He told her the one thing that could make her walk away.
“A long time ago. We grew up in a different world from yours. I know it’s hard to understand, but our reality isn’t simply black-and-white. There is gray, and I’m part of that. The day I had to end a life, I saved an entire family. I’m not proud of it, but I don’t regret it.” I paused. “And I’d do it again to save someone I love. Especially you.”
“I knew this was too good to be true,” she whispered. “That there would be something to end this.”
Horrified, I was on my knees in front of her, holding her cold, trembling hands. “No, Autumn, No. I’m still me, mo fhiadh beag. The man who loves you. I would never hurt you. I would die to protect you.”
“I’m so confused.”
“I know. I didn’t want you to find out like this. I wanted to sit down and tell you.”
“Why didn’t you?”
I smiled ruefully, tucking a strand of her silken hair behind her ear. “Because I was afraid of exactly this—losing you. Afraid you would walk away when you saw all of me.” I met her teary eyes. “I’m just a man, Autumn. Flawed. I’ve made choices I’m not proud of, but I strive every day to be better. The part you fear now is a very small piece of me but one I have had to use to survive at times. But it doesn’t change who I am. I’ve never felt about someone the way I do you.”
From USA Today, #1 Amazon, and BookTok bestselling author Kandi Steiner comes a sizzling, second-chance romance set on the high seas—perfect for fans of Below Deck and readers who crave angsty, high-stakes love stories.
Ember Reed is finally living her dream: chief stew on a Mediterranean superyacht, sun-kissed days at sea, and the star of Close Quarters, the hottest new reality TV show. But just as she finds her stride, the producers throw her a curveball—by hiring the one man who nearly sank her.
Finn Pearson was the one that got away. The boy who kissed her like they had forever, then left without a word. But now he’s the chef in her new crew, and the cameras are watching their every move, innocent, or not.
Even on a superyacht, there’s nowhere to hide from the past. Every stolen glance, every whispered argument, every lingering memory threatens to ignite what never fully burned out. And as the tension spills into their day jobs, even the dinner service is spiralling into disaster.
They’ve crashed before… but could eight weeks at sea be their second chance to get it right? Or will it be the storm that finally sinks them for good?
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🛳️Review Professionally Ember has finally gotten the job she has always wanted as the chief stew on a yacht however with the job comes the added complication of a reality show being filed on the voyage. She is also about to receive a curveball she didn’t see coming as not only is Finn, her ex, hired as the chef but his girlfriend is not only on the ship but her roommate as well.
When Finn agreed to the position on the yacht he didn’t know that the position would mean that Ember would be there as well. He now finds himself trying to avoid her and the past especially since he is not only in another relationship, but she is there as well. Let the complications begin!
This second chance is a slow burn that is filled with turmoil, angst and feelings that both are trying unsuccessfully to deny and leaves you on edge as they try to work through the predicament they find themselves in. Hannah Chiclana and Walker Williams do a masterful job with the audio performance as they bring out every emotion the characters are experiencing.
Back in college, I made a pact with Presley Grant—if we were both still single at thirty, we’d marry each other.
It was a joke. A fallback plan we never thought we’d need.
Now I’m an NFL star, playing for Presley’s father’s team, and she’s the team doctor—completely off-limits. But when an injury puts me under her care in the offseason, old chemistry resurfaces fast … and inescapably.
Then tragedy strikes.
Now I’m the legal guardian of my sister’s two young children, facing a custody battle I might lose. Because no matter how much I love them, the court might not see my career as stable.
And Presley … her dream of opening a football camp for underprivileged kids hinges on one seemingly impossible condition: she must be married or thirty-five years old to access her trust fund.
So, I make a proposal and cash in on our pact.
It’s supposed to solve everything—my family, her future. Temporary. Controlled. Nothing more.
But living together, raising two kids, and pretending to be in love—it starts to feel dangerously real.
And when the time comes to walk away … neither of us is sure we can.
Why you will love this book: 💙Friends to Strangers to Lovers🏒Hockey Romance 💙Single Dad 🏒She Plays Hockey/Women in Sports 💙Forbidden Romance 🏒Next Gen Langfield, but can be read as a standalone
There are only two things I’ve ever truly wanted in my life. To be a goalie in the NHL and JJ Hanson.
In a twisted way, both dreams have come true. Rather than a spot on the roster though, I’m now the first female goalie coach in the NHL. JJ Hanson’s coach, specifically.
Not only is he one of my players—making him totally off limits—he’s also a single dad and still technically married. Oh, and thanks to my father’s meddling, he’s now my roommate, along with his cousin and her three kids, my sister and her four-year-old twins, my cousin, and JJ’s daughter, who I unfortunately adore.
Yup, I’m living with six kids under the age of five, and the only man I’ve ever loved.
There was a time when JJ was my closest friend, and for one perfect moment, he was mine. Now we don’t even talk. JJ is determined to change that, though, and when opportunity strikes and suddenly both of my dreams are within reach, I have to make a decision. Can I step out onto that ice as the first female goalie in the NHL and trust JJ with my heart?
I’ve never been one to walk away from a challenge. Maybe the only way JJ and I can move forward is to go back to the start.
