She wanted the parents who didn’t divorce when she was a kid and make her life a living nightmare. She wanted the sisters who actually liked her. She wanted to live in a town where everyone loved her and didn’t have a single bad thing to say about her.
That was not the life Birdee was given.
She had the exact opposite life. The kind of life where she slunk through the grocery store with a hoodie on so no one would recognize her. The kind of life where men like Creed Daugherty didn’t give her a second look.
After years of abuse and heartache, she built walls. Big, huge, thick ones that no one could ever breach. If she didn’t put forth the effort to get to know someone, she couldn’t be hurt.
At least, that was the theory.
She never counted on Creed Daugherty hitting her with his truck. Then, deciding that once he entered her life, he would never leave it.
Though Birdee should’ve known that Creed was too good to be true.
All it takes is one mistake on her part, and Creed freezes her out. Then forces the rest of the town to make it almost impossible for her to live in Sawtooth, Montana, anymore.
Birdee only thought it couldn’t get worse.
But Creed makes sure to show her that it can and will.
The thing about rock bottom?
Once you’re there, you have nothing else to lose.
And Creed Daugherty just made himself enemy number one.
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.
If you have read the previous stories in this series you may thing you know Birdie, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Her mother is toxic and she has never felt included when it comes to her estranged father and stepsisters with only her best friend who was there for her. When an accident brings Creed into her life he shows her what love and support truly means.
Creed had lost faith in the justice system and what was right until Apollo gave him a second chance at life. Birdie’s reputation has preceded her but when they get in an accident he realizes that there is no one there for her which allows him to see the person she is even if he made a few missteps along the way.
Birdee and Creed’s story is filled with family drama as you can’t help but fee for everything that Birdee goes through as not only does she find a love with Creed she never expected but through him the family she has always deserved.
The fantasies I conjure up in my head were my only solace during the darkest times in my life. I escaped into them and built my dreams within places that only exist in my mind. While I no longer have to hide from my life, I can still get lost in my head.
My past has taught me to keep my distance from most men, not that I was ever interested in them. There’s only one man who ever made me look twice. Ford Conners has the weight of his family legacy on his shoulders, and I can’t help but wonder how long he’ll be able carry it. That’s why I started writing him letters.
‘Dear Cowboy’ is how I greet him in my letters, but I have no idea what to say when we’re face to face. When the world shifts and he sees me, he doesn’t look away. And he starts asking questions while watching me, the pieces of who I am falling into place. I shared my dreams with him without knowing if he would ever become more than a mailbox on a dirt road. He sweeps me off my feet, steals my heart, and offers me wishes like they’re raindrops, but can I trust him?
FORD
I’ve been waiting for something more than the land and my ranch. I’ve been waiting for something special, for a moment that can’t be denied and a feeling of rightness in my gut. It feels like I’ve been waiting my entire life; every time I’m about to give up, or give in, a letter shows up addressed to me.
While I’ve been waiting, I kept myself busy. I’ve grown my family’s ranch with a single-minded focus without realizing how money would infect my family and tear us apart. Now, they’ve left me to take care of the land while they reap the rewards. I can’t help but wonder what is left for me and if what I’m waiting for will ever show up.
Then I cross paths with Arden, and I can’t believe I never noticed her before. Now, she’s all I can see. The more I watch her, the more things click into place. When I figure out why it feels like I know her, it becomes another reason to claim her as mine. She wrote her dreams on my heart and now I’m going to make them her reality.
After the passing of his father Ford has felt alone on the family ranch. The one bright spot are the anonymous letters he has been received however now he is conflicted as when he finally sees Arden he can’t deny his feelings for her but he also believes he is in love with the woman who is writing him letters.
Due to her past Arden isn’t sure if she will ever be able to let a man close so instead she watches Ford from afar and expresses the depth of the emotions she has for him through letters. When the truth is revealed she must decide if she is willing to believe in the love and future they could have together.
