Review Round Up ~ December

This version of the Review Round Up features several books that were published in the Fall of 2025. Life happened and I was behind in reading. 

December Release:

Secretly Yours by Stephanie Rose

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

This is a quick novella focusing on second chances. Caiden and Sabrina reconnect as friends at their high school reunion.

This is a novella, so we don’t get a deep dive into who both of them are, but it was fun to get the glimpses that we do see. Caiden is our main narrator and I enjoyed seeing this from his point of view. Sabrina chimed in just enough to get a good feel for her as well.

The timeline is parallel to another great second chance story, so it was exciting to see a little more of that world.

Amazon

New(er) Releases:

Head Witch in Charge by Avery Flynn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

I feel bad - this book got caught up in life stuff and it took me a while to get back to it.
Don’t let that deter you though because Lele and Erik are worth spending time with!

He’s the bad guy that isn’t so bad and she’s the “perfect” heir who isn’t as perfect as she seems. I appreciated the way they pulled each other toward the middle the more time they spent together. Add in some unexpected secondary supporting actors and this story is as enchanting as the Magic they wield.

I am definitely curious about the stories Lele’s sister have to tell!

Amazon

Lucky by Sawyer Bennett

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

If you are looking for a quick, feel-good read then check out Lucky!
Set in the world of the Pittsburgh Titans, Lucky does some heavy lifting of moving the series forward. We get to see where previous characters are now and get to know a few new people.
But, what about Lucky???
He and Winnie come with a cause! This is a book that may or may not age well due to the reliance of tik tok as a vehicle for how this unlikely pairing connects. But, once they do connect, all of the magic is them. Not are extremely likeable and are surrounded by good secondary characters.
I appreciated how Ms Bennett took our meet cute and also made it the source of conflict and used it so send a powerful message.
Now that I’ve met Lucky, I need to back and see what happened to Penn and can’t wait to meet Atlas!

Amazon   

The Accidental Christmas by Lori Foster

My rating: 3 of 5 stars - Worth a Reader's Time

Review Copy Provided by Author

This is an entertaining novella length read.
Hendrix and Joey had been orbiting each other for months when timing brings them into direct contact.
The story is sweet and there is a tiny bit of conflict to keep things moving.
Due to the length, we had just enough information to know that we like the characters, but not enough to really get to know them.

Amazon

Free Reads:

Naughty List Cowboy by Hope Ford

My rating: 3 of 5 stars - Worth a Reader's Time

Free Read

This is not a book - it’s a short story set it what appears to be the world of Whiskey River. Ms Ford is a new author to me and after reading this freebie, I am curious about her other works.
There isn’t enough here to get to know the characters, but there are bits that have me curious to get to know their world better

Amazon

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*Buy links belong to E-Reading After Midnight and we may be compensated if you choose to make purchase. 

Love and Warner by S.L. Scott - New Release & Review

All’s fair in love and Warner.


They say all is fair in love and war. Clearly, they haven’t met Warner Landers.

The ruthless billionaire had me begging him to spare my family’s restaurant from a buyout. In response, he shamelessly flirted and walked away wearing a smug smirk.

Karma strikes, literally, when he crosses the street.

Unconscious, he’s rushed to the hospital, and for some unknown reason, I’m swept in right after him as if I know this man—or worse, that I’m married to him.

Am I in too much shock to deny the allegation? Yes.
Am I still using his short-term amnesia to my advantage? Absolutely.

Playing the doting wife to a grumpy CEO won’t be easy, but I’m determined to save my family’s livelihood. I just didn’t expect him to be a changed man after the accident. Far graver (for me), the iciness between us begins to thaw, and our fake marriage starts to feel real, making it easy to forget my mission.

When his memory begins to return, so does the truth. We’re at war, and falling for the enemy wasn’t part of the plan.

Amazon

Elizabeth's Review

Love and Warner by S.L. Scott

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy provided by Author

Love and Warner introduces us to new characters from S L Scott! Venture capitalist, Warner, has designs on the building that houses Delany’s family and their business. An unfortunate series of events has her as the only person available to help after he finds himself injured.

What unfolds over the next couple of weeks is a wild ride that requires everyone to suspend belief for a little bit. While operating in that realm, these two start to discover they are actually really good for each other. We see them truly connect and start to develop a real relationship - until the quick sand they are built on collapses.

It was fun to get to know both of these characters and to see their evolutions. I especially appreciate that Warner discovered relationships that he didn’t realize were there for him. Add in an epic grand gesture and it’s a definite winner of a book!

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The Flirting Game by Lauren Blakely ~ New Release & Review

One fake date, one real kiss, and zero chance of resisting the hockey player next door.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the final standalone hockey romance in her Love and Hockey series, THE FLIRTING GAME! This sexy, revenge fake dating, neighbors-to-lovers, workplace hockey romance brings all the feels, spice, and heat you’ve come to expect and love from a Lauren Blakely sports romance! THE FLIRTING GAME is now available in all formats and free to read in Kindle Unlimited!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/flirtinggameAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/FlirtingGameAUD
Sean Masters & Brooke Bloomingdale narrate in duet!

