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 

The End Zone (Playing for Keeps #2) by Bianca Boreli

 

Nothing is more tempting than the forbidden. I pride myself on my control. I am the best quarterback in the league with an iron will and unshakable discipline. Nothing can change that. Or so I thought. Then Lilly crashes back into my life. She's all I think of. Staying away is impossible. Being just friends is agonizing. A relationship with her is forbidden. Something I'm reminded of every time I go to practice and see my head coach. But damn if she doesn't make me want to risk it all to have her. The End Zone by Bianca Boreli was published on October 23rd, 2025. This is the second book in the Playing for Keeps series. 

I was asked to review this book for my honest review. I have never read the the first book in this series. But it did not hinder my ability to read this book in the series. I didn't feel like I lost any form of plot from the book because I did not read book one. I felt like the characters were a little flat in the book but the plot made up for the book. The smut scenes were great and not over descriptive and not under descriptive. The book made me chuckle in parts and cry in some parts. The flow of the plot was a little chopping when they did jumps in the timeline of the book. But, it was easy to follow along though it would be nice to have more in the book instead of jumping around. The football references in this book were spot on (as I am a football fan) so I really enjoyed that the author had the correct terminology in the book. I highly recommend checking out this book. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"What? I don't need to overcompensate for anything."
"Oh, Lilly, we both know I don't need to either." 

"I think we're going to be great friends."
"We're going to rock this friendship thing." 

"You don't want just nice, Lilly."
"What do I want then?"
"To feel coveted. To feel as if you're everything to someone. Passion, love, adoration. You want a man who treats you right outside the bedroom and fucks you senseless behind closed doors...You want a guy to look at you and forget the world around him. So no, you don't want nice because it's implied. You want smitten." 

Playing for Keeps Series

1. The Endgame 

2. The End Zone 

Tropes 

Sports - Football 

Friends to Lovers 

Forbidden Romance

Second Chance

Slow Burn 

The Sleepover (Clear View Country Club #4) by Daisy Jane

 

Leaving my friends and home during senior year to move to Florida sucks, but when my dad decides to marry his long-distance girlfriend, I have no choice. My first night in Bipal is full of booze and bonfires, and a blue-eyed boy with adorable glasses and a charming smile. Footsies in the sand lead to a walk down the beach, and by the end of the night, I'm a changed girl. The next morning, I came downstairs to find my blue eyed boy sitting at the kitchen table.  We make a pact to leave when it happens in the past. But stolen glances across the kitchen, grazed pinkies in the hall, bumped knees at the dinner table....Pretending I don't want Reed Lancaster is the hardest thing I've had to do...You're not supposed to fall in love with your step-brother...but what if two pink lines are involved? The Sleepover by Daisy Jane was published on July 15th, 2025. This is a part of the Clear View Country Club series. 

I received this book for my honest review from The Smuthood and Daisy Jane. I really enjoyed the plot of this book. I felt like it flowed in a great way and kept me reading the book. I did feel like the characters could have been more rounded in the book. I felt like they both lacked something that made them more rounded. Some of the stories I felt like fell short in what was needed. I also wanted to see more of them trying to fight the feelings between them. But since it's a novella I felt like the book felt rushed towards the finish line. It was a great read though and I was not disappointed in reading the book. I just felt like the plot could have been better if it was a full novel rather than novella. I felt like things could have been stretched out more. Though I will still recommend checking this book out. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Do you feel bad because you're a good girl?"

I didn't expect to lose my virginity to my....step brother. 

I don't know where Chad Michael Murray is, but even as I teeter the line from buzzed to drunk, I know that this man between my legs is Reed. 

Clear View Country Club series 

1. The Enemy by C. Lymari

2. The Forbidden Muse by Dakota Wilde

3. The Nemesis by A.R. Hall 

4. The Sleepover by Daisy Jane 

5. The Cruel Heir by Selena Michaels 

6. The Assistant by C. Hallman 

Tropes 

Forced Proximity 

Step-Brother 

High School

Virgin 

Crossing Lines (The Sentinels #2) by Alexis Gorgun

 

House sitting for a pop princess should have been easy, decorate her mansion and sew creations alone - in peace. Except Billionaire Evren Kaya just scared me half to death when I thought he was breaking in. Unfortunately, he's my new roommate because his house just flooded. Don't worry, I know his type - entitled and boring. One callous comment from Evren about a viral jacket I made gives me a new goal. Get a licensing deal with a pro football team, maybe even his. Nothing motivates me like spite. But I can't stop thinking about Evren, even though he's too old for me, not my type, and a terrible idea. Crossing Evren's lines must might be my favorite game. Crossing Lines by Alexis Gorgun was published June 2025. This is the second book in The Sentinels series. 

