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Author: Liz Tomforde Series: Windy City Series book #2 Category: Sports Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "'I don't give a fuck if you don't need to save money anymore, you're not leaving.' 'That sounds very kidnap-y of you.' 'Don't tempt me.'" My first thought of Indy when she moves into Ryan's place: Damn she's ballsy for being dependent on his hospitality but I think she is just at the end of her rope and has zero fucks left to give. Indy was clearly at a breaking point in her life and despite her constant drive to put on a good face, she is struggling and lost. Not only had she lost her boyfriend, but her friends sided with him as well, leaving her adrift and unsure of what her life would look like moving forward. She was straightforward and honest, but highly emotional. "'Yeah, that's not me. I'm just like every other chick. As basic as they come. I had an Ugg phase. I had a skinny jeans phase. I like my books with romance, my coffee with more creamer than caffeine, and I even take aesthetic pictures of my food anytime I'm at a restaurant.'" - Indy Ryan needed more excitement in his life and Indy was what he needed to break out of his bleak existence. Blue basically steamrolled right over his grumpy attitude but with kindness and the best intentions. He had such growth over the course of the book and while he would never be extroverted, he was able to learn to let down his walls for people he knew he could trust. "I want her to feel at home here because it's her home too. The realization rams into my chest. I want her here. I want her to want to be here. Fuck, when did that happen?" - Ryan Together, Indy and Ryan were a perfect couple for this contemporary romance love story who only wanted to be there for each other. Ryan may have been the last person to know he was in love, but he made strides in showing Indy her worth and how much he appreciates who she is. I adored this book and hope this book review convinces everyone to give it a chance. I got definite Wall of Winnipeg vibes (all my love to Aiden). Can The Right Move be read as a stand alone? To be honest, I didn’t read the first book in the series because I wouldn't say I like the womanizer trope, but with all the cameos of Zander and Stevie, I'm tempted. Tropes and themes: Best Friends Brother, Sports Romance, Grumpy x Sunshine, Basketball, Fake Dating, Slow Burn Blurb RYAN She’s a distraction, that’s what she is. I’m the newest Captain of the Devils, Chicago’s NBA team, and the last thing I needed this year was for Indy Ivers, my sister’s best friend, to move into my apartment. She’s messy, emotional, and way too tempting. But when the team’s General Manager vocalizes his blatant disapproval of my promotion to Captain, referring to me as an unapproachable lone wolf with no work-life balance, I can’t think of a better way to convince him otherwise than pretending to date my outgoing roommate. The only problem? Faking it feels far too natural. Having a fake girlfriend wasn’t supposed to be messy but having Indy under my roof and in my bed is complicated, especially when she wants all the romantic parts of life that I could never give her. INDY I never imagined I’d be living with my best friend’s brother, NBA superstar Ryan Shay. Even more unbelievable? He needs me to act as his loving girlfriend who’s suddenly changed him into a friendly and approachable guy. Because, well…he’s not. He’s controlling of his space and untrusting of others. Our arrangement isn’t one-sided, though. I’m in a wedding coming up, one where every one of my childhood friends, including my ex-boyfriend, will be in attendance, and there’s no better date than my ex’s celebrity hero. Blurred lines make it almost impossible to separate real from fake. Falling for my roommate was never part of the deal, especially when Ryan is quick to remind me that he doesn’t believe in love. I’m a romantic and can’t help fantasizing that he’ll change, but soon enough, I find myself questioning if sharing a roof with my best friend’s brother was the right move after all

Author: Gracie Ruth Mitchell Series: Happily Ever Homicide Series book #2 Category: Romantic Suspense Rating: ⭐ Spice: 🌶️ Goodreads Blurb What should have been a slam dunk, cozy romantical suspense book was nothing more than an Encyclopedia Brown mystery whose main characters thought more about kissing each other and holding hands than solving a murder. Soren fell hard for Heidi, possibly the very moment many years ago when she crashed into his bathroom chasing after a poodle and saw him taking a bubble bath. He is a frequent patron of Heide's bookshop, using a favored chair for hours on end in hopes of writing another best-selling book that just doesn't seem to want to come to fruition. Mellow with a lack of confidence, Soren is devoted but completely boring. While I don't require my men to ride horseback shirtless while brandishing a crossbow, I need a little more oomph in my male leads than an anxiety-prone bookworm who claims he doesn't know how to use a pocket knife. "Do you think every man is terrified of the woman he loves? No? Just me, then?" - Soren Heidi declares Soren her favorite author even though he's only published two books. It felt forced and out of left field for her to fangirl him. She is very naive and has little emotional intelligence