Category Archives: 5 Stars

Feature with Review: From West, With Regret by Brittany Taylor

Posted on

He promised he’d come find me… then I forgot that he existed.

A tragic incident robbed me of any memories I’d ever had before my fourteenth birthday, and I spent the second half of my life wondering if I’d ever get them back.

Years later, on the way to my late husband’s funeral, in a city I don’t know, I slip into a bar to prepare his eulogy on a cocktail napkin. Instead, I end up confessing all my ugly truths about my abusive marriage to the bartender, confident we’ll never cross paths again.

Until I see him a few hours later, sitting beside my husband’s casket.

Turns out Weston Knight isn’t just a bar owner.
He’s also my dead husband’s billionaire brother.

Mortified, I’m desperate to escape, but when West finally catches up with me and offers me a job in one of his many bars in New York City, I can’t find it in me to resist him.

Everything about West feels familiar. His voice. His touch. His kisses.
It isn’t long before he’s consuming my every thought, even in my dreams.

But the closer we become, the more I learn that West has secrets of his own. Ones that have led to a life of regret. And when the memories of my tragic past finally return, I realize that maybe, just maybe, I’ve crossed paths with this man before.

They say you should leave the past behind.

But what if the past is all I’ve ever wanted?

*From West, With Regret is an angsty, spice filled, ex’s brother billionaire romance. It is Book 2 in the NYC Billionaires Series and can be read as a complete standalone, however, it is recommended you read Book 1 first.

Add to Goodreads

Purchase on Amazon

MY REVIEW

“Can you possibly know someone without knowing them?”

“Our connection was already mapped out in the stars.”

He promised he’d come and find me, and then I forgot him…Talk about a line that totally grips your heart!!  It’s been a minute since I’ve read a book with an amnesia trope, and this one did not disappoint.  From West, With Regret is a beautiful love story of love, loss, soulmates, and regret.

The moment West lays eyes on London, it’s as though no time has passed. Every memory, every moment, flashes before his eyes. The only problem is that London doesn’t remember him at all. Despite having amnesia, she doesn’t let her lack of memory define her. She takes every moment in stride and is determined to make the most of each moment.  And when tragedy strikes, London finally gets her freedom and a chance to discover who she really is.

From West, With Regret left me tangled up in knots in the best possible way. West was one of my favorite characters and definitely a top book boyfriend for 2025. The lengths he went through to ensure London’s safety and happiness made my heart swoon. There is nothing and I mean nothing he wouldn’t do for her.

West and London’s story will take readers on one heck of a ride. Their story is emotional and consuming. These two characters have been THROUGH it and despite every obstacle and twist thrown their way, their love only grew stronger.

In the end, this book will make you believe in the forever kind of love, soulmates, and happily ever afters.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

Review: Eclipsed Empire by Tessa Hale

Posted on

One secret tore my life apart. It sent me running from the place I thought I would be safe, right into the path of untold enemies.

But when my life is in danger, the wolves I thought I’d lost for good are the ones who come for me. And they’ll burn down the world to keep me safe—even if none of us trusts each other anymore.

With every moment we’re forced together, every whispered apology and stolen touch, my resolve to keep them at a distance weakens. And when I realize just how much each of these men has come to mean to me, that resolve crumbles to dust.

Only there are more secrets to uncover—all our pasts lurking in the shadows. And when the monsters emerge from the darkness, there’s no escaping them this time…

Add to Goodreads

Purchase on Amazon

MY REVIEW

Eclipsed Empire picks up right where the previous book left off and hits the ground running. And let me tell you, this book packs a punch. The chemistry. The pack dynamic. The twists and drama…This book kept me on my toes, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

I am obsessed with this series and these characters. The Wolves of Crescent Creek series is quickly becoming one of my favorite guilty pleasures. I loved everything about Eclipsed Empire from beginning to end. And speaking of the end, this book ends with a doozy of a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 3.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Reveiw: A Royal Mile by Samantha Young

Posted on

A steamy enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance from New York Times Bestselling Author Samantha Young.

