I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter, and I never thought I would become a father, but it turns out—I’m both.
And while being a firefighter was the only career I ever wanted—being a father has become my greatest destiny in this world.
Now I need to do everything I can to protect my son, even if that means going back to my hometown. I won’t let my son down, no matter what, and I will do my duty as a fireman.
Hopefully, I can do it without everything else burning down around me.
Spencer
I never expected to see Kade again—my high school crush and my biggest heartache in adolescence.
I’m not the same person I once was. I’m stronger now. I won’t allow myself to be invisible.
I love being a teacher, and nothing will stop me from being the best one I can be. But Kade coming back into town with his adorable young son in tow—makes it a challenge.
All I can hope is to get through this school year without going back to that unsure, terrified kid.
I have to remember who I am—and when that fear comes back, threatening my newfound confidence—I hope I’ll find the courage to burn it down to the ground and come back stronger than ever.
Hold Me Tight by Jennifer Sucevic is now live in audio!
Narrated by: Vivienne LaRue & Grayson Owens
A steamy single mom, enemies-to-lovers, best friend’s ex, pro hockey romance from USA Today and Amazon Top 26 bestselling author Jennifer Sucevic.
I swore I’d never fall for another hockey player. Not after Zane. My ex and the father of my daughter.
But when I need a place to stay, River Thompson is the one who opens his door. My ex’s teammate and best friend. Completely off-limits. The man who looks at me like I’ve always belonged to him.
There’s just one catch… I have to share his bed.
Living under the same roof makes it impossible to ignore the way he’s been quietly biding his time. He’s patient, protective, and determined to prove he’s not like the man who broke me. And the way he is with my daughter makes it even harder to guard my heart.
Every night I spend in his bed, the slow burn between us threatens to ignite.
Trusting River means risking not only my heart, but my daughter’s too. The scariest part?
I’m starting to believe he might be worth it.
Hold Me Tight is a best friend’s ex, enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn pro hockey romance with a hero who’s been biding his time—and a heroine afraid to trust her heart to the wrong man again.
🎧Review🎧 River has had feelings for Callie for a few years and even the fact that she was dating his teammate didn’t diminish them. Since that relationship ended he has been waiting not so patiently for her to let him into her and daughter’s life and when that happens he is going to show her that he is the man she and her daughter Nora deserve.
Callie is struggling both personally and financially when her daughter’s father walks out of their life especially when she has to see him move on with other women. She doesn’t believe she is ready for a relationship with any man let alone a hockey player who is on the same team as her ex but with everything that River does and says she realizes that all hockey players are not created equal.
River is a man that any woman would be lucky to have in their life. Not only he is swoony and protective but the relationship he shares with Nora will melt your heart and no one deserves happiness more than Callie after everything she has been through. Vivienne LaRue did an amazing job at portraying the emotions that Callie was feeling while Greyson Owens performance will not only touch your heart but make it race as well.
Kelly Finley is a fiction author of spicy romances featuring bada** women and grown-a** men. She lives in the Carolinas with her husband and family. A rebel with many causes, she fancies black leather, dirty jokes, and smart mouths.
Thrilled by a flipped script and ticked off by women portrayed as weak, her books feature FMCs and MCs we champion and love—ones with shameless heat, brave hearts, and whip-smart minds.
She’s most likely at her keyboard right now, putting the next heroine on the page for you.
SIRE is the Devil’s son. And my pastor, my hot, handsome gift from God.
He rescued me from hell, his Iron Angel, and saved my innocence, so now he must take it. I insist.
Brutal, bloodthirsty, and beautiful, Sire is a man of god, but an escaped mafia prince when he leaves the pulpit, avenging the crimes of his Bratva father. A father who hunts him. Who hunts us.
I don’t care how young I am, how he resists me, or how forbidden his needs… Sire will be my first, my forever, my sacred sinner. I will be his wife and youngest queen.
His brothers, his kings, will initiate me. I want to belong to them. I crave their taboo rituals. I will earn my throne.