The letters that Ford and Arden exchanged were touching and gave them the courage to go after what they wanted which was each other.
Five years ago, Brooks Saxton left me at the altar. Now I’m breaking into his billionaire fortress in the dead of night, desperate enough to steal from the man who once owned my heart.
He’s ruthless. Powerful. Untouchable.
I’m broke, disposable, and still haunted by the way he said I don’t.
When he catches me with my hands in his safe, I’m suddenly trapped between the man who destroyed me and everything I tried to forget—hate, need, and secrets sharp enough to draw blood.
He thinks I’m a mistake he buried. I know he’s my downfall.
But the man who ruined me still wants me.
And this time, walking away will cost us both everything.
Briar thought that her wedding day to Brooks would be a dream come true and not the nightmare that started when he walked away. For the last five years she has been forced into doing things she never wanted however the consequences were too dire to say no. This coercion brings her back into Brook’s life when he catches her in the act however as much as she despises him the feelings haven’t diminished over time.
Brooks made the only choice he could make at the time, and he walked away from Briar not because he didn’t love her but because he did. Learning what she has been through while they have been apart becomes a game changer and this time he will eliminate the threat and convince her to give him a second chance.
Brooks and Briar take us on an emotional and angsty journey as they try to find their way back to each other. Even though some of Brook’s actions might be questionable his love was never in question nor his need to make things right.
Meet Elise Faber:
USA TODAY bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California.
To find out about Elise Faber’s upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here
She’s the target in heels. He’s the shield in boots. Together, they’re the last line of defense—and the first spark of something explosive.
Supermodel Indigo Lyric comes to Cupid City to headline the Valentine Lingerie Showcase and reboot her brand with heart-eyed charm, not headline the news with a stalker story. Enter Mack Hawthorne, former Navy SEAL turned elite protector, who believes in three things: plans, protocols, and never, ever falling for the client.
Too bad Cupid City has other plans.
When a bouquet explodes in confetti and shrapnel, Heartline’s Operation Valentine assigns Mack as Indigo’s 24/7 shadow. Cue: a penthouse lockdown with one bed—for insurance photos, sir—fake-date optics to kill a rumor, and a city that insists on kissing booths, heart-shaped everything.
He’s grumpy, growly, and alpha enough to make danger blink first. She’s sunshine with a runway strut and a habit of breaking his rules.
Cupid City rule #1: Don’t get attached.
Cupid City rule #1: Good luck with that.
Operation: Bombshell delivers romcom banter, protector heat, and pulse-pounding suspense, because sometimes the safest place to fall… is straight into your bodyguard’s arms. Happily ever after guaranteed.
After his career as a Navy SEAL ended Mack now works as a bodyguard. His latest assignment is to protect Lyric, a model who has drawn the attention of the wrong person, however with multiple suspects and the very personal feelings he has for her things are about to get muddled.
Indigo is a successful model who has been hurt by those she should have been able to trust. This show is a second chance for her professionally and she isn’t about to be scared away and when the danger comes to a crescendo she knows that she can trust Mack to keep her safe.
Indigo is feisty and independent while Mack is a natural defender. The feelings between them are indisputable and suspense only adds to the story.
Focusing on something just over my shoulder, she slowly nodded. “At one time, yeah, I did. But I’m working to undo it all, little by little.”
“Why did you believe it?” None of this made any sense. She was so strong and self-assured with me, never backing down. I couldn’t imagine her believing any of that, much less listening to someone else say it to her.
She blew out a shaky breath, and I steeled myself for her answer, knowing I wouldn’t like it. “Because when it constantly comes from someone you love and who you think loves you just as much, it becomes your truth.”
Bloodlust pumped through my veins, making me vibrate with unfiltered anger. Someone who said they loved her filled her mind with those lies, which made it worse somehow.
“Who?” I demanded. “Give me a name, and I will rip out their throat so they can’t say that bullsh*t to you or anyone else again.”
