Moms Read Too!: sports romance

Brother's Best Friend

College Romance

Childhood Friends

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Next Best Swing by Shann McPherson

Not so long ago, Brookes Devereaux was the world number one golfer. Now, fresh out of rehab, his comeback is not quite according to plan, and he's seriously starting to worry that the old Brookes is gone for good, and what's left is nothing more than a 32-year-old washed-up has-been. When faced with the real threat of losing his tour card, Brookes and his management team are left scrambling. But, with a litter help from his meddling 80-year-old bestie, Brookes decides that Poppy Crawford, the curvy cart girl with endless sunshine and spunk, might just be what he needs to help him improve his image. Brookes and Poppy come to an arrange; she agrees to be his fake girlfriend for the summer, and he'll pay her enough money that she'll finally be able to get out of her ex-boyfriend's apartment. It's the perfect deal: Brookes isn't at all interested in her or a relationship, and Poppy needs money to help turn her small business into a dream career. But when Poppy helps Brookes find himself again, and Brookes helps Poppy fight the demons from her past that she's kept hidden from everyone, the two grow closer. And when the lines between real and fake, and right and wrong begin to blur, Brookes finds himself wondering if what he didn't want, might exactly what he needs. Next Best Swing by Shann McPherson was published on April 9th, 2026.

I was given this book for my honest review from Shann McPherson and The Smuthood. I want to first explain that I know every little bit about golf so this was all new to me. Though, since I didn't know much about golf I was not lost in the book. Golf was only a small part of the plot of the story. I absolutely loved this book. I loved Poppy and her spunky behavior and Brookes grumpy behavior. I absolutely hated another character in this book as he made me uneasy just like he did to Poppy. The author knew how to make sure that the other character came across the reader so well that it makes you feel uneasy by his behavior. I loved how Poppy and Brookes were not instantly in love. It took time through the book for them to get to the point of past friends. The smut scenes were sweet and did not overpower the plot of the story. The plot of the story flowed really well from each scene and I felt like by the end of the book a lot of my questions were answered. I highly recommend checking out this book. I for one will read more books by Shann McPherson.

Tropes

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Unplanned Play (Nashville Players #1) by Chelle Sloan

The itinerary for girls' weekend in Las Vegas was simple. Gamble. Get drunk. Wear a little black dress that screamed "newly single and ready to make bad decisions." That bad - yet oh so very good decision - came when Maddox Gallagher walked into the bar. In my defense, it was hard to resist the younger football player. Between the dimple in his cheek and the way he held me when we danced, I was a goner. Add in the fact that he was celebrating a championship trophy and I was toasting to no longer being married, we were a match made in one-night-of-fun heaven. But what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Whoever said that was a liar. Because tell me why my one-night stand is now walking into my bakery, bound and determined to turn our one night into something more. And why did I bring home a souvenir that won't get here for nine months and also not have a return policy? Unplanned Play by Chelle Sloan was published on March 26th, 2026.

I was given this book for my honest review from Chelle Sloan and The Smuthood. Thanks Ladies! This is my first book that I have read by Chelle Sloan and I am so excited to say I was not disappointed. This book made me feel all of the feels. Though, I am not a huge fan of surprise pregnancy this one didn't bother me as much. Though, as a reader I was able to spot it pretty quickly. I was really excited through when ever I had time to read to get back into this book. It's Maycember in my house so everything is happening this month. I loved the dynamic between the two main characters in this book. I loved how the one-night stand turned into more. I also loved how Maddox was not pushing FMC to become more than friends. That he was able to just be her friend and be there for her even though he wanted more. I absolutely loved this book and I am sure you will too. There are also some nice smut scenes throughout the book.

Quotes that I Loved

"Been friends with this woman for fifty years and to this day I have to remind her that we stay away from red flags, not run toward them like a goddamn bull."

"I want to know every good, bad, or ugly thought that's bouncing around in that beautiful head of yours. Because the good ones I want to make sure happen, and the bad ones I want to fuck right out of you."

