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: 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: Tall Boy Sun by Neal Holtschulte

Genre: Science Fiction • Space Opera • Character-Driven Sci-Fi

Tropes: Redemption Arc, Middle-Aged Hero, Space Pirates, Found Family, Family Drama, Hidden Conspiracy, Off-World Adventure, Reluctant Hero, Second Chances

Spice Level: None

Format: Audiobook & Physical Book

Series: Works as a Standalone with Series Potential

    Sol has spent most of his life trying not to become his father. He may have a questionable employment history, a tendency to drink too much, and a habit of making spectacularly bad decisions, but at least he never abandoned his children. Even after his divorce, he was a parent constantly trying to spend more time with them—not less. Then he gets fired from yet another job after pulling a reckless stunt that could have cost a coworker their life.

    While tinkering with the piles of scrap cluttering his living room, Sol discovers an old holodisk containing footage from one of the leaders of the rebellion that ended twenty years ago. Unsure if it's authentic, he turns to a childhood friend who now works for the government. His friend insists it's fake. But, the events that follows leaves a lot more questions. 

    I received a complimentary copy of this book in both audiobook and physical formats from the author.

    I really enjoyed the audiobook version of this story. The narrator did an excellent job conveying emotions, and I never struggled to tell who was speaking. But the real strength of this book is its characters. Sol is not instantly lovable. In fact, he's kind of a mess. He's a middle-aged man full of unrealized dreams who firmly believes he would have been a legendary pilot during the war…if he hadn't been ten years old when it ended. He drinks too much, makes poor decisions, and has damaged relationships with nearly everyone around him.

    At the beginning, I didn't necessarily feel sorry for him. He created many of his own problems. But watching his growth throughout the story was incredibly rewarding. As the story progresses, we see him confront the effects of his father's abandonment, deal with the consequences of alcoholism, and slowly begin taking responsibility for his choices. His redemption arc felt genuine because it wasn't easy or immediate. He stumbles, backslides, and struggles, which made his growth feel earned by the end.

    This is a fast-paced space opera with plenty of moving parts, including conspiracies, gunfights, family drama, and an intriguing mystery surrounding the holodisk. Despite everything happening, the story never felt overwhelming and kept me invested from beginning to end.

    Trigger Warnings: Parental abandonment, alcoholism, withdrawal symptoms (DTs), abuse, kidnapping, and gun violence.

    The ending doesn't leave off on a major cliffhanger, but it does leave one particular storyline—especially concerning Sol's sister—just open enough that another book could easily happen. And honestly? I would happily return to this universe.

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

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Character-driven space operas
• Redemption arcs and flawed protagonists
• Middle-aged main characters
• Space pirates and off-world adventures
• Family drama and second chances
• Government conspiracies and hidden secrets
• Sci-fi with emotional depth
• Fast-paced adventures with strong character growth
• Stories about broken people learning to do better
• Audiobooks with excellent narration

    A fun, emotional space adventure that blends conspiracies, family relationships, and a wonderfully messy protagonist into a satisfying sci-fi read with plenty of heart and room for future adventures.

Books by this author: 

Crew of Exiles 

Book Review: My Funny Demon Valentine by Aurora Ascher (Hell Bend Book 1)

 Genre: Paranormal Romance • Dark Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Demon Prince, Cursed MMC, Touch Her and Die, Escaped From Hell, Fated Mates Vibes, Brothers in Exile, Protective Hero, Jazz Musician FMC, Forced Proximity

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: Hell Bent Book 1

    Asmodeus is a Prince of Hell, and feelings are supposed to be beneath him. Love, joy, music—those are human weaknesses. After centuries cursed to exist in a dull, colorless world where no one can truly see him, Ash has accepted that emptiness is simply his reality.

    Now living in London alongside his equally dangerous brothers after escaping Hell, Ash spends his nights hiding in jazz clubs, clinging to one of the few things that still makes him feel something. Then he meets Evangeline. Talented, beautiful, and somehow completely unaffected by his curse, Eva sees the real him immediately—and the curse begins to crack. Unfortunately, Hell wants its princes back. And by getting close to Eva, Ash may have just painted a target on her back.

