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Story Blurb When Tanner Stewart learns his crazy ex is returning for a summer in Skagway, he places a personal ad, looking for someone to pose as his fiancée for the summer. Enter McKenna Cabot, a commitment-phobic college professor from Seattle caring for her aging grandmother. The promise of seasonal money is too good to pass up, so she heads north for the summer only to fall head over heels for tall, blonde, and handsome Tanner. But are their feelings strong enough to last when the season is over? My Thoughts/Opinion The Stewarts of Skagway is a six-book series. The second book in the series (Harper) was recommended to me somewhere and I thought the premise was intriguing. Then I realized there was this one book ahead of it and so I started here first. The book was well written, if not a bit of a stretch in a few places. I liked the FMC's motivation, the Stewart family, and the solid glimpse into Skagway history and culture. I'm also a sucker for a golden retreiver hero. This book felt a little generic to me, but I liked it well enough to venture on to Harper's story (review coming soon.) Favorite Quote: "The only life I want is the one that includes you, Kenna."

Story Blurb Rowan I’m in the business of creating fairy tales. Theme parks. Production companies. Five-star hotels. Everything could be all mine if I renovated Dreamland. My initial idea of hiring Zahra was good in theory, but then I kissed her. Things spiraled out of control once I texted her using an alias. By the time I realized where I went wrong, it was too late. People like me don’t get happy endings. Not when we’re destined to ruin them. Zahra After submitting a drunk proposal criticizing Dreamland’s most expensive ride, I should have been fired. Instead, Rowan Kane offered me a dream job. The catch? I had to work for the most difficult boss I’d ever met. Rowan was rude and completely off-limits, but my heart didn’t care. At least not until I discovered his secret. It was time to teach the billionaire that money couldn’t fix everything. Especially not us. My Thoughts/Opinion There were lots of things to love about this story. The grumpy/sunshine trope I truly enjoy, the setting (who doesn't love a Disneyesque venue), the representation (loved Ani!). And I really loved Zahra and her sunshine. I had a harder time connecting with Rowan, and never did really understand the family angst. It just didn't feel totally fleshed out to me. Also, didn't love the repetitiveness of Rowan's screw-ups then immediate "I didn't really mean it. Give me another chance" vibes. The story is part one of a 3-part series, so maybe the family angst will come together for me in subsequent books. Favorite Quote: “If I had a heart to give, it would be all yours. Free of cost.”

Story Blurb Fate brings together a ballet teacher and a hockey player in this big-hearted novel about second chances and taking risks by the bestselling author Entertainment Weekly calls the “master of witty banter.” Once upon a time teenage Aurora Evans met a hockey player at the Mall of America. He was from Canada. And soon, he was the perfect fake boyfriend, a get-out-of-jail-free card for all kinds of sticky situations. I can't go to prom. I'm going to be visiting my boyfriend in Canada. He was just what she needed to cover her social awkwardness. He never had to know. It wasn't like she was ever going to see him again... Years later, Aurora is teaching kids’ dance classes and battling panic and eating disorders—souvenirs from her failed ballet career—when pro hockey player Mike Martin walks in with his daughter. Mike’s honesty about his struggles with widowhood helps Aurora confront some of her own demons, and the two forge an unlikely friendship. There’s just one problem: Mike is the boy she spent years pretending was her “Canadian boyfriend.” The longer she keeps her secret, the more she knows it will shatter the trust between them. But to have the life she wants, she needs to tackle the most important thing of all—believing in herself. My Thoughts/Opinion From the cover, I expected a totally cutesy, adorable rom-com. What I got was a deep, emotionally vulnerable, incredible book that dealt with all kinds of real-life issues from eating disorders to loss and grief to parenting. I absolutely loved this book and am so glad it was so much more than I expected. Both the main characters were flawed, and I really loved how they worked through their own issues and worked for each other's weaknesses. Lots of big sighs through this one. Highly recommend! Favorite Quote: “when you don’t know what to say, you usually can’t go wrong with the truth, even if it makes you or other people uncomfortable.”

