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Story Blurb A sexy new brother's best friend romance from New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan. I’m not boyfriend material. If a trail of broken hearts and a piss-poor record of failed relationships have taught me anything, it’s this. My buddies are happy to give me shit about my latest breakup from here to next Sunday. Thanks, but I’d rather have a root canal. And a vasectomy. At the same time. Relief comes in an unlikely package—the gorgeous and feisty Maren. She just so happens to be my best friend’s sister, so that’s not awkward at all. But I’m a man on a mission, and Maren is down to teach me all the ways I’ve been failing as a boyfriend. Apparently, there are many. And it’s all very informative—until I start to catch feelings. Now it’s not just my reputation on the line, but my heart too. My Thoughts/Opinion This was my first Kendall Ryan book (I think) and unfortunately, I just couldn't get into it. The writing is good and there were some funny moments, but I never really connected enough to be invested in the characters. My other challenge with it was that I felt like the biggest conflict between the hero and heroine could have been easily and quickly resolved with a conversation. The bright spot for me was the little subplot/new love found by Hayes' grandma Rosie. I'm happy to try another book by this author but this one just missed the mark for me. Favorite Quote/Scene: “Always put the other person’s needs first,” he says, staring seriously into Rosie’s eyes. “Even when it’s hard. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you think your needs are really important. Love is sacrifice, and your actions should reflect that.”

Story Blurb For Sewanee Chester, being an audiobook narrator is a long way from her old dreams, but the days of being a star on film sets are long behind her. She’s found success and satisfaction from the inside of a sound booth and it allows her to care for her beloved, ailing grandmother. When she arrives in Las Vegas last-minute for a book convention, Sewanee unexpectedly spends a whirlwind night with a charming stranger. On her return home, Sewanee discovers one of the world’s most beloved romance novelists wanted her to perform her last book—with Brock McNight, the industry’s hottest, most secretive voice. Sewanee doesn’t buy what romance novels are selling—not after her own dreams were tragically cut short—and she stopped narrating them years ago. But her admiration of the late author, and the opportunity to get her grandmother more help, makes her decision for her. As Sewanee begins work on the book, resurrecting her old romance pseudonym, she and Brock forge a real connection, hidden behind the comfort of anonymity. Soon, she is dreaming again, but secrets are revealed, and the realities of life come crashing down around her once more. My Thoughts/Opinion Oh, my gosh. This book was sooo good!! To be clear, I listened to the audiobook of this novel (for obvious reasons) and would highly recommend that experience. Sewanee and her hero both have a LOT of backstory trauma to work through but the author did such an amazing job of weaving it into the story I was enthralled all the way through. Great, realistic (and fantastical) love story. And Julia Whelan...oh my gosh...her voice and narration abilities. I've heard her before on other high profile audiobooks, but it was really good to hear her voice her own novel. Favorite Quote/Scene: “To live HEA is to say from today onward life will be happy. I mean, how can you know that? Shit happens. Over and over...I don't think you can know if you lived happily ever after until your life's over...Maybe that's why your whole life flashes before your eyes when you die. So you can see the movie from beginning to end, and know.”

Story Blurb Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. After all, her father was never around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn’t “father material” before her daughter was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close but working constantly to stay afloat is hard...and lonely. But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that’s predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands. At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98 percent compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly’s founder, Dr. River Peña. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Peña. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get ‘to know him and we’ll pay you. Jess—who is barely making ends meet—is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the “Diamond” pairing that could launch GeneticAlly’s valuation sky-high, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist—and the science behind a soulmate—than she thought. My Thoughts/Opinion I'm definitely not a science or numbers nerd. And if you're not either, don't let that deter you from reading this book. It was really really good. I've read a few others by author duo Christina Lauren, and this was by far my favorite. I loved Jess's protectiveness over her family and the revealing of River's layers was great to read. And, boy did these two have chemistry. Great romance, great plot twist. Highly recommend! Favorite Quote/Scene: “Biological compatibility is independent of whether or not we like each other.” A horrified laugh ripped out of her. “Is that the company slogan or your best pickup line?"