or experience with dating despite the fact that she is in her thirties. While she seems to be able to run her own bookstore just fine, everything else in her life overwhelms her, and she doesn't seem very capable. Heide and Soren's relationship is cringeworthy if we can call it a relationship at all. One-third of the book is them poking fun of each other, another third Heidi freaking out that someone might like her and how to behave and the last them fantasizing about kissing each other but barely accomplishing the task. "Contact. She initiated contact. Our arms are touching. It's happening." - Soren I've read wonderful clean romances, however, this story couldn't keep its characters from acting like they were twelve. Two murders and a host of sketchy suspects can't lift this book to anything other than a middle school YA read. The writing style was great, but the storyline and characters behind it were not. Unfortunately, I got to the point about halfway in where I started skimming most of the chapters, only interested in finding out who was the murderer. Even then, the reveal was anti-climatic and practically fade to black. There are other cozy mystery books out there, this one didn't hit the mark. With so many great books out there, I only finished this one so I could write the book review. Tropes and Themes: Cozy Mystery, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers, Small Town, Bookstore Owner. Blurb Heidi Lucy has a secret—a big one. A scary, dangerous, ugly one. There’s just one problem: thanks to a mysterious head wound, she can’t seem to remember what that secret is. In order to regain her lost memories, Heidi sets out to retrace her steps—followed grudgingly by Soren, a faithful patron of her little bookshop and the less-than-thrilled recipient of the cryptic voicemail she can’t remember leaving. But her journey gets derailed when one of Heidi’s customers drops dead in the middle of her shop, and it isn’t long before both Heidi and Soren come under suspicion. Something fishy is going on in Sunshine Springs, and if they want to find the truth, they’re going to have to hunt for it themselves. Who killed the woman in Heidi’s bookshop? What secret has Heidi forgotten? And, maybe the most crucial question of all: Who gave Soren permission to look so good in a man bun? Heidi Lucy Loses Her Mind is the second in a series of interconnected standalones involving swoony romance, wacky comedy, and dead bodies turning up in the most unlikely of places.

SPOILER ALERT! I'm not in the business of ruining books, so if you haven't read this book yet, turn back now before you read this review! Author: Liz Tomforde Series: Windy City Series book #3 Category: Sports Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "She will leave when the summer is over. I love my daughter to death, but she's a runner and the last thing she wants is to get caught." - Monty I picked this book up immediately after finishing The Right Move, the second book in the Windy City series, and at the end of the day was disappointed it was my least favorite so far. My biggest issue was Miller, and when you don't like one of the main characters, even baseball, a cute kid, and cameos from previous couples can't make up the difference. Miller isn’t one for settling down and she has childish excuses but isn't fooling anyone but herself. Confidently taking on the world to make her father proud, she is terrified of not being enough. Her outlook of never staying in one place for too long so she doesn't get attached makes no sense when she constantly pushes the people who care about her away. She is casually cruel at the best of times. "'Miller Montgomery, you cold, unattached woman. Get over here and cuddle with me.'" - Kai Kai is stuck in the parent-guilt dilemma that many face, striving to balance your needs as an individual while also trying to put your kid first. His life was fundamentally changed when he learned he was a dad but he took on the challenge and never looked back. Yes, he may have lost a bit of himself along the way, but I'm unsure if he really is missing out on meaningless hookups and late-night drinking that dominated his life before single fatherhood. Miller is a hard character to like, she is selfish and immature. I hated how she constantly tempted Kai even when she knew his heart was in it and she still wasn't going to stay. While she isn't responsible for managing his feelings, Miller seems to like him as a person so it doesn't make sense that she'd intentionally cause him heartbreak. "'Do you love her?' Monty asks. 'I do. Very much so.' 'She might break your heart.' 