Book Review: The Unwanted Wife by L. Steele (The Davenports Book 1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Marriage of Convenience • Brother's Best Friend • Secretly in Love • Curvy FMC • Billionaire Romance • Fake Marriage • Slow Burn • Small Business Owner • Virgin FMC

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: Davenports Book 1

    Skylar has always wanted to own a bakery and she has finally got it open and is the sole employee. This means that she does all the prep-work and day to day. Her items taste amazing, everyone loves the items and their unique names...but without better marketing there is no way she will be able to keep it, even with her bother as her biggest supporter. Until his best friend Nathan comes in and offers her all the money she could possibly need in order exchange for being his wife for 1 year. He needs a wife to become CEO of his grandfather's company and she needs the funds. Perfect, and with a set deadline. 

    This is another Tiktok made me read it and I love a good marriage of convenience. This one had a fun twist with her brother (not incest) way that was unexpected. Not that her husband was her brother's best friend, but you will see. This is a cute and sexy brother's best friend marriage of convenience where they were both secretly in love all along, but were hiding it from...only themselves. 

    I love the names of her pastries so much. They absolutely stole the show for me. Probably because this adorable little curvy virgin had dirty booktok names for all her items. It was cute, and made me want to try all of them. It doesn't surprise me at all that all she really needed was better marketing, because the premise was great for this bakery. 

    There are spice scenes in this book, but they happen late in the book. I loved how this book ended, although it was on a bit of a bittersweet note. I can't wait to see what happens with her later in the series, because no way does that background character get to stay single. I also love that the epilogue immediately tells us who the next relationship in the series will be between. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here. 

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Marriage of convenience romances
• Brother's best friend
• Secretly in love all along
• Billionaire romance
• Curvy heroines
• Small-town bakeries
• BookTok humor
• Slow-burn romance with open-door spice
• Fake relationships that become real
• Connected romance series

Book Review: Quest for Love by Danielle Hill (Hearts at Play Book 1)

Genre: Young Adult Romance • Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Online Friends, Gamer Romance, Hidden Identity, College Romance, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Closed Door Romance, Meet Cute, Online Gaming, Love Triangle (Perceived)

Spice Level: None

Format: eBook

Series: Hearts at Play Book 1

    When Arden's best friend leaves for the summer, she decides to see what all the excitement surrounding online gaming is about. Logging into Quest for Camalor for the first time, she has no idea what she's doing until one friendly player takes her under his wing. Before long, he's introduced her to his group of friends, and what starts as simply learning the game slowly turns into something much more. 

    At least for Arden. As the weeks pass, she finds herself developing real feelings for the boy behind the screen. So when she discovers they attend the same college, asking to meet in person feels like the obvious next step. His answer isn't what she expected. Now Arden is left wondering if she completely misread everything between them—or if there's more going on than she realizes.

    I picked this book up after downloading it for free quite a while ago and finally got around to reading it for my alphabet reading challenge. It ended up being a charming surprise.

    This is a sweet young adult romance featuring college sophomores and a completely closed-door romance. As someone who spends plenty of time gaming on PC—and whose husband is also a gamer—the premise immediately appealed to me. There's just something fun about the idea of meeting someone online, building a genuine friendship through a game, and then discovering they're living in the very same town. It made the romance feel both modern and incredibly relatable.

    The author also does a great job directing the reader toward one potential love interest while quietly planting clues about where the story is actually headed. I had my suspicions fairly early on, simply because it's a trope I read with some frequence, but even knowing where I thought things were going didn't take away from the enjoyment. Watching everything unfold was still satisfying, and I appreciated how naturally the mystery was woven into the romance.

    Despite being only 157 pages, the story never felt rushed. The pacing works well for the length, allowing enough time to connect with the characters while still delivering a complete and satisfying romance. By the end, I found myself hoping we'd eventually get a story featuring Arden's best friend, Solana. She was a fun supporting character, and I'd happily come back to this world if she gets her own happily ever after.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.61 by clicking here. 

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Gamer romances
• Online friendships that become something more
• Hidden identity romance
• College-age characters
• Sweet, closed-door romance
• Friends-to-lovers vibes
• Cozy contemporary reads
• Wholesome relationship development
• Fast, feel-good books
• Stories centered around online gaming

A heartwarming gamer romance that perfectly captures the excitement of forming real connections through online games while delivering a sweet, wholesome love story that's easy to read in a single sitting.

Book Review: Stolen Vows by Cassia Quinn (Twisted Arrangements Book 1)

Genre: Dark Romance • Mafia Romance • Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Arranged Marriage, Mafia Boss, Touch Her and Die, Revenge Plot, Forced Marriage, Protective MMC, Slow Burn, Morally Gray Hero, Family Duty

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: Twisted Arrangements Book 1

    Sophia has always known her future wasn't hers to choose. As the eldest daughter of a powerful family, marriage has always been her duty. She doesn't love her fiancé, but after meeting him a handful of times, she believed they could at least build a respectful life together. She couldn't have been more wrong. On the night of their engagement party, her fiancé decides he doesn't like the color of her dress—and raises his fist to her. 

