The Art Of Getting Hammered by Joanna Wallace | Book Review

[ad/gifted - I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

Title & Author: The Art Of Getting Hammered by Joanna Wallace 

My rating: 4/5

Publisher: Viper 

Publication date: 6th August 2026

Blurb:

What use is a part-time serial killer who doesn't want to kill people? Once the terror of rude and irritating people everywhere, now Claire has lost her murderous mojo. Not even the overly chatty woman in the supermarket or the man who stole her neighbour's dog can motivate her to get out the zip ties.

Then a lucky break and a new job in the local pub gives Claire the perfect target: someone is spiking drinks and causing mayhem. But as Claire closes in on the culprit, punters start dropping like flies - and for once she's not the one doing the killing. Is someone else murdering on her patch? Claire has questions. And she's not afraid to use her hammer to get answers...

Review:

This book is so much fun!

We first met serial killer Claire in You'd Look Better As A Ghost where she joined a grief group following her father's death. I remember loving that so much so I was excited to see what happened next with Claire. 

Although it's been a couple of years since I read the first book, I instantly found myself loving being back in Claire's world. Although you don't need to have read that one, I highly recommend it to get more of a feel for her character.

In The Art Of Getting Hammered, Claire seems to have lost her killing mojo. Her one rule is that she will only kill someone if they look like a ghost but that seems to be happening less and less.

She gets herself a job at the local pub, getting to observe the punters but when people start dying and it isn't her doing it, she worries that there is someone on her patch. 

Claire's inner monologue is my favourite thing about this book. I laughed so much and you can tell that Wallace has such a great sense of humour. It feels like a satirical thriller so while I'm giggling at some parts, I'm also trying to work out who is doing the murdering.

A fun, easy read that I think a lot of people will enjoy! 

Brave New Summer by Sarah Morgan | Book Review

[ad/gifted - I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

Title & Author: Brave New Summer by Sarah Morgan 

My rating: 5/5

Publisher: HQ

Publication date: 21st May 2026

Blurb:

Evie is the acting general manager of The Alexandra hotel in picturesque Cornwall, but she feels trapped in a life defined by others’ expectations. Just as she contemplates a fresh start, Abby arrives, sent undercover by the hotel’s owner to assess the staff and operations. But Abby is navigating her own struggles and longs to break free from the shadow of her mother.

As the two women forge an unexpected friendship, they confront their fears and the threat of change looming over them. With the help of a charming chef and a gruff pub owner, they begin to embrace their true selves and the bonds that unite them. Will they find the strength to reshape their futures, or will the weight of the past hold them back?

Review:

I loved this book so much and I can't believe it is my first Sarah Morgan book.

Evie is acting general manager of the Alexandra Hotel in Cornwall but after taking over the role, she knows changes have to be made to make the place more profitable. The downside is that growing up in this small town means that all of the staff have known her since she was a baby, they are set in their ways and Evie feels awkward forcing her new ideas and plans upon them.

In Boston, Alexandra Strong, the hotel chain owner decides to send her daughter Abby over undercover to report back on what the day to day runnings are like and how the staff are performing. They have received offers from other companies wanting to buy the hotel and Alexandra usually doesn't let emotions get in the way of business so Abby is confused by her mother adamantly stating that it will not be sold. She and her mother moved from Cornwall to Boston when Abby was four years old but her mother never likes to talk about the past.

The setting for this book was stunning and I loved the close knit community. There is drama, romance, found family and I loved the development between all of the characters but especially Abby and her mother when everything from the past is out in the open. 

Freeing The Wild by Paisley Hope | Book Review

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Title & Author: Freeing The Wild by Paisley Hope 

My rating: 5/5

Publisher: Evermore

Publication date: 6th November 2025

Blurb:

Rising country star Cassie Spencer's music career is just taking off when tragedy strikes mid-tour. Seeking solace, she retreats to rural Kentucky to escape the spotlight and visit her family.

Haden Westbrook, the charming heartthrob of Laurel Creek only wants one thing: a peaceful life tending to the Silver Pines ranch and his rescue horses. But when free-spirited Cassie hurricanes back into town, his world turns upside down. Especially since the last time he saw her ended with a steamy night in his truck. . .

They’d promised then it’d be a one-time thing. But now, as Cassie and Haden spend more time together, their undeniable chemistry reignites.

Cassie's stay at Silver Pines was meant to be temporary. But as their spring fling turns into something deeper, can Haden convince her to stay?

