Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: First Person, Dual Series: Toronto Terror, #2 Publisher: Ink & Cupcakes Inc Hero: Hollis Hendrix Heroine: Peggy Aurora Hammerstein Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: July 11, 2024 Started On: July 13, 2024 Finished On: July 18, 2024
I first came across If You Want Me on Instagram when Helena Hunting was promoting the release, and I will admit it, I caved. The way she marketed it, leaning into the forbidden, age-gap “dad’s best friend” trope, hit all my weak spots. This is also my first Hunting book, and I was curious to see how she would deliver on the promise.
As noted earlier, If You Want Me takes a forbidden love setup and infuses it with just the right amount of angst to keep the pages turning. This is the story of Hollis Hendrix, a thirty-year-old hockey player carrying emotional scars from a failed relationship, and Peggy Aurora Hammerstein, the twenty-year-old daughter of his best friend, a vibrant, determined young woman who knows exactly what she wants, and that happens to be Hollis. Their connection begins as a spark that neither of them can quite ignore, no matter how many reasons Hollis gives himself to resist.
Hollis is the kind of hero who is as strong on the ice as he is tender off it. His scars make him cautious, even fearful, of risking his heart again, but they also make his journey that much more relatable. Peggy, on the other hand, is a heroine who radiates confidence and determination. She might be younger, but she is in no way naïve about what she feels or wants. I really liked Peggy wasn’t simply there to chase Hollis, but to push him to confront his fears and see her as his equal partner.
The age-gap dynamic, compounded by the fact that Peggy is Hollis’ best friend’s daughter, sets up a deliciously forbidden undercurrent. Hollis wrestles constantly with his desire for her, knowing how much is at stake if he crosses the line. Peggy, though, does not shy away from the truth of her feelings. The push and pull between them is intense, angsty at times, and grounded in a very real emotional conflict. It is the kind of romance where you find yourself holding your breath, waiting to see when the hero will finally give in.
The forbidden element; the fact that Peggy is Hollis’s best friend’s daughter, drives most of the angst, and Hunting plays it well. Hollis struggles with the possible fallout while Peggy refuses to let convention dictate her choices. Yet even here, the book has a modern lens. Peggy’s mother, who herself is in an open relationship and embraces a progressive lifestyle, still finds it hard to accept her daughter entangled with an older man. It is a reminder that even the most liberal or vulnerable people can turn surprisingly conservative when it comes to protecting their own blood.
I think Hunting also did an excellent job in the portrayal of the Hollis’ vulnerability. Seeing a hero who is physically strong but emotionally scarred is always good, especially when it is handled well, and Hunting did justice to his struggle. I also loved the sense of community in this book; Peggy’s girl squad, the supportive teammates, and the generally healthy relationships around them created a balance that kept the story from being weighed down by angst.
That said, I did wish Hollis’ passion came across a little more fiercely in the bedroom. The setup promised a level of intensity that never quite delivered once they gave in to their feelings; it was sweet, yes, but perhaps too sweet for the initial vibes I expected.
Overall, If You Want Me is a very modern, heartfelt romance. There are no contrived miscommunications here, just two people navigating a complicated relationship with honesty and care. I enjoyed the maturity of the storytelling, even if I longed for a bit more fire and angst in certain moments.
Recommended for: readers who love forbidden romances, age-gap dynamics, sports romance settings, and emotionally vulnerable heroes.
Final Verdict: A tender, modern take on the dad’s best friend trope with angsty undercurrents. While it didn’t fully match the intensity I anticipated, Hollis and Peggy’s love story was still deeply satisfying.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novella Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Third Person, Dual Series: The Romanos, #1 Publisher: Mills and Boon Hero: Matthew Romano Heroine: Susannah Madison Capital Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: January 01, 1998 Started On: July 10, 2024 Finished On: July 13, 2024
Sometimes you stumble across a romance that makes you grin, sigh, and want to hug the book to your chest when you are done, and The Sexiest Man Alive by Sandra Marton was exactly that for me. I picked it up while hunting for something that would give me the same buzz as The Bedroom Business (another Marton favorite that I have reread countless times), and it delivered in spades. I have to appreciate Amazon for doing such a swell job in recommending this title to me. Equal parts sexy, hilarious, and heart-tugging, this one had me smiling from the first chapter to the very last page.
The premise itself is fun and lighthearted. Susannah Madison, editor at Chic magazine, finds herself at odds with Matthew Romano, a ruthless and commanding businessman who wants to shut down her publication. Susannah, clever and determined, comes up with a scheme to save the magazine: a feature on the “sexiest man alive” for Valentine’s Day. What she doesn’t anticipate is Matthew’s decision to supervise her search, or the way sparks fly between them from the very beginning. Their encounters are deliciously combative, full of sharp banter and sizzling chemistry that neither of them can deny.
Matthew Romano is exactly the sort of hero I love; sexy, commanding, sensitive, and yes, stupid when it comes to matters of the heart. He is a man who has been steadfastly holding on to his bachelorhood, only to find himself helplessly drawn to a woman he once thought of as an adversary.