    Before he can strike, Roman steps in. Better known as Poseidon for the number of bodies he's supposedly sent to the bottom of the sea, Roman is one of the most feared men in the mafia. Sophia is stunned when he comes to her defense…until he blackmails her father into giving her to him instead. And if the rumors are true, his last wife is buried somewhere on his estate.

    I found this book on TikTok, and I have absolutely no regrets.

    This is a marriage of convenience wrapped inside a revenge story. Roman doesn't marry Sophia for love—at least not at first. His goal is simple: destroy her former fiancé by taking away everything the man values, including the woman he believed belonged to him. It's the perfect setup for a mafia romance full of tension and shifting loyalties.

    Roman makes an excellent morally gray hero. He begins the story as distant, intimidating, and emotionally closed off, but one thing becomes clear almost immediately: he refuses to stand by while Sophia is abused. That single moment completely changed my expectations for his character. Because of that, I found myself questioning the rumors surrounding his first wife almost from the beginning. I'm happy to say the truth behind that storyline was worth the wait and made perfect sense once everything was revealed.

    Sophia was just as enjoyable to read. One thing I particularly appreciated was that she earns many of her victories herself. Roman certainly protects her when she needs it, but he doesn't solve every problem or hand her success simply because she's his wife to be. In mafia romances, it's surprisingly refreshing to see a heroine carve out her own place instead of relying entirely on the hero's influence.

    Their relationship develops naturally as trust slowly replaces obligation, making the romance feel earned rather than rushed. Especially that Roman had to earn her back, instead of her just giving him whatever he asks without question. The ending wrapped up Roman and Sophia's story nicely while also planting the seeds for future books. Personally, I'm already hoping Baron ends up with Sophia's younger sister. After everything that happened, I think he deserves his own happily ever after too. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Mafia romances with protective heroes
• Marriage of convenience
• Revenge-driven plots
• Touch Her and Die energy
• Morally gray MMCs
• Strong heroines who earn their victories
• Slow-burn trust and romance
• Family obligation and arranged marriages
• Rumors, secrets, and hidden pasts
• Dark romance with satisfying character growth

    A compelling mafia romance that blends revenge, forced marriage, and slow-building trust into a story filled with emotional tension, protective instincts, and two characters who genuinely grow.

Book Review: Lilac by B. B. Reid

Genre: Contemporary Romance • Reverse Harem/Why Choose • Rockstar Romance

Tropes: Reverse Harem/Why Choose, Rockstar Romance, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Band Romance, New Girl in the Band, Enemies to Lovers, Betrayal, MM Romance, Sword Crossing, Open Door Romance, MMFM Romance

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: Standalone

     Braxton Fawn has synesthesia and has used this to channel her love into music into her own style. This resulted in becoming the new forth for the world's most popular pop band following the untimely death of their co-star. Everyone believes that she is the luckiest girl alive to be with these music gods...except Braxton. They are intolerable, intoxicating, and off limits. Can she survive the tour or will she lose herself in the process to one...or all of them? 

    I found this book on Tiktok and added it to my seemingly never-ending TBR. It was a long book at 556 pages, but it is more than worth it. We get to meet each one of the characters, get to know and become attached to them, be betrayed by them more than once, and end on the perfect note. I loved every bit of this book from page 1 where Brax squirmed while looking at a video of the guys on the tv in the waiting room until the epilogue. 

    My favorite of the guys was Jericho, although his betrayal is the one that hurt Brax the deepest. Initially I wanted it to be Loren since he was the one who was gone on her first, but it didn't end up being that way. Something about the quiet ones. Houston was great and the broody bastard, but he just wasn't my favorite. In case you haven't realized, this was a very open door reverse harem/why choose. There is sword crossing. Which makes this one of my top reads for the year so far. 

    Now for the trigger warnings because this book is fun. Bullying, betrayal, cheating (technically), power play, primal play, kidnapping, abuse, referenced grooming, and a lot of very wonderful open door scenes that include MM action. If they aren't your cup of tea then this book won't be for you. 

    Now, for those of us that love trigger warnings you'll love this book. It combines all my favorite things: RH in a contemporary romance setting, enemies to lovers, and superstar romance. It is done in a great way that wraps up everything in the story and leaves you missing the characters, while happy for their resolution. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here. 