"Abso-fucking-lutely."
"Good boy."
"Now fuck me until I come again."
"With pleasure."

Nashville Players Series

1. Unplanned Play

2. Unexpected Shot (04/30/2026)

Tropes

Age Gap

Sports - Baseball / Softball

He Fell First

Friday, April 17, 2026

Convincing the Catcher (The Good Girls of NE University #2) by Hannah Gray

From a young age, I knew things to be true. Number one, I was going to play professional softball. And number two, in order to get there, I couldn't allow myself any distractions. Ever. Being a type 1 diabetic catcher at a division one college, I'm no stranger to challenges. But when my dad gets diagnosed with cancer and my mom finds herself drowning in his medical bills, losing our health insurance while my dad becomes unrecognizable has me questioning my own strengths. Cane Hall is the stepson of retired NHL legend Tripp Talmage. He's also NEU's most beloved baseball player. At least, he was before one mistake has everyone second guessing his integrity, and he finds himself at odds with social media backlash. As NEU's first type 1 diabetic female catcher, I have my share of fans. And when Cane approaches me, offering to pay for my prescriptions in return for me faking a friendship to help him save his image...I somehow find myself saying yes. Under one condition-no romance. No feelings. Because I don't do boyfriends. Especially ones that look like Cane Hale. But when my dad dies, Cane is there, being everything I need him to be, making it hard not to fall for him. And though he distracts me from my grief, eventually, I know i'm going to come head to head with the pain. So, will I let Cane hold my hand while I face it? Or will I do what I do best and push him away? Not long ago, I would have known the answer. But now, I have no idea. Convincing the Catcher by Hannah Gray was published on March 16th, 2026. This is the second book in The Good Girls of NE University series.

I was given this book for my honest review by Hannah Gray and The Smuthood. I was so excited to read this book as I loved the first book of the series. This book made me giggle and smile throughout the book until Harley's dad passed away. I sobbed and sobbed as the relationship between the Harley and her dad you could see how much she loved her dad. Though, I loved the romance in this book and how the two characters were supporting each other. The spicy scenes were top notch even though I thought that Harley was in no way ready for it when they finally both gave in. The two characters in this book are both well rounded as they both have a past that affects their future. They also both grow through this book as a person and are even better because of their relationship. I highly recommend checking out this amazing book. I cannot wait for the third book in this series.

Quotes that I Loved

"Seriously, I was here all last year and never even ran into you. Now you're popping up like a jack-in-the-box."

"I know. How dare he make money for his charity with our fine asses? With my luck, I'll get bought by some old cougar or something."
"Old cougar need love too, Hale!...Besides, maybe she'll, like, bake you cookies or some shit."
"Why the fuck would she pay for a date with him and then bake him cookies?"
"Because old ladies love to bake, dickwad! And they're good at it. I mean, fuck, if I could live to play hockey for ninety years, I'd probably get pretty good too. You know?"
"But your body would be decrepit, Einstein."

Stupid six-pack. Stupid wet six-pack. Stupid V-line and stupid towel.

The Good Girls of NE University Series

1. Getting the Goalie

2. Convincing the Catcher

3. Stealing The Shortstop

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

Tropes

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Cocky Mother Pucker (Hollis U #1) by Sarah Smith

I'm known for three things: I'm the captain of my college hockey team. I'm hot. I've got a big "stick" and plenty of pretty ladies to handle it for me. Yeah, that's cocky as hell, but it's true. One problem: I'm failing my classes. I need to get my grades up or I'm off the team, and i'll lose my shot to play pro hockey. So when Poppy Wylder asks me to fake date her to get back at her ex, I'm in. Under one condition: she tutors me. I've had a crush on this beautiful genius since we went to high school together. She hates me though. But one unexpected kiss changes everything. This good girl with a naughty streak in the bedroom is my fantasy come true. She confides in me about her dreams. I tell her mine. We agreed to call it quits at the end of the semester, but I've caught major feelings...I want to make Poppy mine for real... I just have to convince her to take a chance on the guy she never wanted. Cocky Mother Pucker by Sarah Smith was published on March 9th, 2026. This is the first book of Hollis U series.