Story Blurb The viral TikTok friends-to-lovers dark romantic comedy full of murder, chaos, and sizzling chemistry—unlike anything you’ve read before—now available in all bookstores When a chance encounter sparks an unlikely bond between rival murderers Sloane and Rowan, they find something elusive—the friendship of two like-minded, pitch-black souls who just happen to enjoy killing other serial killers. From small-town West Virginia to upscale California, and from downtown Boston to rural Texas, the two hunters collide in an annual game of blood and suffering, one that pits them against the most dangerous monsters in the country. But as their friendship develops into something more, the restless ghosts left in their wake are only a few steps behind, ready to claim more than just their newfound love. Can Rowan and Sloane dig themselves out of a game of graves? Or have they finally met their match? My Thoughts/Opinion I have heard mixed reviews on this book, but it was one I wanted to try because it was such a unique premise and sometimes I like to read for a different mood/vibe. If you have a squeamish stomach and the macabre is a deal-breaker for you, do NOT read this book. Fortunately for me, I don't so I got to read a really good romance with two troubled MCs. My absolutely favorite part of this book was banter between Rowan and Sloane. So so good. There's plenty of spice in this book, too, and a very satisfying HEA. There is a long long list of trigger warnings at the beginning of this book and the author hits them all, so don't take that list lightly. I enjoyed the book and will likely read on to the other two in this trilogy. Favorite Quote: “He’s Rowan,” Sloane says, gesturing at me again. Rose narrows her eyes as though this is insufficient information. “He’s my f-fr…boy. Guy. A man-guy. I’m…with. Here.” I snort a laugh as Rose’s face scrunches. “Man-guy,” I echo. “Real smooth, Blackbird.”

Story Blurb Jordan Buchanan is thrilled that her brother and best friend are tying the knot. The wedding is a lavish affair–for the marriage of Dylan Buchanan and Kate MacKenna is no ordinary occasion. It represents the joining of two family dynasties. The ceremony and reception proceed without a hitch–until a crasher appears claiming to be a MacKenna guest. The disheveled and eccentric professor of medieval history warns that there’s “bad blood” between the couple’s clans, stemming from an ancient feud that originated in Scotland, and involving the Buchanan theft of a coveted MacKenna treasure. Jordan has always led a cautious life and has used her intelligence and reason to become a successful businesswoman. So she is intrigued but skeptical of the professor’s claims that the feud has been kept alive by the grave injustices the Buchanans have perpetrated over the centuries. But when Noah Clayborne, a close family friend and a man who has never let a good time or a pretty girl pass him by, accuses Jordan of being trapped in her comfort zone, she determines to prove him wrong and sets out on a spontaneous adventure to the small, dusty town of Serenity, Texas, to judge the professor’s research for herself. Maneuvering through a close-knit community in which everyone knows everyone else’s business, Jordan never anticipates the danger and intrigue that lie in her path, nor the threat that will shadow her back to Boston, where even in familiar surroundings, her life is at risk. A powerful thug who rules by fear, a man who harbors a simmering secret, and an unexpected romance that pierces all defenses–beloved author Julie Garwood weaves these dazzling elements into a brilliant novel of romantic suspense. Shadow Dance is a searing tango of passion and peril. My Thoughts/Opinion I was in the mood last week to kick it back old school and return to one of my all-time favorite authors. I love every member of the McKenna/Buchanan/Clayborne family from every generation. What I love most about this author's books is the incredible romantic tension and the GREAT banter. If I had all the time in the world I would immerse myself fully in Julie's entire backlist, but it was nice to take a little break back into their world. Favorite Quote: "Noah, if we were to get married, you couldn't date anymore."

Story Blurb ABBY: I’m falling for the father of the baby I’m carrying. The problem is: it’s not my baby. And the broody widower is not looking for a long-term partner. As a surrogate, the deal was that I’d only be in England long enough to give birth. At first, the man seemed as pretentious as his name: Sigmund Benedictus. He and I butted heads. Sig challenged my intentions, accused me of just wanting to do this for the money. Gradually, he learned to trust me. He even became protective. Over time, our heated animosity turned into fiery chemistry. I was falling in love with him. But my time here had a limit. I needed to protect my heart from the devastatingly gorgeous older man who’d end up breaking it. SIG: When my in-laws told me they wanted to use my dead wife’s eggs to conceive a grandchild, I wasn’t immediately on board. They swore that on her deathbed Britney told them it was what she wanted—but only if I fathered the baby. Her parents insisted they would be the ones to raise it. Against my better judgment, I agreed. I vowed to keep my heart out of it, though. I’d continue to pretend it wasn’t happening and live the empty, single life I’d become accustomed to the past five years since Britney died. And despite the fact that a certain younger American named Abby Knickerbocker had awakened things inside me that I thought were long dead… I most certainly wouldn’t fall in love with the surrogate. My Thoughts/Opinion I had trouble liking Sig as the obnoxious best friend in The Aristocrat, but the end of that book broke my heart for him and I knew I had to read his story. I liked the trope idea of falling for the surrogate but I worried about it being well done. I shouldn't have worried. Once again, the writing was strong, the plot line solid, and the chemistry between Sig and Abby quit believable. This is my second read by this author but it won't be my last. Favorite Quote: We try to hide from the memories because it hurts. But sometimes what we really need is to remember.