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:
• Reverse Harem/Why Choose romances
• Rockstar and celebrity romances
• MM relationships and sword crossing
• Found family dynamics
• Enemies-to-lovers tension
• Forced proximity and touring together
• Emotional angst and betrayals
• Morally messy relationships
• Very spicy, open-door romance
• Big personalities and addictive character dynamics

Book Review: Alpha Heat by Deva Long (Sons of Thunder MC Book 1)

Genre: Paranormal Romance • Shifter Romance 

Tropes: Fated Mates, Protective MMC, Kidnapping, Instant Attraction, Strong-Willed Heroine, Rescue Romance, Cliffhanger Ending, Series Starter

Spice Level: 🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: "Book" 1 / Must Continue to Find the Story

    Grace Dawson heads to the beach to do some advertising for a local surf shop that sponsors the business she runs with her best friend. Afterward, she decides to relax with a glass of wine and a float in the water. A little wine and some…self-care later, she accidentally falls asleep. She wakes up in a cage. Just when she's convinced she's doomed, two mysterious men arrive and rescue her. Now she has to give her statement to the police…from a handsome stranger's hotel room. And somehow, her life just became far more complicated.

    This was a freebie I picked up at some point and promptly buried beneath the other ten thousand books on my Kindle until now.

    For only seventy pages, this packs in quite a bit. We get a paranormal shifter romance featuring two strong-willed MCs, an intriguing kidnapping mystery, and plenty of chemistry and tension right from the start.

    The premise immediately hooked me. Waking up in a cage is certainly one way to get a story moving, and I was curious to see where things were headed. The interactions between the characters were fun, and there was enough danger and intrigue to keep me reading straight through. That said, this feels much more like an extended introduction than a complete story.

    The book essentially introduces the couple, establishes their origin story, and then ends right as things are getting interesting. Since it's only around seventy pages, I can't say much more without spoiling everything, but don't expect many answers by the final page.

    Unfortunately, I'm not usually a fan of stories broken into multiple short installments. I prefer getting a more complete story in each book, so while I enjoyed my time with this one, I don't know that I'll actively seek out the rest of the series. Still, the foundation is there. The premise is strong, the tension works, and the characters have enough chemistry that I can absolutely see why other readers would continue on.

    This book is available for free on Amazon by clicking here. 

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Paranormal shifter romances
• Why Choose/Reverse Harem setups
• Fated mates
• Protective, possessive MMCs
• Kidnapping and rescue scenarios
• Fast-paced novella romances
• High tension and instant chemistry
• Strong-willed heroines
• Stories that end on a cliffhanger
• Quick reads with intriguing premises

A short but entertaining paranormal romance that delivers danger, chemistry, and shifter intrigue—just be prepared for it to end right when the story really starts getting good.

Book Review: Curvy Girls Can’t Date Quarterbacks by Kelsie Stelting (The Curvy Girl Club Book 1)

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Plus-Size FMC, High School Romance, Fake Dating Vibes, Homecoming Bet, Popular Boy x Quiet Girl, Self-Discovery, PCOS Representation, Opposites Attract

Spice Level: No Spice

Format: eBook

Series: The Curvy Girl Club Book 1

    Rory has struggled with her weight since middle school, and by high school she’s mastered the art of blending into the background as much as possible. Between cruel classmates and a mother obsessed with diets and “fixing” her body, Rory has spent years feeling like she’s too much and never enough all at once.

    Then comes the diagnosis: PCOS. On the very same day she finally gets answers about her body, the school’s resident mean girl loudly declares that no guy would ever want a girl Rory’s size. Fed up and speaking out for the other curvy girls in class, Rory fires back—and somehow ends up trapped in a bet. She has to convince star quarterback Beckett to take her to Homecoming. If she fails, none of the plus-sized girls are allowed to attend. What could possibly go wrong?

    This is an incredibly cute YA romance with zero spice, and honestly, I was relieved about that. I love spice in romance books, but not when the characters are minors. Instead, this focuses on confidence, friendship, self-worth, and first love in a way that feels wholesome and emotionally genuine.

    I originally wanted to read this because the ads for it were everywhere on Facebook, and the line: “Why was I being forced to take a pregnancy test as a virgin?” absolutely hooked me immediately. When I finally got the chance to grab it during a Stuff Your Kindle event, it completely lived up to the hype.

    Rory’s anxiety throughout the story feels painfully real, especially once the bet becomes public knowledge. Watching her navigate the fallout, her growing feelings for Beckett, and the fear of humiliation made the emotional moments hit even harder. I’m never a huge fan of secrets in relationships, but in this case it added tension that worked really well for the story.

    One of my favorite aspects of the book was how supportive Rory and Beckett became of each other’s passions. Beckett's photography and Rory's painting weren’t treated like throwaway hobbies—they genuinely encouraged each other to pursue their dreams and believe in themselves. Their relationship felt sweet, healthy, and rooted in emotional support rather than just attraction. And honestly? Watching Rory slowly discover her own style, confidence, and voice may have been my favorite part of all.

    This was adorable, heartfelt, and such a solid YA romance with genuinely good representation and emotional growth.