About THE FLIRTING GAME:

Revenge was the plan. Falling for the hockey star next door wasn’t.

My new neighbor is a hot, grumpy hockey player who works out shirtless on his porch every morning. But it’s not technically spying if I just happen to be on my patio at the same time … right?

Imagine my surprise when the sexy grouch turns out to be the client who just hired me to redecorate the house he’s giving his mom.

What’s a ray of sunshine like me to do? Pretend I’ve never noticed his abs while we pick out furniture—since I’d never date a client. And Ford’s made it clear this is his final season, and he wants zero distractions.

Which means I need to exercise some serious resistance …

To his cool blue eyes that track my every move.
To that deep voice that makes me shiver.
And to the mouth that shuts me up one night in our shared backyard with a scorching kiss.

We agree it’s a one-time slip-up—until my cheating ex invites me to a party, and Ford insists on being my revenge date. Our fake night out turns into a very real sleepover.

Now the press and fans think we’re a couple, so we keep it up. One fake date at a charity gala turns into another at a hockey game, and somewhere between fabric swatches and porch picnics, I stop pretending.

But how do I convince Ford that with me, he can have both love and hockey?

Tropes: Neighbors to lovers, hockey romance, workplace romance, revenge fake dating, romantic comedy. This is Ford and Skylar's romance!

ONE-CLICK YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/flirtinggameAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/FlirtingGameAUD
Sean Masters & Brooke Bloomingdale narrate in duet!

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com 

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks

Elizabeth's Review

The Flirting Game by Lauren Blakely

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

This is a super cute neighbors to more story in the universe of the Sea Dogs hockey team. Don’t worry though, it’s a complete stand alone. Loyal readers will see some familiar faces, but in very secondary roles!

Ford and Skylar are both easy characters to like and root for. Both come with some baggage, but I appreciate the way they bring out the best in each other and build each other up - even when they don’t realize it.
This is an overall feel good story with a little bit of a hiccup along the way.
If you have liked Ms Blakely’s books before, this fits right into that mold - down to some great 4 legged side kicks.

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Duke ~ Jessica Peterson ~ New Release & Review

 

Duke by Jessica Peterson is now live!

One chance meeting on a Texas ranch.

One wild, too-charming cowboy.

One snowed-in night that changes everything.

Wheeler Rankin isn’t here for romance—she’s come to Lucky River Ranch to visit her best friend, wrangle a business deal, and prove herself to everyone who ever doubted her. But when she collides with Duke Rivers—resident heartbreaker, restless cowboy, and brother to her best friend’s new flame—sparks fly hotter than a Texas summer.

Duke has always dreamed of more than dusty trails and small-town life. He’s itching to see the world, but one unforgettable night with Wheeler changes his course. When a blizzard and a business road trip leave them stranded together, their no-strings flirtation ignites into something deeper.

But passion brings complications—and unexpected news threatens to upend everything Wheeler’s built. As family pressures, old wounds, and new dreams collide, Duke is determined to stand by her side, ready to forge a future neither of them ever imagined.

Can two fiercely independent souls trust in love, face their fears, and find home in each other’s arms? Or will the ghosts of the past keep them apart for good?

Welcome back to Hartsville, where family is found, love is hard-won, and every cowboy has a story worth telling.

Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4m0VUFB

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/QVabfPl

Limited Deluxe Edition Paperback with designed edges

Amazon: http://bit.ly/4oiVoV9

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/4funXuK

Audiobook

Narrated by Stephen Dexter & Lila Winters

https://bit.ly/3Kh7fUn 

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/4okRHye

Duke by Jessica Peterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

So far we’ve met three of the Rivers boys as the fall hard for the women in their lives, now it’s Duke’s turn to take the plunge. He is paired with Wheeler, we’ve met her before too as Mollie’s best friend and business partner.

One of the things I appreciated about Duke is the fact that the conflict comes from Duke and Wheeler needing to get out of their own ways. The fact that they liked and appreciated each other radiated off the page and it made it easy to root for them.

Duke is another example of wonderful cowboy. His emotional intelligence was a key factor in both him and Wheeler finding what they are looking for.

If you haven’t read the older three boys’ books, there are spoilers about who they end up with, but other than that this is a stand alone. I can’t wait for Ryder’s book!

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Review Round Up ~ November

New Releases:

Hell to Pay by Rosalind James

My rating: 5 of 5 stars - One of the best

Review Copy Provided by Author

Ms James has stretched herself into a new direction with Hell To Pay - historical fiction- and she knocked it out of the park!
We originally met Marguerite/Daisy/Oma as we watched her granddaughter, Alix, fall in love with Sebastian. In Hell To Pay, we witness her journey back home to Dresden for the first time in 80 years.
Ms James does an excellent job of utilizing memories and flashbacks to let us see Daisy as a privileged and protected young woman who is thrust into the horrors of WWII. We see her grow up almost overnight as she navigates being a refugee in a war zone and the aftermath of the war.
As with all of Ms James’ books, this is well written and pulls the reader in. I appreciated the way Hell to Pay acknowledged the horrible history of WWII and wove messages of empathy and awareness into the story.
I am very curious to see how the story concludes!