It’s hard to stay in the friend zone when the attraction is this hot…

Going into my senior year of university at war with a member of the British royal family wasn’t in my carefully laid plans. Sebastian Thorne might be the grandson of a princess, but it’ll take more than a royal pardon to get me to forgive him for pretending to be someone he’s not.

But Sebastian is determined to be my friend. Even if it means signing up to a psych experiment just to get me to talk to him. Who knew a sincere apology and him saying my name in that posh English accent would make me weak in the knees?

This year was supposed to be about my dissertation and graduate school. Only, Sebastian has thrown my ordered world off kilter. He makes me bolder, more confident. A braver version of me.

Yet every lingering glance and stolen touch has me realizing one thing…

I’m falling for my best friend.

There’s just one problem. Sebastian has demons, ones that make him determined to keep me in the friend zone no matter the cost.

And even when temptation sends his walls tumbling down, the beauty we’ve found might not survive against the will of powerful outside forces…

Add to Goodreads

Purchase on Amazon

MY REVIEW

Samantha Young brought the swoon and longing with this one. A Royal Mile is hands down one of my favorite friends-to-lovers romances, and it definitely left me with all the feels.

Lily and Sebastian stole my heart instantly. Their connection was so pure, so intense. My heart ached when they friend-zoned each other. You see, Sebastian doesn’t do relationships and can only offer Lily a good time. But a girl like Lily deserves more than he can offer. And so begins a journey of longing, will they, won’t they moments, and a connection so fierce, I felt like I was experiencing it first hand.

The road to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one for Lily and Sebastian. They both had their fair share of insecurities and family drama. The ups and downs. The push and pull. All of it leaving me begging for more.

Ultimately, all I can say is that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was completely engrossed in these characters and their story. Every frustrating and heart-aching moment made me fall harder for these characters. I’m loving the Return to Dublin Street series and can not wait to see whose story we get next.

I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

Review: Crescent Kingdom by Tessa Hale

Posted on

Never stop running. And no matter what, never let the world know who you really are.
I’ve spent my whole life hiding. Training. Preparing. Hoping that no one will discover my secrets. What I can do. Who I am. And I’ve gotten so good at it, sometimes even I forget.
Until them.
The wolf pack with a ruthless reputation and a penchant for revenge. The protective fighter. The charming Brit. The shy hacker. The silent mercenary. The cruel assassin.
They see more than anyone ever has before. And even with demons of their own, they give me sanctuary. A place to hide, to rest, and maybe even a place to belong.
Only it turns into so much more. Because when they touch me, everything around me ignites, and nothing matters but them.
But these wolves have secrets. And those secrets bring enemies. And when they find out who I really am?
It’s not their enemies I need to fear. It’s them.

Add to Goodreads

Purchase on Amazon

MY REVIEW

This book is exactly why I LOVE Tessa Hale! Crescent Kingdom is the first book in the Wolves of Crescent Creek series, and it totally blew me away.

Crescent Kingdom is well written, entertaining, and utterly captivating. This book is exactly why I love paranormal and fated mates romances. I mean, how can you go wrong with a tortured heroine with a tragic past, protective shifter wolves, with a plot that leaves you begging for more?

There’s so much I want to say, but I don’t want to spoil it. Here’s what I will say: If love fated mates, action, paranormal elements, and lots of spice, you won’t want to miss this book.  The emotions and angst will keep you on your toes and tug at your heart.

And the ending will leave you aching for more. All I can say is I’m addicted and HAVE to know what happens next!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

Review: From Asher, With Love by Brittany Taylor

Posted on

He set my heart on fire… then destroyed it.

Ten years ago, I left the ashes of my past behind, determined to fulfill my dream of owning a flower shop in the largest city in the world.

With business now booming, I need to expand my storefront, and I’m desperate for help. So, when my best friend sets me up on a blind date disguised as a business meeting, with the billionaire CEO of the city’s most elite real estate firm, I cave.

What I don’t expect is the billionaire blind date turning out to be my ex-boyfriend.

Though one look is all it takes to know Asher Egan is no longer the boy I once knew from the wrong side of the tracks. He’s an ambitious, insanely wealthy businessman who knows exactly what and who he wants…

Me.

And the longer we work together, the faster the embers of our youthful love begin to reignite.