---

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Plus-size YA romance
• PCOS representation in fiction
• High school romance with emotional depth
• Popular boy x quiet girl dynamics
• Confidence and self-worth journeys
• Homecoming and school drama
• Sweet romances with zero spice
• Supportive relationships and healthy communication
• Creative characters pursuing art and photography

A heartfelt, confidence-boosting YA romance that balances emotional vulnerability, sweet first love, and important representation beautifully.

    This book is available on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: A Pack for Autumn by Emilia Emerson (Cozyverse Book 1)

 Genre: Cozy Omegaverse Romance • Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Reverse Harem / Why Choose, Small Town Romance, Lighthouse Setting, Protective Alphas, Fresh Start, Plus-Size FMC, Found Family
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Format: Audiobook
Series: Cozyverse Book 1 

    After losing her parents five years ago, Autumn has slowly drifted away from everything connected to her old life. Desperate for a fresh start, she accepts a job as a lighthouse keeper in a small coastal town her family once visited together. For the first time in years, things finally seem peaceful. 

    Then she meets Easton. Persistent, protective, and very much an Alpha who doesn’t understand the meaning of “no,” Easton immediately disrupts Autumn’s carefully controlled life. With his pack helping restore the lighthouse, avoiding them quickly becomes impossible—and while her Omega instincts may want to lean into the connection, her painful past makes trusting anyone difficult.

    I listened to this on audiobook, and the duet narration absolutely made the experience for me. Dual POV romances are already fun, but duet narration is quickly becoming my favorite format because it makes the stories feel so much more immersive. The narrators did an amazing job, and honestly, I didn’t want the book to end.

    This is a cozy, open-door Omegaverse romance where polyamorous relationships are normalized, and I loved how naturally the world handled it. One of the most unique aspects for me was that the Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics exist without shifters. Most Omegaverse books I’ve read tie the hierarchy to wolf shifters or other paranormal creatures, so this felt refreshingly different.

    Autumn’s relationship with the pack develops in such a comforting way. I especially loved how patient and reassuring her men were when it came to her insecurities and fear of being “too much,” particularly as a plus-sized FMC with low self-esteem. Their support felt genuine without completely erasing her struggles overnight.

    But let’s be honest—the true star of this book was Felix the cat. That cat is absolutely not normal, and I refuse to believe otherwise. The epilogue from Felix’s perspective completely hooked me, and now I desperately need answers about whatever secrets that suspiciously intelligent feline is hiding.

    This was cozy, spicy, comforting, and exactly the kind of Omegaverse read I needed. I’ll absolutely be continuing the series.

---

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Cozy Omegaverse romance
• Lighthouse and small-town settings
• Protective Alpha love interests
• Why choose / reverse harem romance
• Plus-size FMC representation
• Found family vibes
• Duet narration audiobooks
• Cats that are definitely hiding secrets
• Open-door romance with emotional comfort

A warm, spicy Omegaverse romance with lighthouse charm, supportive relationships, and one unforgettable cat.

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Beautiful Venom by Rina Kent (Vipers Book 1)

 Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance • Sports Romance

Tropes: Secret Society, Hockey Romance, Revenge Plot, Morally Grey MMC, Touch Her and Die, Stalker-ish FMC, CNC, Dual POV

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: Vipers Book 1

    Dahlia has one goal: find out who put her sister into a coma. The only lead she has points toward The Vipers, an elite secret society tied to the university hockey team. And the only way inside is through someone already connected to them. So Dahlia picks her target. Kane. After extensive observation that was definitely not stalking, she’s convinced he’s her best way in. What she doesn’t expect is that the cold, controlled persona Kane shows the world is nothing more than a mask hiding something much darker underneath. And once he notices her? There’s no going back.

    This was my reading group’s Book of the Month, and I loved every second of it. It’s a dark hockey romance that blends secret society tension with obsessive attraction perfectly. While hockey is technically the backdrop, the sport itself never overwhelms the story. We get a few hockey scenes, but the focus stays where it belongs: the twisted, addictive relationship between Dahlia and Kane.

    The book is told in dual POV, which works so well here because getting inside Kane’s head makes him even more fascinating. Watching Dahlia slowly break through his defenses was one of my favorite parts of the story. And the spice? Absolutely delivers. 

    The CNC scenes were especially well done because the trust and consent were always clear. The safe word dynamic made it possible for both characters to fully unleash their darker impulses while still maintaining a sense of safety and control. It never felt reckless—just intense in the best way.

    I also loved the balance between suspense and romance. The mystery surrounding Dahlia’s sister kept the tension high throughout the book, and every reveal pushed the story forward without slowing down the relationship development.

    And that ending? Perfect. I’m already excited to continue the series because it definitely feels like we’ll be making our way through the rest of the hockey team. Although… if Marcus gets a redemption arc, the author has a lot of work ahead of them because that man does not deserve a HEA right now.