That push-and-pull is what makes him so compelling; for all his ruthlessness in the boardroom, he loses his cool spectacularly whenever Susannah is near. He pushes her buttons, makes her drop her armor, and forces her to embrace her femininity in ways that both terrify and exhilarate her. He makes her feel, and that is where the power of his character lies.
Susannah, for her part, is just as delightful. Strong-willed, independent, and determined to fight for what she believes in, she matches Matthew every step of the way. From the moment she literally falls into his arms and they kiss each other senseless, to their many fiery clashes where neither one will back down, she proves herself to be every bit his equal. The way she unsettles him, challenges him, and ultimately steals his heart is exactly why this romance works so beautifully.
This book was undoubtedly delicious. What really makes the novel stand out is the hilarity woven into the fabric of their story. The way both Susannah and Matthew tries to deny the elephant in the room, the combustible attraction simmering between them, leads to some truly laugh-out-loud moments that balance the sensuality perfectly.
The sexual tension between Matthew and Susannah is off the charts. Every encounter, whether it is an argument, a negotiation, or an accidental brush of hands, is charged with longing and fire. Their kisses are fiery, their stolen moments laden with passion, and the eventual culmination is everything you would want from an enemies-to-lovers romance, and the eroticism much better than any explicit erotic romance. Add to that a touch of angst, the kind that makes your chest ache in the best possible way, and you have a romance that checks every single box. This is old-school category romance at its best, reminding me of why these classic Mills & Boon romances still stand the test of time.
Recommended for: readers who love old-school Mills & Boon with a perfect blend of wit, humor, fiery sexual tension, and heartfelt emotion. If you enjoyed The Bedroom Business, this one should definitely be next on your list.
Final Verdict: A marvelous story that made my heart happy, with a hero who is sexy, and commanding, and and story that is hilarious and romantic in all the ways that matter. This is one I will be revisiting again and again.
Favorite Quotes
“Mr. Romano.” She licked her lips. “I may have been a little out of line, but—” “A little?” He closed the distance remaining between them and looked coldly at her as her shoulders hit the wall. “Fascinating, Miss Clinton, how cautious your use of the language has suddenly become. For a woman given to such interesting hyperbole, I mean.” His eyes, dark and deep, fastened on hers. “Once again, I’m asking you to tell me what you mean by that word.” Susannah swallowed hard. He was close. Too close. She could smell the faint scent of soap on his skin, see the shadow of stubble on his jaw and chin. His lashes were dark and thick. His nose was perfectly straight except for a barely perceptible tilt midway down its length. He looked cold and hard and angry. And studly. He was studly, indeed, she thought dizzily. Her heart did what felt like a somersault in her chest. If you liked the type. She didn’t.
“Suze?” Claire’s voice was shrill. “Suze, are you okay?” Matthew dragged one of Susannah’s arms from around his neck. “She’s fine,” he called. Susannah glared at him. “I’m not—” He clamped a hand over her mouth “You want them to see this mess?” he hissed, his mouth at her ear. “Do you have an explanation that’s going to keep everybody out there from figuring we just slugged it out?” Susannah threw a wild look around the room. Papers were strewn across the floor. The heavy conference table stood at an angle to the wall. The lamp had shattered, and the telephone was emitting a pathetic bleep. And on top of all that, here she was, sitting cozily in Matthew Romano’s lap.
“Susannah,” he said fiercely. She looked at him. His eyes were hot and dark with desire. A shudder raced through her. She knew that what was going to happen between them would change her life forever, would make any other lover impossible. “Yes,” she said, raising her arms to him, “yes. yes…” The door swung open, hitting the wall like a clap of thunder rolling over the canyons of the city. “Oh, my God! Susannah!” Susannah almost fell off the table. She sat up. Matthew stepped back. Both of them stared at the open door, where Claire and Eddie and Judy and, Susannah thought desperately, what looked like a million other CHIC staffers stood crowded together in stunned silence. It was like staring into a sea of disbelief. Mouths hung open. Eyes grew round as saucers. Heads swiveled, as if this were a tennis match, while everyone looked from Susannah to Matthew, from Matthew to Susannah…
Matthew’s gaze flew over her again, taking in all the details. A black suit had replaced the Beethoven sweatshirt and the baggy jeans. The suit was demure, even severe, but it couldn’t disguise the curves beneath. Black shoes had replaced the sneakers. Not just any black shoes. Matthew swallowed hard. The heels were high. Not outrageously high. They were surely some Fifth Avenue shop’s idea of dress-for-success shoes to match the dress-for-success suit, but high enough to show off the trimness of Susannah’s ankles and the luscious length of her legs. And they were cut low enough in the front so he could see…what did you call those little lines between a woman’s toes? Cleavage? He wanted to laugh—the word, the very concept, seemed so outrageous—but how could he laugh when he was busy concentrating on keeping his jaw from dropping again?
