I fell in love with the title (how adorable is that?), and then fell in love with the book itself. Farrah Rochon’s Pugs and Kisses is the ultimate serotonin boost: a feel good, dog filled, sweet second chance romance that hit every one of my soft spots. The writing is just so flowy and warm, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. I was totally locked in from page one. And we can all agree that any book featuring romance AND dogs is going to hit. 

Evie and Bryson? Instant chemistry, rich backstory, and such beautifully messy, vulnerable conversations. It’s been nearly a decade since their college summer fling, and their reconnection comes with a big helping of regret, reflection, and some very satisfying groveling (which I loved). Their emotional journey unfolds at the perfect pace, making every moment feel earned.

The plot was so well done! Both main characters are veterinarians (yes to Black vet rep 🙌), and they’re brought back together to help save the dog sanctuary they volunteered at back in college. I was totally invested in every twist and turn, and the way it all came together at the end was perfect. Also, the dynamic between their rescue dogs, Waffles and Bella, was just as charming as their own romance.

Evie’s growth post breakup was one of my favorite arcs. Watching her break free from the expectations placed on her and find her own joy again? Ugh, I loved it. And Bryson, with all his baggage, acknowledging it and actually putting in the work to heal? We love a self-aware king.

Also, can we talk about the New Orleans setting? It was vibrant. From the food to the bayou, Farrah Rochon brings the city to life, grounding the romance with a strong sense of place and real world issues like gentrification. It added so much texture to the story, and although I have never been to Louisiana, I desperately want to go now.

And yes, I totally think Book 3 is going to be Ridley and Von and YES, I need it immediately.

🚨TW/CW: On page pet death (not the MCs pet), cheating (Evie’s ex + her parents’ history), strained parent relationships.

If you loved Pardon My Frenchie, this one might just top it (Evie was the perfect choice for a spin off). If you haven’t read the first, this still stands beautifully on its own, but you’ll want to go back and meet the whole friend group after! This series is aging like fine wine and I have no notes. Just smiles, swoons, and a heart full of puppy love.

Thank you to NetGalley, Farrah Rochon, and Forever for the eARC of this book.

First of all, the cover is gorgeous and immediately drew me in. Playmates by Nova Banks completely blew me away. What I thought would be a steamy sports romance turned out to be so much more. It’s packed with raw emotion, suspenseful twists, and characters I fell in love with from the very first chapter.

Rosalie and Jayce are the kind of characters that stick with you. Their obsession with each other is off the charts and you really root for them. From childhood ties to forbidden chemistry, their connection felt inevitable in the most deliciously angsty way. There’s a magnetic pull between them that never lets up, and watching them fight their demons while falling for one another was both heartbreaking and beautiful.

This isn’t just about a ballerina and a fallen hockey star, but it’s also about addiction, recovery, healing, and redemption. There’s also a bit of mystery woven through the plot that had me on edge and flipping pages, trying to piece everything together. I loved how the suspense added another layer to an already rich storyline.

Yes, there were moments where the pacing felt a bit rushed and some scenes started to feel a little repetitive, but honestly? It didn’t take away from my experience. If anything, it just showed how deeply entangled Rosalie and Jayce’s lives had become.

Nova Banks proves once again she’s not just writing sports romances, but that she’s writing emotional rollercoasters with grit, heart, and a touch of darkness. And I’m so here for it.

Can’t wait to see what comes next in this series. 💙

Thank you to Nova Banks and Grey’s Promotions for the eARC of this book. 

What an incredibly touching read! Wow. I don’t have sisters, only a brother, so books that center around sisterhood always feel like stepping into an unfamiliar yet intimate world for me, but I can imagine what it feels like given how much I love my sibling and would do anything for him. And Spectacular Things absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way.

Mia and Cricket, these two sisters raised on the Maine coast, are bound together by a fierce, unshakable love. From childhood into adulthood, they’ve settled into their respective roles in the family, with one dreaming big and chasing those dreams, and the other quietly making sacrifices to help her sister soar. It’s both beautiful and heartbreaking to witness, and it really touched me.

This book asks a powerful question: how much is too much to give for someone you love? And even more than that, what happens when that giving starts to chip away at the giver? The dynamic between Mia and Cricket is so layered. There’s no villain, no resentment, just the complicated push and pull of two people doing their best for each other. I could feel the imbalance, the ache of one sister giving a little more, the other receiving a little more, and how that shaped them both. And yet, there was so much tenderness. So much love.