'I'll love her anyway.' - Kai Their chemistry was a letdown compared to the previous couples in the series, I got friend vibes more than romantical ones. If spice is your thing, this book is pretty mild and uninspired compared to other Liz Tomforde books. When Miller took off for California, I was surprised that Kai didn't offer to drop everything and pursue her dreams with her. He was nothing but supportive of her career and wasn't necessarily happy playing baseball anymore so it was certainly an option. Instead, we get an angst-filled week where both characters slide into depressive thoughts missing each other before Miller comes back. While I don't like her character, Miller throwing away her career seemingly on a whim for a man doesn't feel like a great conclusion. Monty was the highlight of this story and I NEED for him to at least get a novella of his own. Compassionate and dedicated, Monty gave up his baseball career to adopt his deceased girlfriend's daughter and has never once regretted it. This man is everything that Kai is trying to live up to and he deserves a happy ending too! So, overall, the third book in this series just didn't live up to the rest. I have high hopes for the next installment though (Isaiah and Kennedy!) so while I wouldn't recommend this book as a standalone, you'll probably want to read it anyway just to be ready for the next book coming out in 2024. Side question: Did anyone realize how many times the word juxtaposition was used? When the third character's personality was described with the same noun, I was thoroughly confused at how such a unique word snuck past editing. Tropes and Themes: Sports Romance, Single Dad, Baseball, Age Gap, Nanny, Enemies to Lovers. Blurb Kai I’m a single dad and starting pitcher for Chicago’s MLB team. I’m stretched too thin, but I don’t want help raising my son. Each of his previous nannies only lasted a few weeks before I let them go. Now, my coach is putting his foot down by hiring the one person I can’t fire—his daughter. Miller Montgomery is the last woman I should fall for. Too wild, too young, and too unattached. Chicago is just a quick stop for her. I thought I’d be counting down the days until she left, but summer feels too short when I start thinking about forever. Miller As a high-end pastry chef who recently won the most prestigious award in my industry, I’m desperate to prove I deserve it. But with a new title comes new pressure, and I can’t create a fresh and inspiring dessert to save my life. With only two months to get back on track, I should be focusing in the kitchen, but instead, I let my dad talk me into using my time off to nanny for his star player’s kid. Kai Rhodes forgot how to have fun, and I’m eager to jog his memory. But when he and his son start to feel like home, I have to remind us both that my time in Chicago ends with the summer. Besides, I’ve always been a runner, and the last thing I want is to get caught.

Author: Sylvia Mercedes Series: Bride of the Shadow King Series book #1 Category: Fantasy Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️ Goodreads Blurb A historical romance but with trolls, sure I’m game. I found this gem randomly on Kindle Unlimited and was pleasantly surprised to find myself deep into a brand new magical world with an arranged marriage that has more deceit and kingdom-wrecking consequences than I would have thought possible. "Nothing about this situation is fair. Nothing about it is right. But we don't get to choose the trials fate sends our way." - Faraine Faraine is a lovely, spirited but reserved young woman who knows her place as the daughter of a king. She accepted her fate a long time ago but has been told she is a disappointment for so long, she believes it wholeheartedly. Her gods gift is debilitating but she still does her best to do what's right and puts everyone else above her own wants and needs. I hope over time, she finds her spine and her voice. "Hidden away. Not married and producing babies. Not ensuring the military support of our nearest neighbors. Useless. Disappointment. It's all there." - Faraine Vor is desperate for a way to save his world, and as the Shadow King, he must put his kingdom. With lives at stake, he is willing to enter into an arranged marriage if it will help his people, no matter that his heart may belong to another. Even though, within his very own council, treasonous conspirators are waiting in the wings to usurp him and leave the kingdom to crumble. I found Faraine and Vor's relationship super sweet. They found respite from their individually crushing responsibilities when they were together but there are so many things standing in front of their happiness. Both are forced to make hard decisions, some against the very people they love, and not all problems can be solved without tearing apart loyalties and duty. "While I may not control much about my life, I can control what goes on inside my mind. I will not indulge in foolish dreaming. Not now. Not ever." - Faraine Despite the fantasy genre and lack of spice, this story gets dark and violent pretty quickly. This is the first in a trilogy, so it ends on a cliffhanger that will have you picking up book two immediately, I know I did after writing this review. As a fair warning, the books are very long, so expect a fairly large time commitment to finish all three - clear your calendar! Tropes and Themes: Fae, Arranged Marriage, Cliffhanger, Fantasy Romance, Magic, Slow Burn. Blurb A shunned princess. A reluctant king. A marriage that could save both their kingdoms . . . but destroy their hearts. Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things. When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice. Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement. So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head? When disaster strikes and the marriage alliance is compromised, Faraine suddenly finds herself forced to take her sister’s place . . . regardless of her new husband’s desires. Can she find a place at Vor’s side as his queen? Or is his heart forever closed to the woman who deceived him so cruelly?