---

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Dark hockey romance
• Secret societies and elite campus drama
• Morally grey, possessive MMCs
• Revenge-driven FMCs
• CNC romance with clear consent dynamics
• Dual POV romance
• Protective “touch her and die” energy
• High-spice contemporary romance with suspense

A dark, addictive sports romance packed with obsession, secrets, and chemistry that practically crackles off the page.

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Skinny by Monica Ross (The Fatkini Chronicles Book 2)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Why Choose , Author x Narrator, Found Family, Toxic Ex/Sibling Drama, Personal Growth

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: The Fatkini Chronicles Book 2 (Must Be Read in Order)

---

    Zelda, Aithan, and Drew are finally settling into something that feels real. They know what they want—and none of them are willing to give it up.

    Unfortunately, life isn’t done testing them.

    Zelda’s toxic sister and her equally frustrating ex keep forcing their way back into her life, threatening everything she’s building. But this time? Zelda isn’t backing down. She’s done being pushed around and is more than ready to put both of them in their place.

    I started this immediately after finishing Book 1 because I needed answers—especially with everything going on with Aithan and that ending. This book delivers on all of it, with even more relationship development, higher emotional stakes, and definitely more spice. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

    The dynamic between Zelda, Aithan, and Drew continues to evolve in a way that feels natural, even as things get more complicated. There’s still the potential for the relationship to expand further, but with everything currently happening, I’m not convinced it’s the best move—at least not right now.

    One of my favorite parts of this book is Zelda’s growth. She isn’t just changing her situation—she’s changing how she sees herself. Watching her step into confidence, embrace her body, and stop hiding behind clothes that don’t fit was incredibly satisfying. Drew pushing her toward that? Exactly what she needed.

    The sister and ex drama was exactly what I expected—in the worst way. Zero boundaries, constant interference, and just overall chaos. I couldn’t stand either of them, but it made watching Zelda finally stand up for herself that much better.

    While this isn’t the end of their story, I was really happy with where this book stopped. I’m not desperate for the next installment, but I’ll absolutely pick it up when I’m ready for more.

---

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Why choose romance (or the possibility of it)
• High-spice contemporary romance
• Strong character growth arcs
• Confident, evolving FMCs
• Messy family and ex drama
• Workplace/author industry romance
• Relationship dynamics that grow over time

A spicy, character-driven sequel that builds on everything from Book 1 and delivers growth, drama, and heat.

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

Fatkini (Fatkini Chronicles Book 1)

Book Review: Fatkini by Monica Ross (The Fatkini Chronicles Book 1)

 Author: Monica Ross

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Plus Size Romance

Tropes: Body Positivity, Plus Size FMC, Toxic Ex, Healing Journey, MFM Romance, Why Choose Vibes, Self-Discovery, Workplace Romance

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: The Fatkini Chronicles

---

    Zelda is done being hidden away and torn down by her boyfriend of two years. The final straw? Him mocking the bikini she bought—calling it a “fatkini” and comparing her to a beached whale. According to him, someone her size shouldn’t wear things like that.

    Yeah… absolutely not.

    When Zelda finally walks away, it opens the door for something much better—especially when Aithan and Drew step in and make it their mission to show her just how gorgeous she really is.

    This plus size romance had been sitting on my TBR for a while, and it delivered exactly what I was hoping for. A toxic relationship gets left in the dust, and the FMC steps into something healthier, more supportive, and honestly? Way hotter.

    Her ex is the kind of character you love to hate—the slow-burn toxic type who chips away at confidence over time until you start believing the lies. That kind of emotional damage is hard to walk away from, and even harder not to go back to. Watching Zelda break free from that mindset and choose herself was incredibly satisfying.

    The journey of self-discovery is a huge highlight here. From how she handles the breakup to exploring her confidence, her body, and what she actually wants out of life and relationships—it all feels empowering without losing the emotional weight behind it.

    I also loved the dynamics between Zelda, her author friend, and her ex’s boss. The relationships build in a way that feels natural while still bringing plenty of tension and chemistry. This is definitely an open-door, spicy contemporary romance, with MFM dynamics that hint at possibly expanding further as the series continues.

    One detail I didn’t expect to love as much as I did was the lifestyle and food aspect. Zelda’s commitment to her health and diet added another layer to her character, and it even inspired me to look into some of the recipes mentioned for my own health issues that I am also supposed to be on an AIP diet for. 

    Overall, this is an empowering, spicy plus size romance that balances emotional growth with steamy relationships and leaves you wanting more. And that ending? Total cliffhanger. I immediately needed book two.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Plus size, body positivity romance
• Escaping toxic relationships and healing journeys
• Spicy MFM / why choose romance dynamics
• Strong character growth and self-love arcs
• Supportive, confidence-boosting love interests
• Books that end on cliffhangers and make you binge the series

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

The Skinny (The Fatkini Chronicles Book 2)

Book Review: Away Game by Cathryn Fox (Scotia Storms Hockey Book 1)

Author: Cathryn Fox 

Genre: College Hockey Romance / Contemporary Romance

Tropes: One Bed, Snowed-In, Forced Proximity, Hidden Identity, Hockey Romance, College Romance

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: Scotia Storms Hockey Book 1

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    Sawyer has always hated hockey—which is ironic considering her father is a university hockey coach. Growing up under his rules meant hockey players were completely off-limits, and even now as a college student, she’s still holding onto her virginity. Determined to take control of her life, she books a trip to Florida over break with one goal in mind.