I was given this book for my honest review from Sarah Smith and The Smuthood. I am so glad that I was able to read this book as I have not read anything by Sarah Smith before. This book had everything that you would want as a reader. It had drama and it had so many funny scenes that Make you giggle in delight. I loved the drama between Poppy and Nick as it made it even sweeter when they got together in the book. The romance was there in the book from the beginning as they try to figure out ways to get a long. But with all their fighting with each other you knew there was more to the story. The plot was perfect and there was nowhere that I thought it was too slow or too fast of a scene. It had a flow that kept you turning the page to find out what was about to happen. The only thing was I felt like the characters needed more depth to them but it was easy to overlook. The spicy scenes were spicy and at times extra spicy in the book. I highly recommend checking out this great book.

Quotes that I Loved

"Please, Poppy? I'll get down on my knees and beg if I have to."

"Now hop on my cock and ride me like a good girl."

"I want to break my rules for you."

"I wanna see my name and my number on your back when you come on my dick like a good girl that you are."

Hollis U Series

1. Cocky Mother Pucker

2. Grumpy Mother Pucker

3. Hot Mother Pucker

4. Lucky Mother Pucker (09/14/2026)

Tropes

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

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

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Penalty Play (Boston Rebels #5) by Julia Connors

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

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

Quotes that I Loved

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

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

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

Boston Rebels Series

1. Center Ice

1.5. The Trade Up

2. Fake Shot

3. Cross-Checked

4. Goal Line

5. Penalty Play

Tropes

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

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

Friends to Lover

He Falls First

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

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

He Falls First

Single Dad

Saturday, January 10, 2026

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

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

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

Quotes that I Loved

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

"I need you to touch my stick."

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

Skate Me Home Series

1. Blocked Shot

2. Twisted Shot

3. Poke Check

Tropes

Sports - Hockey/Basketball

Grumpy Sunshine

Slow Burn

Thursday, January 8, 2026

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

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Sneak Play (The Playbook #3) by L.A. Shaw

I may be known as the campus flirt. But the truth is I've only ever wanted one thing more than hockey...and that's her. Shay Moore. Not only is she my hockey coach's daughter, but she's also the star point guard on the women's basketball team here at Mountain Ridge University. My draw to her is unlike anything I've ever experienced before, but there's one huge problem...her boyfriend. The one who doesn't deserve her. So I've stayed in my lane, admired from a distance, and accepted residency in the friend zone. Patiently hoping for my chance to tell her what I should have told her years ago. Until this summer...Sneak Play by L.A. Shaw was published on December 4th, 2025. This is the third book in The Playbook series.

I was given this book for my honest review from L.A. Shaw and The Smuthood. So, I am not much a fan of slow burns as other tropes. But then tend to find me and I give them my honest effort to get through them. I have to say though this book surprised me with the slow burn. Though, I think I was rooting for the wrong couple in the book. I absolutely loved the characters in this book especially Mav in the book. He made me laugh at his antics but also fall in love with him. As a mom of a child with autism the author portrayed that aspect in the book correctly. I absolutely loved the characters and wish that I too can hang out with them at the college house. Now, the romance I struggled with. I could see the characters having a friendship but felt like it was really one sided when they took it further. It didn't make me squeal or anything. There is not very much smut in this book except near the end of the book. So if you want some smut and lots of it then this book is not for you. It's a sweet book and it's a feel good book. A good palate cleanser when you have been in the dark romance section.

Quotes That I Loved

Sometimes, I want to forget about the fact that she has a boyfriend and pretend she's mine.

"A morning grope is a great way to kick off my Monday."