I received this book for my honest review from The Smuthood and Alexis Gorgun. This is my first book that I have ever read by Alexis Gorgun so I did not read book one of this series. I was a bit lost at the beginning of the book because I did not read book one. But it didn't overpower the whole book. I just highly recommend reading book one first. I thought the beginning of the book was slow but I think it's more of a slow burn kind of book. Which I am not much a fan of slow burn tropes like some people. The characters I felt like I needed more background info on Evren. I knew a lot about Nina and things that made her the way she is. So I felt like it made the knowledge about Evren seem very small amount. The amount of spice is in this book is very small amount. Which is not a big deal. Though the build up had a lot of fun and made me chuckle so much. I loved the teasing that Nina and Evren did to each other. This book does have some slow scenes but other scenes that keep your attention was worth to keep reading the book. I recommend checking it out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I don't anything, just lie in bed."

"Nothing? No doom scrolling on social media?....No, of course you wouldn't doom scroll. What was I thinking? You probably don't know how to download an app with your advanced age."

"I'm well versed in many things because of my age." 

"Oh really?....Like what?" 

"Everything you're thinking about, pariltum." 

"Watch me while I eat my new favorite food." 

"Should I carry you through the house with my fingers buried inside you?"

"Yes, and you're not allowed to remove them until your dick replaces them." 

The Sentinels Series 

1. Faking Ties 

2. Crossing Lines 

Tropes 

Slow Burn

Forced Proximity 

Sports Romance 

Age-Gap 

Billionaire 

Opposites Attract 

Enemies to Lovers 

Jungle Buck (SWAK/ Special Forces: Operation Alpha / The Adventures of Buck and Mindy #3) by Margaret Madigan

 

Two months after her second-run with the Russian Mafia, Dr. Melinda Emerson finally admits she's struggling with PTSD. Her relationships are suffering - especially with her boyfriend Buck McCormick, who's recently moved into her house. She's just decided to get help when she gets a lead on a village in the Amazon where nobody's ever had dementia. Ever. After the disastrous experiment that led to the catastrophe in Siberia, Melinda's determined to refocus her work on a cure for Alzheimer's, so she puts together an expedition to the jungle. Jungle Buck by Margaret Madigan was published in November 2017. This is the third book in The Adventures of Buck and Mindy series. 

I absolutely love Buck and Mindy books. They show the true relationship of the characters lives. They don't just glorify a relationship because Buck and Mindy don't have an easy relationship through each book they struggle then come out on top. The characters are well rounded and both have their own faults as well as their own thoughts through out the book. The book had a great flow in it that had few spots where you feel like it dragged on. The smut in this book is very little amount but it's a great romance book that builds up on the last two books in the series. I highly recommend checking out this book. 

The Adventures of Buck and Mindy series 

1. Bang for the Buck 

2. Buck the system

3. Jungle Buck

4. An Honest Buck 

Tropes 

Military Romance 

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 

Sleet Princess (Sleet #4) by S.J. Tilly

 

My trip to Mexico for my cousin's wedding was only supposed to be a few days of obligation and oceanside. I wasn't expecting Luke. Wasn't expecting the hot hockey player, with the smirks and the tattoos, who kept bumping into me. And I certainly wasn't expecting to spend a night on the beach, under the stars, underneath him. Sleet Princess by S.J. Tilly was published in April 2024. This is book four of the Sleet series. 

