I’m just going to dive into the review since I don’t want to give too much away about the book. This one hit all the emotions and took me on a rollercoaster. I loved the storyline and plot.
The MMC is broken, dealing with loss and grief while trying to return to his job as a cop and get the answers he needs—all while attending therapy and doctor’s appointments for his injury and mental health. I wasn’t sure about the FMC at first or how things would play out, but by the end, I understood her choices and grew to appreciate her character.
I will say, my impulsive thoughts were screaming for a scene between the therapist and the MMC because the way this man hits. Especially with that scene at the start—I was feral. But I get that this book isn’t just about the spicy moments; it’s about the plot and emotional depth.
I loved how this story felt different from what I’ve read lately, and everything tied up nicely in the end. Lincoln and Georgia’s journey was truly a rollercoaster, and I loved every moment of it.
Genre/Type: Romance 18+ APK: Kindle ARC Pages: 499 Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Series or Standalone: Standalone Tropes or Themes: Ex’s To Lovers, Roommates, One Night Stand, Divorced, MMC Cop, Past and Present, Injured On Duty, Therapy, Secrets, Lies, Mental Health, Guilt, Grief, Mine, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Dom, Sub, Bondage and Hate Sex. Mentions: Death and Murder Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
This story follows Lucy and Felix. Lucy has had a massive crush on Felix since childhood. Now, as an adult, she has moved to the big city to work alongside him and expand her horizons. But Lucy has always been a quirky daydreamer with countless stories to tell. As she takes on this new job, she begins changing to fit in with those around her while also facing workplace harassment. Can she find the strength to stand up for herself and confide in someone?
I loved this story. Lucy is quirky and self-conscious but eager to fit in. She’s sweet but also quite timid. I really enjoyed watching her grow throughout the book while still staying true to herself. Felix is a grumpy billionaire who genuinely wants to help Lucy. He has always cared for her, and his protectiveness was touching. At times, I noticed he talked over her, making it difficult for her to express herself, but this added more depth to their dynamic.
I absolutely loved the audiobook—I thought it was brilliant. Overall, this was a great story, and the epilogue was such a sweet and satisfying ending.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+ APK: Audiobook ALC Audiobook Length: 9hrs 6mins Narrators: Shane East and Zara Hampton-Brown - Duet Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Spice: 🌶️.5 Series or Standalone: Stand Alone Tropes or Themes: Billionaire, Workplace, Brothers Best Friend, Opposites Attract, Grumpy MMC, Secret Identity, Cinderella Vibes, Raynauds Rep, Grovelling, Workplace Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Violence, Sexual Content and Praise. Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
Starting with the positives: the tension and anger Phoenix had toward Holden were delicious. Holden’s playboy side was fun and flirty, and since he was quite popular, it only irritated Phoenix more. The MM spice was brilliant, and overall, this was a good read.
Now, let’s discuss where this fell flat for me. If you’re looking for plot, you won’t find it here. It’s very character-driven and revolves around a messy love triangle. I love love triangles, but not like this.
We have two best friends, Phoenix and Kason, who have been close since childhood. One is crushing hard on Holden, while the other had a one-night stand with him—and now feels awful because Holden blacked out and doesn’t even remember it. Naturally, Phoenix hates him for it. But Holden isn’t any better—he keeps poking the bear with Phoenix while stringing Kason along. I honestly felt bad for Kason. The whole situation just didn’t sit right with me.
I devoured the first book and had high hopes for this one, but in the end, it was just good.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+ APK: Physical and Audiobook Pages: 400 Audiobook Length: 10hrs 24mins Narrators: Jacob Morgan and Christian Fox - Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 Series or Stand Alone: Book Two In The Leighton U Series Tropes or Themes: Sports (Football and Baseball), Enemies To Lovers, Love Triangle, College, MM, One Night Stand, Tension, Road Trip, Alcohol, Cursing, Playlist, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Dom and Sub. Mentions: Death Of Parents, Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
This story follows Eve, who travels to Russia on a girls’ trip. After a night out, she meets Sergei, an older man, and they instantly hit it off. She can see herself with him, but little does she know he’s keeping a secret—one that may reveal unexpected ties between them.
From the start, I loved the audiobook. The narrators were great, but I found myself needing to restart the book after about 20% because I wasn’t retaining much information. To be fair, I had just started a new job, and I sometimes struggle to follow along when accents are performed, requiring more focus to understand what’s happening. That was more of a personal issue than a fault of the book itself.
I think this was a good read, but I’m not sure if I’m feeling a bit burnt out from Eva’s work since I’ve listened to a few of her books recently. That said, I really enjoyed the dynamic between these two. Sergei was the perfect broody, protective Russian—who, deep down, is actually a big softie. The spice was great and felt intimate.
Overall, this was a solid read, but for some reason, it didn’t stand out to me as much as Eva’s other books, even though I usually love her work.
Genre/Type: Dark Adult Romance 18+ APK: Audiobook ARC Audiobook Length: 10hrs 11mins Narrators: Shane East and Lucy Rivers - Duet Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 Series or Standalone: Book Three In The Russian Sinners Series Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Russian), Billionaire, Arranged Marriage, Age Gap (9yrs), Accidental Pregnancy, Protective MMC, Lies, Violence, Gun Violence, Kidnapping, Touch Her Or Die Vibes, Murder, Alcohol, Cursing, Sexual Content, Virgin, Dirty Talk and Praise. Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
“You’re the only girl in the entire world that’s forbidden and fuck me if that doesn’t make me want you more than anything.”
This story follows Greta, who one day discovers that her stepbrother, Alec, will be coming to live with them for a little while. Little does she know, he’ll bring more trouble than good. Temptation gets the best of them, but then, one day, Alec up and leaves. Seven years later, they’re brought back together—but time has passed, and things have changed. Can they find their way back to each other?
