Tag Archives: Julie B

The New Earl’s Convenient Wife by Julia Justiss-review

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The New Earl’s Convenient Wife (Soldier’s to Heirs 2) by Julia Justiss-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 15, 2026

An 1830s marriage of convenience, high society romance continues the Soldiers to Heirs series

Reigniting an old longing…

For the new Earl!

When his brother dies unexpectedly, soldier Rafe Tynesley is forced to become the new Earl. His late brother’s betrothed, Juliana Waverton, helps Rafe adjust, but originally destined to be a countess, she’s facing spinsterhood. Rafe’s position requires he wed, so he’ll return the favor—by offering Juliana a practical marriage!

Juliana has always secretly loved Rafe, and his proposal is bittersweet—it’s all she’s ever craved, but he’s sworn off love, so she can’t forget it’s for convenience. Yet how will she protect her heart when her husband’s touch sends her up in flames?

••••••

REVIEW: Julia Justiss delivers another entry in her Soldiers to Heirs series with The New Earl’s Convenient Wife.

A classic Regency romance that hits all the right notes for fans of marriages of convenience and uniformed heroes. Set in the 1830s, it follows soldier Rafe Tynesley, who is thrust into the role of earl after his brother’s unexpected death. Struggling to adapt to aristocratic life, Rafe turns to Juliana Waverton, his late brother’s longtime betrothed for guidance.

Facing spinsterhood after years of waiting, Juliana finds herself in a precarious position until Rafe proposes a practical marriage to secure his title and repay her kindness.Juliana’s long hidden love for Rafe adds a bittersweet layer to their arrangement. Rafe, scarred by war and determined to avoid the vulnerabilities of love, brings that brooding military intensity that the author writes so well.

Their chemistry builds slowly, with sparks flying as convenience gives way to genuine passion. Juliana is no wilting wallflower, she’s resourceful and resilient, while Rafe’s internal conflict over duty versus desire had me rolling my eyes (you know your going to fall for her eventually 😜)

If you’ve enjoyed her previous works (like the The Earl’s Inconvenient Wife or the first book in this series, The Unexpected Duke), you’ll appreciate the familiar blend of tender emotion, light angst, and steamy tension.

This is perfect for curling up with on a winter evening, especially if you’re craving escapist historical romance with heart.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves a soldier finding his way home… to love. 🥰

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B.🦋

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Picture Perfect (Isle of Kala) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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Picture Perfect (Isle of Kala) by Crea Reitan-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 January 8, 2026

One look and I know – he’s going to be mine!

He walks into my boudoir studio and everything else fades away. For a long moment, it’s just the two of us frozen in time. But when I come back to the present, I realize he’s not alone. He’s here for a couple’s session.

After he returns solo and asks for a bondage shoot, I make one very important realization – that man is mine. I’ll stop at nothing to have him.

••••••

REVIEW:Picture Perfect is a steamy MM romance novella by Crea Reitan, set in the paradise of the Isle of Kala, a luxurious LGBTQIA+ resort island that’s become a favorite backdrop in the author’s interconnected worlds (previously glimpsed in her popular For Puck’s Sake hockey series).

This short standalone follows a boudoir photographer who experiences instant, overwhelming attraction when a handsome client walks into his studio.

What starts as a couple’s session quickly evolves into something far more personal when the man returns alone, requesting a bondage themed shoot. 😜

From there, it’s full speed ahead into possessive, intense romance.

“One look and I know he’s going to be mine!” I did squeal reading the blurb 😂

The story centers on Larson (the determined photographer) and Dylan, delivering exactly what you’d expect from one of my favourite authors, high heat, obsessive chemistry, and unapologetic passion.

One thing that almost had me not picking up the book, is the fact that one of the characters is in a relationship (I don’t like cheaters!) But give it a chance, as all us not as it seems 😜

I know not everyone is a fan of instalust or instalove, but I am. The intense chemistry between Larson and Dylan is the standout here. It’s electric from that very first frozen moment in the studio, building into something all consuming.

The Isle of Kala itself feels like a character, sunny, accepting, and the perfect escape for swoony island romance.