I became a huge fan of S.J. Tilly with an earlier book that I read. So don't be surprised if you see a lot of reviews for her books. I loved how she wrapped this book series around hockey. Even though I know a pinch about hockey I could see get into this book and could understand the hockey references. Though I can't tell you if they were true or not or accurate. The characters in this book are so funny. I absolutely loved Natalie in this book. It shows how it is having a father as part of a professional sports team. How careful you have to be to not date someone from the team. Though of course Natalie had no clue when she ran into Luke. Luke is so funny as he tries to win Natalie attention. I loved how they balanced the secret through the book but of course end up failing. Like the other books in the series this book can stand-alone but you get to see the rest of the characters from the other books come through. I highly recommend checking out this book. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I hid behind the book till I finished. The characters are well rounded, the story-line has a natural flow that leaves you hanging for the next juice piece. The smut is perfect with the story-line and not over the top. I absolutely enjoyed this S.J. Tilly book and can not wait to read the next one. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"And how about your name?"

"Princess is good." 

Natalie: My dad doesn't allow sleepovers.

Me: I can be your daddy tonight. And I'm fine with sleepovers. 

"Naughty boy.....You trying to hurt me with this thing?"

"Never gonna hurt you.....Promise you'll like it when I stuff you full of this dick." 

"Are you fucking Blizz?" 

"Get the fuck out!" 

"No....Pull out of Blizz, right fucking now." 

"Girlfriend on your knees, wife in my bed." 

Sleet Series in Order 

1. Sleet Kitten

2. Sleet Sugar 

3. Sleet Banshee

4. Sleet Princess 

Tropes 

Hockey Romance

Forced Proximity 

Friends to Lovers

He Falls First 

Accidental Marriage 

Please, Sir (Bluebell Bruisers #1) by Daisy Jane

 

Fleeing to Bluebell is my chance at a clean break. With a new teaching job and gig as the JV cheer coach, I'm excited to start over but more importantly, moving puts distance between my toxic, gaslighting parents and abusive ex. Was I expecting to meet a smoking-hot cowboy who didn't hesitate to suck a splinter from my palm my first day in town? Definitely not, and of course, he's off-limits. Please, Sir by Daisy Jane was published on January 1st, 2025. This is the first book in the series Bluebell Bruisers. 

I was asked to give this book a honest review from the Smuthood and the author. Let me just say that I am a huge fan of BDSM in books and in life. I really enjoyed that the two main characters both were new to the BDSM life and were learning through the scene. But also enjoyed that the author seemed to do some research on the life. How to have safe relations when it comes to the kinky side. The characters in this book are really sweet and I loved Riley and her personalities. I feel though some times her background did not shape her life and forgot about it. Not sure if really works in the book or just a side scene. I also loved the main cowboy and who can forget his daughter. The characters were not as rounded as I liked. I wished I saw more in the background of the main characters. Also wish I could see the struggle more from the cowboy. It's his first relationship after his wife death. This book had so many cute scenes that it helped overlook some of the slower parts. It's good to have some slow parts to help build up the amazing scenes that follow. This book also had me giggle and really enjoy. Though, still not a fan of the guy spitting in the girl's mouth. But I loved the spicy scenes that play out. They are not the main focus of the book but help the relationship between the two characters spread. Though I need to know is there a story about Hudson. I need to see where the female is the dom. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from Daisy Jane. 

Quotes That I Loved 

I look at my palm, at the tiny pinpoint of red where the splinter existed moments ago. He sucked it out? And then spit it out? 

"This bruise...this is a bruise...of passion."

"Of pass---ooooh.....Passion.....Jesus, she can really throw a punch, can't she?"

"She's not into passionate punching, Jake.....This was from her knee.....She was trying to find her seat and kind of missed the first time." 

Bluebell Bruisers Series

1. Please, Sir 

Tropes 

Small-town

Single Parent

BDSM

Western 

Age-Gap

He Falls First 

Once You're Mine (Possessing Her #1) by Morgan Bridges

 

Calista belongs to me...she just doesn't know it. The first time we met, I wanted her. The next time, I was obsessed. I watched her. I followed her. It only deepened my need to possess her. Once she's mine, I'm never letting her go. Once You're Mine by Morgan Bridges was published in October 2023. This is book one in the Possessing Her series. 

I absolutely love Dark Romance and even stalking in books. But this book took awhile for me to warm up to. I can usually get through a book within a day or two if it's really catch my attention. But this book took me awhile to get through. I was actually bouncing between books so it didn't keep my attention like others. Though, it started to have more scenes that captured my attention. I felt like the characters in this book needed something more. They fell flat and it was hard to understand them. Like what made them fall in love. What made the hero want to stalk her? I needed more. Now, the smut in this book and several scenes will keep you reading. But it takes awhile to get into the the book. This book does end in a cliffhanger which is not my cup of tea most of the time. I recommend seeing if this book is up your ally. 

