Monthly Archives: December 2025

The Flirting Game (Love and Hockey 6) by Lauren Blakely -review

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The Flirting Game (Love and Hockey 6) by Lauren Blakely -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 12, 2025

Revenge was the plan. Falling for the hockey star next door wasn’t.

My new neighbor is a hot, grumpy hockey player who works out shirtless on his porch every morning. But it’s not technically spying if I just happen to be on my patio at the same time … right?

Imagine my surprise when the sexy grouch turns out to be the client who just hired me to redecorate the house he’s giving his mom.

What’s a ray of sunshine like me to do? Pretend I’ve never noticed his abs while we pick out furniture—since I’d never date a client. And Ford’s made it clear this is his final season, and he wants zero distractions.

Which means I need to exercise some serious resistance …

To his cool blue eyes that track my every move.
To that deep voice that makes me shiver.
And to the mouth that shuts me up one night in our shared backyard with a scorching kiss.

We agree it’s a one-time slip-up—until my cheating ex invites me to a party, and Ford insists on being my revenge date. Our fake night out turns into a very real sleepover.

Now the press and fans think we’re a couple, so we keep it up. One fake date at a charity gala turns into another at a hockey game, and somewhere between fabric swatches and porch picnics, I stop pretending.

But how do I convince Ford that with me, he can have both love and hockey?

•••••

REVIEW:THE FLIRTING GAME is the sixth instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult LOVE AND HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series. This is professional hockey player Ford Devon, and interior designer Skylar Haven’s story. line. THE FIRTING GAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Skylar and Ford) THE FLIRTING GAME focuses on the building relationship between our story line couple. Skylar Haven is babysitting her brother’s house and his cat but discovered there were more interesting things to watch next door. Adam’s next door neighbor is professional hockey player Ford Devon but Ford and Skylar’s introduction does not start off too well until Ford discovers his new interior decorator is the woman with whom he will fall in love. Ford is moving his parents into a brand new house, and hires his neighbor’s sister, to decorate their home but the more time spent together, people believe their relationship is more, and in an effort to appease Ford’s mother, and Skylar’s ex, our couple mutually agree to a fake dating scenario that becomes anything but fake.

The world building focuses on several intersection pathways including Ford Devon’s career, Skylar’s podcast success and her growing interior design business, as well as a slight brush with both of their exes, in the face of completely moving on.

The relationship between Ford and Skylar begins acrimoniously but quickly turns into something more. The back and forth, yin and yang hides a mutual attraction, an attraction Ford can’t afford in his last year as a pro. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Skylar’s friends and fellow podcasters Trevyn and Mabel; Skylar’s brother Adam, as well as Ford’s mother Maggie.

THE FLIRTING GAME is a story of secrets and lies, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are charismatic and dynamic.

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Hogging the Holidays by Avelyn Paige-review tour

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Hogging the Holidays (25 Days of Christmas Bikers and Mobsters) by Avelyn Paige-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 22, 2025

San Salona was supposed to be Cece Montgomery’s refuge after her messy divorce. Instead, it feels like a cage of gossip, family duty, and the shadow of her ex-husband, the mayor’s golden-boy son, parading his new girlfriend around town for the holidays.

Then Brayden Cole rides in with his motorcycle club to drop off toys and refuses to leave. Dark, dangerous, and uninvited, he keeps showing up at the church, at the market, in her shadows, pulling Cece into a fire she swore she would never touch again.

Everyone warns her he will ruin her.
The mayor wants her shamed. Her ex wants her humiliated. Her father wants her redeemed.

But Brayden wants her completely.

And this Christmas, Cece is ready to risk it all for the outlaw who will not let her go.

••••••

REVIEW:Santa on a motorcycle? Sign me up.

Hogging the Holidays is the story of CeCe and Brayden, one filled with Christmas magic, family drama and an ex that takes gold on being douche of the year.

Cece is dealing with the aftermath of a messy divorce, which like most, put her through the ringer. Hoping for a little sanctuary, Cece heads to San Salona in hopes of a little peace for the holidays. Alas, she is met with nothing but family gossip and obligations and her pain in the bum ex and his new girlfriend parading around town. Life couldn’t get any better. With everyone wanting something from her at all times, Cece has just about given up on the holiday season, until Brayden comes riding into town.