The last fifty pages had me sobbing. Like ugly crying, forehead on the book sobbing. Beck Dorey-Stein writes with such emotional precision that it sneaks up on you, until suddenly you’re heartbroken, hopeful, and totally undone. This was a beautifully written novel that I know will stick with me for a long time. Mia and Cricket are characters I won’t forget. Ever.

Highly recommend to anyone who loves books about complicated families, sisterhood, sacrifice, and the quiet power of love.

Thank you to NetGalley, Beck Dorey-Stein and The Dial Press for the eARC of this book.

As someone who loved the original Mannequin movie growing up, I couldn’t wait to dive into this book, and it absolutely delivered! Timothy Janovsky took a nostalgic, whimsical concept and gave it a heartwarming, queer holiday twist that felt both magical and meaningful.

This story is packed with everything I love in a holiday romance: charm, humor, family, and just the right amount of sparkle. Watching Henry, unlucky in love and a little jaded, get swept up in the whirlwind that is Aidan, the mannequin who springs to life, was so much fun. Their chemistry is electric and endearing, and Aidan’s wide eyed wonder at the world made me smile so much.

Beyond the romance, there’s a sweet exploration of identity, personal growth, and how love, whether romantic or otherwise, can transform us. The antique shop setting was cozy and full of charm, and the Christmas vibes? Immaculate. I could practically smell the gingerbread and hear the soft hum of carols in the background.

This is my second book by Timothy Janovsky, and I’m officially a fan. He writes with warmth, wit, and such clear love for his characters. Oh, and can we talk about that gorgeous cover? It’s giving holiday magic in the best way.

If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies with a dash of queer magic and heart, this book is perfect. I’ll be thinking about Henry and Aidan’s story all season long! 💕

Thank you to NetGalley, Timothy Janovsky, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book. 

Elliot Rose has done it again, and dare I say, even better than before. Taming The Heart is a sizzling, heart thumping, toe curling masterpiece that proves once and for all: Elliot Rose CANNOT write a bad book. I’m not exaggerating when I say this story had everything. It had filth, sweetness, angst, banter, heart, sisterhood, horses, toy, and yes… glorious mustache rides. This was the definition of an epic love story.

Let’s talk Beau Heartford. Whew. This man came stomping in and absolutely snatched the crown from Storm as my #1 Crimson Ridge cowboy (and that is saying A LOT). From the very first "baby", I was weak. This man’s mouth was lethal, in all the best ways, and the way he loved? Gentle, dirty, reverent, and powerful. The size difference, the way he manhandled Sage like she was his entire world? GOOD. LORD. Beau deserves the full name treatment at all times. He’s the blueprint.

Now Sage? A damn goddess. She’s that fiery, fierce, independent woman with a heart made of gold and a wit that cuts like a knife. Her work ethic, her family loyalty, her confidence, and the way she fully owns her sexuality made her a total standout. Sage is who I want to be when I grow up. I adored that her creativity and career weren’t just an aside, but they were an integral part of who she was, and Beau never once made her dim her light. He supported her hustle, and honestly, that made me melt.

And can we please take a moment for the bi rep? Chef’s kiss. No weird reactions, no drama, just pure acceptance. And the fact that Sage saved his contact as “Cock Ring”? I SCREAMED. The humor in this book is elite. Elliot Rose excels at writing a truly hilarious book and I love it. 

The tension? Out of this world. The slow burn was torture in the best way. The chemistry? Set my Kindle on fire. The spice? Whew. Elliot writes smut like it’s an Olympic sport; tasteful, filthy, emotional, and perfectly integrated into the story.

What I also deeply appreciated is the emotional layering. The forbidden aspect. The marriage. The complicated morality. The family dynamics. It was all so beautifully written, never overdone, and kept me flipping pages like my life depended on it. I was laughing, crying, screaming, and kicking my feet like a teenager in love. I was rooting for them!

Beau and Sage’s relationship felt earned. They challenged each other, healed together, and burned hot every step of the way. The push and pull, the risk, the reward; this was romance done RIGHT.