Quotes That I Loved 

Justice is a mistress that calls my name and pulls me into her embrace to fuck me. And leave me bereft. Empty. Wanting a closure I'll never possess. 

"What's the question every woman wants to be asked, at least once in her life?" 

"Will you marry me?"

"I love you too, but no. Why can't a man simply ask, 'Do you want me to come over and eat your pussy till you come on my face?" 

"Apologize to Miss Green for putting your filthy hands on her. Then apologize to me for touching what's mine." 

"I refuse to be alone in my obsession...You will suffer like me. I'll accept nothing less. Then, maybe we can ease the desperation in one another as I fuck you until there's nothing left of me, until I've lost myself in so you completely that I no longer recognize myself." 

"Who hurt you?" 

Possessing Her Series 

1. Once You're Mine 

2. Now You're Mine 

Tropes 

Dark Romance

Stalker

Age-Gap

Enemies to Lovers

He Falls First 

Slow Burn 

Latte Darling (Darling #2) by S.J. Tilly

 

I signed myself up for a dating app, and agreed to meet with the first guy that messaged me. And now here I am, at the bar. Only it's not my date that just sat down in the chair across from me. It's his dad. And holy hell, he's the definition of Silver Fox. If a Silver Fox can be thick as a house, have piercing blue eyes and tattoos from his neck down to his fingertips. He's giving me Big Bad Wolf vibes. Only instead of running, I'm blushing. And he looks like he might just want to eat me whole. Latte Darling by S.J. Tilly was published in September 2022. This is the second book in the Darling series. 

I have to admit that I am absolutely in love with the way S.J. Tilly writes her books. They have a lot of components that I enjoy. There is lots of humor, sweet talk, but also very naughty pieces that make me want to squeal. This book was no different in those facts. But this book had such a fun writing to it that kept me engage with every scene. It didn't feel like I was reading a book but watching it in person. The characters in this book made me fall in love with their thoughts that were never spoken but also their spoken ones. Also the steamy scenes and scenes leading up makes you blush. The flow of each scene meshes together so well that it ebbs and flows. I didn't feel like any scene dragged on and how they all ended in the final moments. Every scene in the book was perfect and I didn't feel like any didn't need to be there. I highly recommend checking out this book out but not only that but the author. 

Darling Series 

1. Smokey Darling

2. Latte Darling 

Tropes

Age-Gap

Small Town

Single-Dad

Grumpy-Sunshine

Quotes That I Love 

"Holy hotdogs, I'm staring at a crotch that's level with my table." 

"...There are consequences for your actions, Baby Doll. And you're about to find out what happens to naughty girls who misbehave." 

"Your cute little tummy is not gonna be a problem for me. It's not gonna be a problem for you either. Because you're perfect. And if you need me to come all over that pretty body of yours to prove it to you, consider the task accepted." 

"I thought you liked when...I called you something else."

"You can call me Darling in public, but it's Daddy in the bedroom." 

Dirty Score (Hawkeyes Hockey #5) by Kenna King

 

The puck bunnies might all be swooning over the new tatted-up player sitting on the home bench, but she won't be fooled. He's a wolf, disguised in a Hawkeyes jersey. Penelope has never shared the heart-wrenching details of her and Slade's past with anyone, let alone her dad, but Slade's sudden appearance threatens to unravel her carefully guarded disdain. Slade Matthews, her father's protege and her college bully are one and the same. She thought she'd never have to see him again, but with a new opening on the team and time of the essence to fill it, Slade gets his chance to move up. Now she has to hide her six-year-long-grudge against the charismatic player who won't stop trying to win her over as he forgot what he did to her all those years ago. Dirty Score by Kenna King was published March 2024. This is book five of the Hawkeyes Hockey series. 

I was given this book for my honest review. I really wanted to like this book but I felt like the characters did not draw me in. I didn't love them at all so it was hard to finish the book. The story-line is cute and could really be an amazing book if some of the errors and the story-line flowed a little better. I wanted to see Penelope to have her grudge last longer and show up but it barely was even simmering. I wanted to see Slade try hard to be able to get Penelope to fall in love with him again. Also...Penelope's father had no clue why his daughter was not liking him. But yet he just forgave Slade quickly. All in all it was a decent read but not a book that I would read over and over again. 