Author: Layla Fae Series: Arranged Monster Mates Series book #8 Category: Monster Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb Can an arranged marriage story about a desolate young woman and a monster Lich be cute and wholesome? Turns out the answer is yes and so much more. "I wondered if Virgil was alive. Did it matter? He was warm, and strong, and despite the pain of bone pressing into bone, I felt so good in his arms. Safe and cared for." - May Virgil wants a bride, someone to love and be devoted to for the rest of his long life. May needs someone to take care of her while she heals her body and mind from a childhood of abuse devoid of affection and kindness. Together, they found exactly what they were looking for, despite their unconventional pairing and hesitations about their own worth to the other. "She would have my soul forever, until we lay down together for eternal sleep." - Virgil Due to their backgrounds, both had a lot of shame around eating. This commonality provided fiction in their budding relationship but also something they could help each other with. They truly needed to save each other in different ways. "You are precious to me. You soothe my loneliness. I will never let you go." - Virgil This novella was such a great love story above all else, and I wish it was longer! It was so easy to give this book a four-star review. Tropes and Themes: Monster Romance, Lich, Arranged Marriage, Abuse, Age Gap, Fated Mates, Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Blurb Liches are almost gone, only a handful of us left. I must marry to keep my race from extinction, yet how? No living female will ever stoop so low as to marry a lich. People fear us. They say we are the harbingers of death, bad luck, rot and decomposition. In one last bid to carry out my duty, I request a wife through the Temple. She turns out to be a neglected, sickly thing with trembling hands and downcast eyes, seeking an arranged marriage out of despair. And she’s perfect. Her blushes burn hot, her voice rings with feeling, and her kisses taste like summer. She is life personified, all warmth, light, and sweetness, and I crave her like darkness craves the sun. But will she sacrifice her warm, beating heart to a creature of death like me?

ARC - Publish Date: November 30, 2023 Author: Elle Lacerta Series: Book #1 Category: Fantasy Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Her father had made a deal with the Devil, and now, Iris would have to suffer the consequences." - Iris Iris has been dealt a crappy hand, the prize given to a ruthless vampire prince for her father's debt. While she accepts her fate, she isn't a meek slave and is determined to make the best of her situation by looking on the bright side. Iris has always wanted to train to be a Mage, and playing nice with Rowan, no matter what depraved act he asks of her, is her ticket to the Royal Academy of the Arcane Arts. But soon the lines blur between captive and Master. Rowan is used to getting what he wants, and his arrogance is the least troublesome of his dominating personality. I didn't find any real interest in his attitude or actions, and Iris and his chemistry wasn't as strong as I would have hoped. There was plenty of spice packed in the book, but it didn't necessarily forge a connection. "A man who would make her do anything and everything he desired, whenever he wanted. She'd be his toy, his doll, his whore, and there was nothing she could do about it." - Iris As with all novellas, I needed more! Time isn't wasted in getting to the main plot, however, character development is the first on the cutting floor when the page count isn't very long. Due to the dynamic of slave and master, there needed to be a whole lot of emotional growth between them for their romantic feelings to be believable. This book is one of five being released weekly. This story and world are far from complete and there is much to look forward to. Tropes and Themes: Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance, Magic, Vampires, Academy, Sex Slave, Enemies to Lovers. *Thank you to Elle Lacerta for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blurb There's a reason why you read the fine print before signing a Royal Document in blood. Iris Drasa, an aspiring Mage, wishes to train at the Royal Academy of the Arcane Arts. Too bad that's controlled by the fearsome Vampire The Caeds, and any magic beyond the school's tutelage is Forbidden Magic. So, when her father bets away everything the family owns, a contract is laid before her- all of their debts wiped if Iris only goes to the Academy. What is there to lose? Well, her freedom. The hallowed halls of the Academy come with a she's to be given to the ruthless Vampire Prince, Rowan Caed. An easy job, right? Stay long enough to learn magic, while doing a few...tasks for the Prince. But the Prince has other plans in mind for his new pet. Punishments, pleasure, whips and chains, and a bite or two to Spanking, Sex Slave, Regency Romance, BDSM, Bondage, Medieval Gothic Paranormal Romance, with a sprinkle of Enemies-To-Lovers throughout the series!