Review:

I'll admit, from what we saw of Haden in the previous books I wasn't sure how I'd feel about him, but he has very quickly become my favourite male main character from the Silver Pines series.

Haden Westbrook is the head ranch hand at Silver Pines and enjoys secretly spending his spare time helping rescue horses. Cassie Spencer is the sister of Ivy, who is married to Haden's boss Wade, and is a singer-songwriter being pushed to the brink by her manager. The two have a one night stand before she goes on the road again but Haden is unaware that she is Ivy's sister.

Months later, Haden is still angry with Cassie and following a traumatic incident at a show, she decides to stay at Silver Pines for a few weeks to get a bit of a break. 

The character backgrounds for Haden and Cassie are fantastic. I really related to Haden's relationship with one of his parents and there was a lovely development for both of them. Cassie is going through a troubling time and Haden's past has always hung over him. Their relationship is beautiful to watch and I fell in love with both of them.

I adored this from start to finish. I'll be sad when this series is over!

Riding The High by Paisley Hope | Book Review

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Title & Author: Riding The High by Paisley Hope 

My rating: 4/5

Publisher: Evermore

Publication date: 24th April 2025

Blurb:

When Cole Ashby is appointed Laurel Creek’s interim sheriff, he is determined to prove himself as the best man for the job. A devoted single dad, his goal is to lay steady roots for his young daughter.

The daughter of a Kentucky congressman, Ginger Danforth's life has always been about neat appearances. But inside she’s dying to break free and embrace the sense of adventure that runs through her veins.

During a wild weekend in Vegas, Ginger and Cole play a game of truth or dare and, after a few too many drinks, find themselves hitched in a neon-lit chapel. With no quick way out, they strike a deal: stay secretly married until Ginger’s father is re-elected and Cole lands the sheriff job permanently.

But as the pair are forced to spend an increasing amount of time in each other’s company, sparks fly and their accidental marriage starts to feel dangerously real.

Until they forget they were ever pretending at all...

Review:

From the glimpses we got of Cole Ashby and Ginger Danforth in the previous two books in the Silver Pines series, I was intrigued to see how this would pan out. Cole always seemed like he was slightly annoyed by Ginger who enjoyed riling him up.

Single dad Cole is the brother of Ginger's best friend CeCe and is due to be sworn in as the new town sheriff. Whilst looking like they don't get along on the outside, the two have been secret friends with each of them always being there for the other when they need it.

To celebrate CeCe's upcoming wedding, the whole gang go to Las Vegas and yep, you guessed it - Ginger becomes Mrs Ashby. With Cole about to be sheriff and Ginger's dad being the congressman, these two cannot afford to have a scandal. They decide to keep the marriage a secret and Ginger becomes the nanny for Cole's daughter Mabel for the summer. The two realise that their friendship has actually maybe always run deeper 

I am just obsessed with this series. The setting, the storylines, the plots, the characters, I am just completely pulled in. 

Training The Heart by Paisley Hope | Book Review

Title & Author: Training The Heart by Paisley Hope 

My rating: 4/5

Publisher: Evermore

Publication date: 17th October 2024

Tropes: 

• Grumpy x sunshine

• Accidental pregnancy 

• Found family

• One bed

• Caretaking

• Boss x employee 

Blurb:

Wade Ashby is the grumpiest cowboy I’ve ever met. He also happens to be my boss and the hottest man in Southern America.

It’s been my dream to train a horse on route the Kentucky derby for as long as I can remember. So when the opportunity to work at the Silver Pines ranch presented itself, I grabbed it by the horns.

Being the best horse trainer in Kentucky was my only priority. Until I accidentally slept with my boss.

Now, I can’t think of anything but him.

And once I start tearing down his walls, there’s no going back.

Because the only way he’ll open up his heart again is if it stays that way forever.

Review: 

Well done Paisley Hope for being the first author to make me like the accidental pregnancy trope.

Training The Heart is the second book in the Silver Pines series and follows permanent grump Wade Ashby who is recently divorced from his wife, and new horse trainer Ivy Spencer. Ivy has been hired to cover a maternity leave so knows she probably won't be there forever. She is feisty, taking back control of her life after leaving her ex-boyfriend.

I absolutely loved this. The setting and pace were fantastic, that combined with the development of Wade and Ivy's relationship meant that I didn't want to put this down. It does tackle some harder subjects like grief, alcoholism and infertility and it even made me like a trope that I usually hate! 

I am a fan of Paisley Hope's writing for sure and I have fallen in love with this world and these characters. Time to get stuck into the next one!