Quotes That I Loved 

I hope she rips his heart into a million pieces and then skates over them with razor-sharp ice skates for poetic justice. 

And...does Slade Matthews have a nipple ring? 

"Are you on birth control?"

"Yes, but it won't be necessary because you won't be coming."

"Is this your way of punishing me?"

"Maybe."

"And after this...am I forgiven?"

"I haven't decided yet."

"You're going to torture me before you forgive me, aren't you?" 

Hawkeyes Hockey Series

1. Cocky Score

2. Filthy Score

3. Brutal Score

4. Rough Score

5. Dirty Score 

6. Lucky Score

7. Tough Score

8. Wrong Score 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Hockey

Enemies to Lovers

Second Chance 

He falls first 

King of Greed (Kings of Sin #3) by Ana Huang

 

Powerful, brilliant, and ambitious, Dominic Davenport clawed his way up from nothing to become the King of Wall Street. He has everything - a beautiful home, a beautiful wife, and more money than he could spend in a lifetime. But no matter how much he accumulates, he's never satisfied. In his endless quest for more, he drives away the only person who saw him as enough. It isn't until she's gone that he realizes there may be more to life than riches and glory...but by then, it may be too late. King of Greed by Ana Huang was published in October 2023. This is book three of the Kings of Sin series. 

This is such a huge change to most romantic books that I have read. I actually was not sure that I would even like it. But I liked a lot of other books by Ana Huang so I thought I would give it ago. Plus, I really like when I see characters that I fell in love with in different books. This book starts off with the two main characters married. They were already in love with each other. But you would remember from the other books that Alessandra Davenport doesn't look happy when she is spotted. The ladies always comment on how sad she looks in the book. Anyways, let's talk about the characters in this book. I really wanted to smack or punch, maim, or kill Dominic. He had this amazing women at home and yet he was a workaholic. This lady wanted kids, she wanted a life with her husband. She did not care for the money that he was always pushing to have. But, the author found ways to make his addiction to work and money make sense with the way he grew up. Also she did over time in the book make me fall in love with Dominic once he realized who he was pushing away. Alessandra, I thought would be the stick in the mud rich lady. But she wasn't at all. She had this amazing view on life and was trying to find out who she is. Also she was making some incredible friends who were helping her along the way. I want to become like her when I get old. Though she might be younger then me. I fell in love with her and her drive. The plot in this story is so perfect and it really shows what is important and that is the love of others. I highly recommend checking out this story. 

Quotes That I Liked 

"I don't have the money to buy you all the flowers you deserve yet...so I made them instead." 

"I'm asking you one last time....Where is my wife?" 

"It didn't sound like a mistake when you were screaming my name and begging me to let you come." 

"I would destroy the world if it would please you. I would ruin every man who thought he could have you." 

"Fuck me like you mean that, Dom."

"What makes you think I don't?"

"Our divorce papers." 

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

Second Chance

Billionaire

Marriage

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

 

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

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

Quotes That I Liked 

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

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

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

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

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

Kings of Sin Series

1. King of Wrath

2. King of Pride

3. King of Greed

4. King of Sloth 

5. King of Envy

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

7. King of Lust (TBA) 

Tropes 

Billionaire 

Friends to Lovers

Forbidden

Grumpy-Sunshine

Risky Attraction (Wolf Security #1) by Kendall Talbot

 

Two grieving strangers are thrust into a deadly chase, now both their hearts and lives at risk. Ryder Westwood is still reeling from the revelation that the love of his life had lied to him before her shocking death. Now all he craves is solitude. But when the grumpy Border Force Captain rushes to rescue a yacht that's sinking after colliding with a mysterious object, his pain and anger are tested by Piper Harrison, the yacht's feisty skipper. Piper, a single mom and grieving widow, was sailing around Australia with her rebellious teenager. But as their yacht vanishes beneath the waves, a gruesome discovery catapults them into the crosshairs of a sinister underworld. When Piper's daughter is kidnapped, Piper and Ryder are drawn into a whirlwind of desire and danger. Bullets fly, and with the body count rising, they enlist the help of the Alpha Tactical Ops heroes to rescue Piper's daughter from ruthless enemies. Will they save all that Piper has left? Risky Attraction by Kendall Talbot was published March 2024. This is book one of the Wolf Security series. 