Story Blurb A theme park “princess” meets a single dad…who turns out to be a real prince! Enjoy the delightful royal romance from acclaimed author Teri Wilson and Hallmark Publishing. Lacey found her dream job: playing a princess character at a popular fairytale theme park in sunny southern Florida. Her diamond tiara might not be real, but the smiles of the children she meets every day certainly are. It’s just too bad that her ex-boyfriend was never impressed with her career choice. Henry, the crown prince of Bella-Moritz, is trying to fulfill his young daughter’s birthday wish: to be a normal girl with a normal life. That’s why they’re pretending to be ordinary tourists at an American amusement park. Henry lost his wife four years ago, and he’s been going through the motions ever since. But could a meeting with a make-believe princess lead to real love? My Thoughts/Opinion I love steamy reads but every once in a while, I'll shake it up with a good sweet and clean romance. And that's just what I got with this book. If a teen or even pre-teen were looking for a romance to read, I would have no issues recommending this one. It's a simple Cinderella-esque story with a twist. While it was pretty predictable from the beginning, the writing was great and the characters quite charming. Especially the prince. Favorite Quote/Scene: Contrary to popular belief, being a theme park princess wasn't the easier gig in the world, and definitely not a fairy tale.

Story Blurb I never thought my perp walk would lead to true love. Then again, I never thought I’d be arrested on RICO charges and hauled away in zip ties on camera for the world to see, minutes after closing the most amazing deal of my career. And all of it in front of my biggest rival, billionaire wunderkind Ian McCrory. I am broke. I am disgraced. I am alone. I am a sucker. But the worst part? I have to go back to my hometown and live in my bedroom filled with relics from my childhood. Lisa Frank never made me so mad before. Just when I needed a rescue, I got one — in the form of help from my biggest rival. He can’t bring back my money. He certainly can’t bring back my reputation or my pride. But there’s one thing he can bring back to me. A sense of hope. Maybe even love. Ian sees something in me no one else does, and he’s relentless about making me see it, too. As we grow closer, I’m starting to see that while my entire life used to be a lie, the truth is staring me in the present — and it’s a truth I like very, very much, hot eyes and gorgeous smile and all. But I have to be careful. I can’t be too — That’s right. Hasty. The final book in the USA Today bestselling Do-Over Series (Fluffy, Perky, Feisty), as Mallory's sister, Hastings "Hasty" Monahan gets her turn at a happily ever after that starts off with an arrest. Hers. And ends with a surprisingly cheesy happily ever after. My Thoughts/Opinion I hadn't read Julia Kent before and I enjoyed this story. This was book four in the series and was easily read as a standalone. In fact, I think I'm glad I did read it as a standalone. I probably would have felt differently about Hasty had I read the other three books first. In them (from what I understand) Hasty wasn't a very likeable or redeemable character. However, the (now understandably) wicked banter amongst the women in the story was great and good for the other characters. The romance theme was also decent. My only minor annoyance was some of the plot conveniences but I was willing to look past them for good writing and a solid HEA. A quick, fun read. Favorite Quote/Scene: He was my nemesis. My enemy. The guy who sniped deals, and who I sniped from. We were adversaries, but he flipped the script, didn’t he? Coming to my rescue. Aiding me in a time of need. I don’t want to need him. And I especially don’t need to want him.

Story Blurb In Mine Till Midnight, no-nonsense Miss Amelia Hathaway has no time for romance--but she can’t resist matching wits with a sexy former card sharp named Cam Rohan. After inheriting a country estate, the Hathaway siblings are trying to recover from their troubled past and make a new start. As the family struggles with unforeseen problems, Cam Rohan keeps stepping in to help . . . and Amelia realizes the unpredictable charmer is actually a man she can rely on. During a night of blazing passion, the freedom-loving Cam makes it clear he’s willing to make any sacrifice for the woman who’s stolen his heart. But before they can plan a life together, they’re confronted by an enemy who’s bent on destroying the Hathaway family . . . all to keep them from discovering a centuries-old secret that could change their lives. My Thoughts/Opinion Lisa Kleypas has been one of my favorite romance authors for EVER. So, I ran across this book (and the whole Hathaway series) and was shocked that until now, I hadn't known about them! It was like my birthday and Christmas all in one, so of course, I devoured this book in a day. I knew Cam (the hero) from a previous series and was so glad he got his HEA. Amelia was a great heroine with a complex family and backstory. I have never read a Lisa Kleypas story that I wouldn't recommend, and that streak continues. Enjoy! Favorite Quote/Scene: "Never be afraid to hope," Rohan said gently. "It's the only way to begin."