What kind of a man kissed a woman he didn’t like with such passion? A better question was, what kind of woman kissed him back? And she was kissing him. There was no point in pretending otherwise. Matthew was feasting on her mouth, and she was on fire for him, for his kisses and his touch. Some still logical part of her fought for sanity. “No.” she said, against his mouth, “Matthew, we can’t…” He tunneled his fingers into her hair, tilted her face to his. “Just kiss me,” he said thickly, “kiss me and stop thinking.”
“Well,” he said. “Well,” she said. “Good night, Susannah.” “Good night, Matthew.” He turned. She put her hand on the doorknob. He stepped into the hall. She began to shut the door… “The hell with this,” he growled, and swung toward her. “Dammit, Susannah,” he said, and before his heart could take another beat, she was in his arms. He lifted her, and she wound her arms around his neck as his hand tunneled into her hair. He kicked the door shut and kissed her without preliminaries, without gentleness. Why would there be wooing when they both knew that this moment had been inevitable?
“No more games, Susannah.” “No,” she whispered, stroking the tip of her tongue against his, reveling in the heavy beat of his heart against hers. “No more games, Matthew.” He tasted of danger and of darkness. Of the heady wildness of desire. She tasted of hunger and of need. Of the sweetness of passion. “I want—I want—” “Everything,” he whispered, and kissed her again.
“I’ll come by at seven. We can have drinks first.” “Matthew, I don’t—” “Yes. You do.” His eyes turned dark and smoky. “Shall I prove it to you the way I did this morning?” Color flooded her face. “Why?” she whispered. He laughed, a low, sexy laugh that made her blood sizzle. “I mean,” she said quickly, “why me? I’m not your type.” “No,” he said. He ran his finger along the back of her hand. Goose bumps rose on her skin. “You’re not.” He smiled again, right into her eyes. “You’re not blond. You’re not dumb—although many of the ladies I’ve dated would be very upset to hear you use that word in conjunction with them, Susie.” His smile tilted. “I remember Miss North Carolina… She said she wanted to become a physicist.” “Matthew, I’m serious.” “So am I.” His smile faded. “You’re right. You’re not my type. You’re stubborn and hotheaded. You have a nasty temper and you like things your own way.” “You’re a fine one to talk,” she said huffily. “And I’d bet I’m not your type either, Madison. I don’t think you like being with a man who reminds you that you’re a woman.” “Your ego is unbearable, Romano.” “I’m just being honest.” His eyes grew hot. “Tell me if Sam or Peter ever made you feel the way I make you feel.” Sam. And Peter. Oh, God… “I can see the answer in your eyes, Susie.” Matthew smiled. “Seven o’clock. Don’t keep me waiting I like my women to be prompt.” “I am not your—” He bent his head and kissed her lightly on the mouth. Then he sauntered away.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Historical Romance POV: Third Person, Multiple Series: Fairy Tales, #2 Publisher: Avon Hero: Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant Heroine: Linnet Berry Thrynne Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: January 25, 2011 Started On: July 06, 2024 Finished On: July 08, 2024
Every now and then, a romance comes along that makes you laugh, swoon, and ache all at once, and for me, Eloisa James’ When Beauty Tamed the Beast was exactly that kind of read. A fairy-tale re-imagining with a historical twist, it is a story that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go until the very end. Set against the rugged backdrop of Wales, the novel takes the essence of the Beauty and the Beast archetype and spins it into something wittier, sharper, and, dare I say, even more deliciously compelling.
This is a romance that has been raved about by so many readers, and I will admit I am late to the party. But better late than never is always my motto, especially when it comes to decadent romances, because this was my first taste of Ms. James’ work, and I must say it was nothing short of exquisite.
Linnet Berry Thrynne is our heroine, blessed with striking beauty and a boldness to match, she has grown up navigating the absurdities of her family with wit as her armor. Far from the demure society miss, Linnet faces life head-on, unafraid to embrace her sensuality and her desires. Her charm lies not only in her looks but in her refusal to be cowed by conventionor by the formidable beast she eventually encounters.
That beast comes in the form of Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, heir to a dukedom and a man physically and emotionally scarred by the traumas of his past. A brilliant doctor with a razor-sharp tongue and a temperament to match, Piers has little patience for fools and even less tolerance for sentiment. He is eccentric, forceful, and a loner by nature, his brusqueness serving as a shield against further heartbreak. Yet, beneath his bark lies a man far more complex than anyone including himself, truly realizes.
Following a series of events, in order to protect her reputation and solve a delicate problem, she is sent off to marry Piers, the man whose bad temper is legendary and whose injury has made him the subject of cruel whispers. The set-up is delicious: she is the beauty, and he the beast, cloistered away in his Welsh castle. What neither of them anticipates is the irresistible spark that flares from the very start.
What unfolds between Linnet and Piers is a battle of wills wrapped in sparkling banter, unexpected tenderness, and a sensuality that takes both by surprise. Piers may try to approach matters clinically, but Linnet brings him to his knees with her warmth, humor, and fearless approach to love. Their dynamic is captivating precisely because it is not easy; Linnet challenges Piers at every turn, and he, in turn, forces her to see the strength in her own vulnerability. The story builds not just on attraction but on the deeper fears each must face: hers of rejection and his of being unworthy of love.