This was another advance read book that I was given for my honest review. I enjoy military type romance books even though a lot of them have the same kind of story-line. So I was so grateful to get the opportunity to read this book. It took me a long time to realize that this book was based out of Australia so I was slightly confused at first of the book. I really loved the two main characters in this book. I felt like both characters had some history that made each of them who they are. Though, I thought it was interesting that they both had their first love (high school sweetheart) die before the book started. Though, it worked as they had similar ground to connect with. I fell in love with the snotty nose teenager that Piper was raising. This girl made me chuckle so much but I was also interesting to see her pain of losing her father. Though, I did want to smack her a few times for how she was treating her mom (I have a preteen daughter so I get the frustration). I loved Ryder, but I wanted to see more personality out of him. Like why didn't he try to step in to help Piper with her daughter's attitude more. I felt like the book was rushed in a way. That the two main characters fell in love quickly, I am not sure if  it's because in the end it skips ahead by months or not. I also was bummed that there is no final of who was the cause of the shipping container. Who is B......it's going to drive me nuts. I am just hoping that the next book in the series more mysterious come out. The smut in this book is very little but it didn't take away from the romance in this book. It's pretty clean book. So if you are looking for smut...this might not be a book for you. I highly recommend checking out this book though. I can't wait to read book two. 

Wolf Security series 

1. Risky Attraction 

2. Risky Desires (June 28, 2024) 

Tropes

Men in Uniform -Border Force 

Grumpy/Sunshine

Single Parent 

The Boss on the Brain (New York Office Billionaires #1) by Meg Garnet

 

The arrogant man I gave my V-card to years ago, only to get dumped, is my new billionaire boss. When I run into Desmond McKinley ten years after high-school, he's a billionaire while I'm struggling small business owner. He controls the country's largest luxury hotel company, but I still hated him for breaking my teenage heart in the worst possible way. I never want to see the infuriating man again. But who's the billionaire saving my falling business? My first love. As per the contract, I'm forced to work with Desmond. Resisting his charms and the way  he fills out his bespoke suits. I try to not get distracted by his commanding gaze in meetings or think about how frustratingly single he is. As my boss, he's strictly off-limits, especially if one powerful glance from him reminds me of the bed we once shared. Forbidden or not, Desmond seems determined to rekindle what we had. I'm not ready to trust him again. But one steamy incident in the office convinces me to forget my fears for awhile. I give in, and our time in bed is hotter than before. It's just physical...Just because he's back, I'd never fall for the man who shouldn't be given a second chance. The man I spent years getting over...until it's too late. The Boss on the Brain by Meg Garnet was published on February 2024. This is the first book in the series of New York Office Billionaire series. 

I was given this book for my honest review. I really enjoyed the story-line of this story. I love how they run into each other again outside when she starts working for him. I do wish that they had some of the flashbacks of when they were teens. I wanted to see how the two of them meant in high school and came to be back then. As those moments in the past are just as important as their moments in the book at current. So it was hard to see the two of them fall in love in the current book or their love further become deeper. I also wanted to see more personality from the two of them by themselves and together. We saw why Desmond was very on edge with his family's health through the book. But I needed more from her. I did enjoy the book and the witty comments that came back from both characters. I felt like I could get to know these characters but they were not my friend yet. I love to get to become friends with the main characters in the book. It makes me want to read more and possibly reread a book. The smut scenes are mild spicy but not bam...in your face. No loud declaration of love from either of them. It's a sweet book and one that I recommend checking out for sure. 

Quotes that I Liked 

"How would you rate the French fries at this fine establishment on the scale of yikes, I should've gone to McDonald's instead to ooh, I'd kill my date just to be able to eat his share?" 

"If you're the psychotic one, then your ex is the devil incarnate." 

"Taking care of others, Ava? When was the last time someone took care of you?"

"I've wanted to hold you again forever, Ava...To kiss you again...to touch you again." 

New York Office Billionaires

1. The Boss on the Brain 

Tropes

Second Chance 

Billionaire

Boss/Employee 

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

 

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

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

Quotes That I Liked

"Don't say the f word."