Damned and divine, together, our love will be stronger than any evil. But can it survive the Evil that is coming for us…
Author’s note: SIRE is a not-mafia-mafia romance set in a world of taboo traditions, biting banter, morally grey heroes, and lovable heroines, within a vigilante band of brothers, exploring some heavy themes and featuring very explicit scenes. This is an interconnected, standalone—the third in the Belles & Bratva Beasts series—with a guaranteed HEA.
🖤Review🖤 Sire is a pastor who would do anything for those he cares about and has a dark past. He has taken it upon himself to help women who find themselves in a situation that no one should have to endure. When he rescues Wren he knows he should keep his distance in part because of the age gap and in part because he is dark and she is light, but she doesn’t agree.
From the moment that Sire came into her life Wren knows that he is her destiny. She is determined to show him that they are kindred souls and is willing to fight for the future they could have together. She isn’t about to back down from anyone or anything and that includes accepting all sides of the man she has come to love.
Both Sire and Wren are captivating characters. The banter between them is entertaining, the chemistry explosive and she is his equal in every way as even though she may appear docile she is a force to be reckoned with which is exactly what he needs.
𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝: 𝐚 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟑) by USA Today Bestselling Author Louise Bay is coming on January 6th, 2026! He’s an uptight New Yorker. She’s a real-as-it-gets farm girl from Colorado. They’re from different worlds, but their worlds are about to collide.
When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…
Claudia Burgoa (@claudia_b30) has revealed the stunning cover of her upcoming novel, (Not So) Simple Lyrics—the first book in her new nostalgic romance series, Heartbreak Mixtapes.
Designed by: @byhangle
Photographer: @wanderbookclub
Set in 1997, (Not So) Simple Lyrics explores grief, healing, and the bittersweet pull of second chances. It’s a love story told through late-night chats, heartbreak playlists, and the lyrics we never say out loud.
Moody, heartfelt, and deeply nostalgic—perfect for readers who believe that some love stories never fade, they just change key.
📼 Because some love stories sound better in rewind.
🎶 Not So Simple Lyrics releases December 30th.
A must-read for fans of You’ve Got Mail, Before Sunrise, and the soundtrack of what we lost.
Haunted by past battles and sadness following Lucas’ departure, Alex is thrust back into the fray when a brutal murder threatens to unravel the very fabric of their world. Teaming up with old allies, and the Other Tabard’s Inn’s charming bartender Finn, she navigates a web of shifters, fae, and witches, all while grappling with the darkness growing within her.
As the death toll mounts and the sinister machinations of the Hidden Village reveal themselves, will Alex be able to save her friends without succumbing to her vampiric heritage? Will she allow Finn’s kindness to mend her fractured heart? Perhaps most importantly of all, will she ever find out how Argo, her snarky corgi roomie from hell, fixes his gourmet meals?
Prepare for a tale that tests the limits of love, loyalty and the strength to stand in the light, even as darkness encroaches.
My eyes land on a vision—dark hair tumbling in loose waves down her shoulders catching the sunlight as she moves. Her jeans fit like they were made for her, hugging strong legs that grip the saddle with firm control. Her white ruffled blouse is tucked in at the waist, the fabric soft and feminine, a stark contrast to the worn, rugged leather boots on her feet.
Her cowboy hat sits low on her brow, shadowing sharp, determined eyes as she guides the horse beneath her—every movement fluid, confident, commanding. The reins respond to the slightest shift of her wrist, the horse reading her with ease. There’s power in her posture, elegance in the way she leans forward, coaxing the animal into a perfect turn.
I watch as she leads the horse to the gate, unable to look away.
She dismounts and then pats the horse’s muzzle and speaks softly to it before setting it loose. Then she exits the arena and heads to where we’re standing. Stopping at Matty’s side.
“Charli, I’d like you to meet Bryce Raintree,” Matty introduces. “Bryce, this is my sister Charli Storm. She’s the head horse and riding trainer here at Wildhaven Storm, and she’s the one you’ll be working with and answering to while you’re here.”
