Sasha Fountain

4.5 stars
Like the first two books in the Denver Men series, this short story moves quickly. Rachel is a grieving widow with twin boys whose only support is her sister Chelsea. She felt guilty that Chelsea had put her life on hold to help her, so she encouraged her to go after a dream job. When Chelsea left for that job, Rachel's life was left in chaos, and she was barely coping. Then Chance, a handsome ex-FBI agent and now PI, comes looking for her sister and immediately takes charge of helping her. It's a bit rushed and requires a bit of suspension of belief because what mom lets a strange man around her children that easily.

Chance finds himself drawn to Rachel and hesitant to form a commitment with her because getting involved with her is a ready-made family. Rachel is also drawn to Chase and hesitant because she does not want to get involved with another man who has a dangerous job because she does not want to risk losing someone else in her life. Chance and Rachel had some challenges ahead of them because of the hangups they had about relationships, and it took some time to overcome them, but they got their HEA.

This was a quick romantic read with a bit less suspense and action than the previous book with their siblings, Chelsea and Seth. I enjoyed the story and loved how quick the read was, and other than the speed with which Chance crashes into Rachel's life, I liked the development of their romance.

I received a free copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Light My Pyre is a paranormal mystery where supernatural outcasts like fae, dragon shapeshifters, fallen angels, vampires, and werewolves try to coexist. It's a great cozy mystery romance with dashes of paranormal elements. Unlike most dragon shifter stories, I loved that the female MC was a dragon. The description of Everwood Falls was really lovely. I loved the multiple plot twists. I'm ready for book two!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I was worried that the fact that I had not read the first book in the series would affect my understanding of this book, but it did not. I enjoyed both MCs and their connection. Triska was strong and confident without being characterized as bullheaded. Juri was a fierce cinnamon roll which was interesting. This is the first book I've read about werewolves that did not include shifting, and it was an interesting take on werewolves.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This a fairytale retelling of Cinderella with a paranormal omegaverse twist. I like the storyline and worldbuilding in the series the chemistry between the main characters is a bit weak. Despite my view on the characters, I am interested in seeing what the next book is about. Be aware that this book ends on a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I really enjoyed this book. We see that Dean has unresolved issues with his family that helped me understand his opinion on family matters. I liked seeing Dean and Amira fall over each other and how they balanced each other out. I loved reading about this little family and I'm sad to let them go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The Portrait of a Duchess is the sequel to Scarlett Peckham's Society of Sirens series. I haven't read the first book in the series, so I did not what to expect when I began this book. I loved how the book pushed the framework of a typically historical romance by featuring an interracial relationship, bisexuality, and rebellion against societal restrictions on women's agency and accepted cultural norms. I enjoyed most of the book, but there were moments in the book that were a bit uneven. Cornelia's hyper-independence got a bit annoying at times because she waffled a lot, and it took a majority of the book for her to finally come to terms that she could depend on Rafe. I did enjoy the aspect of found family within the book, which was at its peak when the ensemble cast was together. I liked the flashback moments the most because the history between Cornelia and Rafe is touching. The use of miscommunication as the main conflict in the book was disappointing and is in stark contrast to the characterization of the FMC and MMC. They were able to communicate just fine with the other characters but together they were totally inept. Overall I rated the book a 4 stars because I enjoyed most of the romantic elements of the book.

This ARC was provided by Avon Books and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Small-town romance with brother's best friend. The chemistry between these Elise and Saint is unreal. I loved how when they met, there were instant sparks. I also liked the secondary characters, and I hope they get their HEAs.

If you enjoy small-town romance with spice and a HEA, I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was an interesting romcom about a hyper-independent heroine and the man who shows her that falling in love does not mean losing herself or her independence.

Karina has had bad experiences with love due to the treatment her mother gave her when she fell in love and gave up on everything that she had ingrained in Karina. She kicked Karina out at 17 after she fell in love, got married, and got pregnant.

The prose was witty, and Karina initially got on my nerves. As we learned more about her and her relationship with Ian developed, she grew on me. Ian had to work hard to earn her affection beyond their physical attraction.

Ian was extremely patient with Karina, knowing she was worth the work. The dynamics between the coworkers were cute, and they were a found family of sorts.