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

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

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

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

Betting on Love Series

1. Going All In 

2. Letting it Ride 

Tropes

Brother's Best Friend 

Forced Proximity

Forbidden Romance

Rom Com

Find Me in the Rain (Nighthawks #1) by Pru Schuyler

 

Book Cover by Pru Schuyler

Laura Young is caught in a storm. After a tragic accident leaves her mom in a coma, she focuses on the happiness in her life-her two best friends and her five year old son. What Laura needs is some good luck. What she gets is the captain of the New York Nighthawks, Alec Kostelecky - a ghost from her past. With captivating hazel eyes, and a body that showcases his dedication on the ice, Alec is every girl's dream. He is passionate, and when he wants something, he goes after it. When a chance encounter brings Laura and him together again, Alec refuses to let her slip through his grasp, like she did years ago. Find Me in the Rain by Pru Schuyler was published in March 2022. This is the first book in the Nighhawks series. 

I read this book awhile back and really into hockey romances. Not sure why the hockey romances caught my eye for awhile but they did. Funny, part is I don't know the rules in hockey. Anyways, you don't need to know the rules to understand what is happening in this book. Not much of the book is actually involved with the hockey part. This is one of those second chances and a kid is involved. I absolutely enjoyed this book. I love the backstory came out through the book that the reader is in the know before the two main characters. Also love that Alec was so in love with this chick from his past. Though, I think that Laura kind of let him win her back really quick in this book. Man, if a guy I was into gave me up and didn't come looking. Not only that but I was raising his child I would be pissed. I wouldn't except his grovel and the way he treated her. There are parts in the book that I wasn't too thrilled about but I was able to over look them. Though, be warned a lot of people do dnf this book. It was an easy read and I recommend checking it out if you like sports romance. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"You love me, even in the rain?"
"Even in the storm." 

"Who are you?"
"My name's Alec."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Jack. How do you know my mom?"
"Your mom?.....Lu......Lu, is that our...is that our son?"

"Good girl."

"Mmm. My dick is craving you so bad, Lu. I want to fuck you until you can't take it, until you're panting, until you come so hard that you can't see straight. And trust me, I will...." 

"Will you be a good girl and let me come in your mouth?" 

Nighthawks Series

1. Find Me in the Rain

2. Find Me on the Ice

Tropes

Sports - Hockey

Secret - Baby

Single Parent

Second Chance 

Her Steadfast Protector (Red Mark Rescue & Protect #3) by Aleesa Kelley

Picture By Author 

Morgan Blackwell can't stop looking over her shoulder. With her parents murdered and her little sister missing, the nineteen-year-old desperately tries to shake her pursuers and decipher her mom's frantic farewell message. And after a Navy SEAL about to deploy to Afghanistan vows to help her take refuge, her heart breaks anew when she tells her dark-haired savior goodbye. Her Steadfast Protector (Red Mark Rescue & Protect #3) by Alessa Kelly will published February 14th, 2024. This will be the third book in the Red Mark Rescue & Protect series. 

I received this advance copy of this book for my honest review. I have not read book one or two in this series so my review is solely based on this book. The characters in this book are amazing. I felt like Morgan had so much depth throughout this story. Her love of wolves really effected everything she did and acted in the book. At so many parts I was waiting for the author to say the issue was that her parents linked her DNA with wolves. Because her mannerisms were described like they would a wolf. Also animals tend to love Morgan throughout the book. I felt like Tyler was a little more flat and didn't see much personality outside of his SEAL personality. I wanted more personality from Tyler in the book. The plot in this book flowed really well though I stumbled realizing we jumped from the first time they met to her coming to him. But it didn't take away from the book. The dialogue in this book was a little rusty in places and felt like it was forced rather then flowed. But, I was able to overlook it. I highly recommend checking this unique military romance out. 

Quotes That I Loved

"Morgan, come on. You've got me, isn't that enough?"

"I just can't believe a beautiful woman like you hasn't caught the attention of another, well, I'd say suitor, but in your case, I guess ---another protector? How did you go on by yourself?"

"I only want to do this with you."

"I've got you." 

Red Mark Rescue & Protect Series

1. Her Unbreakable Protector 

2. Her Devoted Protector 

3. Her Steadfast Protector 

4. Montanta's Bravest 

Tropes

Men in Uniform - Military 

Second Chance