I adored everything about this book, Piers, Linnet, her crazy family, the lust and love between Piers and Linnet, and how she brings the formidable Piers to his very knees. The humor, much of it coming from Linnet’s outrageous family and Piers’ cutting wit, had me laughing out loud in many places, while the romance was swoon-worthy without losing its emotional bite.
I loved how Eloisa James wrote Linnet as unafraid of her desires, and how Piers, the man who thought himself untouchable, ends up enslaved to the very emotions he tried to dismiss. Their relationship is the kind where the supposed teacher becomes the student, and it was glorious to watch it all unfold. And the epilogue? Absolutely swoonworthy. The perfect bow on a romance that I know I will carry with me for a long time.
Recommended for: readers who love historical romance or romance in general, witty banter, strong heroines, and brooding yet brilliant heroes who need to be taken down a peg (or two).
Final Verdict: When Beauty Tamed the Beast is every bit as exquisite as the glowing reviews promised; funny, sensual, deeply emotional, and perfectly executed. An unforgettable romance that deserves every bit of its praise.
Favorite Quotes
“Tell us who fathered that child, and your father will demand marriage. No one below a prince would dare to refuse him.” Without pausing for breath, she swung back to her brother-in-law. “You might have to fight a duel, Cornelius. I suppose you have pistols somewhere in this house, don’t you? Didn’t you threaten to fight one with Lord Billetsford years ago?” “After finding him in bed with Rosalyn,” Linnet’s father said. He didn’t even sound mournful, just matter-of-fact. “New bed; we’d had it only a week or two.” “My sister had many passions,” Zenobia said fondly. “I thought you just said she was white as snow!” the viscount snapped back. “None of them touched her soul! She died in a state of grace.”
“I think we have a more interesting connection than parental ineptitude,” Piers said. He switched his cane from his right to his left. She waited, just waited. A hand brushed by her cheek, curled into her hair. Still, she waited, without saying a word. It felt as if the whole world waited, the sounds of the stable, the noise of Gavan’s unsteady footsteps walking down the corridor, the occasional stamp of a horse’s hoof, the creaking wood . . . it all faded before the intent look in his eyes. “Your eyes—” she said, but he cut off her words. His lips were like brandy, like an intoxication that swept down her back and stole her breath away.
Linnet was having a hard time keeping herself within the bounds of ladylike behavior. She wanted to touch Piers, to speak only to him, to smile at him in unmistakable invitation. She was in the grip of ravening hunger, as if lust were the only emotion in her body.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Western Romance POV: First Person, Dual Series: The Sovereign Mountain, #1 Publisher: Self-Published Hero: Gerard Sovereign Heroine: Keira Stowe Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: January 01, 2024 Started On: July 05, 2024 Finished On: July 05, 2024
He’s gentle when he chooses to be and when he doesn’t, it’s the sweetest storm.
Raya Morris Edwards is a new-to-me author. I honestly cannot recall how I stumbled across this number, perhaps it was during one of my never-ending quests to find romances of the darker variety featuring morally grey heroes, which, I’m happy to admit, has become an obsession of mine. My first sampling of Ms. Edwards’ work turned out to be swell in every sense, delivering exactly the kind of brooding, dangerous, and magnetic anti-hero I love to lose myself in.
Set against the stark, snow-swept backdrop of northern Montana, Sovereign is a dark, atmospheric romance that blends obsession, danger, and undeniable passion. At its heart is Keira Stowe, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage and groomed into giving up her family ranch. When tragedy strikes and she finds herself widowed, unprotected, and cornered by her late husband’s ruthless family, her path collides with that of Gerard Sovereign, a man both feared and respected across the land he rules like a king.
Gerard Sovereign is a rancher, very much a morally grey figure. Scarred by his own past and fighting his demons as a recovered addict, Gerard’s world is defined by control, vengeance, and ruthless fairness. But for Keira, he shows a side no one else sees. Obsessed with her from the moment they meet (this happens while she is married), Gerard offers her protection, retribution, and safety, but at the price of total submission. Their relationship soon evolves into one of raw Dom-Sub intensity, full of unique dynamics and emotional vulnerability that makes this story stand out from more formulaic takes on BDSM romance.
Keira, in contrast, is weary yet resilient. For the first time in her life, she finds herself desired, protected, and given the freedom to express who she is. While Gerard demands obedience, he also respects her strength and pushes her to confront her past scars. Their bond is not without doubts; Keira herself is plagued by suspicions that Gerard may have had a hand in her husband’s death, yet she cannot resist the pull of a man who sees her as his equal partner, not just another pawn.