The Magdalene Stones Murders by J. M. Simpson | Book Review

[ad/gifted - I received an eARC of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.]

Title & Author: The Magdalene Stones Murders by J. M. Simpson

My rating: 5/5

Publication date: 5th March 2026

Blurb:

Murder in a sacred place.

When Joe Ripley, the local fire chief, attends a house fire, he finds his friend Gina Murray has been burnt alive in a clear case of murder. DS Scott Hansen, still new to the area, is called in to investigate. Returning from a call out, the local mountain rescue team discover a body laid out in a sacred stone ring. The body has been placed reverently. Local legend holds the stones holy as the ghost of Mary Magdalene has been rumoured to have appeared by them. Folklore says she is protecting something sacrosanct.

Alastair Brown is reported missing by his sister after she finds blood and signs of a struggle at his property. Puzzled, Scott looks for clues as to why he would suddenly disappear while he investigates the other two deaths. Clues lead him to Cameron Hunter, the owner of the largest resort in the area who has plans to expand his empire further. When Alastair is found dead on the standing stones by the stone ring, Scott realises there may be a link between all three killings and discovers that two very different obsessions have led to three murders.

Review:

You know when people say, "if she writes it, I'll read it"? That's exactly how I feel about J. M. Simpson. I adored every book in the Castleby series and felt the exact same with The Ophelia Murders, the first in this Whistler's Peak series. The Magdalene Stones Murders is a direct follow on from the first book so I really recommend reading that first to get a feel for their characters and connections.

The first thing that draws me into a J. M. Simpson book is the atmospheric descriptions, you instantly feel like you are there. It is so meticulously planned and plotted. I love a thriller where we are drip fed information so we have sort of an idea of what's happening, but there are still twists, especially those ones towards the end, that made my jaw drop. I felt on edge at points, couldn't wait for some people to get their comeuppance (I'm looking at you Mark Wallis) and I was desperate to see how it would all come together.

The books in the Whistler's Peak series have been inspired by paintings, and I absolutely love this idea as a theme. I loved getting back with these characters, Simpson always writes them fantastically, to the point where although it is a thriller with a crime element running through it, you really care about this group of people and their lives.

Someone option this for TV please! 

•••

Thank you to Hygge Book Tours for having me on this blog tour. 

Just Watch Me by Lior Torenberg | Book Review

[ad/gifted - I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

Title & Author: Just Watch Me by Lior Torenberg 

My rating: 4/5

Publisher: Scribner

Publication date: 26th February 2026 

Blurb: 

Dell Danvers is barely keeping it together. She’s behind on rent for her bathroom-less studio apartment (formerly a walk-in closet), she’s being plagued by perpetual, spiking stomach pain, and her younger sister, Daisy, is in a coma at a hospital that wants to pull the plug. Freshly unemployed and subsisting on selling plant propagations to trust fund kids, Dell impulsively starts a 24-hour livestream under the username mademoiselle_dell to fundraise $14,000 for a week of private life support for Daisy.

In the dungeon of her stream, Dell is in control, banishing those who don’t abide by her terms of engagement and steadily rising up the platform’s ranks with her sympathetic story and angry-funny screen presence. On a dare, she discovers that she has a talent for eating spicy food, and her streaming fame explodes as her pepper consumption graduates from jalapeño to habanero to ghost. Finally, Dell is good at something―but as her behavior becomes riskier and riskier and a troll-turned-incel threatens to expose her dark past, Dell must reckon with what her digital life ignores, and what real redemption means.

Review:

I love weird girl fiction and as soon as I saw that this was recommended for fans of Big Swiss, I knew this was a book for me.

Our main character Dell is unlikable but I love that and it worked so well for this story. After being fired from her low wage job at a juice bar, she discovers that money can be made from livestreaming. She is aiming to raise $14,000 to cover the private medical bills of keeping her younger sister on life support.

She streams for a week straight and quickly learns that people will pay to see her do strange things such as eat five habanero peppers or set her arm on fire. Soon, the livestream view count races up, Dell can't quite keep track of her viewers now but she recognises the ones who have been there from the start. But she made a mistake at the beginning of the stream and one viewer delves a little deeper into Dell's real life. 

I loved the writing style and how the urgency comes across, especially within the Carolina Reaper eating challenge that Dell takes part in. I am only touching on the basics of the novel, it does run much deeper but I feel like you should go in blind.

The author described it as for people who are chronically online, about the joys of being watched but the terror of being truly seen and that's just perfect. 

I can't wait to read more from this author.