    This was my book club’s pick of the month and I ended up enjoying it way more than I expected. I’m always weak for demon romances, and this one absolutely delivered on the vibes. Broody immortal demon prince obsessed with a talented woman who sees past his curse? Immediate yes.

    The chemistry between Ash and Eva is intense from the start, and the book wastes absolutely no time bringing the spice. Their relationship is packed with tension, emotional vulnerability, and plenty of explicit scenes while they try to stay one step ahead of the forces hunting Ash and his brothers.

    I also loved the curse aspect of the story. Watching Ash slowly rediscover joy, color, and emotion through Eva was honestly my favorite part of the book. Underneath all the spice and action there’s a surprisingly emotional core about loneliness, identity, and finally being seen for who you truly are.

    The humor throughout the book caught me off guard too. Between the brothers’ banter, Ash trying to navigate emotions after centuries of emptiness, and the supernatural chaos unfolding around them, there were quite a few moments that genuinely made me laugh. Some twists were pretty easy to predict early on, especially surrounding Eva, but honestly it didn’t take away from the enjoyment for me. The fun was in watching everything unfold and seeing how the characters handled it.

    The romance wraps up nicely by the end, but the larger conflict is clearly just beginning, and I’m very interested to see where the rest of the brothers’ stories go from here. I’ll absolutely be continuing this series.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Demon romances with morally gray MMCs
• Super spicy paranormal romance
• Protective heroes obsessed with the FMC
• Jazz club aesthetics and moody London settings
• Escaped-from-Hell storylines
• Cursed immortals learning to feel again
• Brothers who banter while causing chaos
• Fast-paced fantasy romance with humor and action
• Romance mixed with supernatural politics and danger

A sexy, emotional demon romance packed with curses, chaos, jazz clubs, and a surprisingly heartfelt story about learning how to feel alive again.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $8.99 by clicking here. 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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: Quicksilver by Callie Hart (Fae & Alchemy Book 1)

 Author: Callie Hart

Genre: Fantasy Romance / Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Hidden Powers, Portal Fantasy, Enemies-to-Lovers, Alphahole MMC, Possessive Hero, Fish Out of Water, Royalty / Court Politics

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: Fae & Alchemy Book 1

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    Saeris is good at keeping secrets. In a world where magic is punishable by death, the small abilities she has with metal could cost her everything if discovered. With her mother gone, she’s all her brother has left—and she refuses to risk leaving him alone.

    But one mistake changes everything.

    After stealing a guard’s bracer, Saeris finds herself facing execution at the hands of the Queen. Just when her fate seems sealed, the floor beneath her turns to liquid and a mysterious man steps through, saving her…only to drag her into an entirely different world. Now she’s trapped with no way home, and her so-called savior? Completely insufferable.

    This fantasy romance wastes no time pulling you in. Between the high-stakes magic system, portal fantasy elements, and intense character dynamics, it delivers a fast-paced and addictive story. And yes—this is a spicy fantasy romance that absolutely leans into its steam. I fell in love the moment he said "I’m about to introduce you to all seven gods. When you meet them, don’t forget to tell them I’m the one you worship on your knees.”

    Kingfisher is peak alphahole energy. Broody, arrogant, and frustrating in all the best ways—but once he falls, he falls hard. The shift from cold and distant to possessive and all-in happens quickly, and it’s incredibly satisfying to watch unfold. Saeris holds her own well, even when she’s completely out of her depth in a new world.

    The chemistry between them is strong from the start, and the tension builds alongside the plot. There’s also a great mix of action, magic, and world-building that keeps things moving beyond just the romance.

    One of the standout elements for me was the overall vibe—this is the kind of book that gives you that swoony, over-the-top alpha energy while still keeping you hooked on the story. And I have to mention the adorable fox, because it absolutely deserves the love.