This is a romance carved from the shadows: Gerard’s simmering revenge against Keira’s husband’s family becomes the backdrop of their union, while their growing relationship is tested by power imbalances, secrets, and the ever-present dangers of the Sovereign Mountain. And yet, amidst the vengeance and moral greys, there are moments of tenderness; the way Gerard cares for Keira during her most vulnerable moments, or how his kisses are like fine art (I swear that is how I felt when I was reading them), that softens the edges of his otherwise relentless dominance.
What I loved most was the unapologetic portrayal of Gerard as a true anti-hero, one whose only softness comes for his heroine. I also appreciated the depth given to Keira, who, unlike many submissives in dark romances, pushes back and challenges her Dom. However, the one aspect I would have liked to see more of was her finding an identity outside of being Sovereign’s woman, given how little choice she has had in her life. Still, it is clear that for Keira, being his sub, his partner, his wife, and the mother of his future children is what she wants most of all.
Recommended for: readers who crave dark, emotionally intense romances with morally grey heroes, BDSM dynamics, and heroines who find empowerment even in submission.
Final Verdict: A brooding, darkly sensual cowboy romance where obsession meets devotion, Sovereign burns with intensity and leaves its mark long after the last page.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Historical Romance POV: Third Person, Multiple Series: Standalone Publisher: Avon Hero: Alec Tyron Heroine: Isabella Georgiana Albans St. Just Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: January 01, 1989 Started On: June 22, 2024 Finished On: June 28, 2024
Tiger’s Eye by Karen Robards, one of my go-to-authors for romance is one of those sweeping historical romances that takes a forbidden premise and pushes it to its emotional edge. The story begins with Lady Isabella Georgiana Albans St. Just, a young aristocrat whose seemingly gilded life masks a marriage filled with constraints and unhappiness. Her world collides quite literally with Alec Tyron, the notorious overlord of London’s underworld, when he rescues her from danger. It is a meeting that sparks both fear and fascination, drawing together two people who should never have crossed paths.
Kidnapped by a band of thugs intent on using her for their gain, Isabella finds herself in desperate straits until Alec intervenes. His reputation alone is enough to cow her captors, but it is his decisive, brutal action that frees her. In the aftermath, Alec decides not to let her slip away, for his own reasons both practical as well as personal, and what begins as a rescue quickly becomes a forced proximity neither of them can walk away from. For Isabella, the man who terrifies the city becomes both her savior and her undoing.
Alec is as morally grey as a hero can get. Hardened by his rise from the streets to the throne of the city’s criminal underbelly, he is ruthless, commanding, and dangerously magnetic. Yet beneath that hard exterior is a man capable of fierce loyalty and unexpected tenderness, qualities that reveal themselves in the way he treats Isabella. In contrast, Isabella is everything Alec is not; refined, privileged, and naive at first glance. But as their journey unfolds, her strength emerges, and she becomes a heroine willing to risk her reputation, her safety, and her heart for the one man society says she cannot have.
Theirs is a union that, under most circumstances, could never have worked. Their differences are insurmountable on paper, and more than once I found myself holding my breath as I read, even all the while knowing that this was a romance with a happily-ever-after ending, and yet still questioning how on earth Robards would take them to that conclusion. That tension, the constant awareness that love for these two was both dangerous and inevitable, is what made the book so compelling.
What struck me most was how realistically Robards handled Isabella’s situation. Many romances of this era shy away from adultery or paint heroines as paragons of virtue who resist temptation until circumstances align. Tiger’s Eye takes a bolder approach: Isabella succumbs to what her heart and body crave, and in doing so, her choices feel both human and honest, especially for a woman stuck in a marriage that can only be described as torturous. It will undoubtedly divide readers, but for me, it added a layer of depth and realism that made her plight all the more moving.
On the other hand, the lack of an epilogue left me feeling shortchanged. After everything Alec and Isabella endure, I longed for a glimpse of them in a hard-won happily ever after, secure and free from the shadows that dogged them. I will just tell myself that it is publishing constraints at the time that demanded that an epilogue be left out, what I feel is a crucial missing piece in an otherwise powerful story.
Recommended for: readers who enjoy historical romances with morally grey heroes, intense forbidden passion, and the not your average heroines who shake up everything!
Final Verdict: Tiger’s Eye is a scorching, emotional tale of love that dares to defy class, morality, and society itself; Alec and Isabella’s story is as breathtaking as it is impossible, and I reveled in every minute of it.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: First Person, Dual Series: Harris Brothers, #2 Publisher: Amy Daws, LLC Hero: Tanner Harris Heroine: Belle Ryan Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: March 12, 2017 Started On: June 16, 2024 Finished On: June 22, 2024
Amy Daws’ Endurance is a riotous, cheeky, and surprisingly heartfelt sports romance that delivers passion, sass, and two characters who test each other’s patience, limits, and hearts. This second entry in the Harris Brothers series takes on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope with a footballer who cannot seem to stay out of the tabloids and a sharp, no-nonsense surgeon whose tolerance for his antics is nonexistent. Throw in a fake relationship and all the complications that come with it, and the stage is set for plenty of sparks.