Story Blurb He'll do anything to have her...including lie. Charming, deadly, and smart enough to hide it, Christian Harper is a monster dressed in the perfectly tailored suits of a gentleman. He has little use for morals and even less use for love, but he can’t deny the strange pull he feels toward the woman living just one floor below him. She’s the object of his darkest desires, the only puzzle he can’t solve. And when the opportunity to get closer to her arises, he breaks his own rules to offer her a deal she can’t refuse. Every monster has their weakness. She’s his. His obsession. His addiction. His only exception. ** Sweet, shy, and introverted despite her social media fame, Stella Alonso is a romantic who keeps her heart in a cage. Between her two jobs, she has little time or desire for a relationship. But when a threat from her past drives her into the arms—and house—of the most dangerous man she’s ever met, she’s tempted to let herself feel something for the first time in a long time. Because despite Christian’s cold nature, he makes her feel everything when she’s with him. Passionate. Protected. Truly wanted. Theirs is a love twisted with secrets and tainted by lies…and when the truths are finally revealed, they could shatter everything. My Thoughts/Opinion In general, I'm a fan of a good alpha hero (sometimes even an alpha-hole.) Christian definitely fits that bill, but is much darker than most I've read. Stella is the antithesis of Christian, sweet and kind, if a bit shallow. Definitely an opposites attract vibe with plenty of angst to go around. The book was decent, but man it was long. I think the author could have probably accomplished the story in about 2/3 of the word count. Maybe if I'd have liked the characters more, I wouldn't have be in such a hurry for it to end. Favorite Quote/Scene: If my thoughts were chaos, she was my anchor. They always went back to her.

Story Blurb Nominated for an Agatha for Best First Novel! When private banker Stefanie Adams takes a much-needed vacation to the Greek isles, vowing to embrace opportunities as they come, instead of finding romance and adventure she is suspected of murdering a bride who accused her deceased father of artifact theft. Unfortunately, the newlywed's accusation also ties Stefanie, a former archaeology student, to the robbery of a newly discovered Minoan statue, the golden Akrotiri Snake Goddess. With two high-profile crimes to solve, Greek police are under pressure, and both crimes lead straight to Stefanie. To avoid Greek prison and maintain her career, Stefanie must identify which of her fellow travelers is the real killer. Between the light-fingered backpacker with an eye on the bride's jewelry, the travel blogger whose career the dead woman ruined, a flirtatious German tourist who is after more than romance, and the long-suffering bridegroom, Stefanie's task won't be easy. Everyone, it seems, had a motive for wanting to see the last of Emma Keller. Stefanie's investigation entangles her in a web of danger and intrigue, international crime and long-buried secrets. When she herself becomes a target, Stefanie doesn't know who to trust. As charming Thomas Burkhardt warns, Where Greed Leads, Murder Follows... My Thoughts/Opinion This book was a fun and intriguing mystery. The chemistry between Stefanie and Thomas was well written and I really loved that I didn't know until the end if he was a good guy or a bad guy. Hard to believe this is a first novel by this author. I hope Stefanie's adventures continue from here. Favorite Quote/Scene: Emma's photograph was splashed across the top half with the headline No Answer Yet in Heiress Murder. Stefanie picked up the newspaper. Unfolding it, she stifled a horrified gasp. Below the article on Emma's death, her own photo stared back at her.