Answering to?
I let the question slide as she outstretches her arm and I take her offered hand.
“Bryce—your ward, apparently,” I clip.
Her eyes narrow slightly at my comment.
“Charli, and I’m nobody’s babysitter,” she says.
“Yeah, well, that’s what the hell it sounds like to me,” I say, swinging my eyes back to Shawn, who just shakes his head.
“I’m sorry, ladies. Ry’s not usually this impolite. He’s just being an a$s because he’s mad at me. He’s not exactly enthusiastic about the direction his career is veering toward and apparently blames me instead of the doctors’ sound medical advice. But I’m hoping that he’ll come around after you’ve had a chance to work with him, Miss Storm.”
Charli steps forward, and her sapphire-blue eyes home in on me. “I’m not your enemy. I’m here to help you.”
I laugh. “Contrary to what Shawn has told you, I don’t need help. I just need time.”
She clicks her tongue. “Let’s get one thing straight, Raintree. You do need my help, and I’m not here to be your whipping post. So, whatever frustration you have with your predicament, you need to point it elsewhere. I’m not gonna put up with a shitty attitude. I’m here to work. You’re here to work. And as long as you do that, we’ll get along just fine. You show up late or hungover or if you half-a$s it, I’ll put you on the next plane back to wherever the hell you came from. But if you listen and follow the program I put together, I’ll teach you how to stay on a bronc and maybe save your career. Fair?”
Teach me how to stay on a bronc? I have to hold back my laughter.
“Guess we’ll see,” I say.
She smirks. “I’ve broken harder men than you, cowboy.”
My gaze goes to hers.
“And how do you know how hard I am?” I ask.
Shawn chokes beside me, and all our eyes go to him.
“Sorry.” He coughs as he beats on his chest.
Charli looks over her shoulder. “Matty, show our guest where to drop his bags.” Then she swings back around to me. Her eyes flicker with challenge. “We’ll get started after lunch, Mr. Raintree.”
“Bryce. But my friends call me Ry.”
“Great. Bryce it is,” she quips. “You’ve got an hour. We’ll start with groundwork.”
“Groundwork?” I echo, incredulous. “I’m not some f*cking rookie.”
“Good. Then prove it.”
Blurb:
I train horses, not broken men. That’s what I tell myself the day Bryce Raintree walks into my arena—cocky, bruised, and dragging his ego behind him like it’s been trampled in the dust. He’s a bull rider who’s lost his edge. His team sends him to me to get it back.
He doesn’t like being told what to do, especially not by a woman like me. But under all that attitude, there’s a storm brewing. And I can’t seem to walk away.
I’ve spent my life in the saddle, doing what needs to be done after losing our mom and stepping up on the ranch. I don’t fix cowboys. But maybe… I don’t have to. Maybe he’s not the only one who needs saving.
A hockey player and former figure skater get a second chance at love in this hot sports romance from a USA Today bestselling author, perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, Elle Kennedy, and Grace Reilly.
Zoe Carson, former figure skating queen, needs a fresh start as a hockey skating coach. An NHL gig with the New York Legends is her big chance. Unfortunately, that means facing off against the star player who broke her heart ten years ago.
Chase Merritt knows his game is off, and he’s on the verge of losing sponsors. But he doesn’t need the ice princess from that intense college summer showing up and telling him what he’s doing wrong—even when she’s right.
On the ice, they’re magic. Off the ice, they’re nothing but heat and stubbornness, and everyone on the team is enjoying the show. But when an old video of Zoe and Chase’s figure skating routine goes viral, they’re forced to work together more intimately than ever before. Can the two get it right this time or will the whole world watch them crash and burn?
🏒Review🏒
After a successful figure skating career Zoe has transitioned into coaching and has been hired by the NY Legends to help the players fine tune their skating skills. This job is everything that Zoe has wanted but it also means that she will need to work with her first love and the animosity between them hasn’t diminished over time.