Tanner Harris, the so-called wild Harris twin, is every inch the cheeky, bearded bad boy that readers of the series expect him to be. With his tattoos, devil-may-care attitude, and scandalous reputation, he is both magnetic and infuriating. Belle Ryan, on the other hand, is all discipline and ambition, a surgical fellow who has fought tooth and nail to get to where she is. Belle is the kind of heroine who has no time for games, least of all from Tanner, and their early dynamic is full of snark and sparring that makes their eventual collision feel inevitable.
What makes their story particularly fun is how they end up in each other’s orbit again after a disastrous first encounter. Forced into a fake dating setup for the sake of appearances, Tanner and Belle have no choice but to tolerate one another. But as jealousy flares and real attraction edges past their pretenses, the carefully drawn lines between them blur into something far messier and hotter. Their chemistry jumps off the pages, with Belle’s cool restraint a sharp counterpoint to Tanner’s impulsive fire.
I loved how Tanner’s humor and larger-than-life personality kept the story light even when emotions deepened, while Belle’s intelligence and steel gave their relationship grounding. Their banter is one of the highlights of the book, with every interaction teetering on the edge of an argument or a kiss. That said, the buildup sometimes outpaced the delivery, and while the sex scenes eventually delivered, I expected a bit more heat earlier on given the intensity of their dynamic.
Overall, Endurance is an entertaining, laugh-out-loud, and surprisingly tender romance. It is a great example of Ms. Daws can balance hilarity with emotional depth, particularly in a sub-genre I do not normally pick up; sports romance. And yet, the combination of a roguish footballer and a determined heroine worked beautifully here, making it hard not to root for them even when they drove each other crazy.
Recommended for: fans of sports romance, enemies-to-lovers banter, bearded bad boy heroes, and heroines who refuse to be bowled over.
Final Verdict: A laugh-out-loud enemies-to-lovers romance with a bearded bad boy footballer and a sharp-tongued doctor who prove that endurance is as much about the heart as the game.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: Third Person, Single Series: Standalone Publisher: Harlequin Hero: Rafaello Grazzini Heroine: Glory Little Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: November 02, 2001 Started On: June 12, 2024 Finished On: June 16, 2024
Lynne Graham’s Rafaello’s Mistress is a classic Harlequin romance brimming with passion, angst, and the kind of emotional intensity that makes Ms. Grahams’s books so addictive. The story revolves around Glory Little, a young woman whose past entanglement with the powerful and devastatingly handsome Rafaello Grazzini left her scarred in more ways than one. Years later, their paths cross again when desperation forces Glory to seek his help, only to find herself bound once more by the dangerous allure of the man she had once loved.
Rafaello is the kind of hero Graham excels at creating; commanding, arrogant, and emotionally complex. He is a man who wields control effortlessly, and yet beneath that steely exterior lies a vulnerability he refuses to admit. His reappearance in Glory’s life isn’t without an edge; he has long believed she betrayed him years earlier, taking money in exchange for ending their relationship.
That sense of betrayal has festered into a need for revenge, driving his low opinion of her and fueling his determination to assert control over their renewed connection. Layered over this are complicated family ties that adds another dimension to his mistrust and makes their entanglement even more fraught.
As such, it is not far fetched for their shared history to have resulted in misunderstandings and half-truths, and much of the conflict later on is fueled by the mistakes and manipulations of those around them. Rafaello’s belief in Glory’s supposed betrayal colors every interaction, creating sparks of both fury and passion.
What makes this story so compelling is not just the clash of wills, but the revelation of family secrets and the complex web of ties that bind them together. The more the truth unravels, the more layered Rafaello becomes as a character, moving beyond the archetypal alpha into something deeper.
I loved the humor woven into this story; it lightened the heavy emotions and gave both Rafaello and Glory moments of unexpected warmth. The sexual tension between them is electric, with explosive kisses and encounters that keep the pages flying. What stood out most was how nuanced his characterization turned out to be. Instead of a one-dimensional domineering hero, Ms. Graham delivers a man whose contradictions and vulnerabilities make him all the more magnetic.
Told entirely from Glory’s perspective, the book gives the heroine’s voice center stage, and I found that choice made the story even more powerful. Seeing Rafaello only through her eyes adds to the mystery of his emotions, making his actions all the more intense when his true feelings come through.
Recommended for: readers who love angsty, passionate romances with complex heroes, strong but vulnerable heroines, and a shared past that demands resolution.
Final Verdict: A fiery and emotionally charged romance, Rafaello’s Mistress is elevated by Rafaello’s surprisingly complex characterization, delivering the kind of layered love story that lingers.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Contemporary Romance POV: First Person, Dual Series: Crescent Cove, #1 Publisher: Rainbow Rage Publishing Hero: Seth Hamilton Heroine: Alison Marie Lawrence Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: September 25, 2017 Started On: June 07, 2024 Finished On: June 09, 2024
I met his gaze. The dark, turbulent anger swirled with something else. Something I couldn’t define. I had a limited scope with men, but I had some. Nothing came close to this man though.