Story Blurb Soon to be a Passionflix original movie production. When romance novelist Kate Smith suddenly gets writer's block as she's beginning the final installment of her international bestselling steamy Bed 'n Breakfast series, she'll do pretty much anything to get her groove back. Like sneak into a Tire Depot waiting room because her words flow there just like complimentary coffee-smooth, sweet, and scorchingly hot. She manages to fly under the radar until the rugged and charming mechanic, Miles Hudson, notices the quirky redhead slinking in and out of the employees only entrance. But she's way too intriguing to blow the whistle on. Doing a test-drive of her new book idea sounds like a much better option. My Thoughts/Opinion This Rom-Com was super fun to read, and oh so hot! I loved the chemistry between Kate and Miles and their sex scenes were fire! The premise was cute and I'm so looking forward to seeing the movie adaptation. There's a great cast of side characters who also get their HEA's in the subsequent books in this series. Great choice for a quick beach read. Favorite Quote/Scene: Suddenly, the billionaire I was writing about in my novel seemed all wrong. His six-pack too artificial. Sex appeal wasn't created in a gym with weights and treadmills. No, it was born in powerful, grungy garages where men, real fucking mean worked with their hands.

Story Blurb Four years ago, I lied. I stood in front of the police, my friends and family, and made up a story. All of them believed me. I wasn't surprised. Telling stories is what made me famous. Fifteen bestsellers. Millions of fans. Massive fame and fortune. Now, I have one last story to write. It'll be my best one yet, with a jaw-dropping twist that will leave the readers stunned and gasping for breath. They say that sticks and stones will break your bones, but this story? It will be the one that kills me. My Thoughts/Opinion I met Alessandra Torre in 2022. She hosts an amazing annual writer's conference called InkersCon. The tough part about reading someone's books that you've met is that you like the person and you really really hope their writing is good. So I picked up this book with that hope. What I got was an incredible story with a truly unique premise and a couple of shockingly good twists. I was hooked from the get-go and got sucked into reading this entire book in one sitting. I highly recommend this one. Note: this isn't a romance and there's no happily ever after. But it's one heck of a good read. Favorite Quote/Scene: That is how life is, it gives us burdens to carry and doesn’t give a damn about the weight. We shoulder it or we break.

Story Blurb A heinous crime. A young witness. When two young girls are found murdered, it's up to Sheriff Jordon Jamison to solve the crime. When she discovers the possibility that there might be a witness, she must gain the trust of street kid, Izzy Cantrall. With a new murder and a stalker after her, Jordan can't depend on anyone but herself and hot new hire, Dominic McCay. Can she break the tough little Izzy before another victim shows up? My Thoughts/Opinion I've been a fan of Carla Cassidy's romantic suspense novels for years. When she indie published this book, I was super excited to get my hands on it. Carla is a master at building tension and developing complex characters, and this book did not disappoint. This story definitely tends toward thriller/suspense with romantic elements, not strictly romantic suspense. If I have one critique, it's that I felt like the resolution of the suspense plot line was a bit too abrupt. Overall, a great read and I'm looking forward to seeing if she turns this into a series. Favorite Quote/Scene: Jordon clicked on her flashlight and shone it directly in front of her. The beam lit up the back wall of the rusty brown shed. She scanned the light to the right and then to the left. A painfully thin girl with curly red hair and huge green eyes appeared to be attempting to meld into the wall behind her. Without the bright yellow T-shirt, she might have succeeded. The girl turned on her own flashlight and shone it on Jordon. "Are you here to arrest me?" she asked, fear rife in her voice. "Should I be here to arrest you?" The green eyes narrowed with a hint of slyness. "I dunno. You tell me."

Story Blurb An ambitious female reporter tracks a deadly threat in Austin, Texas, in the newest riveting thriller by New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin. When a woman is found brutally murdered on Austin’s lakeside hike-and-bike trail, investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads turns up on the scene demanding access and answers. She tries to pry information out of the lead detective, Jacob Merritt. But this case is unlike any he’s ever seen, and nothing adds up. With the pressure building, Jacob knows the last thing he needs is a romantic entanglement, but he can’t convince himself to stay away from Bailey. Bailey has a hunch that the victim wasn’t who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin, where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands. As a ruthless hit man’s mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob join together in a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down in this lethal game of hide-and-seek. My Thoughts/Opinion This book is right up my alley. Favorite genre (obviously because that's what I write) is romantic suspense although one could argue that this tends toward romantic thriller. Also awesome. Great character development and very compelling mystery. I also really enjoyed the cop/reporter dynamic. I will definitely be reading more books in this series and by this author. Favorite Quote/Scene: She loved the way he kissed. The way he tasted. She loved the way he smelled and the way he touched her, like some forbidden temptation that might be snatched away if he lingered too long.