I love revisiting the island, we’ve met characters from previous books, but also islanders themselves.

It’s a novella, so don’t expect deep world building or complex subplots, this is pure focused romance with plenty of spice.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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Kissing With My Duke by Anna St. Claire-review

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Kissing With My Duke: A Regency Romance by Anna St. Claire-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Indigo

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 11, 2025

The past hides secrets, the present hides danger… and it takes a brave heart to see the truth.

She guards her heart… but fate might have other plans.

Miss Serafina Davies has kept her distance from Society and the marriage mart ever since a youthful mistake nearly ruined her two years ago. Instead, she poured her passion into creating TheLavender & Cream Tearoom—a tearoom unlike any other in fashionable Bath. With her signature honeyed tea, floral confections, delicate pastries—and the support of her guardian and his wife—the business seemed destined to thrive. But when a chance encounter in front of an overflowing ash pit leads to Serafina rescuing a dog and a handsome stranger rescuing her, she finds herself dangerously close to breaking her most sacred promise—to never fall in love again.

He arrives incognito… but the truth cannot stay hidden forever.

Julian McAllister, the newly minted Duke of Strathmoor, arrives in Bath incognito—to grieve, to paint, and to escape the demands of his dukedom in search of much-needed rest. Disguised as a humble artist, he’s drawn to Serafina’s beauty, wit, and the quiet strength that shines behind her flour-dusted smile. With every encounter and every shared cup of tea, their connection deepens—but the more he’s near her, the harder it becomes to hide his identity. And when Serafina’s past catches up with her, Julian must decide if he’s willing to risk everything—including his heart—for love.

Because someone else wants Serafina.

Baron Cornelius Grimsby’s interest is unwanted—and unrelenting. He does not court; he lurks in the shadows, always watching, always nearby. With each encounter, his fixation hardens into something far more sinister. What begins as an irritating nuisance becomes a calculated, escalating threat—one that may cost Serafina her freedom—and Julian his life.

Tea may soothe the soul… but love, courage, and one daring duke may be the only things that can save her.

••••••

REVIEW: Anna St. Claire delivers exactly what fans of sweet Regency romance crave in Kissing With My Duke: a lighthearted, clean love story filled with charming encounters, a touch of suspense, and plenty of heartwarming moments, all set against the elegant backdrop of Bath.

The story centers on Miss Serafina Davies, a young woman who’s sworn off love after a past mistake nearly derailed her life. She’s channeled her energy into running the delightful Lavender & Cream Tearoom, complete with honeyed teas and floral pastries that sound absolutely divine (and make you crave a scone while reading).

Enter Julian McAllister, the new Duke of Strathmoor, who’s hiding his title to grieve privately and pursue his passion for painting. Their meet/cute involving a rescued dog and a literal tumble into an ash pit, is adorably quirky and sets a fun, whimsical tone.

Serafina and Julian’s connection builds through shared teas, witty banter, and quiet moments of vulnerability.

Serafina is independent yet guarded, Julian is brooding but kind hearted, and their chemistry feels genuine without ever crossing into steamy territory this is truly a “sweet and clean” read, perfect for those who prefer closed door romance.

Adding tension is the villainous Baron Grimsby, whose creepy obsession with Serafina escalates from nuisance to genuine threat. This subplot introduces a mild suspense element that keeps the pages turning, though it never overwhelms the romantic focus.

The inclusion of a cute dog as a secondary character is a bonus, the author often sprinkles animals into her stories, and they reliably steal scenes.

With vivid descriptions of Bath’s society and scrumptious tearoom details that immerse you in the era, you felt like you were actually living the life.

If you enjoy Duke’s in disguise, independent heroines, and a dash of danger resolved with love and courage, pour yourself a cup of tea and dive in.

A delightful, low angst read that’ll leave you smiling!

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

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Christmas Wishes of Love by Julie Johnstone – review

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Christmas Wishes of Love (Highlander Vows- Entangled Hearts Book 11) by Julie Johnstone -review

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 1, 2025

Her first mistake was not killing the brute when she met him. Her second was falling in love with him.