I received a free copy of this book via Hear Our Voices Tours and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Roman, the last of his brothers to find his mate, has quite a story. His mate is Bastien, a dragon/gryphon hybrid who leans more towards the dragon side. Poor guy was put under a spell by a nasty mage and forced to hurt others, but now he's free and under the care of Roman and his bros. Like Traian, Bastien feels bad for the trouble he's caused and stuff he's done, but they're not having any of it.

They've all moved to Roman's place for safety, which gets tested not once but twice! But all the brothers, their mates, plus other magical beings that have come to Roman's house are ready to fight off anyone who tries to harm Bastien or Traian. They're quite a team!

Everything ends on a good note, and until they're sure all danger has passed, everyone stays at Roman's place, filled with family vibes, love, and lots of laughter.

I got an ARC copy of this book from GRR, and I'm just sharing my thoughts on it because I want to!

I've just finished reading “Waiting for his Mate” by Collen Delaney and it's a shifter romance that's gonna tug at your heartstrings. This is the second book in The Wolves of Luven series, and while we get to meet a couple of new faces, we also get to hang out with some old favorites in this tight-knit community.

Delaney's woven a tale that beautifully balances warmth with the gritty realities of trauma, coping, and personal growth. Our leading lady goes through some tough times, but it all feels very real and relatable. And our leading man? Well, he's about as sweet as they come - totally didn't see his fated mate coming but now he'd do anything for her.

I loved how the story builds on the lore and character backstory - it's paced just right so you're never overwhelmed or bored. You could totally read this book on its own but trust me, once you've dipped your toes into this community, you'll be hooked!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Just finished reading about Ava, a journalist for a magazine who writes about love and sex. But guess what? She's asked to write about her first “O”, and she's got a secret...

Enter Jasper, her roommate, and his buddies Ethan and Leo. They stumble upon her secret and decide to lend her a helping hand. The plot just gets wilder funnier, and keeps you hooked - you can't help but wonder what's next. Not just for Ava and her mission with the guys but also with her job and friends. What an amazing story!

This isn't your typical ‘Why Choose' book - it dives deeper. It's about facing your fears, stepping out of your comfort zone, and growing as an individual and in relationships. Sure, some might find the idea of a four-person relationship odd or nonsensical - but it shows how diverse we all are and that life isn't always what we expect.

This well-written, unique tale seems like the start of a series - can't wait for the next one!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

When I requested this ARC, I did not realize this was the sixth and final book in the Dungeons and Dating series. Reading this has convinced me that I need to read the series from the beginning because I enjoyed this book. This book is the story of Jasper and Matt, the neighborhood baker who is not as straight as people think. This story was well written, and I loved how the two MCs worked together to reach their HEA. The book also has some spice with its BDSM elements.

Thank you to GRR for providing me with an ARC; this is my honest review.

Merged review:

When I requested this ARC, I did not realize this was the sixth and final book in the Dungeons and Dating series. Reading this has convinced me that I need to read the series from the beginning because I enjoyed this book. This book is the story of Jasper and Matt, the neighborhood baker who is not as straight as people think. This story was well written, and I loved how the two MCs worked together to reach their HEA. The book also has some spice with its BDSM elements.

Thank you to GRR for providing me with an ARC; this is my honest review.

Hey there, folks! Just finished reading “Clued In Christmas,” and it's a heartwarming holiday treat! Picture this: a single dad getting a second shot at love during the most magical time of the year. Doesn't that just make your heart flutter?

This tale is not just about festive cheer; it's also brimming with genuine emotions that make you root for the characters even more. I've got a soft spot for stories where the guy falls first, and Micah here is as real as they come - open, honest, and wears his heart on his sleeve. Nadia, on the other hand, has her own battles to fight before she can fully embrace love.

And guess what? This is book three in a series, but I dove right in without reading the first two and had no trouble catching up.

Big shoutout to Hear Our Voices Tours and Mia Heintzelman for sending me an advance reader copy!

Wow, what a story! It's so beautifully and sensually written, it's like you're right there in the middle of it all. Just take a look at the cover - it captures the erotic and sensual vibe of the story perfectly!