The Playbook Series

1. Replay

2. Trick Play

3. Sneak Play

Tropes

Slow Burn

New Age / College

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

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

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

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

Quotes that I Loved

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

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

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

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

Tabb U Series

1. Butterfly: A Dark College Hockey Romance

2. Troublemaker: A Dark College Hockey Romance

Tropes

Friday, November 7, 2025

Bad Call (Rock City Renegades #2) by C.L. Rose

From the moment I met Stella Wilder on the first day of kindergarten, I knew she'd be a part of me forever. We were inseparable, slowly falling for one another more with each passing year. The summer before we went to college on opposite sides of the country, she made me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be my wife. But it wasn't long before it all fell apart. It's been over seven years, and just when I think I've finally found my place with Cleveland's brand-new football team, she crashes back into my life and turns everything upside down. Bad Call by C.L. Rose was published October 30th, 2025.

I was given this book for my honest review from C.L. Rose and The Smuthood. So I was about to DNF the book as I am not much into the build up that it was doing. But I am so glad that I didn't because about 43% in the book started to pick up the pace. I absolutely loved the book from then on. The characters both had me falling in love with them. I loved Emmett and Stella on every page and even Austin and his naughty schemes. This book left me hanging throughout the book just waiting for something to go wrong. I absolutely loved the plot after 43%. I felt like I was in the book. Also the smut scenes when you finally get to them in the book are top knot smoking hot panties dropping hot. I highly recommend checking this book out and I will for sure be checking out other books from this series and author.

Quotes that I Loved

".....I have a guy who's in the step-down unit after a motorcycle accident. His friends decided to send him an exotic dancer at three in the morning. I have no idea how she got past security, but his heart monitor was going crazy, so I went to check on him. She was mid-lap dance, and he had the biggest boner I've ever seen in my life.....I made him empty his wallet into her G-string and told her to come back during visiting hours."

"Get your fucking hands off my wife."

"You said you'd use your last breath to apologize for what you did to me...I'd rather you choke on it, instead. Get on your fucking knees."

Rock City Renegades Series

1. Mr. Irrelevant
2. Bad Call
3. The Interception
4. Red Zone

5. Clock Play (10/01/2026)

Tropes

Sports - Football

Second Chance

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Cooper ( Nashville Firebirds #2) by Lexi James

The blurb will come out soon so stay tuned. Cooper by Lexi James was published on October 24th, 2025. This is the second book in the Nashville Firebirds series.

I was asked by The Smuthood and Lexi James for my honest review. I have to say that I loved this story. I haven't read any books by Lexi James before this one and I can safely say that I will be reading more of her books as well as more from this series. The characters had me giggling and crying throughout the book. I felt like I could be their friends throughout the story. I felt for Ally in how she seems to be her own biggest critic and not trusting herself to not ruin anything. Though as I didn't read book one I am hoping it's her sister's story. I loved how Cooper was so trusting with Ally watching his adorable son. His son who acted way more mature than that of a four year old. I loved how they immediately fell in love with Ally. For someone who didn't think she was good with kids she showed everyone even herself that she is. Oh the smut in this book is middle ground. But really sweet and amazing. This book is so sweet and cute. I highly recommend checking out this amazing book.

Quotes that I Loved

"Well, Ally Cat, before you leave I should -"
"Ally Cat?"
"Yeah? You have claws like a cat, so I think it suits you....Anyways, can I see your phone?"

"And Ally, if Crosby doesn't put his name on your back - tell me, I will."

I definitely had to download an app on my phone to remind myself to drink water because no matter how many times I point out to my doctor that water is the first ingredient in coffee - he likes to remind me it doesn't count towards hydration. Quite the opposite in fact. I always just tell him I don't have any room for that sort of negativity in my life...as I take another sip of my iced coffee.

Nashville Firebirds Series

1. Levi

2. Cooper

Tropes

Single Parent

Slow-burn

Friday, October 31, 2025

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

He Falls First

Age Gap

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

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

Monday, October 6, 2025

All This Time (Blossom Peak #1) by Harlow James

Fletcher Adams is not just the man that stole my heart at fifteen and never gave it back. He's also my brother's best friend, and now one of the most famous players in the NFL. But now he's back in Blossom Peak for our mutual friend's wedding, and guess who are the maid of honor and best man? That would be us. I've spent the past twelve years ignoring what happened between us that fateful night, and avoiding him as much as possible when he did pop into town to visit. But now he's everywhere. All This Time by Harlow James will be published on October 10th, 2025. This is the first book in the Blossom Peak series.