It’s a shame the pain isn’t as easily forgotten.

Fearing he’ll lose me again, he’s suddenly asking for a future we both walked away from all those years ago.

But will I be able to sift through the ashes of our past and find it in my heart to love him again… or will our second chance at a happy ending threaten to destroy us once and for all?

Add to Goodreads

Purchase on Amazon

MY REVIEW

“Four words can change everything.”

When Charleigh’s world was turned upside down, she was determined to put her past behind her and fulfill her dream of owning her own flower shop. With business booming, Charleigh has no choice but to look at expanding. When her best friend sets up her on a blind date disguised as a business meeting, with the billionaire CEO of the city’s most elite real estate firm, the last thing she expected was to come face to face with the man who broke her heart ten years prior…

From Asher, With Love without a doubt put my heart through the ringer. I’m talking about the angsty, pull-at-your-heartstrings kind of emotion that leaves you with no choice but to devour each word like your life depends on it.

Asher and Charleigh’s story is the perfect opposites attract, reunited lovers, second-chance romance. Despite their time apart, the pull and chemistry are still there. Everything between them just oozes off the pages, leading to incredible banter and an unforgettable love story.

If you’re looking for a romance that will leave you with all the feels, you’re not gonna want to miss From Asher, With Love. Charleigh and Asher’s romance was everything I wanted and then some. My heart was set on fire and bursting at the seams with all the heartache, longing, delicious angst, and romance. I loved everything about this book from beginning to end and it’s definitely on my list of top reads for 2025!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Release Blitz with Review: On Loverose Lane by Samantha Young

Posted on

On Loverose Lane by Samantha Young is now live! 

The #1 International bestselling author of On Dublin Street is back with this witty, emotional and steamy fake-dating sports romance in which ambitious entrepreneur, Beth Carmichael, meets her match in the grumpy football captain who moves into the apartment above hers.

Imagine my surprise when my new neighbor turns out to be one of Scotland’s most famous (and hottest) professional footballers, Callan Keen. I’m even more shocked to discover that the brooding player is still holding a grudge for something that happened (or didn’t happen) between us years ago.

Too busy trying to take my social media management company to the next level, I don’t have time for this gorgeous blast from the past. Or at least I shouldn’t. Yet whenever I see him, I can’t help but engage in a battle of wits with the grump upstairs.

When a huge client opportunity arises, circumstances force me to enlist Callan’s help. I require a fake date and Callan needs me to facilitate a meeting with my dad to further his own business interests.

The deal between us should be simple. Except, of course, the blazing chemistry we’ve shared since the moment we met. We can’t deny it, we can’t control it, and soon we’re agreeing to six weeks of no-strings-attached, mind-blowing, steamy shenanigans.

I told myself I was too smart to catch feelings. But when Callan finally finds out the truth about our past, he becomes the guy I used to know. And that man is way too easy to fall for.

The problem is that Callan has vowed to never let another person close enough to break his heart again.

It just might prove impossible to show my stubborn Scotsman I’m worth the risk, especially when old wounds are re-opened and threaten to wreck any chance of a future together…

The #1 International bestselling author is back with this emotional and steamy sports romance in which ambitious entrepreneur, Beth Carmichael, meets her match in the grumpy football captain who moves into the apartment above hers.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4e0wML2

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/OnLoveroseLane

Audible: https://bit.ly/3EDtC3h

Narrated by: Shane East & Zara Hampton-Brown

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3AREXLi

MY REVIEW

I love, love, loved this book!

The On Dublin Street series was one of my absolute favorite series from author Samantha Young, so when I found we were getting a series featuring the next generation, I was over the moon.

Beth and Callan stole my heart instantly and I LOVED their dynamic. The push. The pull. The banter. It was all on point and led to some of the most delicious angst and tension. These two kept me on my toes and definitely left me begging for more.

On Loverose Lane wasn’t without its share of ups and downs and did tackle some tough subject matter. As someone who struggles with anxiety, Beth’s struggles made me feel seen. She was written in a way that felt real and authentic.