Highlander Rory Matheson knows what he wants—a biddable wife. So when an edict from the king demands Rory choose a bride by Winter Solstice from the twin daughters of his clan’s greatest enemies—The MacLeods, he knows the moment he meets the sharp-tongued, headstrong Lillith that he’ll definitely not be picking her. Not only is she far from the docile wife he craves for peace, she’s unpredictable and dangerous—she put an arrow in his shoulder! Yet, he cannot keep away from the oddly enticing lass who stirs his desire. She’s brave and cunning, and she challenges him at every turn. And as the king’s deadline draws near, Rory comes to realize that he no longer wishes to win his battle of wills with Lillith—he’s determined to claim her heart.

Lillith MacLeod wants to be a warrior, not a wife. She’s seen the havoc love creates, and she’ll pass—thank you very much. She’s determined to defy both king and clan rather than become the bride of Rory bloody Matheson, so she hatches a scheme to drive Rory away and leave her clan blame-free. But she soon finds herself entangled in fiery exchanges with the irritatingly handsome Scot that spark her interest, kisses that ignite her desire, and a competition that reveals an honorable, caring side of the Hammer of the Highlands that she never expected. As tensions rise between the women and men of her clan over the edict and the king’s deadline looms, her family’s future—and her own—hangs in the balance, and she must decide: is love her greatest enemy or is it herself?

•••••••••

REVIEW: Julie Johnstone’s Christmas Wishes of Love, is the eleventh book in her beloved Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series.

It’s a delightful enemies-to-lovers holiday novella that packs plenty of passion, banter, and Highland heart into a compact, festive package.Set against the backdrop of feuding clans and a royal decree forcing Rory Matheson (the “Hammer of the Highlands”) to choose a bride from the rival MacLeod twins by Winter Solstice.

This story delivers classic Johnstone magic. And I loved it.

Rory wants a biddable, peaceful wife…. what he gets is Lillith MacLeod. A sharp tongued, arrow slinging (yes, she literally shoots him in the shoulder upon meeting), and determined to become a warrior rather than anyone’s bride. Their instant clash sparks fireworks, evolving into fiery exchanges, scorching kisses, and a delicious battle of wills.
Rory starts as the stereotypical gruff Highlander craving control but reveals layers of honor and tenderness.

Lillith, scarred by witnessing love’s destructive side, is fiercely independent yet vulnerable, her plan to scare Rory off while protecting her clan adds clever tension and humor.

Johnstone balances the push/pull romance with clan politics, family loyalties, and the looming king’s deadline, all wrapped in seasonal cheer.

As a novella, it’s briskly paced with no filler, making it perfect for a cozy holiday read.

The steam level is higher than some of Johnstone’s earlier works, expect passionate scenes that earn the “spicy” label common in her Highland tales, while staying true to the emotional depth I’ve come to love. I loved catching the cameos from previous couples, but newcomers can jump in easily as a standalone.

If you’re a Lover of spicy Scottish historicals, then this book is for you.

If you crave brawny Highlanders tamed by feisty lasses, holiday vibes, and a satisfying HEA, grab a plaid blanket and settle in, this one’s a winner!

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie B

 

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THE ROOM I PAID FOR by Crea Reitan-review tour

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THE ROOM I PAID FOR by Crea Reitan-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 25 , 2025

Can he somehow bring magic back to Christmas?

Gabe

Pining after a man and stood up by another, I leave for a holiday retreat for two alone. Maybe solitude will drown away my sorrows. The storm raging outside matches my dreary mood. However, I’m somehow sharing my cabin in the blizzard-covered mountain with a stranger.

Edries

I’ve been making headlines as an eccentric billionaire for as long as I can remember. I’m not used to making headlines because my wife announces she wants a divorce, that she never loved me, and she’s taking our kids for the holidays. My first holiday alone will be on a beautiful mountain, to which I make it just in time to beat the storm.

But someone is already inside the room I paid for and now I’m stormed in with a stranger.

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

•••••••

REVIEW: If you’re in the mood for a quick, steamy, low angst holiday novella that leans hard into the “stranded together” trope with a side of “grumpy billionaire meets sunshine artist,” this one checks all the boxes.