“No need to kill someone and end up in prison for the rest of your life on my behalf,” she huffed with a small grin. “But thanks.”
I angled my head to one side and then the other, stretching out the building tension in my neck and shoulders. “Juno, I would gladly die there with a smile on my face if it meant ending the person who made you question the truth of who you are.”
Her eyes widened in obvious shock. Before she could respond, the locker room door flung open.
“Give me the biggest chocolate dick you have!” Smooth, Jenna. Real smooth.
I’m freshly divorced and looking for sweet revenge… until I burst into Bliss and make an ass out of myself. The tattooed mountain of muscle behind the counter is absolutely swoon-worthy, and I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve seen him before. My suspicions are confirmed when he says my name—except I have no idea who this hottie is. And it’s driving me crazy!
One slow drive home. One soft confession. One night that changes everything.
My ex really did a number on me, and I don’t know what it’s like to truly be loved. I’m scared, but Oliver has a way of making me feel safe and seen.
Maybe love really is sweeter the second time around—especially when the man holding you knows exactly how to worship every part of your heart… and your body.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 🍫 Valentine’s Day 🍫 Spicy Hallmark Feels 🍫 Small Town 🍫 Curvy Heroine 🍫 Cinnamon Roll Hero w/ Daddy Vibes 🍫 Protective Hero 🍫 Low Drama, High Heat 🍫 Instalove
❤️Review After wasting a decade with her cheating ex Jenna wants revenge and what better way than to send him a chocolate object that he will never forget. When she meets the owner of the chocolate shop he remembers her even if she doesn’t remember him.
Oliver has evolved from the nerdy teenager that Jenna used to know to a swoony man he is now. He isn’t disappointed that Jenna doesn’t remember him, but he is determined to finally have a chance with the woman he has always wanted.
From their reunion the story finds the perfect balance between humor and heat as Oliver shows Jenna how she deserves to be treated.
This is an emotion filled story that is centered around the musical group Fireball and features three characters who have been shaped by the challenges and trauma in their pasts even though their situations are quite different.
Liam is a guitarist who has had to overcome painful family drama, Linus is the manager who has never been accepted by those who should have given him unconditional love while Avonna is the singer who had to escape a difficult past.
The dynamics between them is filled with turmoil as they have so much to overcome both as individuals and as a group. The growth of these characters is heartwarming and the realization that they are meant to be together despite what others may think will not leave you untouched.
Meet Kaylene Winter:
Kaylene Winter is an Amazon best-selling author of steamy, contemporary romance.
Each character-driven novel is filled with snappy dialogue, pop-culture references and enough steam to make you fan yourself. Kaylene weaves authenticity, emotion and angst into a turbulent rollercoaster ride of love, passion and soul-searing romance always ending with a delicious HEA.
Kaylene lives in Seattle with her amazing Irish husband and gorgeous Siberian Husky. She loves creating art of all kinds.
Taj Blackman knows a thing or two about responsibility. As the new CEO of Blackman Boards, he intends to carry on the legacy his father built with dignity.
It’s that mindset that leaves him unable to neglect the duty he feels in other aspects of his life. Like with a specific someone.
Olivia Thomas.
Taj never expected to see the supermodel in his small hometown, especially not in her wedding gown.
But when Olivia appears, desperate for his help, Taj can’t turn her away.
Using everything he’s learned from the man who entrusted a multi-million-dollar company to him, Taj is honored to take on a new responsibility that’s worth far more than money could ever buy.
A.K. Evans is a contemporary romance author of over seventy published novels. While she enjoys writing a good romantic suspense novel, Andrea’s favorite books to write have been her extreme sports romances. That might have something to do with the fact that she, along with her husband and two sons, can’t get enough of extreme sports.
Before becoming a writer, Andrea did a brief stint in the insurance and financial services industry and managed her husband’s performance automotive business. That love of extreme sports? She used to drive race cars!