On Loverose Lane kicked off the Return to Dublin Street series with a terrific start. This book exceeded my expectations and left me with all the feels. I can’t wait to see where this series will go next!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Meet Samantha

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She’s been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. Samantha writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction and is currently published in 31 countries.
She resides in Scotland.

Connect with Samantha

Website: http://authorsamanthayoung.com

Goodreads:  http://bit.ly/2FWgYdn

Amazon: https://amzn.to/48eBBwI

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamanthaYoung/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1520019958258238/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsamanthayoung/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorsamanthayoung

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2D241eO

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/samyoungauthor/

Top Reads for 2024!

Posted on

2024 has been another crazy and stressful year that has thankfully left us with many good reads and hopes for 2025. This year, I read just over 285 books and discovered some new-to-me authors, and trying to narrow that list down was tough. I have read so many amazing, life-changing, blow-me-away, knock-my-socks-off books. Somehow, I whittled my list down to 15 books. These 15 books have given me all the feels. They’ve made me laugh, cry, swoon, and taken me on some of the best journeys.

Review: Pretty Heartache by Brittany Taylor

Posted on

Micah Harding has always been known to cause heartache.

He didn’t know it, but he broke my heart the summer I turned eleven.

Humiliated and embarrassed, I didn’t speak to him again after he claimed to have rescued me.

Now, ten years later, I find myself on his doorstep, heartbroken yet again.

Only this time, I’m an unemployed model, running from the life I’ve tried so hard to create, about to be thrust back into the one I escaped.

Although he’s the same billionaire I knew all those years ago, Micah’s changed.
I see the pain he holds in his blue-gray eyes, desperate to forget his reality and the secrets he holds within them.

My childhood feelings for him were kept under lock and key—they had to be—but now that we’re older and living together, the feelings I once had for him are no longer reduced to a meaningless crush. They’re real. And the more time we spend together, the more difficult they are to dismiss.

But as temptation consumes us, we realize our pasts aren’t the only facts we’re running from.

I’m twenty-one.
He’s thirty-three.
And my older brother’s best friend.

I never believed there was beauty in heartache… until I fell for him.

Add to Goodreads

Purchase on Amazon

MY REVIEW

“I would save you over and over again if it meant that you were safe and well loved.”

Pretty Heartache is hands down one of the best older brother’s best friends romances that I’ve read and Brittany Taylor absolutely knocked it out of the park this book!

The summer Adeline turned eleven, she experienced her first heartbreak. Humiliated and embarrassed, she vowed to never speak to Micah again. Ten years later, Adeline finds herself in the last place she expected: unemployed and broken at Micah’s doorstep. On the outside, Micah appears to be the same guy she once knew, but those blue-gray eyes hold all of his secrets and pain. Those childhood feelings she once thought were locked away, are begging to come to the surface and offer comfort to the man who broke her heart. Only those childhood feelings aren’t some mere crush. They’re real and all-consuming and the more time Micah and Adeline spend together, the harder it is to fight what’s brewing between them…

Adeline and Micah’s story is a romance built to stand the test of time. It is real and passionate, and it has a beautiful, raw quality. Adeline and Micah are anything but weak. Their characters are strong, yet vulnerable. Their struggles are easy to connect with and you can’t help but find yourself rooting for them.

Adeline and Micah had lots of obstacles to overcome throughout their journey and I loved watching them grow, fight, and ultimately give in. The tension and chemistry were undeniable. They fought hard for what they wanted and I loved every moment of their journey.

There’s not much to say other than I loved this book. It’s the perfect age-gap romance and is my favorite in the Harding Brothers series. If you’re a fan of old brother’s best friend tropes and forbidden romances, you won’t want to miss Pretty Heartache. I hope you’ll fall head over heels for Micah and Adeline just as I have.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Release Blitz with Review: Mr. Heartbreaker by Piper Rayne

Posted on

Mr. Heartbreaker by Piper Rayne is now live!

I made a deal with my brother a long time ago to never date his teammates.

Technically, Rowan Landry, the hot as hell center for the Chicago Falcons, is no longer my brother’s teammate. Or his best friend. Their college days are long behind them, and they barely talk now.

Also, I’m not dating him—we’re just sleeping together. There’s a difference.