Gabe books a romantic Christmas cabin getaway for two, only to be dumped right before the trip.

He decides to go solo anyway, lick his wounds, and drink questionable amounts of hot chocolate.

Meanwhile, billionaire Edries is fleeing tabloid hell after his wife very publicly announces she never loved him and is taking the kids for the holidays. (Don’t like his wife from that moment on!)

A double booking mix up lands both men at the same secluded mountain cabin just as the mother of all snowstorms hits! Yup, you guessed it…. One cabin…. One bed (of course).

These two heartbroken strangers (who by the way, have insane chemistry from basically the first glare across the room) now have to navigate what could be a disaster (or maybe a blessing.)

Instant attraction done right.

The tension between Gabe and Edries is electric from their awkward “who the hell are you?” meet/cute onward.

Crea Reitan doesn’t waste time, these two go from wary to “tear each other’s clothes off by the fireplace” at exactly the pace you want in a novella.

Edries is peak “emotionally constipated billionaire with a heart of gold.” He’s been in a loveless/sexless marriage for years, so watching him discover genuine desire (and that he’s very much into men) is delicious.

Gabe is perfect for Edries, openly bi, a little chaotic, artistic, and completely unafraid to call Edries on his brooding nonsense. Their banter is sharp and flirty and had me chuckling most of the time.

If you like your Christmas romance with explicit scenes in practically every possible cabin location (couch, shower, kitchen counter, against the window while snow falls…😜) you will be well looked after in this story.

And I loved how the power dynamic flips back and forth in fun ways.

Zero third act breakup. This is pure hurt/comfort, strangers to lovers, “we’re snowed in so let’s fix each other with holiday magic (and orgasms).” Very low stakes, very high warmth.

This is Crea Reitan doing what she does best…. delivering a sugary, filthy, feel good queer holiday romance that doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is. If you want a cup of cocoa with a shot of cinnamon/ whiskey level spice and a guaranteed HEA,

The Room I Paid For is perfect for a single sitting read on a cold night.

For anyone who wants their Christmas romance to come with a body count… of orgasms. 😜

The Room I Paid For is pure cozy/spicy escapism wrapped in twinkly Christmas lights and a raging blizzard.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for a fast, festive palate cleanser.

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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The Blackmail (Clearview Country Club) by Cassie Lein-review tour

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The Blackmail (Clearview Country Club 8) by Cassie Lein-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 9, 2025

At Velvet, I wear the mask.I hold the whip.And men kneel.

It’s the only place I’m in control—away from my father’s iron rule, away from the perfect daughter mask he forces me to wear. Every Friday night, I slip into the shadows of the city’s most exclusive club and become someone else. Powerful. Untouchable. Free.

Until him.

He was supposed to be a one-night scene. A spoiled rich boy chained to my cross, begging for more. I gave him his release and sent him on his way. I thought I’d never see him again.

I was wrong.Because on Monday, he walks into my lecture hall. Professor Ahms’ newest student.And that night? He’s sitting at my father’s dinner table—smirking like the devil while his mother clings to my father’s arm.

He knows who I am.He knows what I do.And he wants to own me with my own secrets.

But I don’t bow. I don’t break.And when I call in my favorite clients—the men who already crave me, protect me, worship me—he’s about to learn exactly why I never lose control.

My name is Penelope Grace.And this is a game he’ll regret playing.

•••••

REVIEW: Penelope Grace is twenty-two, brilliant, and suffocating under the weight of being the perfect daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the state. Her only outlet? Friday nights at Velvet, the ultra exclusive BDSM club where she’s known only as “Mistress Raven”, a masked dominatrix who never subs, never plays the same man twice, and never, ever removes her mask.

So of course the one time she breaks her “one scene only” rule and lets a cocky, gorgeous stranger push every single one of her buttons while he’s chained to her St. Andrew’s cross… he turns out to be…

The new transfer student in her grad-level ethics seminar (she’s the TA). And The son of the woman her widowed father just got engaged to. AND In possession of a very clear photo of her face the moment she let him come. (OMG exciting right)

Penelope isn’t a “domme lite” heroine who secretly wants to submit the second a man growls at her, no. She is ruthless, calculated, and sexually merciless.