There is something irresistibly charming about friends-to-lovers romances, and Have My Baby captures that magic with humor, heart, and a whole lot of heat. Written by author duo Taryn Quinn (whose individual books I have enjoyed before, especially Cari Quinn’s), this series opener hooked me right away.
Friends-to-lovers also happens to be one of or if not THE favorite trope in romance, and this book provided me with a heady reminder of why: the blend of deep-rooted friendship, unspoken longing, and explosive passion when the line finally blurs is endlessly satisfying.
Alison Marie Lawrence (Ally) has been in love with her best friend Seth Hamilton for as long as she can remember, though she has kept that a well maintained secret. Seth, a single father devoted to his little girl, suddenly drops a bombshell when he asks Ally to have his baby; an arrangement meant to be practical, without the mess of relationships or heartbreak.
Seth is the kind of hero who makes an impression from the very first page. A workaholic millionaire who nevertheless puts his daughter Laurie first, he is commanding, sexy, and unexpectedly tender. The way he takes care of Laurie reveals just how deeply kind and caring he is beneath his confident exterior.
Ally, meanwhile, is skittish and cautious, but she is also strong in ways she does not always recognize. Having built her life around a man she loves deeply, watching him get married, have a kid, when all the while she is right in front of him—that takes the kind of indomitable strength that I cannot even fathom. Ally is a character that shines with warmth and goodness, making it easy to see why Seth finds himself falling for her despite his best intentions.
Their arrangement begins with Seth’s “practical” request, but the foundation of their bond is anything but that. The years of friendship, the little moments of trust and laughter, and the undeniable chemistry between them all bubble to the surface in a matter of encounters. Seth might like to think that he is in control, but Ally’s vulnerability and the depth of her love strips away every wall he has ever built around his heart. Watching her move from self-doubt to realizing her worth, and him from control to surrender, makes their journey compelling from beginning to end.
The setting of Crescent Cove adds charm to the story, a small town where everyone seems to know each other’s business. That backdrop of familiarity and comfort made Seth and Ally’s shift from friends to lovers all the more intimate in my opinion. From the cozy warmth of the Rusty Spoon diner where Ally works, to the community ties that weave their lives together, the atmosphere is one of home and belonging, anchoring the romance in a place that feels lived-in and real. And let me not forget the delightful side characters, Sage, in particular, the between her and Oliver hinting at something intriguing, which I am definitely eager to see explored further in the series.
What made this book stand out for me was the sheer intensity of the emotional punch it delivered, paired with the scorching chemistry between the two. The sex scenes are beyond hot (as is signature Cari Quinn, I must add), the kind that lingers long after you are done. That said, I would have loved a little more gradual build-up to the moment Seth blurts out his proposal as the shift from best friends to something more felt almost too sudden, even though the emotions behind it rang true.
For all that, I loved how much heart this story carried. Laurie was precious, Ally was simply everything good and kind, and Seth was sexy as sin—a hurricane of want and need, but also a man who worshipped the woman he finally realized had always been his. Together, they were messy, emotional, passionate, and real!
Recommended for: Readers who love best-friends-to-lovers stories, single father romances, small-town settings, and a blend of humor, heat, and heart.
Final Verdict: A sizzling and heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance from a talented author duo; Have My Baby brims with humor, passion, and emotion, setting the stage for an addictive small-town series.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Paranormal Romance POV: Third Person, Single Series: Standalone Publisher: Harlequin Hero: Alessio Leopardi Heroine: Daisy Thornton Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: January 01, 1997 Started On: June 01, 2024 Finished On: June 01, 2024
‘You are the only woman I have ever loved,’ Alessio murmured roughly. ‘And I want to be inside you so badly, I ache.’
Second-Time Bride is one of those Lynne Graham classics that blends angst, humor, and emotional punch in a way that keeps you flipping the pages long past bedtime. Daisy and Alessio married as teenagers in a union that was doomed from the start; too young, too unprepared, and crushed under family pressure and their own insecurities. Within months, the marriage imploded, leaving Daisy to raise their daughter alone. Thirteen years later, Alessio returns, unaware he has a child, and determined to reclaim the woman he once lost.
Alessio is a quintessential Graham hero: arrogant, forceful, and brimming with jealousy that he can barely control. At thirty-two, he is wealthier, more powerful, and every bit as single-minded as the nineteen-year-old who first pursued Daisy. He is also plagued by insecurities he would never admit aloud, his reactions driven by the fear of losing her again, even as he masks that fear with bluster and arrogance.
Daisy, at thirty, is his equal in more ways than he expects. Wary, skittish, and protective of her daughter, she nonetheless refuses to be steamrolled, meeting his intensity with quick wit, flashes of temper, and the kind of honesty that continually throws him off balance.
The heart of the story lies in their second chance. Thirteen years of silence have bred misunderstandings, half-truths, and old wounds that refuse to stay buried. Daisy has kept the existence of their daughter a secret, a betrayal Alessio cannot easily forgive. He, in turn, cannot understand how she could walk away from their marriage without ever looking back. Their renewed relationship becomes a tug-of-war between pride and vulnerability, with their daughter Tara right in the middle, eager for the father she never knew.