Paper Rings is a friends-to-lovers, single-dad, second-chance hockey romance with dual POV and a dual timeline featuring a Brownstone like Mother Faker and many of your favorite characters from the Langfield Brothers’ family. It is the first book in the New Romantics Series and a complete standalone
She’s here to expose hockey’s biggest flaws. He’s the complication she never planned on. Neither one is prepared for the sparks that fly every time they collide.
A guarded billionaire single dad meets the one woman who could heal his heart in this emotional and blisteringly hot romance by USA Today bestselling author Marni Mann.
One look at former NFL player Gavin Worthington has Emily craving things she shouldn’t. Yet his scorching-hot body and dangerously perfect smile are everything she wants. At the same time, a single glance at the breathtakingly sexy Emily Wren and her unforgettable blue eyes has Gavin desiring things he hasn’t in years.
Their agreement is simple: one night of uninhibited pleasure. No strings, no complications.
But one taste isn’t enough, and he can’t get Emily out of his head.
Gavin never lets women get close—his seven-year-old son, Ben, is his entire world. But there’s something about the gorgeous nurse that breaks through every wall he’s built. She’s incredible with his boy, lights up his darkest places, and makes him hunger in ways he’d forgotten were possible. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to deny their growing feelings. Except the pull of Gavin’s past is stronger than they imagined.
For this grumpy single dad to move forward and hold on to the only woman who’s made him feel alive in years, he’ll have to convince Emily that their connection is more powerful than the emotional barriers between them. They’ll need to trust that sometimes the most unexpected love stories lead to the happiest endings. All they have to do is take the chance.
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💛Review💛 After his NFL career ended Gavin directed his attention to being a successful business and a single father to his son Ben. Due to his past, he isn’t looking for love or a relationship, but when his son needs medical attention that is provided by Emily he realizes he doesn’t just want her to walk out of his life. He was only willing to offer one night but that would be all it would take to convince him one night would not be enough.
Emily has directed her attention to her career as a nurse as well. Even though she wants love and a relationship she doesn’t believe that Gavin is the man who would be willing to give it to her. She is willing to give into the chemistry between them however she also knows what she deserves and isn’t willing to accept anything less.
The physical connection between Emily and Gavin was never in doubt but they share an emotional connection as well. She is the first person to make Gavin feel in a long time and now he needs to convince her to trust him with her heart.
When my sister asks me to date her best friend, I don’t say no.
Are you kidding? Sarah Tolliver has owned me since the day we met.
What my sister forgets to mention? The shy little bookworm doesn’t know I’m her date. And she’s hiding a lifetime of grief behind those pretty eyes.
I show up anyway. I scare off the guy hitting on her. I take her home with me.
And I make one thing clear: She’s mine.
She thinks love is something that breaks you. But I’ve spent my life protecting what matters.
I’ll be her shield. I’ll keep her safe.
And I won’t ever fail her.
Sarah
Getting roped into a blind date by my best friend was destined to end in disaster. But I didn’t expect to be propositioned before drinks…or to be rescued by him.
I’ve loved Jasper Medlock in secret for years. But he belonged to the Navy. I belonged nowhere.
Until now.
The way he looks at me should scare me. The way he calls me his should send me running.
It doesn’t.
But I’ve already lost my entire family. Risking my heart with the only man who’s ever held it?
That might be the most terrifying thing I’ll ever do.
With Seifiek missing and Axel biding his time, I’ll delve into my studies for as long as I’m allowed at the Academy—or as long as I can survive. There’s a dark secret within the Collegium, one that I need to understand if Rowa, Zeke, and I are going to make it out on the other side of this mess and new enemies are fighting me every step of the way.
The worst being a third powerful male who has set his sights on me. He is delighted by the realms on the verge of war. Chaos is his home and madness is his bedmate.
He’s as ancient as time itself and he’s set the future on a course where I’ll become his queen.
They say nice guys finish last, and that’s certainly been the case for me. At least, when it comes to love. As a professional hockey player, I’m a winner.
In dating, though, I’m a dud.
I don’t know why. They say I’m good-looking.
Maybe I need more of an edge.
Or maybe I just need to find the right girl.
****
Willa
After a bad breakup, I need some time away . . . alone.
But it seems my quiet tropical getaway is about to be anything but. Due to a mix-up, hot hockey player Shane Thoma is now sharing my beachfront rental.
Hey, I couldn’t make him leave.
No way! He’s too damn hot.
Now that I think about it, maybe he’s the distraction I need.
S.R. Grey is a USA Today Bestselling Author of the new Breakaway hockey series and the popular Boys of Winter hockey books and Men of Fall football novels. Other New Adult and Romantic Suspense works of hers include the Judge Me Not books, the Promises series, the Inevitability duology, A Harbour Falls Mystery trilogy, and the Laid Bare series of novellas.
When not writing Ms. Grey can be found reading, traveling, running, and cheering for her hometown sports teams. Sometimes all at the same time!
To learn more about S.R. Grey & her books, visit here!
Falling for a man who’s forcing me to marry him makes me sound weak. And in our world, the last thing a woman wants is to feel weak.