    Overall, this is a gripping, spicy fantasy romance with a strong heroine, an irresistible (and infuriating) MMC, and a world that leaves you wanting more. I’ll definitely be continuing the series—I need to know what happens next.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Spicy fantasy romance with strong alpha MMCs
• Enemies-to-lovers with lots of tension
• Portal fantasy / transported to another world
• Possessive, broody “alphahole” heroes
• Magic, court politics, and high-stakes adventure
• Memorable side characters (and adorable animal companions!)

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $9.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Of Blackened Blood by Isla Davon (Of Blackened Bonds Book 3)

 Author:

Genre: Dark Romance / Paranormal Romance / Why Choose (Reverse Harem)

Tropes: Why Choose, Reverse Harem, Found Family, Dark Past, Protective MMCs, Slow-Burn Bonds, Touch Her and Die, Hidden Powers

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: Yes (Ongoing Series)

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    Micai is finally starting to understand her bond with one of her men, and she couldn’t be happier. But the looming threat of The Facility—and the consequences of her sister’s actions—still hang over everything. While the group is becoming stronger and more united, it’s clear they may need outside help… even if the guys aren’t thrilled about it.

    I downloaded this book on release day and finished it within a few days—it’s that addictive. While many readers may have already suspected who the fifth member of the group would be, chapter one confirms it right away. I had my guess, and I loved being right.

    This installment leans deeper into character development while still delivering the action and spice the series is known for. Annex shows a much more emotional side this time around—don’t worry, he’s still completely unhinged, just not when it comes to Micai. Ezra and Mal remain steady, though we do see some natural relationship progression there, along with plenty of added spice.

    Creed finally reaches a turning point, and that was incredibly satisfying to read. We’re also reintroduced to Gadriel, and the blacksmith becomes a much more significant part of the story. I’ll admit, I didn’t like his character going into this book, but his backstory completely changed my perspective.

    We also get more insight into Knox. While he’s far from redeemed, my feelings toward him have definitely shifted from pure anger to something more complicated. And Seria? She’s starting to show her true colors, and I’m very curious to see where that leads.

    This book balances emotional development, dark romance tension, and high-stakes plot progression really well. And that ending—wow. The cliffhanger hits hard and definitely leaves you wanting more.

    I’m already counting down to book four (even though I don't have a release day). I need more answers, more action, and of course, more spice.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Dark why choose / reverse harem romance
• Morally gray, protective love interests
• Found family with strong emotional bonds
• High-stakes paranormal or supernatural plots
• Spicy romance with ongoing character development
• Books that end on intense cliffhangers

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $5.49 by clicking here. 

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: Drone Ensign by Kyle Johnson (Drone Rising Book 1)

 Genre: Science Fiction / LitRPG / Space Opera

Tropes: Dystopian System Control, Leveling Up, False Memories, AI Companion, From Nothing to Captain, Willpower Awakening, Cliffhanger Ending

Spice Level:  None – Action-Focused

Format: Audiobook

Series: Book 1 

                Drone Benning Kidd serves very little purpose. She walks the tunnels, cleans mold, and walks on with her little ai assistant. She doesn’t think of anything or remember long term things. In fact, if she tries the system rewards her with a sharp dot of pain to curb her desire to further the pain by thinking. When she is offered 3 game credits to go on a second job for the day she doesn’t hesitate. 2 credits is rare, but 3 for 1 job is basically unheard of. When she arrives she is to be put into a chamber to be chosen for a Citizen to be respawned into. But, the system deems her willpower too high for a drone, moving her up to a Citizen herself. Now, with false memories in place Benning Kidd decides to take on her new life as a warrior and starship captain.

                I got this book with my audible credit of the month. I have been on a bit of a LitRPG kick recently and it seemed like a good idea. I haven’t read a lot of space opera’s but this one is decent. We have a character that was the lowest of the low, little more than a meat suit waiting for a Citizens respawning needs. She gains consciousness and her own Citizenship, but temporarily looses her memories in the process. With the system urging her to “move ever forward” and a new set of false memories to go with her desired plan for the future she is ready to become a starship captain and warrior.