    Instead, she gets snowed in and stuck sharing a room—and one bed—with Chase, a sexy out-of-towner.

    This college hockey romance leans heavily into fan-favorite tropes like forced proximity, the one bed trope, and hidden identity romance. What makes it even more compelling is that both characters are keeping secrets. Chase is a hockey star and the stepson of a famous player, while Sawyer is the daughter of a well-known coach and former pro. Neither realizes who the other is at first, and by the time the truth comes out, feelings are already deeply involved.

    I really enjoyed how both characters tried to maintain their independence despite their ties to the hockey world. That push and pull added emotional depth beyond just the romance. The chemistry builds naturally, and since this is an open-door romance, there’s a satisfying level of spice woven into the story.

    The side characters were also a standout. I found myself just as invested in them as I was in the main couple. While it seems like they won’t be getting their own book (since they’re already married in this story), I would absolutely read a prequel or companion novel if one were released.

    Overall, this snowed-in hockey romance wraps up well, delivering a satisfying ending that ties everything together. If you’re looking for a spicy college sports romance with strong tropes and hidden identities, this is definitely worth picking up. I’d gladly continue with the series.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Spicy college hockey romance
• One bed & snowed-in forced proximity
• Hidden identity love stories
• Coach’s daughter / hockey player dynamics
• Open-door contemporary romance

This book is available on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Big-Not-So-Small Curvy Girl Dating Agency by Ava Catori (Plush Daisies Book 1)

💘 Curvy Girl Romance with Messy Feelings & Found Confidence

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Curvy FMC, Body Positivity, Entrepreneur FMC, Forbidden Attraction, Love Triangle (Sort Of), Small Business Dreams
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ (Open door)
Format: eBook
Series: Plush Daisies Book 1

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    Becky is done waiting for the world to make space for her—so she decides to build her own. Determined to create a dating agency where curvy women can find love and be celebrated, she sets out on her own after being denied a bank loan.

    Then she meets Reed.

    He’s charming, attentive… and very much engaged.

    While his fiancée tears Becky down, Reed looks at her like she’s everything. When he begins helping with photos for her business, the chemistry between them is undeniable—but so is the complication. What starts as looks and tension quickly turns into emotional intimacy, texting, and even a kiss… all before his relationship is fully over.

    I’ll be honest—this aspect made the book harder for me to fully love. Cheating (or even emotional cheating) is one of my biggest deal-breakers in romance. While it’s clear Reed’s relationship isn’t healthy, I personally prefer a clean break before a new romance begins. If that’s a trigger for you, it’s worth going in prepared.

    That said, there’s still a lot to enjoy here. Becky’s journey as a curvy woman building a business centered on confidence and love was genuinely empowering. The side characters add a lot of charm—especially the chaotic best friend (who is very clearly being set up for her own story) and the surprisingly entertaining cat.

    Despite the messy relationship dynamics, the story has heart, humor, and a strong message about self-worth. I’ll likely continue the series, especially for the best friend’s book—because that setup? Already has me invested.

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You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Curvy heroine romance and body positivity
• Female entrepreneurs chasing big dreams
• Messy, complicated emotional relationships
• Forbidden attraction / “he’s taken” tension
• Sassy best friends who deserve their own book
• Light, character-driven contemporary romance

A cute but complicated romance—great if you don’t mind a little emotional mess along the way.

This book is available for FREE on Amazon by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Vixen and the Vet by Katy Regnery

Genre: Contemporary Romance • Military Romance • Fairy Tale Retelling

Tropes: Beauty and the Beast Retelling • Wounded Hero • Small Town • Grumpy/Sunshine • Journalist x Veteran • Forced Proximity • Emotional Healing

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Open door, explicit scenes)

Format: Contemporary Standalone Romance

Series: Standalone

     

    Savannah returns to her hometown after falling for an unreliable informant. Fired from her reporting job and left wondering what to do to get her life back on track. When an old friend from school calls her about the possibility of getting on at a gossip rag in Arizona. But, she has to write a fluff piece about something heartwarming to present her skills and she has until the 4^th of July. The seemingly perfect story falls in her lap when she learns of the wounded war hero that has reclused himself away in his family home and is largely shunned by the town. But, an account of his story quickly changes into something more.   