Brielle
Kane Morgan was never supposed to be anything more than one reckless night.
Turns out, he’s the enemy, and he knew exactly who I was when he was making me forget my name—while screaming his.
Now, Kane wants more than just revenge on my family. He wants me as his wife.
After a lifetime of heartache, all I want is to marry for love.
But Kane’s ripping that dream away, forcing me into a marriage of revenge.
He’s cold, ruthless, and calculating, and yet he’s everything I can’t seem to resist.
Because when we’re alone, he shows me a different side of him.
I hate that he comforts me when my past creeps into my nightmares. That he believes in my dreams. And most of all, that every stolen moment with him feels like it could put my broken pieces back together.
I shouldn’t be falling for my new husband. He gives me everything I’ve ever wanted … except the one thing I long for—his heart.
“Leave me alone,” I hissed, tugging at Jay’s arm. Where had he come from? He’d just been fighting Kane.
“I don’t think you want me to, do you?” he purred, low, right against my ear, and I…I stopped struggling. He hummed, his lips skimming over my lobe. “Thought so.”
“What the fuck are you doing?” My words were angry, and I was angry—with myself. I didn’t want to like the feel of him against me, to wish that instead of the bare brushes of his mouth on my skin, he was kissing me until I lost my breath.
He exhaled sharply. “I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. You’re going to be an engaged woman tomorrow, and I can’t—” Cutting himself off, he dipped his head, his fingers curling around my hood to pull it back so he could press his lips against my throat.
“Can’t what?” I whispered.
“Do this.” He pressed another kiss against my skin. His hand slid under my hoodie, with just the thin fabric of my T-shirt providing a barrier between the warmth of his palm and my stomach.
“W-why do you even want to do this? You hate me. I hate you.” The words tasted bitter on my tongue, my body betraying me as I pressed into his touch. “I’m promised to Anton.”
Withdrawing his hand from my hoodie, he covered my mouth. “Don’t speak his name. Just pretend. Pretend we don’t hate each other.”
“I’ve got to get Julian’s booster.” I turned toward the van, sticking a hand in my purse and rummaging for my keys. “No need. I got one.” Lips pursed, I turned back to him. “Here.” He opened the back door, and sure enough, there was a booster. I strode to the door and examined it. “That’s the same.” “Yes. The same one you have. I saw it while I was at Costmart and grabbed it, figured it would be easier.” Blinking, I turned to him, my brain not quite understanding. “Got snacks too.” Julian wandered to Josh’s side. “Is Wayne coming?” Ducking, he shook his head. “He’s keeping Jasper and Vincent company while we’re gone. Since we need my truck to haul the pumpkin back, there isn’t enough room. Julian’s whole body sagged with disappointment. “But he’ll help us build our boat, don’t worry.” The truck was equipped with snacks, water, blankets, and a few extra hoodies. Well-worn hoodies that looked so cozy I wished I could slip one on now, then take it home with me. “Why do you have so many snacks?” Maggie asked. “Cause kids eat a lot,” he replied, eyeing her in the mirror. Ellie shrugged. “Accurate.” We hadn’t even driven outside town limits before they were digging in. “Mom,” Julian shouted far louder than necessary. “He has cucumbers. Cut in circles, not sticks.” I turned in my seat, and sure enough, Josh had procured cucumbers, Julian’s favorite, and had cut them with precision. “He got my crackers too.” Heart thudding, I eyed the man beside me. “How did you know which foods were Julian’s safe foods?” His focus was on the road, his fingers tapping the steering wheel. “I noticed and took a photo of the box with my phone. Didn’t want to mess it up for him.”
I can’t be in love, so I’m just going to pretend the curvy, sunshine goddess who stole my heart doesn’t exist. No sweat.
Max I refuse to become another story for Duhring Park’s ridiculous love at first sight myth, but lord help me, I need Aubrey like I need air. Self-preservation makes me mean and growly when she’s around, but that’s what happens when I’ve been dreaming about a woman I can’t have every day and night for a year. Her beautiful smile, her soft, curvy body. Her desserts that taste like sunshine and heaven. I cannot be in love, and yet, my heart begs to differ.
Aubrey Max Miller is a grumpy, growly, jerk. I hate his perfect smile. The one he gives to everyone but me. And his stupid handsome face that shows up in every single one of my nightly fantasies. His muscles are gross. And dumb. And yet, my entire body throbs with burning passion that I can’t explain, because I hate him. Except when he tries to kiss me. How do I convince my heart… and other areas of my body that we are not open for business?
📕 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 ✔️Instalove ✔️He Falls First ✔️Novella ✔️High-steam
❤️ Review Even though Max was drawn to Aubrey from their first meeting he refused to act on it. Instead for the last year he barely speaks or looks at her. When her friends sign her up for a dating sight he knows he needs to declare his feelings before it is too late.
Aubrey isn’t sure what she has done to irritate Max so much however he is friendly with everyone except for her. A misunderstanding drives them even further apart until Max shows her how he has always felt about her.
The helping hands of their friends made the story even more fun as Max and Aubrey finally acknowledge how they feel about each other and get the happiness they both deserve.
Kari's Book Reviews and Revelations 