Amazon   

The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars - One of the Best

Review Copy Provided by Net Galley

Warning - this is not a standalone read! This is the third book in a trilogy and all three books need to be read in order for things to make sense.
That said - wow oh wow! Ms Roberts truly delivered Sonya, Cleo, Owen, and Trey the ending they deserved!
It was lovely to see all of the various threads come together a knit something whole from the pieces.
The supporting cast is amazing.
Definitely a book that pulls you in and won’t let go. Be prepared to be at the edge of your seat, get a string dose of the feels and just be impressed.

Amazon

Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by the Author

Please don’t take the fact that it took me 2 weeks to read this to mean that Otherwise Engaged wasn’t an awesome read, because it was! I’ve just had a big case of life - and a weekend road trip for kid sports!

Here we meet 2 sets of mother/daughters that have an unexpected connection. Having the past force its way into the present is interesting and an agent for change that all 4 women needed.
All of the characters are well written and I found myself engaged with them and rooting for them. All four women face the emotional fallout of having the past show up, but I really related to Victoria the most.
For her, the information that comes out puts things in context. I also enjoyed how she and Shannon pushed each other - sometimes we really need the right mirror to see into ourselves!
This is definitely a winner for Ms Mallery!

Amazon

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*Buy links belong to E-Reading After Midnight and we may be compensated if you choose to make purchase. 

Walking In Darkness ~ A L Jackson ~ Release Boost & Review

Torn between conflicting worlds—one light, one dark—two lovers plunge into the ultimate battle between good and evil in a thrilling romantasy by a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.

I was born to hunt the evils hiding in this world. To slay and destroy.

My purpose was never supposed to be her. My forbidden soulmate. Protecting her was meant to be temporary—I’d stay close until I was certain she was safe, and then I would walk away.

I wasn’t supposed to fall in love with her, and I sure as hell wasn’t supposed to take her to my bed. I’d heard my entire life that touching her would only bring us to our deaths.

Except that with my mere touch, power flows through Aria in a way it never has before, and it’s becoming clear that our gods lied to keep us separated and weak.

Together, our strength feels unstoppable. But the monsters hunting her are more sinister than we could have imagined—a threat that could end all humanity.

Will our newfound powers be enough to save us?

*Walking in Darkness is book two in the Darkness Duet. Please read the first book, Visions of Darkness, before enjoying this one.

  Walking in Darkness by A.L. Jackson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

This book is the second half of the story and is directly related to the first book, so make sure to keep that in mind.
We pick up with Pax and Aria where we left them. Ms Jackson drops us right into the action and weaves an incredible story about connection, love, and overcoming what appears insurmountable.
The only reason this is a 4 star read for me is that it is a 2 part read - the world building and complexity justify that set up in this case!
Ms Jackson’s imagination and story telling are unmatched and definitely worth investing the ready time!

Amazon 

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Review Round Up ~ October

New Releases:

My Favorite Hero by Melanie Moreland

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

Do you need a feel good read?
Look no further than Jesse and Casey!
Brought together by a dear mutual friend, it was entertaining to watch these two morph from landlord/tenant to friends to more, fighting it all the way!

Add in cat and dog sidekicks and frequent rescues and you have a sweet, spicy story to fill the bill.
Both Jesse and Casey come with just enough baggage that their road isn’t 100% smooth, but the ride is definitely worth it!

Small Town Frenzy by S.L. Scott

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

Small Town Frenzy is a book that COULD have been filled with angst and drama. Thankfully, it’s not!
This is a book that focuses on family, healing, and what’s next.

As the third book about the Greene siblings, we’ve seen glimpses of Griffin before, but we don’t really know him. He and Cricket have a rough start when they officially meet for the first time. It was fun to watch them navigate that as they also figured out where they’d met before.

Family support (and drama) plays a role as the surprises keep coming! Overall this is an entertaining and sweet book that means I am going to miss Peach Tree Pass! A little bread crumb about Cricket’s cousin has me hopeful that there may be Greene cameos in the future!

Amazon   

Pinch by Tia Louise

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

We’ve met the Bradford boys (and their sister, Dylan), now we get to fast-forward in time and meet the next generation! We start with Hayden (Haddy) when she meets and clashes with Gavin - her new roommate, thanks to her cousin.
I’m going to be honest and say that second-generation books sometimes make me nervous - they can get complicated fast. Ms Louise has done herself a favor because most of this generation was either not yet here or infant/toddlers when we signed off with their parents.
I was thrilled to see the family closeness continue to the cousins. They also share the natural hospitality that pulls people in - which is how Gavin end up as Haddy’s roommate. It was so much fun watching these two challenge the preconceived notions of the other and see what happens next. I genuinely enjoyed these characters and the fact that after they got out of their own way, the conflicts were external and brought them closer together. I can’t wait to see what happens next with this group!

Amazon

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*Buy links belong to E-Reading After Midnight and we may be compensated if you choose to make purchase.