    This book is listed as a modern Beauty and the Beast retelling, which is my favorite fairy tale and always will be. This is a wounded by an explosion vet with a lot of PTSD and a beautiful journalist. There is a bit of lying by omission, attempted rape, and a bit of abuse in this book, so if you have triggers this is your warning.

    I really enjoyed this book and the very explicit scenes within. He does change for her, but not because it was something she needed. It was because it was what he wanted after getting re-introduced to life outside of his home, even in a small way. This couple wraps up perfectly at the end of this book and I would absolutely read more by this author in the future.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here.

⭐ You’ll love this book if you enjoy:

• Beauty and the Beast retellings
• Wounded, reclusive heroes
• Journalist heroines
• Small-town redemption romance
• High-spice contemporary romance
• Emotional healing arcs

Book Review: Sparked by Lili Valente (The Virgin Playbook Book 4)

 Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Best Friends to Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Virgin Pact, Mutual Pining, Reunion Romance, Open Door

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: The Virgin Playbook Book 4)

                Jesse has had a crush on her best friend Sam for years, but when he leaves the day after graduation she never expected him to actually hold up his side of the bargain they made as teenagers. If they are both still virgins at 24 they will take the others. When he shows up for the first time at her 24^th birthday party she barely recognizes him. But when she does? The sparks are still there. But is he still the same man she cared so much about or has he changed irrevocably? Hell…is she even his type?

                I downloaded this book after having read the prequal. I haven’t read anything else within this series, so I may be missing quite a bit and just not know it. But, since I don’t I don’t feel like I was walking in blind to this story. It works well as a stand-alone and I didn’t really see any background characters in relationships or anything that would spoil reading more in the series.

                I have mentioned it before, but for those that are new here I really like the best friends to loves trope. Although I feel like this book also covers the second chance romance aspect considering he did disappear for years without a word only to pop back up again. So I am going to consider it second chance as well.

                I don’t love that he lied by omission for so long into the story, but I am glad that it worked out in the end. This is an open door romance, just in case you have any problems with that. That being said, there is much more plot to the book than spice. I loved all of it and will definitely be reading more in the future by this author.

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $5.99 by clickinghere.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Best friends to lovers romance
• Virgin pact / “if we’re single at 24” setups
• Reunion stories with lingering chemistry
• Second chance love
• Emotional payoff with open-door heat
• Standalones within connected series

A heartfelt, slightly angsty friends-to-lovers romance with sparks that never really died.

Books by this Author: 

Snowed in with the Boss (Master Me Book 2)

10,000 Things I hate about You (The Virgin PlayBook Prequal)

The Best Friends (to Lovers) Bargain (The Virgin Playbook Prequal)

Book Review: The Best Friends (to Lovers ) Bargain by Lili Valente (The Virgin Playbook Prequal)

 Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Best Friends to Lovers, Mutual Pining, Slow Burn, Confession Scene, Small-Town Vibes

Spice Level: None

Format: eBook (Short Novella – 54 pages)

Series: Prequel Novella to Sparked by Lili Valente

                Sam and I have been best friends forever…but recently things are a little different. Every touch. Every comment. There is something more there. And I don’t think it’s one sided. So I have arranged for a picnic and I am going to tell him how I feel. Tell him I want to be more. What’s the worst that can happen?

                This is a free book that I got at one point in time or another. I have a lot of Lili Valente books in my account, but haven’t read a ton of them. I have enjoyed the ones I have read, though. This book is more of a long prologue for Sparked. It is 54 pages and most of the book is what happens in that above paragraph. I really say much more than that about the story without giving everything away.

                I will say that I enjoyed that little snippet enough that I immediately downloaded Sparked and read it. Jesse was a bit awkward, but it was adorable. Meanwhile Sam is the reason girls end up crushing on their friends sometimes in the first place.

                This book is available on Amazon for FREE by clicking here.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Best friends to lovers romance
• Short, bingeable reads
• Confession scenes that hit
• Mutual pining payoff
• Sweet with a touch of heat
• Prequel novellas that lead straight into book one

A quick, adorable read that perfectly sets up the full story.

Books by this Author: 

Snowed in with the Boss (Master Me Book 2)

10,000 Things I hate about You (The Virgin PlayBook Prequal)

Sparked (The Virgin Playbook Book 4)

Book Review: X by Mandy Lee (X, Y, Z Trilogy Book 1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Grey/Dark Elements)
Tropes: Boss/Employee Romance, Secret Identity, Masked Stranger, Workplace Tension, Emotional Healing, Open Door
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶
Format: eBook

Series: X, Y, Z Trilogy Book 1 (Works as a Standalone; Timeline Goes Backward) 

 

               Ella’s life is spiraling into chaos with the purchase of the publishing agency she works for. Determined to release a bit of the tension she accepts the proposal of a man that goes by X at a club. With her blind-folded and him not speaking she gives over control to regain a bit of herself. Meanwhile, her boss Max Delaney demands she stay with the firm and will not take no for an answer. No matter that Ella doesn’t agree with any of the companies practices.