Brayden is the VP of the Heaven’s Rejects MC and he’s in town to drop the toys off for the families in need that the club has raised via the toy drive. Think Toys for Tots kinda thing. While in town, he hears nothing but gossip about Cece and her very new divorce, not that it matters to him much. However these two keep meeting, one interaction after another and their chemistry is off the charts. Maybe it’s fate, maybe it’s a little Christmas magic, but either way Brayden isn’t going to let Cece get away.

Cece and Brayden’s story was a nice treat for the holidays. These two were so different, a preacher’s daughter and a VP from a motorcycle club, but someone they just fit so well together. Brayden was the shield that Cece needed to finally grow, and Cece was the safe place that Brayden needed to find strength. Cece’s dad had me cursing, but thankfully he finally came to his senses and they were able to come together as a family and work through it. Overall, I enjoyed the book and I always look forward to what this author has coming up.

Reviewed by Sarah

Copy supplied for review

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Heats and Holidays (RBMC: Helena, MT) by Jena Doyle-review

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Heats and Holidays (RBMC: Helena, MT) by Jena Doyle-review

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Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 28,2025

Her wolf calls. Mine answers with a snarl. Now she’s mine…whether we like it or not.

Morwyn

I’m the Helena Shifter Pack healer—calm, capable, always in control. Until my heat detonates.

It hits hard, vicious, and hungry enough to drag my wolf straight to the one man I swore I’d never want: Fenris Sheppard. My brother’s best friend. A walking sin in leather. The wolf I’ve avoided for years.

I try to fight it. My wolf doesn’t care. She wants him…only him…to claim me.

Fenris

I’ve wanted Morwyn since her scent first hooked into my ribs, but she was always off-limits—too good for me, too important to the pack, too dangerous to touch.

Then her heat erupts, feral and burning, and every rule I ever followed goes up in smoke. She calls. My wolf answers. And once I get my hands on her, there’s no going back.

Heat bound us. Desire claimed us. And I’ll tear down the whole damn pack before I let her go.

•••••

REVIEW:HEATS AND HOLIDAYS is a contemporary, adult, paranormal romance novella found in Jena Doyle’s RBMC: Helena MT, set in the multi -authored RBMC series. This is wolf shifters Fenris, and pack healer Morwyn ‘Wyn’s story line. HEATS AND HOLIDAYS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Fenris and Wyn) HEATS AND HOLIDAYS focuses on the approach of the celebration of Yule, wherein Fenris is determined to pull Pack healer Morwyn out of her comfort zone but life and everything is has to offer keep our heroine busy, such that she has no time for herself.Fenris knows Wyn is his mate but Morwyn continues to deny any attraction to our story line hero. Morwyn is about to go into her heat, and Fenris and his wolf , answer the call.

The world building is fast and furious, and focuses mainly on the sexual relationship and attraction between our story line couple. The relationship is one of fated mates, but Morwyn is too independent, and fears losing herself to the man with whom she will fall in love. The $ex scenes are numerous , provocative and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Maeve and Mill, Sol and Orion; Fenris’ sister Lyra, and her boyfriend Caelum.

HEATS AND HOLIDAYS is a story of fate and magic, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is fast paced, entertaining and engaging; the romance is limited but seductive; the characters are supernatural and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Attacking the Zone (Sierra Hockey 5) by Elise Faber-review tour

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Attacking the Zone (Sierra Hockey 5) by Elise Faber-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 26, 2025

I can protect her from everything—

Except from wanting me.

Kylie Connors survived the worst kind of betrayal, but now everyone treats her like she’s untouchable.

And the truth is…she is.

As the younger sister of the Sierra’s general manager, any man who’s interested in her would have to risk his career for a chance with her.

But then she asks me for help feeling something good again. Something real.

I’ve wanted her in silence for years, burying the truth that she’s the only woman I’ve ever truly craved. She’s forbidden, off-limits, and choosing her could cost me all I’ve built…and rattle the foundation of the life Kylie’s fought so hard to rebuild.

But when she trusts me enough to take that first step, every instinct in me screams to take the next ten for her.

And if she asks for more…I know I won’t hold back.

Even if it costs me everything.

••••

REVIEW: ATTACKING THE ZONE is the fifth instalment in Elise Faber’s contemporary, adult SIERRA HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series. This is player Colt Madden, and middle school teacher Kylie Connors’ story line. ATTACKING THE ZONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers

Told from dual first person perspectives (Colt and Kylie) ATTACKING THE ZONE follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Colt Madden has loved Kylie Connors from afar, but as the sister of the team’s general manager, and a woman who has experienced the worst of betrayals, Kylie is off limits. Determined to prove Kylie is worthy of love, Colt begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine.

