🔥 Small Town 
🔥 Single Dad 
🔥 Nanny Romance 

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 
"A Temporary Memory" by Marie Johnston is a heartwarming contemporary romance novel that takes readers on a journey of unexpected love and self-discovery. The story centers around Tova who, after a tumultuous breakup and a stalled dancing career, finds herself in a small town with no financial resources. To make ends meet and support her ailing mother, she takes on a temporary job as a nanny for Alcott "Cody" Knight, a stern single dad with two adorable children. 

The characters in the novel are well-developed and relatable. The chemistry between the Tova and Cody is palpable from the start, and their slow-burning romance is a delight to witness. Cody's transformation from a rigid and driven individual to a more open and caring person is beautifully portrayed. The way he interacts with his children and the protagonist adds depth to his character. 

The author does an excellent job of creating a vivid and charming small-town setting, which enhances the story's appeal. The narrative also touches on the theme of family and the sacrifices one is willing to make for the people they love. Tova’s dedication to her mother's care and her budding relationship with Cody make for a touching and emotionally resonant. 

The pacing of the book is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged throughout. The inclusion of dance lessons adds a unique and captivating element to the story, making it stand out from other contemporary romance novels. 

While the plot may follow some familiar tropes of the genre, the characters' depth and the well-executed emotional moments set "A Temporary Memory" apart. The book beautifully explores the idea of finding love and a sense of belonging when you least expect it. 

 Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 

Spice: 🌶️ 

"The Wrong Gift" by Emi Leon is a delightful contemporary romance novel that puts a unique twist on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope. The story is centered around the clash between a grumpy boss and his sunny-tempered employee, leading to unexpected holiday fireworks. 

Chloe accidentally posts confidential information on social media, finds herself in a precarious situation at work. In an effort to save her job, she attempts to make amends by giving her coworkers presents. However, her Scrooge-like boss, Ashton Lowe, still fires her. This sets the stage for a charming and witty tale of redemption and romance. 

It takes us on a humorous turn as Chloe mistakenly gives Ashton a Christmas present meant for her best friend, leading to a series of events that keep readers entertained. The ensuing viral fallout of her firing sets the stage for a fun and engaging story as they team up to salvage the company's reputation. 

The slow-burning attraction and banter between the sunshine-filled Chloe and the brooding Ashton Lowe create a tension that keeps readers turning the pages. The development of their relationship, despite their stark differences, adds depth and authenticity to the story. 

Emi Leon skillfully weaves the holiday spirit into the narrative, creating a festive backdrop for the romantic developments. The setting of a studio apartment with only one bed adds to the tension and sparks moments of humor and intimacy, making the story even more engaging. 

 

 Enemies to Lovers 
🏒 Hockey Romance 
⛸️ Forced Proximity 
🏒 Slow Burn 
⛸️ Angsty 
🏒 Forbidden love 
⛸️ Secret Romance 
🏒 Bought Together by a bet 

 

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 

 

"Ice Bet" by SJ Sylvis is a college sports romance that focuses on a forbidden relationship and a bet that turns into a high-stakes game of love and loyalty. The story revolves around the coach's daughter and her unexpected connection with a star hockey player. 

The Riley, whose father is the hockey team's coach, initially despises Aasher Matthews, a talented and cocky hockey player. However, when she overhears a bet between Aasher and his teammates to seduce her, she decides to turn the tables and use their attraction to her advantage. What follows is a battle of wits and emotions as they make their own bet – if Aasher wins, she will stay away from his teammates, and if she wins, Aasher will expose his teammates' intentions to her father. 

The story provides an intriguing and emotionally charged narrative that explores themes of love, trust, and standing up for oneself. It also delves into the complex dynamics of college sports and the pressures faced by athletes trying to secure their futures. The characters are well-developed, and their growth throughout the story is compelling. The interactions and chemistry between the main characters adds to the romance and keep readers engaged. 

"Ice Bet" is a standalone novel that is part of a series, which means you don't need to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one. However, it does provide glimpses of future characters, which may pique your interest in the other books. 

Overall, "Ice Bet" offers an entertaining and emotionally charged romance story with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you engaged from start to finish. If you enjoy college sports romances with a dash of drama and a strong-willed heroine, this book might be a great addition to your reading list. 

🖤 This is NOT an RH (each Lord gets his own book) 
🖤 MF 
🖤 Virgin h 
🖤 J/P (jealous/possessive) Hero 
🖤 OTT (over the top) Hero 
🖤 Standalone within the Lords world 
🖤 Dark revenge romance 
🖤 Sharing of the h 
🖤 Told in dual POV 
 
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 

"Carnage" by Shantel Tessier is a dark standalone romance novel set in the world of the Lords, a secret society where powerful men have sold their souls to the devil in exchange for power and wealth. The story revolves around the Spade brothers, who run Carnage, a place where Lords who have not upheld their oaths live out their lives in bondage, isolated from the outside world. 

The book is about Ashtyn who once belonged to a Lord named Saint Beckham Carter. She willingly pledged herself to him and became involved with his "brothers," but as time passed, her situation deteriorated. Fearing the worst, she fled from Saint and his world, hoping to escape her grim fate. However, her escape is short-lived as Saint tracks her down and brings her back to Carnage, where he intends to make her his pet. 

The novel explores themes of power, control, and the consequences of one's choices. It delves into a dark and complex relationship between Ashtyn and Saint, who is portrayed as a ruthless and unrelenting character. The story is filled with tension and drama as Ashtyn navigates the treacherous world of the Lords and her struggle for freedom. 

The writing style is engaging and immersive, creating a vivid picture of the dark and gritty world in which the story is set. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations and actions are explored in depth. The story is full of suspense and intrigue, making it a compelling read for fans of dark romance. 

However, it's important to note that "Carnage" contains explicit and mature content, including elements of BDSM and non-consensual situations, which may not be suitable for all readers. The book is intended for a mature audience who enjoys dark romance and is comfortable with its themes and content. 

This was 🥵 and if I could give 10/10 I would!   I absolutely loved this book! This series is amazing and not for the faint hearted. Shantel Tessier has done it again.