Except there’s not a lot of sleeping going on, and neither one of us wants to stop what we’re doing.

It’s all fun and games until my brother is traded to the Falcons, because Rowan doesn’t know I’m the new goalie’s little sister. Oops.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!

https://books2read.com/mrh

Audio Narrated by: Sean Masters & Erin Mallon

Also featuring: JF Harding, Tedding Hamilton, Troy Duran, Connor Crais, & CJ Bloom

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4267XIG

MY REVIEW

Talk about kicking off a new series with a bang!

I knew the moment we were first introduced to Rowan and Kyleigh, we’d be in for one heck of a ride, and I was not disappointed.

I loved seeing Rowan and Kyleigh navigate their way through all the obstacles that stood in their way. From their own personal baggage to a secret that could ruin everything. These characters experienced a ton of growth throughout their story, and I really enjoyed seeing them go from just having fun to exploring the possibility of more.

Mr. Heartbreaker is a one-of-a-kind sports romance that checked all of my boxes with its steamy and unforgettable secret romance, delicious angst, fabulous secondary characters, and family drama that would make anybody’s head spin. This new series from Piper Rayne is off to an amazing start, and I can’t wait to read more.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Meet Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write “heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle” about families, whether that be blood or found. They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they’re married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they’re both chauffeurs to their kids. Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!

Connect with Piper Rayne

Website: www.PiperRayne.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15810938.Piper_Rayne

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Piper-Rayne/e/B01ND0R15R

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiperRayne/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PiperRaynesUnicorns

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpiperrayne/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PiperRayneRocks

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorpiperrayne

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/piper-rayne

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorpiperrayne/_created/

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PiperRayne?ref=shop_sugg

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/PiperRayne

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@authorpiperrayne

Review: Wished by Sarah Ready

Posted on

When Anna Benoit wishes she’s married to the enigmatic owner of the chateau she cleans, she wakes up in a topsy-turvy world where she’s Max Barone’s wife.

Anna is a romantic who believes in The One and Love at First Sight. Why? Because it happened to her. The second she saw Max Barone she fell desperately, hopelessly in love.

It didn’t matter that they were from completely different worlds—he owned a jewelry empire, she cleaned houses—love had no barriers.

Except one.

Max didn’t know Anna’s name, much less that she existed.

Then one day Anna made a wish. Suddenly she was in an upside down world where everyone believed she and Max had been happily married for years. It was passion. It was romance. It was love. It was everything she’d ever wished for.

Add to Goodreads

Purchase on Amazon

MY REVIEW

“Sometimes you run across something so beautiful that you can’t looking at it. It’s as if the beauty tears at something inside you. The beauty is so astounding, so shattering, that you have to look away.”

“I was lonely–I see that now. I was scared to ask for love. And like my mom said, I was also scared I didn’t deserve it.”

What if you made a wish and it suddenly came true? What could possibly go wrong?

Finding herself in an alternate reality, where she’s married to the man of her dreams, but it’s not real. Anna and Max embark on an unforgettable journey as they try to undo the impossible. Along the way, they find something they never thought possible, a deep and powerful love. 

Wow. Wow. Wow. I did not see this book coming at all. This is one of those books that consumes you instantly and leaves you with all the feels. And that’s why it has to be on my list of top reads for 2024!

Wished is unlike any story I’ve read this year and will leave you believing in wishes and the forever kind of love. This story is well-written and sexy with a dash of magic. The characters are real and beautifully flawed and so easy to connect with. 

The angst, longing, and heartbreak will tug at your heartstrings. You will feel as though you are experiencing Anna’s journey right along with her, and for once, I’m not mad that this story only had Anna’s pov.

Wished is the kind of story you can’t help but devour no matter how much you wish to savor it. I loved every aspect of this story; from Anna making her wish to discover that none of it was real. I loved the heartache and longing. Anna’s journey of finding love and happiness hit me deep in my heart and had me wishing she’d find her happily ever after.

Wished is the first book I’ve read by author Sarah Ready, and I’m kicking myself for not reading her books sooner. If you’re looking for an unforgettable romance with a dash of magic, you won’t want to miss Wished.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*