Every Reason Why by Sophie Hamilton | Book Review

[ad/gifted - I received an eARC of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

Title & Author: Every Reason Why by Sophie Hamilton

My rating: 5/5

Publisher: Montlake/Amazon Publishing

Publication date: 16th February 2026

Blurb:

Leah’s never truly known what it means to feel at home until she settles at Amity Court. But Jackson Hale wants to take it all away.

When Jackson inherits the historic mansion from his grandmother, Esther Hale, the last thing he needs is her bizarre final request: to allow Leah Raven, Esther’s perky tenant, to stay there until the house is sold. It’s infuriating and he doesn’t want her company.

Leah’s found a sanctuary within the walls of Amity Court, and she isn’t going to let some frustrated city businessman cash in his inheritance without resistance—not while there’s so much pleasure to be had in ruffling his feathers.

Although Jackson has learned not to rely on anyone, Leah, with her sunny smiles and silly jokes, soon starts to make that feel like a lonely choice. Forced to live side by side, the walls between them begin to crumble.

But with Jackson’s controlling father pressuring him to sell and a loan shark threatening not only the family business but Leah as well, the two will have to decide what matters more: the security of the lives they’ve built independently, or the chance at something real together.

Sometimes home isn’t a place—it’s finding the person brave enough to see who you really are.

Review:

Ugh I just loved this book so much.

Every Reason Why is the second book in the Pine Springs series and while you don't need to have read the first one, I highly recommend that you do because I loved it also.

When Esther Hale passes away, her grandson Jackson inherits her home, Amity Court. Jackson begrudgingly works for his father's development company and has always been compared to his late brother Dominic. With his father making some bad business decisions, Jackson plans to spruce up Amity Court and get it on the market. The only problem is, Esther's tenant Leah Raven who has been tasked with working on Esther's novel.

What I love about Hamilton's books are the depth. Jackson, the grump, and Leah, the bright, sunny one both have their own troubles. Leah has never really had somewhere that felt like home and now Amity will be taken from her. Jackson will never hold a candle to Dominic in the eyes of his family.

The relationship and how it develops between these two is beautiful. There is a really gorgeous caretaking scene which was probably one of my favourite takes on that trope and the pacing worked so well. I believed that Jackson was warming to Leah and it felt real. 

This is a romance but as a thriller and crime lover, I always enjoy when that genre is incorporated too. All in all, it gave me everything I wanted and Leah is such a strong character who I want to be friends with! 

Bring on the next one! 

He's The Devil by Tobi Coventry | Book Review

[ad/gifted - I received a proof copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.]

Title & Author: He's The Devil by Tobi Coventry 

My rating: 4/5

Publisher: 4th Estate

Publication date: 12th February 2026

Blurb:

Simon has always been a good boy. He’s invariably employee of the month at the seasonal small plates restaurant where he works, he neurotically tidies his home, he keeps on top of repairs on behalf of his twenty-something, permanently-abroad landlord and tries to do right by everyone. But when his best and only friend, Josh, moves out of their shared flat, Simon is lonelier than ever – until in moves a new flatmate, the strange (and strangely sexy) Massimo.

But Massimo’s brought something with him. Odd sounds emerge from Massimo’s room, smells of earth and meat drift through the corridor and Simon’s nights fill with disturbing and tantalising dreams. Massimo is awakening something in Simon, something wild and exciting and horrifying that could be the end of him – or maybe a new beginning. But whatever’s in Massimo, whatever’s in the flat, isn’t finished. It wants more...

Review:

It only took me about five pages into this until I thought, "I'm really going to enjoy this." The writing style was just fantastic.

Think of He's The Devil as a queer modern horror novel where your new flatmate is housing a demon that wants to possess you. 

Our main character Simon, is an unlikeable one but that absolutely did not put me off because I enjoyed the story so much. Simon wants to try his best to be a 'good boy', he works his restaurant job but doesn't really have a lot of friends. His friend and roommate Josh moves out and it feels quite clear that their relationship is a bit one-sided. Simon thinks of Josh and tries to contact him a lot but Josh gives nothing back. 

An Italian man called Massimo comes to live with Simon as recommended by Josh but strange things start to happen around the flat and it is apparent that not all are as it seems with him. I genuinely started to feel a bit crazy reading about Simon trying to work out what was going on. There is dark humour, gross depictions and really everything I look for in a horror novel.

I couldn't put this down and I just wanted to see how it would end because I could not guess it at all, but to me it was perfect and satisfying.