Chase is a professional hockey player whose reputation needs some help but the last person he wants to help him with it is Zoe. A decade earlier their relationship did not end well, and they each hold the other responsible. Forced to spend time together when they are convinced to skate together both for charity and to help with his reputation truths are revealed that change everything.
I enjoyed seeing Zoe become the strong and independent woman she was meant to be while Chase made peace with the past both when he and Zoe were together and when they weren’t. These two have always belonged together and I enjoyed seeing them finally find their way back to each other.
Finnian “Apollo” Reins met Dru Noel Rossi at his lowest.
She was a bright ray of sunshine in his darkest, cloudiest night.
He had no clue that he needed her. He was just struggling to keep his head above water, going from day to day, waiting for it to be his time to go.
But then she catches his eye in the swankiest restaurant in Washington DC. She’s wearing all black and sticks out like a sore thumb among the elitists’ otherwise dressiest affairs. She may have been severely underdressed, but that didn’t stop Finnian from following her every move and becoming obsessed.
So of course, when she leaves, he follows her. And wouldn’t you know it, she goes right back to his hometown.
But that’s not the first coincidence between the otherwise complete opposites. It’s just a long line of chance encounters that force them together, time and time again, and show them what they’re missing.
She’s the sweetest thing he’s ever met, and understandably, is hesitant to get anywhere near a Truth Teller like him.
The Truth Tellers MC got their hard, terrifying reputations for a reason.
But Finnian wears her down with his charm, while showing her what it’s like to be with someone that won’t hesitate to take out the entire world as long as it makes her smile.
He has to have her in his life, and he’ll do just about anything to make that happen. A little light stalking, financial blackmail and forced proximity never hurt anybody.
Apollo has a devastating past which he is still trying to make peace with. As a result, he has distanced himself from everyone including the Truth Tellers MC but when he sees Dru she inspires feelings in him that he can’t deny. A harrowing experience and some forced proximity bring them closer however the turmoil they must overcome is only beginning when they return home.
Dru has always tried to be there for her family which is how she finds herself on the plane where she meets Apollo. When they return to their normal lives she believes that they will go their separate ways however he isn’t about to let her walk out of his life and everything he learns about her only has him more determined to protect her.
After everything Apollo has been through I was glad to see him get a second chance at happiness and Dru is exactly who he needs. They are so supportive of each other as life continues to throw them curveballs which only makes their love stronger.
Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.
From USA Today bestselling author Laura Pavlov comes a story about found family and the power of acceptance, all wrapped up in a sizzling romance set in the frozen north.
My new landlord’s a real hard-ass. And I can’t keep my hands off him.
Charlie Huxley’s the best—and grumpiest—general contractor in Blushing, Alaska. He built the venue for the wedding-planning business my bestie and I share. After I accidentally flood my home, he offers me his guesthouse while he handles the repairs. But when he starts to take charge, I feel myself losing control.
Unable to resist, we casually hook up. We both know once will never be enough.
Between us, we carry plenty of baggage. I’ve got the absent father, drunk mother, and estranged sister. He grew up in foster care and is single-handedly raising a daughter whose mom visits just once a year.
But Charlie makes me feel like I belong. And for the first time ever, I picture myself with a real family.
Before I go all in, I need to learn to set some boundaries. Question is: Am I strong enough?
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
🩵Review🩵 The renovations that Violet was undertaking on her house aren’t going as well as she would like and that is only about to escalate when she finds herself homeless and staying on Charlie’s, her cantankerous contractor’s property. The one bright spot is his adorable daughter Harper who allows her to see the caring father he is.
Charlie has decided that the only woman he needs in his life is his daughter. Now he not only finds himself dealing with a woman he views as a difficult client, but she is living on his property as well. It was easier to deny his attraction for her when it didn’t seem like she was meant to be in his and his daughter’s life.
The banter is humorous, the romance is enchanting, and I enjoyed every page of seeing not only the relationship between Violet and Charlie unfold but the special relationship she shared with Harper as well as they become the family they were destined to be.
Kari's Book Reviews and Revelations 