Author: Freida McFadden Series: Stand Alone Category: Thriller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Goodreads Blurb "Dawn isn't at her desk this morning when I walk into the office, which means the world is coming to an end." - Natalie Dawn was the dependable worker that everyone overlooked or flat-out ridiculed until the day she didn’t show up for work. The morning Natalie noticed Dawn was missing, life changed dramatically for her and her perfectly cultivated image. Readers are introduced to Dawn through her emails to a friend called Mia. She details events in months past that slowly reveal a vastly different narration of events than Natalie's point of view. These dueling perspectives provide a constant source of guessing, I was never quite sure who to believe. "After all, there's nothing that binds two people like a shared secret." - Dawn As I dove deeper into the plot, it was clear that the truth may be in the eye of the beholder. Innocence is not black and white with this many layers of deception. I caught myself switching loyalties between the characters and realized that none were as wholesome as they tried to appear. There were certainly enough twists and turns to have me speed-read. I loved every part of this book and, while I won't spoil the ending with this review, I realized that even unlikeable characters can have understandable motives. Tropes and Themes: Thriller, Workplace, Mystery, Suspense, Crime Blurb Two women. An office filled with secrets. One terrible crime that can't be taken back Dawn Schiff is strange. At least, everyone thinks so at Vixed, the nutritional supplement company where Dawn works as an accountant. She never says the right thing. She has no friends. And she is always at her desk at precisely 8:45 a.m. So when Dawn doesn't show up to the office one morning, her coworker Natalie Farrell—beautiful, popular, top sales rep five years running—is surprised. Then she receives an unsettling, anonymous phone call that changes everything… It turns out Dawn wasn't just an awkward outsider—she was being targeted by someone close. And now Natalie is irrevocably tied to Dawn as she finds herself caught in a twisted game of cat and mouse that leaves her wondering: who's the real victim?< But one thing is incredibly clear: somebody hated Dawn Schiff. Enough to kill.

Author: Jillian West Series: Stand Alone Category: Paranormal Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "I'm very fucking sure I'd commit heinous crimes if anyone tried to keep her from me" - Warrick The dynamics in this book have a pack forming around their love for an Omega, whereas most Omegaverse books are the other way around. Two Alpha brothers and a longstanding friendship between an Omega and our third Alpha created complex relationships that took time to sort out a balance. Tinsley has some issues with self-confidence but despite the challenges of being neurodivergent and an Omega, she is trying to make her own way in life. She is sweet, caring, and practical, but struggles in certain situations to cope. Warrick, replaced as lead singer in the famous Northern Star band, is over the rock star lifestyle. He may not be ending his career on his own terms but he recognizes that the man he was is not the man he is now. A dominating protector, Daddy Warrick's only goal in life when he meets Tinsley is now to care for her and love her. "I wasn't fully done with it before being stabbed, but I've realized since then that life is short. All the money in the world won't mean shit if I never get to enjoy my life." - Warrick Ramsey is the easygoing twin but, underneath that persona, he was just as possessive as his brother. And like Warrick, ten years of being a rockstar has lost its appeal. "It was killer to be considered a sex symbol for awhile, but it got old." - Ramsey Both of the brothers are almost instantly infatuated with Tinsely from the moment they meet her. It is instinctual for them to watch over her, and before they realize what's going on, they are knee-deep in feelings. I really enjoyed Fitz' devotion to Tinsely, and their relationship and very different from the twins. Fitz had been in love with her for years, and neither he nor Tinsley could see the other's love. Due to his deep feelings, he feels possessive of Tinsley and initially refuses to consider sharing her, until he is forced to acknowledge that's what is best for her. "That is not motherfucking happening. Not a chance in hell. I'll quit, take Tinsley, and leave before Warrick fucking Malone steals the woman I've been in love with since I was sixteen." - Fitz The spice was more than nice and varied without being the center of the story. Ultimately, this was a sugar-sweet Omegaverse story with little angst but a sliver of suspense. There were unique plot points in this book that made it stand apart from other stories I've reviewed in the sub-genre. I appreciated and all of the characters were thought out and dynamic. If you like Omegas who need dominating Alphas to care for them, this one's for you. Tropes and Themes: Rock Stars, Omegaverse, Why