When the hero (Sebastian “Bash” Carrington, spoiled heir with a pain kink and zero chill) tries to flip the script, she calls in her loyal stable of devoted sub clients (millionaires, politicians, athletes) who would burn the world down if she asked.

The power shifts are just amazing.

The tension is nuclear. The dirty talk is 🥵 . And the way Penelope uses her own desire, refusing to let shame touch her even when her entire carefully constructed life is at risk, had me cheering at my kindle.

Is it realistic that every man in a 50 mile radius falls to his knees for her? No. Do I care? Also no.

But honestly? I inhaled this in one sitting and immediately pre-ordered book 2 (which appears to be about Penelope’s terrifyingly competent best friend and a certain masked submissive from Velvet).

The Blackmail is pure, unapologetic catnip for readers who are tired of heroines who “discover” their sexuality only when the hero deigns to teach them. Penelope Grace was in charge the whole damn time, and it’s glorious.

If you like:

❤️ Female domme / male sub (that eventually evolves into a power exchange relationship)

💜Step-sibling adjacent (no blood relation, parents engaged)

❤️Blackmail & revenge kink

💜”Touch her and die” protective energy from an entire harem of worshipful ex-play partners

❤️Absolutely zero shaming of sex work or kink.

…then run, don’t walk.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

 

I’m your resident chaos queen of romance—delivering everything from soft and swoony to the kind of twisted paranormal stuff that’ll have you double-checking your closet at 2am. You never know what you’re gonna get… and honestly, that’s kinda my brand. 😏

When I’m not summoning dark desires or torturing fictional lovers, I’m out here momming hard on a chaotic-ass farm in Illinois with my six gremlins—I mean, beautiful children. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it smells vaguely like goat. Wouldn’t trade it for the world.

When the house finally goes quiet (don’t ask how), I’m sipping something strong, devouring books, and obsessing over dinosaurs like I’m 7 years old again. 🦖 I’m also lowkey obsessed with all things creepy, macabre, and disturbingly true.

Give me horror. Give me true crime. GIVE ME GORE.

 

Author Links:

FB group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1275798326530275

FB- https://www.facebook.com/CassieLeinAuthor/

Zon- https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BDGH7BM6

NL: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/635821d0a6399929d9567f7c

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cassieleinauthor/

Tiktok- www.tiktok.com/@cassieleinauthor

Bookbub-https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cassie-lein

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22905464.Cassie_Lein

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Desert Songs by Daniel Gard’ner-review

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Desert Songs by Daniel Gard’ner-review

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 November 28, 2025

Rising LA rock band Vital Minds is in crisis. The passion project of best friends Cash Jones and Slim Mason, the band is slowly falling apart as Slim’s escalating drug habit threatens to undo their years of hard work.

When he can’t pay a debt, Slim is abducted by a criminal organization with ties to the head of the band’s management company. He is forced to work off what he owes by catering to the desires of a select clientele in a gentlemen’s club in the desert, while Cash is left to navigate a complex and dangerous world in his attempts to solve his disappearance.

Desert Songs is a deep dive into the shadowy terrain where show business intersects with the dark underbelly of the LA crime world. A rock and roll noir, the novel explores the limits of friendship, the lasting impact of trauma, and the consequences of good people making bad choices.

••••••••

REVIEW: The setup is brutally simple.

Vital Minds, two lifelong friends on the verge of breaking big, are coming undone because guitarist Slim Mason can’t stay away from whatever’s being cut on the tour bus mirror!

When Slim’s debt to the wrong people comes due, he vanishes…..

Singer Cash Jones spends the rest of the book trying to find him, peeling back layers of management, money, and menace in the Los Angeles music scene.

What he discovers is that the same media machine that can make you a star can also disappear you without a ripple….

The writing (especially the atmosphere had you clearly imaging the scene) He gets the smell of the thing exactly right… the stale beer and weed smoke of rehearsal spaces, the chlorinated smell of a desert motel pool at dawn, the particular silence of a high end gentlemen’s club where the customers pay extra for the illusion that no one’s being ruined.