I was asked for my honest review from The Smuthood and from Harlow James. Now that is out of the way, I have to say I read this book in three days. It would have taken me a single day to read it but life of soccer games, and homecoming dances got in the way. I loved this book so much. This book sent me laughing like crazy as some of the crazy scenes. Then in the next second I was on the edge of tears. The characters, not just the two main characters Fletcher and Laney but all of the other side characters came to life on the pages. The story-line was perfected and left me hanging in some places but I felt fulfilled at the end of the book. I loved how their relationship was formed before the book started and then came back around. I didn't feel like I lost anything about their past relationship. I could totally see how these two characters came to each other. This is a book series I will for sure be grabbing each book as they come out. But not only that I will now check out all the other books by Harlow James.

Quotes That I Loved

"Then that settles it. We go out next Friday and you don't come home until you've seen a dick and felt it in your vagina."
"You'd think, given how long we've been friends, that nothing you say could shock me, yet here we are."
"It's a gift."

"Awesome. I just want to make sure Laney eats something."
"That's really not necessary."
"Where are your snacks?"

"Any man foolish enough to cheat on you deserves to have every one of his limbs ripped from his body."

Blossom Peak Series

1. All This Time

2. On Borrowed Time

3. Test of Time

4. It's About Time (07/2026)

Tropes

Enemies to Lovers

Brother's Best Friend

Small Town

Second Chance

Friday, September 19, 2025

Best Kept Secret (The New York Thunder #3) by Shann McPherson

If there's one thing Logan Cullen is good at, it's hockey. With an ex-NHL player with impossibly high standards as a father, there was never any other option. If there's another thing Logan Cullen is good at, it's hiding the truth. But when the shine of being one of the best in the league starts to fade, the dull brings out the scars he's learned to hide so well. There's only so much fame, women, and money can blur before he's left wondering how much longer he can keep up the facade. That is until he meets the one person's who's off limits. After spending a night with his teammate's little sister, Logan feels like maybe there's more to all this than hockey. But then, as it always does, fate plays a cruel hand and he unwittingly manages to screw everything up. Best Kept Secret by Shann McPherson was published September 18th, 2025. This is the third book in the New York Thunder series.

So I was asked for my honest review from The Smuthood and from Shann McPherson. I was iffy about this book by the cover. I know that's a huge shocker, but I am so glad that I decided to sign up to read it. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. It took me a few days to read it and I could not put it down. The two main characters Logan and Millie I fell in love with both of them right from the start. Both characters had strengths and they had failures based on their individual past. I loved how Millie needed to be a rock for Logan. Usually in books that I have read it's usually the guy who needs to be a rock. This book is so sweet and yes, there is some spice but it's really tame based on other books that I have read. The only thing is I felt like it jumped from each character's point of view a lot in this book. I felt like it kept the book fast past rather than slow with a build up. But I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more by Shann McPherson.

Quotes that I Loved

"Logan, my ex is there. He's drunk. Possibly even high....Showing up with you is only going to cause...trouble."

"Good thing I know how to fight then, huh?"

"This is so against the rules...Messing around with the a teammate's sister....Fuck the Rules."

"Millie, I'm not fucking playing...I want you waiting outside next to the bouncers in eleven fucking minutes, or I will come in there, throw you over my shoulder and carry your drunk ass out. You wanna test me, babe?"

What if he has a bad habit? Like drinking milk straight from the carton or, I don't know, picking up prostitutes and carving their bodies into pieces with a chainsaw.

"Who did this to you?"

New York Thunder Series

1. Famous Last Words

2. One Night Only

3. Best Kept Secret

4. Happy Ever After

Tropes

Second Chance