Choose, Best Friends Brother, Age Gap, Daddy, Dominate/Submissive, Alpha, Omega, Addiction, MMFM, Mates, Fertility Issues, Neurodivergent, Scarred Hero. Blurb Tinley Rhodes is an anomaly. Despite her anatomy and pheromones, she still hasn’t had a heat, meaning the law says she’s technically not an omega. She’s stuck between designations, but even omegas have to financially provide for themselves. When a friend’s older brother offers to help her get a job using her skills as a photographer, she knows she can’t say no. Everything changes in the blink of an eye as she collides with rock stars with wounds of their own. Former lead singer, Warrick Malone, is still healing from the injuries that nearly cost him his life while coming to terms with the fact his musical career is over. Ramsey Malone is busy plotting ways to bring back the light to his twin brother’s eyes. And Colin Fitzpatrick is filling in for Warrick while trying to get the woman he loves to notice him. Add in the pressure of keeping her away from some of the darker aspects of touring, and it's not like he's about to go feral or anything. Can they come together to heal each other’s cracks? Will any pack really want half of an omega?

Author: Michael Geczi Series: Stand Alone Category: Thriller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Goodreads Blurb "'So we shit-can everything we know, dump all existing notions and theories, and start over from square one. Treat this baby for what it is: a brand-new case, the murder of Keith-fucking-Victor.'" - Greg Nichols Within the first couple of chapters, I could tell that there was so much more going on in this twist-filled story than it seemed. Pieces of the puzzle came together, some easier than others, and it took until the very last page to see the clear picture. Chrissy Weeks, the victim who lived, is a complex character, as are her motives. Due to her narcissistic tendencies, readers are forced to question her version of events right alongside the police who attempt to unravel the bigger picture of a serial killer's latest almost victim. She had been a big fish in a little pond her whole life but didn't realize it until she was up against the bright minds of law enforcement. "'I am always calm and centered. I don't have to work on it. Like I said many times, I spend most of my time thinking about getting away. And playing him, manipulating him - and seeing it develop - kept me focused.'" - Weeks While running a high-profile investigation, several of the investigators are also dealing with their own challenges in their personal lives. Detective Mollie Granger and her girlfriend Gwen had a lot against them, their backgrounds, politics, professions, and even the color of their skin. They struggle to understand the other's perspective and despite loving each other, they each wonder if that is enough in the face of so much adversity. Still, their devotion to each other in times of crisis proves that their relationship is as strong as they believe it can be. The best thriller books keep your heart racing, your mind turning, and leave you with a slack jaw expression as you finish the last page. My biggest grievance with this book is also a high point of Killer Dead, Victim Alive - a cliffhanger indicating the story may be far from over. Tropes and Themes: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Crime, Police, FBI *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Blurb The serial killer is dead; the expected seventh victim is alive, and the Santa Monica detectives and the FBI agents are shaking their heads. “Who-done-it” meets “why-done-it.” A twisty mystery, spiked with psychological and cultural implications, all playing out in sun-drenched Santa Monica. Police Detectives Mollie Granger and Greg Nichols respond to a call near the world-famous pier. A dead male, shot in the forehead at close range, is posed in the sand. He’s Keith Victor, a serial killer who’s murdered six persons and kidnapped a possible seventh, Chrissy Weeks. Meanwhile, six miles away, Weeks walks into a police station, says, “I think you've been looking for me,” and claims Victor dropped her off outside an hour earlier. Quite the trick, given the coroner says Victor’s been dead for thirty-six hours. Weeks, a narcissist with a complex backstory, views most people as chess pieces to be played. And she’s playing at mega speed, even though her never-ending lies and moves – some of which backfire – quickly turn her into a suspect from a victim. The case comes at a difficult time for Granger, a middle-class white cop having relationship problems with Gwen Seward, a wealthy African-American civil rights attorney. They’ve drifted apart since the George Floyd murder shined a bright light on their differences and challenges. They’ve even tabled plans for marriage and kids. Granger focuses on Weeks even as she and Seward attempt to repair their relationship. In the process, the detective learns that families, love, truth, and understanding overcome personal and professional challenges and bring unexpected second chances.