So, I Met This Guy... by Alexandra Potter | Book Review

[ad/gifted - I received a copy of this book in order to take part in a readalong. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.]

Title & Author: So, I Met This Guy... by Alexandra Potter 

My rating: 5/5

Publisher: Pan Macmillan 

Publication date: 29th January 2026

Blurb: 

So, I Met This Guy...

Well, isn’t that how every love story starts? But how does it end – a happily ever after? Or with the discovery that the supposed love-of-your-life has stolen your life savings and your home, trashed your heart and demolished your self-esteem?

Maggie is barely fifty years-old, and she's not one to give up on herself. So when she meets Flick, a young reporter who realizes this story could be the big break she’s been looking for, they set off to catch him as he goes on the run across Europe. After all, she’s got nothing left to lose, right?

But as the pair embark on the road trip of their lives, unexpected twists, hidden secrets and hard truths are revealed. And as an unlikely friendship begins to blossom, they realize it’s not just about finding the guy, it’s about finding themselves...

Review:

I can't give this book any less than five stars. I absolutely love Alexandra Potter's books and this one is no different.

Maggie Fletcher is approaching fifty and is living in a mouldy old caravan after being absolutely fleeced of everything by a romance fraudster. Her art gallery, her home, her savings, the lot.

Twenty-six year old Flick, a journalist at the local paper who is usually just given fluff pieces, catches wind of Maggie's situation and visits her claiming she wants to expose con-man Theo.

Flick discovers that Theo is on a Mediterranean cruise and invites Maggie along to follow it at the ships stops in order to confront him. But is a story the only reason Flick is so invested in this?

I loved this so much. The setting made me feel like I was on a beautiful sunny holiday and it is one of those books where you feel like you just have to keep reading on. There is nothing better than having great supporting characters which is exactly what we get with American heiress Birdy and Maggie's best friend George. 

A lovely story not just entertaining by way of catching the fraudster but the growth, bonding and friendship that Flick and Maggie develop.

Galentine's Day by Rebecca Anderson | Book Review

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Title & Author: Galentine's Day by Rebecca Anderson 

My rating: 4/5

Publisher: Avon Books

Publication date: 15th January 2026

Blurb:

Thirteen years. Three women. One annual sleepover.

13 February 2013. Alicia, Marnie and Hannah have their first Galentine’s Day sleepover. They’re eighteen, single, and the world is at their feet. Soon they’ll go their separate ways after college, but they promise that every year, they’ll have their sleepover.

13 February 2026. There are only two friends at the annual sleepover. Their friendships have been tested by life, by partying, breakdowns, and even by pregnancies. Are their best Galentine’s Days now behind them?

Galentine’s Day is a love letter to female friendship, that celebrates messiness, real relationships, and growing up together.

Review:

As teenagers, Marnie, Hannah and Alicia started the tradition of having a sleepover on February 13th, Galentine's Day, and this book follows these girl's nights over the course of thirteen years. 

It takes them from teens, through university, into adulthood and navigating jobs, relationships, babies, marriages and everything in between. They all lead such busy separate lives but always make time for Galentine's.

This friendship group felt so real. All three of their journeys through life were different and I do think that anyone reading it will definitely resonate with one of the characters or aspects of a few.

I enjoyed the text exchanges between the girls, the cultural references and humour but it is definitely a story tinged with sadness too.

This is an accurate portrayal of female friendships across the years.

Stirred Up by Leigh Suznovich | Book Review

[ad/gifted eARC - I received a gifted eARC for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.]

Title & Author: Stirred Up by Leigh Suznovich 

My rating: 5/5

Publication date: 9th December 2025

Blurb: 

Gage Cabrera is married to his work running his family’s beloved bar, El Abrevadero. His past has him not wanting to commit to any relationship, he’s content to go home to his funny birds. That is, until his ailing dad sets an ultimatum: get married, or I won’t turn ownership of the bar over to you when I retire. Gage is at a loss, until Celeste comes charging into his life with a personality as fiery as her hair.

Celeste Martino is trying to get her life back together and moving forward after a four month stint in prison on an unjust charge. The trying experience has made her endometriosis flare up, but she has no healthcare. After commiserating with Gage, who she has started to like visiting at his bar, he comes up with a plan: get married so he can inherit his bar, and she can go on his healthcare.

As with any carefully laid plan, it goes off script and lines start to get stirred up when they find everything they could have ever wanted in each other. Can these two people who are so scared of romance make a marriage work for real?