Aikos is this incredible character, full of sensuality and beauty. He's got this lush, captivating appeal that's hard to resist. Zeus tasks him with pleasing eight male Gods, but Aikos gets to choose who he serves.

He has to face Hephaestus, Hermes, Eros, Ares, Poseidon, Apollo, Dionysus, Hades and finally Zeus himself. Poor Aikos thinks he's in for a tough time - he knows all about lust and seduction but love? That's a whole new ball game.

Each God comes with their own baggage - there's so much learning and healing to be done. This story is steeped in Greek mythology and is written so gorgeously - it's like reading poetry. Totally took my breath away!

Thank you to Amanda Meuwissen for the ARC copy!

Leonor Soliz has done it again, folks! She's given us another heartwarming romance featuring characters who feel like real people. Gabe, my favorite character, and his family are so relatable and lovable that I found myself wishing they were my own family!

Soliz skillfully explores the complexities of Machismo culture through Lina's latine identity. The authenticity of her portrayal is so spot-on that it brought back memories of my own experiences within my family. But she doesn't stop there. Soliz also incorporates intersectionality and moments where Lina's family shows their love for her, capturing the complexity of these relationships in a way that moved me to tears.

I was thrilled to see latine billionaires represented in this book. Too often our community isn't portrayed in positions of power. But Gabe's billionaire status doesn't define him; instead, it's his family's ethics that shine through.

And let's talk about Gabe again - this down-to-earth guy who falls head over heels first is so realistic I couldn't help but picture a young Pedro Pascual! Plus, the way he stands up for Lina? Heart-melting!

One minor note: this is a dual POV contemporary romance and at times it switches perspectives without clear indication. But once you get the hang of it, you're in for an immersive read!

Thank you to Leonor for the ARC!

I just read this hilarious book! So, Zoe's a caterer and she's got the gig of a lifetime - the biggest wedding in DC. But get this, the bride and groom bolted and now she's gotta step in as the bride while the groom's twin takes his place. Why? Because their dad is a senator with presidential dreams and needs everything to be picture perfect.

Now, Zoe and Luke (the twin) didn't exactly hit it off at first - they had a tiff over where he parked his bike! But she agrees to play bride for two reasons - to cater at the White House and for a hefty check that would really help her business.

But from the moment they say “I do”, things take a turn. She trips down 7 steps, her dress is too small, and her shoes are two sizes too small! As they navigate through these mishaps, they start bonding. Question is - will love conquer all?

By the way guys, I got this book for free from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a rollercoaster! Just finished this new read and it's a bit of a departure from The Forbidden Mates series, but boy did it deliver! Clio, our main gal, is one tough cookie - stubborn, loyal and super smart. She's dealing with her world being turned upside down but she's not letting it get her down.

Now let's talk about Arthur. He's got that broody vibe going on but he's devoted to his people and they love him for it. The way he and Clio start to get closer despite all odds is just too good. They are total dynamite together and the secrets that come out along the way? Mind-blowing! This book was so cleverly crafted and paced that I couldn't put it down.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Just finished this super captivating book and I can't stop raving about it. It's a story that will keep you hooked from start to finish, trust me!

Meet Mitchell, a guy who suddenly finds himself as a dad with zero baby experience. His journey is filled with hilarious hiccups and I bet you'll enjoy his story as much as I did.

Now here's the twist. Mitchell seeks help from a lady who agrees to help him raise the baby. But there's a catch - she wants him to fake marry her so she can access her trust fund and build her dream clinic.

It's all about navigating new territories - Mitchell with his unexpected fatherhood and her with her dreams on the line.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I really liked the narrative in this book. Blaze was hilarious, and Sam's reactions to him were adorable. Seeing the other dragons awaken and adjust to the present day was interesting. This book establishes the enemy that the dragons and their allies must fight for their HEA. Learning how Sam became the neurotic person we meet in book one made his character more dimensional.

Just gobbled up “Scoring the Keeper”, the second book in Hayden Hall's Arctic Titans of Northwood U series - it's a real page-turner! Couldn't put it down till I finished it.

Meet Sawyer, our brooding bad boy who's also a goalie for the hockey team. He's got a reputation as a notorious playboy and is on the brink of failing physics for the second time. Enter Noah, his potential savior.