Story Blurb The one that got away. Every girl has one, right? Mine was a charming, British aristocrat who turned my world upside down one summer. From the moment I first spotted Leo in the distance through my binoculars, I’d been captivated. I certainly never expected to find a man showering outside of the property across the bay in his birthday suit. Then I noticed his housemate staring back at me with binoculars of his own—watching me watching Leo. That made for an interesting conversation starter when I inevitably ran into them. Turned out, the handsome Brits were only renting that house for the summer in my seaside town. Leo and I formed an instant connection, even though we were technically opposites by all appearances. I taught him how to dig for clams, and he taught me that not all wealthy and powerful guys are pretentious. Despite knowing he was totally wrong for me, I couldn’t seem to stay away. It was a wild and crazy few months. And before I knew it, we’d fallen in love. We both had one wish: more time together. But Leo had obligations back home. He lived a life I’d never fit into. And I was going to law school. So, we decided to end it and never look back. A part of me always felt like I’d let my soulmate walk away. I believed our story was over. Until five years later when he sent me a letter that shook me to my core. I’d thought my world was turned upside down that first summer? Well, I knew nothing yet. My Thoughts/Opinion I expected a simple yet sweet love story from this book. I expected enjoyment yet a typical story line. However, this book surprised me. So much so that I immediately went and grabbed the recently released second book. I liked the characters and their romantic antics, but what I think I loved more than anything (and this is going to sound bad) was that good people got emotionally hurt. It's not often that you read a contemporary romance where there's a morally gray situation, but I liked stretching that way just a bit. I recommend both books in this series. Favorite Quote: There are times in life when we simply choose to jump into the fire, even if we know we're going to get burned.

Story Blurb Telling her the truth could mean losing her forever. Ashlee As a journalist investigating my own unsolved kidnapping, I’m willing to risk anything to find the perpetrators. When I nearly blow my cover, a mysterious man rescues me, then warns me away from the story. I know I should be terrified of the dark forces at play, but something tells me I can trust this man. Soon, I only feel safe when I’m by his side. TJ Russo knows more about my kidnapping than he’s admitting, and I’m determined to drag the whole story out of him. The only problem is I’m falling for my sexy protector. And now I have to choose between learning the truth and staying in his life. TJ Six months ago, my covert agency, HEAT, rescued Ashlee Armand from the crime syndicate The Carbonados. When the intrepid reporter shows up in the middle of another operation targeting the dangerous organization, I realize she’s in harm’s way again. To keep her out of a HEAT versus Carbonados showdown, I take her under my protection. When that ill-advised move puts her at more risk, it’s clear I have to send her away for her safety. But she isn’t the kind of woman to go quietly. And I don’t know how to let go of the smart, sexy woman who has captured my heart. My Thoughts/Opinion Romantic suspense is such a fun genre to read when it's done well, and Harper Cross does it well. This book felt short to me but that's only because it read so smoothly. There wasn't a single wasted word and every scene mattered. The premise was solid and the entire story was seamless and so good. She nailed the chemistry between the main characters, and was able to weave in a bit of backstory without it feeling intrusive (this was book 5 in a series). I'll absolutely read more from this author. So good!! Favorite Quote: This was a game, and I wanted to play it. I wanted to know what he would demand of me next. i wanted to find out how he would reward me for obeying. I gripped the hem of my tee shirt, pulled it off over my head, and dropped it to the floor.

Story Blurb She's a feisty workaholic that hates his guts.He's an arrogant MMA fighter that can't afford any distractions. This isn't the kind of fight they're used to... When Remy is suddenly evicted from her apartment, her best friend offers to let her crash at his house while he's traveling for work. The only problem is, she can't stand his arrogant, self-centered roommate, Tristan. Now, she has to figure out how to live in the same house with him for ten days while dealing with all the temptation that comes with… including punching Tristan’s smug face in. But when one night strips them of their masks and exposes the truth, they’re forced to reexamine how they really feel about each other. While Remy struggles with her attraction to this notorious womanizer, Tristan has to decide if his feelings for Remy are worth it, or if they'll just distract him from his longtime goal of becoming a world champion. Can Tristan and Remy drop their guards long enough to fall in love? Or will old prejudices deliver the final blow? My Thoughts/Opinion One of the best parts of reading is getting to step into new worlds and lifestyles that you otherwise would never experience. Such was the case with this enemies to lovers MMA world story. Remy and Tristan have big energy and they're both badasses in their own right, but it was fun to see them have to grow and reevaluate their preconceptions of the other. High heat warning - the spice between these two hyper fit athletes was also off the charts. This was a good beach read with some secondary characters who I'm looking forward to reading about in future novels in this series. Favorite Quote: “I would pick her every second of every day and every week. Because I'm completely, desperately in love with her.”