Review: 

We all know I am a serial four star giver but there was genuinely nothing I disliked about Stirred Up so it gets an instant five stars from me.

I read, and loved, the Special Delivery duet - The Parcel and The Care Package - and was delighted when I heard that there was actually going to be another book focusing on the sister of a character in The Care Package. From what we heard of Celeste in The Care Package, I knew she would be an interesting character to delve into and boy, was I right! Suznovich has developed this character perfectly.

Celeste has recently been released from prison after her charge of breaking a man's nose after he inappropriately touched her, was reduced to a misdemeanor and has to attend anger management classes. She has also been recently diagnosed with endometriosis and requires an operation to help with her pain but with no health insurance, that will prove difficult.

Gage runs his father's bar and is good friends with Carlo, the boyfriend of Celeste's sister. He knows he will become the owner of the bar soon due to his father's declining health, but his dad doesn't want the bar to be his life. He wants Gage to find love and get married and for everything to be balanced.

He needs a wife, she needs health insurance - the two could help each other out surely?

I absolutely adored these two. Celeste is probably my favourite FMC I have read about in a while. She is so headstrong and her issues with anger, trauma, trust and endometriosis are tackled fantastically. I love how her relationship with Gage changes her for the better and she learns to trust someone other than her sister.

Gage's family dynamic and all of their support for them, taking Celeste in so she feels like a part of them too is beautiful. Especially for someone like Celeste who has never really felt that.

In true Leigh Suznovich style, there are some of the most mouth-watering descriptions of food and I feel like I want to go to El Abrevadero immediately! 

Everyone needs to go read not just this book, but The Parcel and The Care Package too.

Burn The Breeze by June Lark | Book Review

[ad/gifted - I received an eARC of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.]

Title & Author: Burn The Breeze by June Lark 

My rating: 4/5

Publication date: 23rd October 2025

Blurb:

Lina Larsen used to believe in love at first sight. That is, until a one-night stand went terribly wrong. What makes it worse, he’s now working on her family ranch, and no matter how hard she tries, she can’t seem to get rid of him.

Reed Ownstead thought he was getting back at his ex-wife when he brought the spitfire barrel racer home, only to discover he was way over his head. When his ex and daughter move to Willows, he decides to follow and get a job at Thornbrush Ranch, only to find it was the home of the rodeo star he wronged.

Now with a stalker following Lina on the rodeo circuit, vandals terrorizing the ranch, and Reed needing to take custody of his daughter, they have no choice but to be forced together. Stuck in a trailer on the road, temptation quickly becomes a whole lot stronger than hate.

When it turns out that land and lives are at stake back home, Lina must face the biggest race of her life—to save those she loves most or watch it all go up in smoke.

Review:

It felt like I read Among The Willows, the first book in the Thornbrush Ranch series ages ago when really it was only back in March. Cowboy romances are my favourite and I loved that book so I was really excited for Lina and Reed's book.

Lina Larsen is a barrel racer and she is so badass. I love a strong female character and she and Reed Ownstead have a bit of a rocky meeting. When Lina discovers her dad has employed Reed on the ranch, she is determined to drive him away.

Reed, however, is battling his own demons and is trying to get full custody of his five year old daughter Penn. His mother is involved with Junior, who popped up in the previous book.

When Lina discovers that she has a stalker and her dad asks for Reed's help by chaperoning her on her competition circuit, the close proximity has them realising their true feelings for each other.

I loved going back to this group of characters and I always enjoy that there is a sort of crime aspect to these books. Perfect for me who loves all things crime, thriller and romance.

Bring on Sage's book! 

King Of Obsession by Jessica Jude | Book Review

[I received an eARC copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.]

Title & Author: King Of Obsession by Jessica Jude

My rating: 4/5

Publication date: 4th November 2025

Blurb:

Rhett

Being a rockstar has been the dream since the first time I picked up a guitar. The fame, the lights, the rush of playing sold-out concerts. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.

But reaching that dream means keeping my past buried. To pull it off, I need someone to play along. Someone the world will believe. Lucky for me, I already know the perfect girl.

Unlucky for me? She wants nothing to do with me.

So now I have to do what I do best—charm her until she wants me as much as I want her.

It’s only for six weeks. What could possibly go wrong?

Saylor

Rhett Cole was my first kiss. My first heartbreak. The boy I couldn’t forget, no matter how hard I tried. When he walked away eleven years ago, I learned the hard way that fairy tales don’t come true for girls like me.

Now he’s back, more famous than ever, asking me for the impossible. Be his fake girlfriend for six weeks? Spend hours stuck on a tour bus with him? Share his bed?