                This is a very action packed book although the audiobook left much to be desired. If I hear km and m physically said instead of meters and kilometers one more time I may just go insane. I almost stopped reading the book entirely because of it and my husband asked me if this was an ai generated read since surely no human narrator could be simple enough to literally say the letters instead of the metric reading system. Except according to google it’s a decently popular narrator. Now, I get to start looking for that narrator’s name to avoid.

                The story ends on a cliff-hanger and I might get the eBook to read on, but no way am I going near the audiobook again. Ignoring the audiobook I enjoyed the story. I won’t hold the narrator’s poor performance against the author. It really isn’t their fault. I really enjoyed the non-stop action in this book as well as how Ensign Benning Kidd was able to manipulate both the system and those around her. It made for an enjoyable read that kept you wondering what she would do next. Also, the amount of petty revenge in this book is just wonderful.

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $6.99 by clicking here. (eBook- not audio)

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• LitRPG progression fantasy in space
• AI-controlled dystopian systems
• Strong female leads rising through ranks
• Starship captain arcs
• Non-stop action
• Strategic manipulation of rigid systems
• Cliffhangers that demand the sequel

A high-action sci-fi with a clever, evolving heroine—just maybe grab the eBook instead of the audiobook.

Book Review: I Got Abducted by Aliens and now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberling Lemming (Cosmic Chaos Book 1)

Genre: Sci-Fi Romance / Alien Romantasy / Erotic Comedy
Tropes: Alien Abduction, Reverse Harem (Why Choose), Wizard of Oz Retelling, Fated Bonds, Talking Animals, Found Family, Cliffhanger Ending, Dubious Consent
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Format: Audiobook
Series: Cosmic Chaos Book 1 (Ends on a Cliffhanger; Main Arc Satisfied)

                Dorothy was filming the meerkats fierce battle when a lion ambushed her and ripped out her throat. As she lay dying a beam of light exploded around her and she watched in shock as she and the lion flew into the air. On a spaceship tiny owl creatures covered her in some kind of goop that ended up working as a translator. Once she and her new lion friend escaped she wanted nothing more than to get back to her wildlife. But, she and Toto aren’t in Kansas anymore…well the Savannah...

                I got this audiobook with my monthly audible credit and when I tell you I loved every single second of this book I mean it. The narration is amazing. The characters humor is amazing. I officially need to read everything by this author and need the rest of this series to happen immediately. Full disclosure this is SMUT. Like a lot of smut. Explicit scenes, outdoors, and tail play. Not the lion. Aliens. Which is much better. I will say that the consent was...dubious. Intern and his damnable darts....you'll see what I mean. 

                I loved all of the Wizard of Oz references in the book and kind of hate Intern. He is a deceitful little owlish that really needs plucked. I wonder how much better things would have gone for them had they just killed him from the beginning. This book ends on a cliff-hanger, but Dorothy, Lok, and Sol’s story seems to be finished. I hope they stay on as background characters.

                Also, did I mention there are dinosaurs? Like constantly. Loved that more than I can say. And a pink T Rex? Also wonderful. Although, I am not sure how much of it the owlish just pulled out of their feathers like the “human enrichment items”. You will be laughing all the time with this read and enjoying all the spice. Absolutely amazing read and can’t wait for more from this author.

                This book is available on Amazon for $6.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Alien reverse harem romance
• Campy, chaotic humor
• Wizard of Oz–inspired retellings
• Explicit, creative spice
• Talking animal companions
• Dinosaurs in space
• Audiobooks with stellar narration

This was wildly entertaining from start to finish. I need the rest of this series immediately—and I’ll absolutely be reading everything this author writes.

