stop." 

"Do you want advice, or would you rather I listen?" 

Tropes 

Enemies to Lovers

Forced Proximity

Holiday Romance 

He Falls First 

Bad Boy

Sports Romance 

All's Fair in Love and Chaos (Queens & Heathens #1) by Jenn Plummer

 

Ten years ago, my family was brutally taken from me because of the actions of vicious criminals who live above the law. I've made it my life's purpose to bring those men to their knees, with my eyes focused on the man responsible for their deaths. Camden Young. Was becoming his prisoner my plan? Not even in the realm of possibilities. But one look at him on that bike, and the earth shook under me. For the first time in my life, I stumbled, and it could cost me everything. Now, I find myself locked in the Hell's Heathens' clubhouse, trying to conceal my identity. Torn between completing my goal to avenge my family and coming to terms with the fact that not everything is as it seems. All's Fair in Love and Chaos by Jenn Plummer was published November 13th, 2025. This is the first book in the Queens & Heathens series. 

I was given this book for free for my honest review from Jenn Plummer and The Smuthood. This book had me crying, laughing, giggling, fanning myself, and laughing some more. The characters Saige and Camden are top notch written. They felt like extremely real people that I could reach out and touch. I absolutely loved Saige though. I loved how she took her sadness and it shaped her to be someone strong who fights for what is right. Even though sometimes she gets it wrong. I loved how she shows everyone how strong she is and then she slowly lets go some of the power. Camden knows the worth of Saige in his life. He doesn't overpower in some sense unless he thinks it's needed. This book was so amazing from every page and it had some great ebb and flow on the plot. The spice in this book is top tier. It left me fanning myself in some parts because Holy Hotness...it was spicy. I highly recommend checking out this book. I cannot wait till the second book in the series comes out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Careful, I might think you're jealous."
"Of what? Your tiny cock and your inability to find a clit? I'm good, I fuck myself better than you ever could." 

"Oh. Well, that's part of the fun. I like it when they scream." 

"If I had my way, Camden, you'd be the one handcuffed to the bed while I rode your face, fucking myself on your tongue. After I came all over you, then I'd take your big dick inside me. I bet you'd fill me so good." 

"Has anyone ever told you, you've got quite the mouth on you? I'm sure it's gotten you into trouble before."
"I'm a ray of fucking Sunshine, I don't know what you're talking about...." 

Queens & Heathens Series 

1. All's Fair in Love and Chaos 

2. All's Fair in Love and Sin 

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

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

Tropes 

Dark Romance 

Enemies to Lovers

Forced Proximity

He Falls First

Motorcycle Club 

Bar Down (Nashville Knights Hockey #4) by Emily Silver

 

As the world's biggest pop star, I'd given up on love. I wasn't supposed to find it on an app with a hockey star. With my life in tatters, I escaped to a dating app where no one knows who I am. That's when I discover that I matched with one of the stars on the Nashville Knights Hockey team. Falling in love over an app? Not going to happen. I've been burned too many times to want to meet. Except I keep going back to him. Every text, every message draws me in. Until a chance encounter brings us together. The chemistry? It's electric. Jasper is everything I've ever wanted. With him? Everything that's going wrong in my life fades to the background. But we're on two different paths. I'm fighting to escape my past, and Jasper? Well, he's fighting for his future with the team. He's a hockey player. I'm a pop star. There's no way this is going to work. Bar Down by Emily Silver was published on October 2025. This is the fourth book in the Nashville Knights Hockey series. 

I was asked to review this book for my honest review from The Smuthood and Emily Silver. So, I live near Kansas City. So I am deep reach Kansas Chiefs fans and let me tell you this book so reminds me of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce relationship. I immediately picked up similarities of the main characters. I fell in love with Jasper in this book. His humor comes out in each text message that he sent. I have to say I loved how the two characters got to know each other in this book through the text messages. I loved how both grew from their little interactions. You can see them falling in love without seeing them face to face meet. The characters are well written and the book plot is top tee. The smut scenes are a little tamer then those I have read from other books. But it's still worth checking out. I can't wait to read more books by Emily Silver. 

Nashville Knights Hockey Series 

1. Game Misconduct 

2. The Playmaker

3. Breakaway

4. Bar Down 

Tropes 

Sports Romance - Hockey

He Falls First

Age Gap 

Rebel Heart (Starlight Cove #6) by Brighton Walsh

 

Harper Davidson has been ingrained on my heart since we were kids, and now she's tattooed on my skin. But she'll never know about either. Not when she's better off thinking we're enemies. Having her in my space every day and sharing a wall with her every night is a challenge I never saw coming. A challenge I'm not sure I'm up to. Especially when our daytime games turn into nighttime dares, pushing each other to the breaking point until our neighbors know exactly who's making her scream. As lines blur and feelings deepen, we begin teetering on the edge of something more. And it's becoming harder to pretend that this is nothing - that she is nothing. Because this second chance is starting to feel like a last chance. Rebel Heart by Brighton Walsh was published on July 2024. This is book six of the Starlight Cove series. 

I have really enjoyed this series and a lot of books by Brighton Walsh. So I was really excited when this book came out. I couldn't wait to get started and started. I finished this book within a few days of checking it out. I loved the build up in this book. The characters don't see each other coming throughout the book. Though, it was interesting to see how much changes with them as they grow in the book. The characters, Harper and Levi are well rounded both with a lot of faults in the book. You see a lot of Levi's siblings through the book which you introduced in the other books. Also you really fall in love with the whole town of Starlight Cove. The plot of this story flows amazing and the smut scenes are tame compared to other books that I have read. But they are amazing and I highly recommend checking out this book, because you will fall in love with Levi. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"If I wanted to know how well I fuck now, Sparrow, you could've just asked." 

"Get on the bike, Harper...We're going to the same place."

"I can walk."

"I never said you couldn't. But it's midnight and you're alone. And I don't give a shit if we live in the most boring town in the country, I'm not just going to drive off and let you walk home by yourself. Now, get on the fucking bike." 

"If I tell you the secret, will you get on your knees and pray to it, Sparrow?" 

"Time to be my dirty girl, Sparrow." 

Starlight Cove Series

1. Defiant Heart

2. Protective Heart 

3. Fearless Heart 

4. Reckless Heart 

5. Possessive Heart 

6. Rebel Heart 

Tropes

Second Chance 

Small Town

Enemies to Lovers

Forced Proximity

Friends to Lovers 

Slow Burn

Childhood Friends

He Falls First 

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

 

Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A Junior at Standford and a student-athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from their injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships-at least, that's what she tells herself. Swim captain, world champion, all-around aquatics golden boy, Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It's how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus, with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes. So they start an arrangement. And as the pressure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes that her heart might be treading into dangerous water. Deep End by Ali Hazelwood was published on February 2025. 

I was wanting to read this book since it came out and I happened to be at a bookstore that had it on sale. I am so glad that I bought this book as I will be so wanting to read it over and over. This book is on the lighter side of smut but it has an amazing romance plot. The two main characters Scarlett and Lukas both have a history and personality before the book started. As the story went on both of their personalities grew with the book. Both characters are really well rounded as they have both faults and strengths throughout the book. The plot in this book has a lot of twists and turns that keep you wanting to turn the page. I read this book quite fast as I could not put it down. I highly recommend checking this book out. 

Quotes That I Loved

A minute later she's asleep. The entire universe is here, in his arms. 

"Scarlett....The only time wasted in time we are apart." 

"Mostly, I'm afraid of attempting something and not being perfect at it." 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Swim

College - New Age 

He Falls First 

Friends to Lovers 

BDSM