Tara herself is one of the delights of this book. Equal parts her mother’s wit and Alessio’s will, she injects humor, heart, and energy into every scene she is in. She is clever, observant, and at times far too shrewd for her parents’ comfort, and her presence grounds the story in a way that makes the reconciliation between Daisy and Alessio even more meaningful.
What I adored most about this book was the balance between angst and humor that had me gasping for breathe one minute and guffawing the next. There is no shortage of fiery confrontations, jealous accusations, and emotional intensity, but Graham sprinkles it with laugh-out-loud moments that lighten the heaviness.
Daisy’s ability to fluster Alessio is pure delight; watching his frustration when she refuses to play by his rules gave me more than one chuckle. The chemistry between them is undeniable, their banter sharp and their passion blazing, making their reconciliation all the more satisfying. And that ending, sweet, funny, and unexpectedly heartwarming, was pure delight, the perfect conclusion after such a rocky road.
If I had a quibble, it is that the story would have benefitted from glimpses into Alessio’s perspective during their teenage marriage. Seeing how deeply besotted he had been would have added another layer of poignancy to his present-day determination. Still, his relentless pursuit of Daisy, even when he masks it with arrogance, is telling enough, and his jealousy-fueled antics both maddening and thoroughly entertaining.
Recommended for: readers who love second-chance marriages, fiery banter, jealous alpha heroes, and heroines who refuse to back down.
Final Verdict: Equal parts humor, heartbreak, and heat—Second-Time Bride is a Lynne Graham gem with a pure delight of an ending.
Favorite Quotes
At nineteen, Alessio had told her that a boy who slept around was only gaining necessary masculine experience but that a girl who slept around was a tart. That might not be fair but that was life, he had informed her cheerfully. But Alessio could not find it within himself to be quite so cheerful now about the idea that he might have married a tart.
Format: E-Book Read with: Kindle Oasis Length: Novel Genre: Paranormal Romance POV: Third Person, Multiple Series: Primal Instinct, #2 Publisher: Harlequin Hero: Michael Quinn Heroine: Saige Buchanan Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 Published On: April 28, 2009 Started On: May 25, 2024 Finished On: June 01, 2024
The Primal Instinct series by Rhyannon Byrd is built around the Merrick—an ancient race marked by primal power, dangerous awakenings, and a destiny that ties them to both salvation and ruin. Among them are the Watchmen, warriors whose purpose is to protect the Merrick from enemies outside and from the darkness within. Bound by duty and sacrifice, the Watchmen live at the edge of danger, carrying both physical scars and the weight of responsibility.
Their greatest foes are the Casus, an ancient evil that seeks to dominate and destroy, exploiting Merrick awakenings to unleash chaos. This ongoing struggle forms the spine of the series, threading every love story with a sense of larger, looming peril.
It is within this backdrop that Edge of Danger delivers another darkly sensual installment in Ms. Byrd’s paranormal world, centering on the reluctant pull between Michael Quinn and Saige Buchanan. Tasked with protecting Saige in South America, Quinn has no desire to be saddled with a responsibility that feels far too personal. Betrayed in the past and scarred inside and out, he hides behind walls of iron control—yet Saige, with her fire and determination, chips away at his defenses from the moment they meet.
Quinn is the quintessential tortured hero that Ms. Byrd writes so well. Shifter, protector, and loner, his ability to take to the skies makes him unique even among the Merrick, but it is his guarded heart and mistrust that sets the tone for the slow burn between him and Saige, who for her part, is no shrinking violet. Though she is the “protected” in this dynamic, she pushes back, her mix of strength and generosity proving a foil to Quinn’s cold reserve. It is her willingness to see him for more than his scars that slowly draws them together, even when he resists.
The tension between them is constant, Quinn fighting his attraction and Saige refusing to let him dismiss what simmers between them. His betrayal at the hands of his former fiancée leaves him wary of desire and intimacy, while Saige continues to test his reluctance to engage. Their journey is one of collision as much as connection, Quinn desperate to deny what his body and soul already know.
I loved how Byrd captured the essence of Quinn’s torment, making him a hero readers ache for even when his actions frustrate. Saige’s blend of innocence and tenacity balances his darkness beautifully, and her role as his emotional anchor gives the story its heart. Still, I found myself wishing the ferocity of their appetites translated more fully to the page; too much build-up at times kept the consummation from being as explosive as the tension promised, which really was disappointing.
For all that, Edge of Danger is classic Byrd: lushly written, emotionally fraught, and steeped in the ache of desire barely held at bay. The mythology of the Merrick deepens here, with threads of villainy evolving in ways that hint at bigger battles to come.
Recommended for: readers who love tortured heroes, paranormal romance with emotional punch, and heroines who are equal parts strength and heart.
Final Verdict: Dark, brooding, and beautifully tormented—Quinn and Saige’s story keeps you craving every page.
A Maldivian's Passion for Romance 