Author: E.J. Lawson Series: Wild Heat Series Book #1 Category: Fantasy Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "This time it sinks in. Firebrand. One of the hottest all-Alpha bands in the country. And they want me as their manager. Me? Holy. Fucking. Shit." - Josie A case of mistaken identity for a one-night stand with two attractive Alphas, or rather no recognition at all, makes for an awkward introduction for the brand-new manager of the rock band Firebrand. Josie is a rising star in her own right as a band manager and has been brought in to do the impossible - pull in the reigns of four rock stars whose bad-boy personas have gotten out of control. Under extreme pressure with little help from the guys themselves to be on their best behavior, Josie starts to experience symptoms she shouldn't considering she is only a Beta. Organized, responsible, and completely able to pull off confidence even if she may not be, I could use this woman to help get my life in order as well. Usually, I adore the Alphas in an Omegaverse, but unfortunately, most of these men were spoiled selfish assholes who really couldn't care less about anyone but themselves. Sure a couple of them slowly started to warm up to Josie, but they never had her back until the VERY END of the book, and even then it was more so that they couldn't help it due to pheromones, not actual fondness. "We're cogs in the rock-and-roll machine and they've made millions off our antics. They say they want us to change. To be more responsible, but do they really? I can't say I care." - Asher The hands-down worst character was Jax, a man-child who refused to deal with childhood trauma and instead acted out. I don't care what happened, hurting others and making them clean up your mess is never okay. Raise your hand if you feel bad for the rockstar with a bad background who sows chaos and wreckage instead of growing up and acknowledging his emotions. No one? Yeah, me either Jax sucked. I had a hard time respecting Josie, who always forgave him after a smirk or wink was directed her way, and the other Alphas, who proactively enabled him. "He's Jax. People follow him like he's the Pied Piper of Partying." - Dylan For the life of me, I couldn’t get into this book. Even the spice was off. Josie would go from tirelessly cleaning up one purposeful disaster of theirs to getting it on when they clearly did not respect her at all. You can't claim to have feelings for someone but then make their job harder for them all in the same breath. What was supposed to be a one-night stand at a club in the first few chapters of the book has more chemistry between the characters than when we get to know them. I wanted to love this book and give it a five star review, but I couldn’t see savvy boss lady Josie playfully rolling her eyes at these childish rock and roll wannabes and thinking 'yeah they're the ones for me.' Crescendo ends rather abruptly, with so many unresolved issues still at play both in their relationship and professional careers. Overall, this wasn't a cookie-cutter Omegaverse story I’ve read time and time again, but it fell short even in its originality. Tropes and Themes: Omegaverse, Reverse Harem, Rock Stars, Workplace Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Why Choose, MFM, MFMM, Celebrities Blurb Firebrand chose me. Me . I’d be flattered if I didn’t know the all-alpha band has chewed through at least six other band managers in as many years. But I won’t be their next ex -manager. I’ve been waiting for my shot, a chance to prove myself, and this is it. I will not mess it up. Jax, Dylan, Asher, and Holden will be whipped into shape if it’s the last thing I do on this earth. I will not break. I will not give in to their charm. Not even when my body betrays me, its beta chemistry shifting in a way that I don’t understand. That I can’t control. I’m so close to the future I always dreamed of. There’s no way I’m going to let four bad boy alphas and one wild heat ruin everything…am I?