Once again, Penelope Ward delivers another hit. I highly recommend the audiobook if you decide to pick this up—the narrators brought these characters to life so well.
As for the story, it’s more character-driven, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable. Greta, the FMC, is kind, compassionate, and so innocent, but I loved seeing her fiery side when she went head-to-head with Alec—it was delicious. Then there’s Alec, who’s been through a lot, struggling with his father and his emotions. I adored how Greta cared for him like no one else had and gave him hope in pursuing his dreams.
The emotions and intimate moments made me fall in love with these two characters. I especially love books with a time gap because the reunions feel so raw—it’s heartbreaking to think about all the time they’ve lost.
I really enjoyed this one and will honestly pick up anything Penelope writes!
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+ APK: ALC Audiobook Length: 7hrs 58mins Narrators: Andi Arndt and Christian Fox - Duet Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Series or Standalone: Standalone Tropes or Themes: Forbidden, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract, Second Chance, High School (Part Of The Book), Jealousy, Chemistry, Broken MMC, Family Drama, Tension, Nightmares, Mine, Hand Necklace, Intimate Tattoo, Grand Gesture, Death Of Parent, Sexual Content, Virgin, Pierced, Panty Thief and Outside Scene. Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
This was a short read and exactly what I needed to fill some time before my next commitment. The story follows an ex-con who responds to his prison cellmate’s daughter’s letters and seeks her out after his release. It was a fun, fast-paced read and surprisingly enjoyable for something so brief. If you’re into Daddy kink, this might be a great to read as a short book to knock off your reading goal for the year.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+ APK: Kindle Read Pages: 98 Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 Series or Stand Alone: Part Of The Daddy Sized Series Tropes or Themes: Age Gap, Secret Identity, Neighbours, Stalker, Ex Con, Sexual Content, Virgin, Praise, Dirty Talk, Daddy Kink and Phone Scene Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
This story follows Ariella, who, one night, is approached by a good-looking cowboy asking her to be his pretend date to deter his ex. Little did she know that taking on a new job as a strength and conditioning coach would bring her face-to-face with the star hockey player.
This book was such a feel-good, fun read! It’s more character-driven with a lighter plot, but the chemistry and banter were spot-on. The FMC was headstrong, which I loved, and she stood her ground in so many situations. I also appreciated the representation of culture and the focus on working in a field that can often be male-dominated.
Now onto Dalton—this man was everything! A snack, a gentleman, kind, delicious, and just fantastic. His character made me melt, and he treated her exactly how a woman deserves to be treated. These two were perfect together, and I’m so excited for the rest of the series. My fingers are crossed for the best friend and the single-dad coach as the next story?! Highly recommend picking up the audiobook for this one, was well done.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+ APK: Audiobook ALC Audiobook Length: 9hrs 27mins Narrators: Christian Fox and Vanessa Vazquez - Dual Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Series or Stand Alone: Book One In A Scoring Chance Series Tropes or Themes: Sports (Ice Hockey), Reverse Grumpy Sunshine, Fake Dating, Work Place, Opposites Attract, He Falls First, Slow Burn, Coach, Banter, Mexican Rep, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Impact Play, Office Scene and Phone Scene Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
This is a short, spicy, and fun standalone novella. It follows Sage, who has a scholarship to Slater Hills for water polo and dreams of making it to the Olympics in a few years. Than comes along Fallon Harris, a four-time Olympic champion, who joins as the team’s new coach.
First off, pick up the audiobook—it was absolutely delicious and narrated in duet form. I usually struggle with short reads, but not this one! It was fast-paced yet had enough storyline and spice to make the journey enjoyable. I’m a huge fan of Fallon’s filthy mouth, and the sneaking-around element hit the spot perfectly. I really enjoyed this one!
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+ APK: Audiobook ALC Audiobook Length: 4hrs Narrators: Avery Caris and Sean Masters - Duet Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone Tropes or Themes: Sports (Water Polo), Age Gap, Coach, /Athlete, College, Mine, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Shower Scene, Pool Scene and Office Scene Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
This story follows Eve, an 18-year-old living at home with her parents while working at a motel and helping babysit for the neighbor who just moved in next door. Kyle, 28, is a single father with a 5-year-old son and works as a football coach and math teacher at the local high school. As Eve’s presence grows in Kyle’s life, can they resist the growing tension between them?
Set in the 1980s, I loved the element of sneaking around. I enjoyed both characters individually, but I wasn’t completely sold on certain aspects of the storyline. This might be the first Jewel book that didn’t quite resonate with me. I struggled a bit with Eve’s character—she had moments of maturity, but then she’d have immature outbursts, like stomping away, which frustrated me. She wanted to be treated like an adult, yet her actions didn’t always align with that. Kyle, on the other hand, had difficulty loving and trusting due to his past, which was understandable and added depth to his character.
The part of the storyline I struggled with most was the handling of the alcohol theme. At first, it seemed like casual drinking in Kyle’s presence, which I interpreted as a rebellious act against her parents’ rules. It started with a causal drink here and there, but then something serious happened, and she was sent away. Eve didn’t drink alone though—it was just something she did occasionally—but this aspect of the story felt underdeveloped for me. I think it needed more exploration to make its impact more meaningful.
I still love Jewel’s writing style, but unfortunately, this story fell a little flat for me.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+ APK: Kindle ARC Pages: 372 Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Series or Stand Alone: Book Two In The Sunday Morning Series Tropes or Themes: Single Dad, Neighbours Secret Relationship, Forced Proximity, Preachers Daughter, Religious, Baby Sitter, Alcohol, Alcoholic, Rehab, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Praise, Dirty Talk and Outside Scene Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