Oh, and offering enough money to cover my bills for the next year.

It sounds simple. But nothing about Rhett Cole has ever been simple.

I’ve heard his promises before. And if I let him get close again, I know exactly how this ends.

But the more I push him away, the harder it gets to remember what’s fake… and what’s dangerously real.

Review:

King Of Obsession is the third book in the Hand of Revenge series, although you don't need to have read the first two to enjoy this one (I didn't but will definitely be going back to read them!) 

Saylor is recently separated from her military husband and works at a charity job that she really enjoys. When she is made redundant, she is nervous about how to pay the bills, especially now military housing support is stopping.

Rhett Cole is a "nepo baby" rockstar who has recently signed a record deal with a label which has taken a chance on him. His contract specifically states that he is to have a squeaky clean image so he hides the fact that he had recently completed a stint in rehab.

Rhett and Saylor bump into each other and while Saylor pretends she doesn't recognise him, Rhett definitely remembers her. She is the girl he had a thing with back at summer camp over a decade ago.

After not being able to stop thinking about Saylor, Rhett has a proposition for her - come along on tour, pretend to be his girlfriend and keep him on the straight and narrow. Saylor however is still angry with him for not getting in touch with her after summer camp. But this job could really help her financially...

I ate this book up. I forgot how much I love a rockstar romance and this one is done very well. It isn't all fluffy and rainbows, the pace was great, especially when it came to the two of them acknowledging their past.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series! 

Cowboy Casual by Holly Renee | Book Review

[ad/gifted - I received an eARC for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.]

Title & Author: Cowboy Casual by Holly Renee 

My rating: 4/5

Publication date: 7th October 2025

Blurb:

Blaire Monroe is the only woman I've ever loved, and the only one I've let break my heart.

It's been ten years since she ran from this town, chasing a life that didn't include the cowboy next door who blurred the line between best friend and something more.

Now she's back.

Fresh off a busted engagement and hiding out on her grandmother's crumbling strawberry farm like the past never happened.

Like she doesn't still linger in every part of me I've spent years trying to erase.

But Blaire isn't the kind of girl you forget.

She's wildfire: reckless, untamed, and impossible to hold without getting scorched.

We collide the second we're in the same room.

Too much heat. Too much history. Not nearly enough distance.

The tension crackles, the pull is impossible, and before long, we're right back where we swore we'd never be—pressed against the wall, her hands in my hair, my mouth on hers like I've been starving for a decade.

I tell myself I can handle it.

But the truth is, this cowboy was never meant for casual.

Not with her. And sure as hell not again.

Review:

Cowboy Casual is the first book in the Calloway Ranch series and oh my goodness, I can't wait for more! I love when the first in a series makes you also adore the supporting characters and gets you excited for their books.

Blaire Monroe has just discovered that her fiancé Grant has been cheating on her for the past year. Her father, Senator Monroe, took her from her life on her grandmother June's strawberry farm a decade ago, promising her a great education, good job and the promise of marrying a good man.

On discovering Grant's infidelity, she goes back to June's, and very quickly bumps into her childhood sweetheart, cowboy Colt Calloway, who was all too happy for her to leave all those years ago. She has never understood why and is still hurt by it.

I LOVED this! Colt is a mustached single dad and his book is a proper slow burn, second chance romance.

The supporting characters are fantastic and the relationship between Blaire and Colt was written very well, and properly explored both of their feelings both now and what happened ten years ago.

I love when a single dad book does not just forget about the child. Colt's daughter Ruby was a big part of the book and even how Blaire integrated into her life was so sweet.

I can't wait for Hunter's book!

Revolve by Bal Khabra | Book Review

[This post contains affiliate links.]

Title & Author: Revolve by Bal Khabra 

My rating: 4/5

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication date: 14th October 2025

Blurb:

Sierra Romanova was an Olympic figure skater before a life-altering accident left her with panic attacks every time she enters the rink. Now, back for her final year at Dalton University, she's ready to reclaim the spotlight.

Kicked off his hockey team for reckless behaviour, Dylan Donovan has little to no chance of making it to the National Hockey League draft. But Dylan's whole world revolves around the ice so, if hockey is forbidden, at least there's figure skating.

When Sierra finds herself in desperate need of a new partner, the only person who can match her skill is none other than the cocky hockey player who refuses to cut her any slack.

On the ice, their chemistry is electric. But can they stand the heat off the rink?