Book Review: Fear Farm No Trespassers by S. J. Krandall

 Genre: Psychological Horror / Thriller

Tropes: Small Town Secrets, Unreliable Narrator, Disappearances, Serial Killer Threads, Short-Story Structure, High Tension

Spice Level: None

Format: Physical Copy (Signed Edition)

Series: Standalone

                Over the course of a year several people had gone missing from a section of deep country-side never to be heard from again. Rumors abound, but no one knows for sure what happened. A young woman obsessed with their fates begins to live them. Are they real or a figment of her imagination?

                I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. That book was signed and even had a cute little photo of the actual farmhouse the author based the stories around.

 I like this book if you think of it like a series of short stories around one area. If you try to connect each chapter into one overall story that is where it gets confusing. I read it and reread parts and I still don’t know how they are connected. Outside of the murder bit.

That isn’t to say the book is bad, far from it. We have a high tension read where you never know if anyone is going to survive. Just because a story is from that person’s perspective doesn’t mean they will make it. I loved that part, because we usually know someone will live till the end.

The book is well written as a series of short stories. Each chapter has a new instance set in the same general area with the same murderer. That person may or may not be alive, but the risk is still the same. The stories had a very Twilight Zone feel to them and I would absolutely read more by this author in the future.

This book is available on Amazon for $8.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Psychological horror with an ambiguous edge
• Anthology-style storytelling
• Small town or rural thriller settings
• Stories where anyone can die
• Twilight Zone–inspired tension
• Atmospheric horror over gore

This is a strong, well-written collection that thrives on mood and unpredictability. I would absolutely read more from this author in the future.

Book Review: He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Alta Hensley (Naughty or Nice Book 1)

 Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Stalker Romance (Light), Cinnamon Roll Hero, Touch Her and Die, Hidden Kinks, Online Persona, Firefighter MMC, Morally Gray (Soft), Dual Identity, Protective Hero

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶 – Moderate to high spice

Format: eBook

Series: Naughty or Nice Book 1

 

   Chloe is a popular jewelry influencer with a morality clause in her contract—and a secret appetite for darker desires. Jack is the firefighter who was there the night her parents died and has quietly checked in on her ever since. When a “chance” encounter finally brings them together, it feels like fate. Jack has always wanted her.

    The problem? His sweet, dependable, golden-boy energy feels a little too vanilla for Chloe.

    But when their darker sides begin to surface, sparks fly in ways neither of them expected. The question becomes: can they balance the light and the dark—and what else might come crashing down around them?

    This was my book group’s Book of the Month, and I absolutely loved it.

⚠️ Content Warnings:

• Death of parents
• Stalking
• Attempted sexual assault

    The stalking element is introduced early, but this is not your typical dark stalker romance. Jack may technically fall into morally gray territory, but he’s honestly a total cinnamon roll. When people think “stalker romance,” they usually expect something much darker. This isn’t that. However, there is a very strong touch her and die energy throughout, which I adored.

    Chloe and Jack click immediately, but she hesitates because the version of himself he first shows her doesn’t align with the spice level she craves. Once he discovers her online persona and the anonymous dynamic begins? That’s where things really get interesting. The online interactions added tension and a hint of “borderline cheating” energy—even though they aren’t exclusive and it’s technically with each other. Not a spoiler—this is established early and known to the reader.

    The romance wraps up satisfyingly by the end of this book, but it definitely feels like Chloe’s friend is being set up for book two. I’ll likely continue the series to find out.

📚 Availability:

Available on Kindle Unlimited, or purchase on Amazon for $9.99 by clicking here. 

⭐ You’ll love this book if you enjoy:

• Cinnamon roll heroes with possessive streaks
• Light stalker romance
• Influencer FMCs with secret kinks
• Touch-her-and-die protective MMCs
• Moderate-to-high spice contemporary romance
• Dual identity / online persona tension

The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole (Immortals After Dark Book 1)

 

  Author: Kresley Cole

Series: Immortals After Dark Book 1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Valkyrie x Vampire, Warlord Hero, Fated Mates, Captive Romance, Dubious Consent, Touch Her and Die, Immortal Warriors

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 – High spice, explicit scenes

Format: eBook

     Myst is known as the Coveted—a Valkyrie who can bend any man to her will. She has blooded more than one vampire in her time, but something about Nikolai is different. She knew of his brutal reputation as a human warlord, and when she encounters him again as a vampire, the chemistry is undeniable.