Author: Ashley Jacobs, S.S. Rich Series: South Bay Billionaires Series Book #1 Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "Before her, I didn't think love could sustain. I didn't know love could be strong enough to make someone want to stay - even me. But, with her, I wanted to stay. Oh god, I wanted to. Stay in her orbit, in her heart, at her side." - Parker Arrived, the first book in the new series South Bay Billionaires, was so much fun both to read and review! Parker is a little egotistical but pretty down to earth, for a billionaire with everything he could ever want in life, he was not arrogant. He immediately is attracted to LB but it isn't until their banter starts up that he realizes what a catch she is. And he isn't going to let anything get in the way of them exploring their explosive chemistry, especially not LB herself. "But I was not a grade-A creep. Maybe grade F. That's better, right? Less of a creep? Whatever, terrible analogy. However you want to phrase it, there are obsessed stalkers and then there are well-intentioned guys who don't want to miss out on what could be the most perfect girl they've ever met." - Parker LB is effortlessly cool, witty, and clearly on top of her game. She has everything to lose in her competition with Parker but all the confidence that she will pull out the win. When things don't go her way, LB tends to draw into herself and ignore those who care about her most. It takes a strong man to break through those walls and convince her of his devotion, showing her that she can have a career and a man who loves her for who she is. "'There's nothing to walk away from, Mr. Brooks. We scratched an itch. Now we're enemies. It's just business.'" - LB Let me just say - the spice was extra spicy. Parker and LB had great chemistry before they went anywhere near a bedroom, but when they did neither of them held back. Their meet-cute and stolen looks across the plane aisle inevitably led to a heady connection they couldn't resist. "'A little blonde spitfire tried to get away from me, but Fate and I had other plans.'" - Parker It was nice to read about a male character who wasn't considered a grump, as the grumpy x sunshine trope has dominated contemporary romance in 2023. That being said, I am still counting down the days to read the second book in the South Bay Billionaires series, which pairs stoic Van with bubbly Cami. Tropes and Themes: Contemporary Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Workplace Romance, Billionaire, Cinnamon Roll MC. Blurb Laura Beth He was a charming stranger. A business trip hook-up. Then, suddenly, my competition. Parker Brooks. Gorgeous, confident, wildly successful. And the one thing standing in the way of my landing the deal that would secure my hard-earned promotion and future. I didn't care how good he looked in a suit. If achieving my dream meant going through Parker Brooks, so be it. Parker She was a southern spitfire. The star of the hottest night of my life. And my self-proclaimed rival. Laura Beth Calhoun. A small-town transplant with enough confidence and sass to turn even my jaded head. And the first woman to make me question if love was more than just a story my grandfather told me. I didn't care about the deal. Laura Beth was mine. She just needed to arrive at the same conclusion.

Author: Lena Hendrix Series: Chikalu Falls Series Book #3 Category: Contemporary Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Goodreads Blurb "In every story, there's a villain. I knew this. But it tore at my soul to know that I had become the villain in hers." - Deck Deck has been in love with his best friend his whole life, but never had the guts to tell her. And before he found the courage, her life took a turn for the worse with one bad decision. She refused to ask him to stay, and they became strangers in a small town for the better part of fifteen years. As their friends pair off, Deck can no longer avoid Maggie, and though he continues to harbor a secret that he never wants her to find out, he slowly opens up and steps into her life again. "'When you live with a secret as long as I have, you'd be amazed at what you can hide.'" - Deck Maggie was a survivor of sorts, doing whatever it took to make it as a single mother with little support. She was emotional but not a quitter, building their life from the ground up. Deck's life had been on pause as he watched Maggie raise her daughter on the outside looking in. He continuously pushed her away over the years and now that he's finally allowed himself to pursue her, he isn't sure how to do that. Their mistakes happened while they were young, but Deck continued to perpetuate them every time he bullied her and stood in the way of her finding someone else to spend her life with. While their chemistry was alright, I wouldn't place bets for these two to stay together long-term if this were the real world. Deck had a ton of work to do on himself and Maggie was much too self-sufficient when all he wanted was someone to coddle. Maybe reality shouldn't factor into my enjoyment and review of a book but I just didn't enjoy this couple very much. Tropes and Themes: Contemporary Romance, Military, Police, Law Enforcement, Small Town, Second Chance, Enemies to Lovers, Single Mom. Blurb One moment of hesitation and I lost Maggie forever. Since then, we’ve spent the last 15 years in this small town circling each other and pretending neither remembers how right it felt when we were best friends. Now she’s a single mom and doesn’t need a “broody, grumpy cop” like me complicating her life. No matter how many times her heated gaze scorches my skin, I can never have her in the way I want. Completely. So I push her away––but it’s for her own good. Because if she knew the truth of what I did, she wouldn’t just have hurt feelings, she would truly hate me. She has a guarded heart and it’s all my fault. But I don’t have a heart at all. I gave it to Maggie O'Brien a long time ago.