When Andrea isn’t writing, she can be found homeschooling her two sons, doing yoga, snowboarding, reading, or traveling with her family. She and her husband are currently taking road trips throughout the country to visit all 50 states with their boys.
99c First and Limited Time Only: The Eternal Mafia from USA Today bestselling author Esther E. Schmidt. A complete series with four standalone fated mates stories. Be sure to snatch it up quick before the price increases to $9.99 February 15, 2026! Get it here: books2read.com/TheEternalMafia
The Eternal Don – Some consider me a ticking time bomb, others know I have the time and patience of a sinful saint. I’ve been around for almost two centuries. No one is stupid enough to challenge me, until a hunter thinks he can bait me by using his daughter. An arranged marriage might have been a trap set by him, but I’ll be the one who will see it through.
The Eternal Underboss – Some consider me the epitome of serenity, others know utter havoc flows through my blood. Fairies for instance are vicious creatures, staying amongst their own to prevent wars among other supernaturals. Until they attend a gathering where arranged marriages are forged. As it happens, the daughter of the Fairy king turns out to be my eternal mate.
Cowboy Bikers MC: Centaurs – Being the president of an MC filled with centaur shifters located at a huge ranch demands a truckload of responsibilities. I am not just a biker, a cowboy, or a centaur, but I am a man of many trades and talents. And one of those is to protect the one who is destined to be my eternal mate.
The Eternal Choice – The goal was to find other clan leaders at the supernatural’s gathering to find suitable candidates for an arranged marriage. Instead, I stumble onto my fated mate. The woman isn’t a dragon, even if she’s as stubborn as one, but a very unique vampire. Meeting my fated mate has unseeable consequences for my clan, but it also saves my life at a time when legends come true, and betrayal runs deeper than blood.
Tennessee Smith is a wanted man. Betrayed by his government and hunted by his former employer, he’s been stripped of everything he holds dear. If the CIA finds him, they’re sure to take his life as well. His only shot at getting it all back is taking down the man who burned him. He knows just how to get to Senator Hank McDonald and that’s through his daughter, Faith. In order to seduce her, he must become something he never thought he’d be—a Dom.
Overcome by isolation and duty…
All her life, Dr. Faith “Mac” McDonald has felt alone, even among her family. Dedicating herself to helping others and making a difference in the world has brought her some peace, but a year spent fighting the Ebola virus in West Africa has taken a toll. She’s come home for two months of relaxation before she goes back into the field. After holding so many lives in her hands, nothing restores her like the act of submission. Returning to her favorite club, Mac is drawn to the mysterious new Dom all the subs are talking about, Master No. In the safety of his arms, she finds herself falling head over heels in love.
Forced to choose between love and revenge…
On an exclusive Caribbean island, Ten and Mac explore their mutual attraction, but her father’s plots run deeper than Ten could possibly have imagined. With McKay-Taggart by his side, Ten searches for a way to stop the senator, even as his feelings for Mac become too strong to deny. In the end, he must choose between love and revenge—a choice that will change his life forever.
🎧Review🎧 Tennessee devoted his life to the Agency only to have them betray him when it comes to ensuring that justice is received for his brother’s death. With Ian’s help he is going to go after the man he believes responsible and he believes the best way to accomplish that is through Faith his daughter, even if that means she gets caught in the crossfire.
Faith is a doctor who always put others first which is why she works in the countries that need her the most. She has returned to the US for her annual respite where she will spend a few weeks with a Dom. What she didn’t know is that Ten is that Dom or the private agenda he has that will put them all in danger.
The chemistry between Ten and Faith is off the charts, and the suspense keeps you on edge however what really makes this story compelling is the emotional component and it doesn’t just affect Ten and Faith. Ryan West doesn’t disappoint as he brings out all the angst, humor and intrigue and makes this captivating story even better.
Kari's Book Reviews and Revelations 