The world building follows several paths including the dysfunctional dynamics of the Madden family; Colt’s love for his disabled brother, and Kylie’s struggle to move on from the past.

The relationship between Kylie and Colt is a friends to lover. For months Colt has been dancing around the woman with whom he will fall in love, a woman who will come to the defense of our story line hero. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the return of Kylie’s brother Damon, and his wife Joey (On The Fly 4), and teammates Storm, Knox and Riggs.We are introduced to Colt’s brother Blake,and their questionable parents Frank and Donna Madden. The author has plans for a new spin off, small town CEDAR HOLLOW series beginning with Storm’s story line

ATTACKING THE ZONE is a story of secrets and lies, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys.

She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elisefaberauthor@gmail.com

FOLLOW: Website / Facebook/ Instagram/ Goodreads/ Pinterest

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IRON WILL (Iron Brotherhood MC 1) by Delta James-review

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IRON WILL (Iron Brotherhood MC 1) by Delta James-review

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Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 19, 2025

Gemma Holloway was always off-limits, my best friend’s little sister, the one woman I swore I’d never touch.

When she walks back into my bar after eight years, she’s not the bright-eyed girl I remember. She’s bruised in ways no one can see… and everything in me locks onto one truth:

She’s not safe.
And I’m done pretending I don’t want her.

Gemma doesn’t trust men, least of all a dominant one like me. Her ex twisted her desires into something shameful, something she’s afraid to feel again. But at The Forge, my club, my rules, I’ll show her the difference between control and care. Between taking and choosing.

She thinks she’s broken.
I know better.

Protecting her should be simple.
Not falling for her? Impossible.

••••••

REVIEW: IRON WILL is the first instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult IRON BROTHERHOOD MC erotic, Dom/sub romance story line. This is thirty year old, graphic designer Gemma Holloway, and MC member and bar owner Will Lawson’s story line.

NOTE: Due to that nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Will and Gemma) IRON WILL follows in the wake of the return of Gemma Holloway to her hometown in Oregon having left her emotionally abusive husband.Broken and struggling, Gemma finds solace with her brother Cole, and his best friend Will, the man with whom Gemma will fall in love but the past refuses to let go, and Will Lawson is determined to protect Gemma with the help of the Iron Brotherhood MC.

The world building follows several pathways including Gemma’s healing, Will’s slow seduction of Gemma, and the take down of the man taking aim at our story line heroine.

The relationship between Will and Gemma is a best friend’s younger sister. Will is a widower, and hasn’t seen Gemma in close to five years but Gemma’s returns brings out the softer side of a man whose need to dominate comes naturally, a need that is equal to Gemma’s desire to submit. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Gemma’s brother and MC member Cole Holloway, as well as Tate and Shaw; and soon to be ex-husband Craig Burns.

IRON WILL is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and intense; the romance seductive;the characters are dynamic and healing.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Property of Mountain (KOAMC: Ohio) by Nikki Landis-review tour

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Property of Mountain (Kings of Anarchy MC: Ohio) by Nikki Landis-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 23, 2025

When the past threatens the future, even skeletons buried in the closet have a way of exposing all their dark and deadly secrets…

Camille:
Rex Coleman, or Mountain as everyone knows him, is one of five beefy lumberjack brothers who own the local lumber mill. He’s a biker with too broad shoulders, charisma in spades, fake charm, and a sinful grin that promises long nights of unparalleled pleasure. I’m not falling for it a second time.

Mountain thinks I’ve forgotten what he did to me three years ago. That six-foot-five tattooed hunk of a man stomped on my pride and humiliated me in front of half the town. Am I holding a grudge? Hell yeah. He’s the reason I left Raven’s Crest. I had to break free of the gossip and judgment. Now, I’ve gotten my life sorted. I won a television baking contest, and I’m starting my own brand of baking products that’ll soon be sold at major retailers. I live in L.A., where I’ve always dreamed. I’m happy.