                I am torn on this book. This is a series where are the background characters already have their HEA and moving forward is going back in time. I won’t be reading further in the series for just that reason. That being said, if you want to read this book as a stand-alone it works well in that way.

                It is an open door contemporary romance with dark romance aspects, although it is more grey than actual black. It is also a boss/employee romance book and the FMC is a romance publisher. Loved the little snippets of her reading romance books while dealing with everything else in the story.

Full disclaimer, this book makes it out that the FMC is well on her way to becoming an alcoholic for the first part of the book. She slowly gets her life together, but if that is something you can’t handle reading there is your warning.

The MMC hides his identity for the first little bit, but it was obvious from the beginning who it was. I really enjoyed this book, but again, I fully intend to read it as a stand-alone and not touch the rest of the series. That being said, I would absolutely read more by this author in the future, just in a different series.

This book is available on Amazon for FREE by clicking here.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Masked stranger / secret identity romances
• Boss/employee tension
• Power exchange dynamics
• Grey-toned contemporary romance
• Publishing industry settings
• Open-door spice with emotional depth

A solid, spicy read with layered tension—best enjoyed as a standalone if you’re not into reverse-timeline series structures.

Book Review: Hex, Love, and Rock & Roll by Kat Turner (Coven Daughters Book 1)

 Genre: Paranormal Romance / Contemporary Fantasy

Tropes: Celebrity Romance, Age Gap, Accidental Curse, Witchy Magic, Grumpy/Skeptic Hero, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn Tension

Spice Level: 🌶🌶

Format: Physical Copy

Series: Coven Daughters Book 1

                Helen is desperate. Her yoga studio is failing after a disastrous investment. Her best friend can barely look at her. So when she’s offered the chance at a money spell, she takes it. The witch gives her a choice: Left or right. Choose wrong, and there will be consequences. Helen chooses. She’s gifted enchanted crystals and strict instructions: bless one with good intentions and gift it properly. Skip a step, and a curse follows. And somehow? She accidentally hexes her celebrity crush. Brian. The Brian. The only problem? He doesn’t believe in magic. Now they’re stuck together trying to break a curse he isn’t even convinced exists.

                This is a paranormal age-gap celebrity romance with strong magical elements and plenty of spice. It takes a minute to really get going—but in the best way. The tension builds steadily. There’s delicious back-and-forth, stubbornness, denial, and just enough chaos to keep you turning pages. I genuinely wondered how the author would wrap everything up as the ending approached. They absolutely did. The couple’s arc feels complete, satisfying, and earned—while still leaving plenty of magical threads open for future books in the series.

                I loved the characters and the world building in the story and will absolutely read on at some point. The author does an amazing job of describing everything the characters are going through and I especially loved the astral-projection scenes.

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This If You Enjoy:

• Witchy vibes with real consequences
• Celebrity romances with tension
• Age-gap dynamics
• Slow burn that turns spicy
• Magic that feels vivid and dangerous
• Emotional payoff with a satisfying ending

I really enjoyed this one and will absolutely continue the series when I’m in the mood for more magic.

Book Review: Pumpkin Spice Café by Lauren Gilmore (Dream Harbor Book 1)

 Genre: Contemporary Small-Town Romance

Tropes: Big City to Small Town, Grumpy Farmer, Gifted Café, Found Community, Meet-Cute Chaos

Spice Level: 🌶🌶

Series: Dream Harbor Book 1

                Jeanie’s life changes overnight when her aunt retires and gifts her the town’s beloved café. Trading her predictable desk job for frothy lattes and small-town charm, Jeanie is ready for a fresh start. What she’s not ready for? Nearly taking off local farmer Logan’s head with a baseball bat when she hears a suspicious noise outside—only to discover he’s just delivering her produce. Small-town romance at its finest.

                This is pure TikTok-made-me-read-it energy—and honestly? No regrets. It’s cozy. It’s charming. It’s giving full Hallmark movie magic. We get a welcoming (and slightly nosy) small town, a town meeting where Jeanie suggests the café might be haunted, and plenty of soft, sweet chemistry. The ghost paranoia storyline adds just enough quirk to keep things fun without tipping into anything heavy.

                This is open-door, but the spice stays in the background. You get a couple of satisfying scenes, but the emotional connection, town dynamics, and cozy atmosphere are clearly the focus. The romance feels natural, steady, and warm—perfect for a fall read with a blanket and a cup of tea.

    Everything wraps up nicely, making this a satisfying standalone. There are background characters I’d happily read more about, but nothing feels unfinished if you stop here.

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for Amazon for $11.99 by clicking here.

You'll Love this if you Love:

• Big-city girl fresh starts
• Sweet, steady farmers
• Cozy café settings
• Low angst
• Fall comfort reads

This one is a delightful, low-drama escape. 🍂