Story Blurb Hi! I’m Kareena Mann. As cheesy as it sounds, I’m looking for my soulmate. In four months. And he must gain the approval of my meddling aunties. Kareena dreams of having a perfect love story like her parents did. That’s why on the morning of her thirtieth birthday, she’s decided to suit up and enter the dating arena. When her widowed father announces he’s retiring and selling their home after her sister’s engagement party, Kareena makes a deal with him. If she can find her soulmate by the date of the party, he’ll gift her the house, and she’ll be able to keep her mother’s legacy alive. Hi, I’m Dr. Prem Verma, host of the Dr. Dil Show. Prem means love, Dil means heart, and I’m a cardiologist. Don’t let my name fool you. I only fix broken hearts in the literal sense. Prem doesn’t have time for romance, which is why it’s no surprise when his first meeting with Kareena goes awry. Their second encounter is worse when their on-air debate about love goes viral. Now Prem’s largest community center donor is backing out because Prem's reputation as a heart-health expert is at risk. To get back in his donor’s good graces, he needs to fix his image fast, and dating Kareena is his only option. Even though they have warring interests, the more time Prem spends with Kareena, the more he thinks she’s might actually be the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. In this Taming of the Shrew re-imagination, for Prem and Kareena to find their happily ever after, they must admit that hate has turned into fate. My Thoughts/Opinion I've had this book in my TBR ever since I met the author at a writer's conference last year. I loved the premise. I listened to this book on audio while working on a home improvement project and oh my goodness, did this book over deliver! Not only was it super fun to get a glimpse into a culture that is different than mine, I fell in LOVE with the characters. Their chemistry and their snark were off the charts. This books is laugh out loud funny and the spice is mwah! Chef's kiss. And don't get me started on the Aunties. What a hoot! Highly highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great enemies to lovers rom com. Favorite Quote: “Being single is for white people. You need to stop it.”

Story Blurb Tony I promised to protect my best friend’s little sister—I didn’t plan on falling in love. But when a murderer strikes in my county and she may be the next target, I can’t hold back anymore. She doesn’t know it yet, but when this is over she’s here to stay. If I can keep her alive. Bree A tragedy called me back to Whiskey Falls, but as soon as I take care of business, I’m out of here. It doesn’t matter that I’ve been in love with Tony Kane since I was a child. Or that I go weak at the knees every time I see him. My family broke my heart, but he has the power to shatter it. No way am I sticking around for that. My Thoughts/Opinion This is the first book I've read by this author and the first in this series. There's an intriguing suspense thread that starts in this book and I'm looking forward to seeing where it leads. Tony and Bree, our main characters, are in forced proximity for most of this book, but it feels to me like there's never really a question of whether they'll end up together. That's not to say I don't love their chemistry. I'm rooting for them the whole way. There's a interesting cast of side characters as well that I'm excited to read about in future books, especially Griff. Favorite Quote: "I'll never walk away from you. Ever. I'm gonna fight for you. I'll use every weapon, take every advantage, and use every trick out there, even the dirty ones to keep you. I don't give a shit who I have to take on, and that includes you."

Story Blurb Ailsa Connery has waited three long years to finally escape her enslavement at Stirling Castle and reunite with her clan. But her carefully laid plans are completely destroyed by the arrival of the infamous Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil...who has plans of his own. Kallum MacNeill's fearsome reputation has long allowed him to keep hidden his secret double life of freeing enslaved captives across the land. It's only when he kidnaps a servant lass—quite by accident—that he finds himself facing a wee predicament. He must accompany the lass home or risk her exposing his true identity. It'd be easy enough...if the feisty hellion didn't fight him at every turn. As they make their way to the Highlands, the perils the two must face are surpassed only by their constant sparring. Soon, their heated sniping sparks heat of a totally different kind. The kind that ignites a hunger that could consume them both. Yet the difficult journey is no match for the dangerous secrets they're about to uncover. My Thoughts/Opinion It's been a minute since I read a Highlander romance, and I'm a huge fan of the Queen of them, Julie Garwood. This was also my first book by this author. I can honestly say, this story is on par with the best I read of Garwood's stories. Fantastic layered plot, first and foremost. Add in a strong, swoony black hero with a secret double-life, and a mixed-race heroine with a (understandable) chip on her shoulder, and this was a huge win. The author did an amazing job of weaving in just enough history to give a great flavor of what life might have actually been like for persons of color in this era. I sincerely hope she continues this series. Favorite Quote: "All this animosity between us is not about how much we dislike each other." His gaze dropped to her full, luscious lips that still tempted despite the dirk resting against him in a most dangerous spot. "'Tis about something else entirely." Hazel eyes searched his warily. "What, exactly?" "How much we want each other." Her head motioned in denial. "Aye, lass. And I can prove it." He dropped his mouth to hers without preamble, relinquisihed the hand around the dagger pressed against him, and left himself vulnerable to her stab.