All my plans are ruined when I get a phone call late one night while working on the set of my new commercial. My Granny is injured, and someone set her bakery on fire. I drop everything to rush back to her side, not counting on Rex Coleman and his savior complex. I’m not staying here. I can’t. But when an old feud emerges and I’m the target, I have to trust the one man I swore to never speak to again. Something is different this time. He’s grown more confident, protective, and downright irresistible. He says I’m his and that he’s going to prove it.

I’m not sure if I’ll stay alive long enough to find out. If there’s anyone who can keep me alive, it’s Mountain and his club. The Kings own this town. They protect it, and nobody f*cks with the Kings.

•••••

REVIEW: PROPERTY OF MOUNTAIN is the second instalment in Nikki Landis’ contemporary, adult KINGS OF ANARCHY MC:Ohio erotic, paranormal, MC romance series, a part of the multi-authored Kings of Anarchy MC. This is club VP Rex ‘Mountain’ Coleman, and baker Camille Parker’s story line. PROPERTY OF MOUNTAIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Camille and Rex) PROPERTY OF REX focuses on the hunt for an arsonist who set fire to Camille’s family owned bakery with her grandmother inside. Camille left Raven’s Crest three years earlier in the wake of perceived betrayal and humiliation by the man she once loved. Rex Coleman is determined to make amends for the sins of the past but someone has followed Camille to Raven’s Crest, taking aim at everyone she loves.

The world building focuses on protection of Camille and Granny Jo, as the arsonist refuses to back down but Camille has a stalker, someone who followed her from LA to Raven’s Crest, and Mountain is determined to protect the woman he loves.

The relationship between Camille and Mountain aka Rex is one of second chances. Three years earlier Camille left Raven Crest and found herself riding a wave of success in the world of celebrity bakers but a call from Rex brings Camille back home where she will not only face down the man who broke her heart but someone who is taking aim for the sins of someone else. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to several members of the KOAMC: Ohio including club president Scythe Madden,Voodoo,Phantom, Scarecrow, and Granny Jo. We are introduced to Rex’s brothers, co-owners of Coleman Lumber-Tyre, Wyatt, Adler and Braden. I am hoping the author has a series planned for the Coleman brothers.

PROPERTY OF MOUNTAIN is a story of madness and obsession, power and control, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are determined, supernatural and energetic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Christmas Keepsake (Love in Bloom 2) by Annie Rains-review

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The Christmas Keepsake (Love in Bloom 2) by Annie Rains-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2025

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t under the tree.

Everyone has a story to tell. And for Mallory Blue, her grandmother Nan’s community theater and annual Christmas play has been a beloved tradition for as long as she can remember. But this year is different. With Nan losing her memories to dementia, Mallory has taken on more than she can handle—including directing this year’s show.

Two things are keeping Mallory going: A journal that tells the story behind each handmade ornament on Nan’s tree. And Hollis, who volunteers to play Santa to spend time with Mallory and prove he’s no longer the rebellious boy she knew growing up.

As Mallory reads through Nan’s entries, she realizes there’s so much she never knew about her grandmother. And when Mallory has big decisions to make in both her personal and professional life, it’s Nan’s wise advice and Hollis’s steadfast support that will hold the key to this year’s holiday magic.

•••••••

REVIEW:THE CHRISTMAS KEEPSAKE is the second instalment in Annie Rains contemporary, adult sweet romance series. This is ER nurse Mallory Blue, and construction worker / Christmas tree farmer Hollis Franklin.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Mallory and Hollis)using present day and journal memories from the past, THE CHRISTMAS KEEPSAKE focuses on family secrets and history. Mallory Blue is an ER nurse who has found herself the director of the annual Christmas show, at the local community in the wake of her beloved grandmother’s failing health. The family owned theatre has seen better days, and her sister Maddie is hoping for a quick sale, and with the help of local construction worker Hollis Franklin, Mallory begins to focus on her grandmother’s dream but reading her grandmother Nan’s journal brings with it memories from the past, a life of loss and love Mallory knew nothing about.

The world building follows several paths, some intersecting, some diverting as the reader is pulled into the struggling dynamics of two families focusing on the past, without considering a change in direction for the younger generation.

The relationship between Mallory and Hollis is a frenemies to friends. There is some bad history between our story line couple but Hollis is determined to make amends for sins of the past. There are no $ex scenes, and limited physical contact.

THE CHRISTMAS KEEPSAKE is a story of family and friendships, relationships,forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is entertaining and charming; characters are desperate and lively; the romance is limited but sweet.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE FINDERS KEEPERS LIBRARY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

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