Noah is an absolute sweetheart - a lovable nerd with a spicy side that brought so much joy to my heart. He's one of those tutors everyone wants to work with, and he gets to pick who he helps. But when it comes to dating, he could use some help himself.

Watching these two interact was pure joy! I found myself swooning over Sawyer's protective instincts towards Noah. These two are just too sweet together! This book had me chuckling with its witty banter, sizzling glances, and fun-filled study sessions. If you're looking for a good read that'll make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings, this one's for you!

Thank you to GRR for the ARC and this is my honest review.

I've just finished reading this heartwarming second-chance romance and boy, it's a gem! It's a smooth, captivating read that hooked me right from the start.

Meet Tate - a guy who's been keeping everyone at arm's length for years to protect his heart. But guess what? Beneath that tough exterior is a kind soul you'd absolutely adore. Then there's Olivia, a single mom of adorable twin girls, craving for someone to share life's ups and downs with.

Our hopeful Olivia dreams of an instant family but both she and Tate need to sort out their stuff first before they can settle into a loving family life. You can really sense the deep bond between them and I was totally cheering them on. And yes, there were moments when I wanted to give Tate a good shake!

So if you're in the mood for an engaging read filled with real emotions, give this one a shot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book was a real page-turner! I couldn't put it down. The plot was pretty engaging, but the pace was so fast that I didn't really get to know the characters as much as I wanted to. Especially Kostas, who came off as a bit of a flat villain.

Speaking of Kostas, he's your classic narcissist and master manipulator. I wish the book gave us more background on him - what made him so power-hungry and full of himself?

Deniz stole my heart, though. She's such an amazing character with so much depth - the kind of friend every girl should have.

I also loved Toni and Bella's love story. It was beautiful to see their love grow, but I wish we got to see more of their relationship throughout the book. Their happy ending felt a little rushed.

Thank you, Anna Lena Milo, for a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

I'm not a big fan of dark romance, but I enjoyed this book. The book was enthralling, thrilling, and had a dark romance which worked well. It was an easy-to-read page-turner, so the plot was easy to track. I liked the dual POV so we could understand each MC. I'm glad that it works well as a stand-alone because I did not read the first book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Just finished reading ‘Not Her Villain', a spicy romance novel that had me hooked! It's the second book in Bahrd's Love At All Cost series, and boy, am I kicking myself for not reading the first one, ‘A Voice Without Reason', sooner.

The story revolves around Layla Thorne, a best-selling author, and Benedict Turner, a big-shot publisher. The twist? He just bought the publishing house that Layla is contracted under. And they don't even know it when they first connect!

Layla is researching for her upcoming billionaire romance novel and reaches out to Ben on a dating app (under pseudonyms of course!). There's something about her that Ben finds intriguing and he agrees to help with her research. They start messaging often and eventually agree to meet face-to-face. But surprise! They meet through mutual friends before their planned rendezvous and discover each other's real identities.

The chemistry between Layla and Ben is off the charts! Their witty banter had me laughing out loud. Ben falls head over heels quickly (not his usual style), while Layla tries to keep him at bay but in the end, she can't resist him.

What I loved about this book was not just the spice (which was definitely fun!), but also how relatable the characters were. It was refreshing to see how they struggled with seeing themselves through each other's eyes. Ben is an alpha male who always gets what he wants. And Layla? She's a strong woman who knows how to hold her own.

Another thing worth mentioning - this book has disability representation which I really appreciate. Love truly is for everyone!

Big thanks to Irene Bahrd for sharing an ARC with me - these thoughts are my own honest opinion!

Stumbled upon an absolute gem of a story! It's got that irresistible he falls first vibe, with the guy falling head over heels first - always a win! Mix in some forced closeness and pretend dating, and you've got yourself an epic love cocktail. This tale has all the ingredients for a perfect romantic read.

The playful banter between the two main characters is my absolute favorite - it's sweet, sassy and flirty. As for those sizzling moments, they're few but oh-so-hot. More of stolen kisses and flirtatious exchanges than anything else - just the right amount to keep things interesting.

All in all, this one gets a solid 4-star rating from me and a spicy 2.75 pepper rating for those hot moments!