“Success in this town is just a slower way of drowning”

The middle third drags while Cash runs in circles, shaking down the same three shady industry types who all speak in near identical tough guy mannerisms.🙄

It’s never quite clear why an organization sophisticated enough to have fingers in a major management company would bother with the low rent, high risk hustle they’re running in the desert.

The revelation of who’s ultimately pulling the strings feels both inevitable and underwhelming.

Still, the emotional side held me until I’d finished. The damage in what prolonged proximity to fame does to friendship, and the Slim/Cash relationship is written with love, resentment, and exhausted co dependence.

There’s a scene near the end where the two of them finally reunite that damn near justifies the whole story…. it’s raw, ugly, and refuses the easy way out you’re begging for.

Desert Songs isn’t the great LA rock novel, but it’s a solid grimy/gritty story.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie🦋

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Just For Christmas (Longwood U) by Crea Reitan -review tour

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💜Just For Christmas (Longwood U) by Crea Reitan -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 11, 2025

It’s only temporary holiday magic

Brent

Life has taught me not to get attached to anyone because they’ll only let you down but I can’t stop myself from falling in love with my roommate and frat brother the moment we meet. It’s been three years and not only do I secretly pine for him, but now he’s also my very best friend. My first real friend.

Nothing can possibly go wrong when I agree to be his fake boyfriend for the holidays, right? I know I’m putting my heart on the line but it’ll just be a bit of hand-holding. My heart can survive that…

Rafe

I know my mother will get off my back about settling down if I bring home a partner so I recruit my best friend into becoming my fake boyfriend. It’ll be fun, easy, and a great holiday without all the subtle hints from my parents.

One kiss under the mistletoe changes everything and the childhood make believe suddenly morphs into so much more.

There’s only one problem – this arrangement is only for Christmas and then we’re back to being only friends when we return to school.

I didn’t plan to fall in love with Brent Mitchell… I don’t know what to do now that he’s acting like I don’t exist.

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

•••••••

REVIEW: Brent and Rafe have been frat brothers and secret best friends (with insane chemistry) for three years.

Brent is head over heels, painfully pining, and convinced Rafe is straight.

Rafe is clueless (or so we think) and just wants his meddling, high society parents off his back about finding “a nice partner” over Christmas break.

Solution? Drag his sweet, golden retriever roommate home as a fake boyfriend for the holidays.

What could possibly go wrong?

Everything apparently 😜

The PINING…. Brent’s quiet, aching longing is written so tenderly you’ll want to reach into the book and shake Rafe yourself.

The author nails the “I’ll take whatever scraps of affection I can get” energy without ever making Brent feel pathetic.

And Rafe’s awakening is perfection. He’s not in denial, he’s just never thought about it until one mistletoe kiss rewires his entire brain.

Watching Mr. “I’m straight, I guess?” realize he’s demisexual/Brent-sexual is chef’s kiss levels of satisfying.

Fake dating done RIGHT, forced proximity in Rafe’s fancy family mansion, one bed (naturally), dancing at the holiday gala, meeting the parents, the works. Every trope is here and executed with glee.

Spice that builds beautifully. It starts with sweet, tentative kisses and escalates to “we’re defiling every room in this house while the parents are downstairs” in the most delicious way. 😜

Third act conflict that actually hurts. There I was tissues/blanket and clucking my kindle sobbing. No ridiculous miscommunication, just two scared boys who agreed to an expiration date on something that turned terrifyingly real. The grovel is top tier.

Just For Christmas is peak comfort romance with a side of angst sharp enough to make the HEA taste like hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.

It’s warm, sexy, heartbreaking in the best way, and then puts you back together with one of the sweetest endings of the year.

If you love the “we were roommates” micro trope, mutual pining that finally explodes, and Christmas lights reflecting off bare skin, this is your book.

Clear your schedule, grab a blanket, and let Brent and Rafe ruin you for all future fake dating tropes.

Read it with tissues and maybe a locked door. You’ve been warned.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Rumor Has it
Wicked Confessions
Project FU
Dirty Wrong Love

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie🦋

 

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

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