Review:

I absolutely loved Collide and Spiral, the previous two books in the Off The Ice series, but I think Revolve might just be my favourite!

Dylan Donovan has been suspended from the hockey team for failing a drug test which also includes no rink time at all. Sierra Romanova is a talented figure skater who is getting back into skating following a brutal fall. She is determined to compete again but after her previous partner just left her following the accident, she needs to find someone quick.

What she doesn't realise is that before ice hockey, Dylan used to skate with his sister so the two are put together thanks to their coaches. 

Both characters backstories are very emotional, Sierra with her accident and Dylan with his parents. Dylan is a typical playboy but something is different about Sierra and I particularly enjoyed how she really was not sold on him at the beginning. Their relationship development was beautiful.

Sierra is such a strong character and you could feel her turmoil about not being enough and how she thought about her scars. Dylan was just what she needed.

A really lovely romance!

Spiral by Bal Khabra | Book Review

[This post contains affiliate links.]

Title & Author: Spiral by Bal Khabra 

My rating: 4/5

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication date: 28th January 2025

Blurb:

Elias Westbrook, a newly drafted hockey player for the Toronto Thunder, is facing the challenges of fame and media scrutiny. The tabloids are reporting on his every move, including which woman he was last seen with, but all he wants to do is escape the spotlight.

Enter from stage left Sage Beaumont, an aspiring ballerina whose lack of popularity online has put her at a major disadvantage for securing the roles she dreams of. When Sage finds herself with the chance to change her luck by fake-dating Elias, she takes her shot.

Soon enough, the flimsy rules they set in place fall away. But before things can spiral out of control, Sage and Elias will have to decide if they're willing to take the leap together or if they'll have to call it quits.

Review:

There are so many things I love about this book!

Spiral is the second novel in the Off The Ice series, featuring Elias Westbrook who has recently joined ice hockey team Toronto Thunder. Although great with the assists, he has yet to score a career goal. He is under the microscope with the boss and the media scrutiny he gets isn't helping either. 

Sage Beaumont is a ballerina trying to land her dream role. When her uncle, the general manager of Toronto Thunder, asks her to perform at an event, she meets Elias. She could use his status to gain popularity for her ballet auditions and he could use a steady girlfriend to keep the tabloids away. What can go wrong with fake dating?

I absolutely adored Sage's character. She has had a troubled childhood, has worked so hard for herself while also being her brother's guardian (who is also diabetic so props for that representation!). Elias's character arc was one of my favourites and I loved how he slowly let Sage in, something he has struggled to do.

The two really come together to help each other out but also push each other to be the best they can be. I really enjoyed Sage's ballet scenes, despite not knowing a lot about ballet myself, but what ties this book all together is the found family aspect between the main characters and the supporting ones.

The Ending Is The Best Part by Lamia Zain | Book Review

[ad/gifted - I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.]

Title & Author: The Ending Is The Best Part by Lamia Zain

My rating: 4/5

Publisher: Corvus

Publication date: 2nd October 2025

Blurb:

Yara and Xander are both writers on a major TV series. But that's where the similarities end.

Yara loves romance, but Xander doesn't see the point. He is only interested in the greats: Kubrick, Scorsese, Tarantino. He doesn't have Instagram, hasn't read a book published this century.

When they're tasked with writing the season finale together, they know the episode needs them both - romance and drama, head and heart.

Can they put aside their differences to create something remarkable?

Review:

This book was written as part of 'BookTok Made Me Write It', where TikTok users got to vote on key aspects of the book. You can really tell because it just screams that it was written for the BookTok community - and I ATE it up.

Yara Aslan is a junior screenwriter working on a popular television show. Her parents haven't really been supportive of her job, thinking it is just something she will do for a while and they have hopes of her becoming a lawyer. When tasked with the opportunity of writing the season finale of the show and to have her name proudly displayed as the writer, she thinks this could just be the opportunity to show them that her career is serious.

When her boss Meagan pairs her up with her office nemesis Xander Woods, stating that both of their ideas will gel well together, Yara is less than enthused and doesn't want his name being listed first.

This book has everything you would want in a romance novel. It is closed door for those who don't like spice, it is enemies-to-lovers with the forced proximity and "only one bed" tropes but it also has heart. Although just a short novel - I read it in one sitting - there is a lot of depth to the characters. Something that I really enjoy. It shows that you don't need lots of words to make someone feel. Each has their problems, it shows that relationships take trust and time and I especially loved the parallels with Yara and Xander and the characters they were writing about.

A very enjoyable read!