    And then there are those fingers.

    When Nikolai plans to torture her, Myst flips the script and tortures him instead—binding him in a five-year torment that leaves the powerful warlord desperate. Now he will stop at nothing to claim his Bride and end the punishment she so deliciously inflicted.

    Immortals After Dark is the series that got me into romance. It was the very first romance series I ever read back in high school, and I have such strong nostalgia tied to it. Apparently, even at 15, I was into intense, borderline dark paranormal smut. No regrets. The only mistake? Reading them out of order. I fully plan to go back and reread the entire series properly this time.

    I’m happy to report I loved this book just as much on reread. If you’re familiar with Christine Feehan, the vibe is comparable—alpha immortals, intense chemistry, high-stakes paranormal conflict—but this series will always be my personal favorite.

    Myst battles Nikolai hard, but goes soft for him just as easily. The consent is dubious, but it is consent, none-the-less. I loved how petty Myst was by making it where he was on the brink of orgasm without being able to get off without her for 5 years. That is pure malice. Just for him saying he was going to torture her before she blooded him. Absolute perfection of pettiness and I loved her from that moment on.

    This is peak enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance with powerful immortal leads who give as good as they get.

📚 Availability:

Available on Kindle Unlimited, or purchase on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here. 

(Though honestly, I recommend grabbing physical copies of the whole series for inevitable rereads.)

⭐ You’ll love this book if you enjoy:

• Alpha vampire warlords
• Strong, ruthless Valkyrie heroines
• Enemies-to-lovers with revenge elements
• High-spice paranormal romance
• Fated mates with obsessive devotion
• Immortal warrior series with interconnected couples

Book Review: Sucker Punch by Alta Hensley (The Riot Crew Book 1)

Author: Alta Hensley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Why Choose, Reverse Harem, MMMF, Cage Fighting, Found Family, Forbidden Romance, High-Stakes Sports Romance, Sword-Crossing

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 – Very spicy with explicit scenes

Format: eBook

Series: The Riot Crew Book 1

     Ari needs a cage fighter if she’s going to save Smiley’s. Freakshow can’t fight anymore, so she heads to a local match to scout talent—and instead runs straight into the infamous Bones Vega. Bones fights like a man possessed, but after throwing a high-profile fight, no gym will touch him. With his reputation in shambles, the question becomes whether Bones, his manager Lotto, Ari, and Freakshow can fix not only his career—but themselves.

    I have been on a RH (Reverse Harem)/Why Choose kick for a hot minute and I am loving it. We start with a spark between Ari and Bones. Then introduce the situationshop Ari is in with Freakshow. Then Lotto says whatever she does with Bones she does with him. Love it all. 

    This is a true MMMF dynamic—three men who engage with each other just as much as they do with her. The book is unapologetically smut-heavy, and I loved every second of it. That said, the spice never overshadows the story. There’s plenty of action, cage fights, emotional tension, and angst woven throughout to keep things engaging and impactful.

    Potential trigger warnings worth noting include: multiple partners, cancer, sword-crossing, open-door explicit scenes, cage fighting, gambling, and addiction.

    What really stood out was the group dynamic and how thoughtfully everything was handled. I wasn’t thrilled with how things ended with Cisco, but it was still preferable to the slow, painful outcomes I’m unfortunately familiar with. This book works well as a standalone within a series—there’s no cliffhanger—though it’s clear their story isn’t finished. 

⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Why Choose / Reverse Harem romance
• MMMF dynamics with sword-crossing
• High-spice contemporary romance
• Cage fighting or underground sports settings
• Found-family relationships
• Plot-heavy smut with action and angst

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