And the sneak peek into Book 4? MY GOODNESS, I CANNOT WAIT! Inject it directly into my veins. I am SO excited for it.

Crimson Ridge now owns a piece of my soul. I will forever auto buy anything Elliot Rose writes. This series is pure cowboy gold, and Taming The Heart is its most decadent installment yet. Buckle up and fall HARD for Beau. You won’t regret it.

Thank you to Elliot Rose and Luna Literary for the eARC of this book. 

3 stars – A disappointing series finale that never quite wrangled my heart.

Lyla Sage, please don’t read this because I still love your books but this was not it. I’ve loved the previous books in this series and was so hyped to dive into Wild and Wrangled, and it was one of my  most anticipated reads of 2025. But unfortunately… this finale didn’t hit with the same magic as the others. I was left feeling underwhelmed, confused, and honestly just a little sad that the series ended with a thump instead of a bang.

Let’s start with what I was excited about: Dusty and Cam. Their cameos in the earlier books? Iconic. Their dynamic? Electric. I was ready for the emotional punch of a good second chance romance with all the longing, tension, and redemption. Instead, I spent 70% of this book trying to figure out why they were avoiding each other so much when… they were both clearly crushing hard and very much single, and there were truly no obstacles in the way. There was zero logical reason for the level of avoidance and angst we got.

And maybe that could’ve worked, if there was more actual chemistry between them in the present. But that’s the thing: I didn’t feel it. The flashbacks to their teen romance were sweet and definitely evoked some real feelings, but present day Cam and Dusty? It felt flat. Cam especially felt closed off and contradictory. She would act hurt or angry and I’d find myself thinking, “Wait, where is this even coming from?” The emotional beats didn’t feel earned.

Let’s talk about Cam for a second… because I wanted to root for her, I really did. But she came off as so emotionally unavailable and frustratingly guarded to the point where I started to wonder why Dusty was even trying so hard. She was actually unlikeable. She pushed him away constantly, ran from her feelings, and never really grew or took accountability. And what bothered me most? Everyone around her pressuring her to give Dusty another chance, but then acting like, “Well, now that you’re back with him, you have to make it work.” It felt a little like she was gaslit into the relationship, and when the third act conflict hit (which was honestly ridiculous), I found myself sympathizing more with Dusty than Cam… and I never say that about the guy in a romance.

Dusty, bless his heart, was the highlight of this book. Flirty, easygoing, and so patient, he gave Cam every opportunity to meet him halfway. He communicated, he was vulnerable, and he deserved so much better than the cold shoulder he kept getting. His longing for her was probably the most compelling part of the book, but even that wasn’t quite enough to carry the story.

And okay, this might be petty… but the pet name “angel”? I hated it. Just like I hated “sugar” in the first book. I know Lyla Sage loves her sweet, Southern style pet names, but they really take me out of the moment. They just don’t hit for me, personally.

Plot wise… I don’t even know what to say. If someone asked me what this book was about, I guess I’d say it’s about a woman getting dumped at the altar and finding her way back to her high school sweetheart. But if someone asked me what happened? I couldn’t tell you. It was mostly a cycle of: Cam’s scared, Dusty’s confused, they fight, and then suddenly they’re back together. Rinse and repeat. There was so little happening outside of their back and forth that the story started to drag hard around the halfway point.

There were no meaningful subplots to give the romance some breathing room. Cam’s relationship with her parents was barely touched on, despite having the potential to offer some real depth. Her role as a mom also felt like an afterthought and Riley barely shows up in the book. And don’t even get me started on the lack of resolution around why Dusty left in the first place. Fifteen years of world travel and tattoos and we get no explanation? It all felt surface level, like we were missing the real “why” behind both of their characters.

I will say the first flashback chapter was probably my favorite part. It showed this instant, youthful connection between Cam and Dusty that made me feel something. I just wish that spark had carried through to the present day chapters. But instead of fiery chemistry, we got a lukewarm, repetitive emotional loop.

Also… I can’t shake the feeling that this book was rushed to meet a deadline. The pacing was uneven, there wasn’t enough time to develop the side characters or deepen the plot, and the resolution felt way too fast and unearned. The third act breakup was eye roll worthy, and it didn’t even get a satisfying payoff. There was no catharsis, just more “Cam is scared and Dusty loves her anyway” with little to no communication in between.

And I hate to say this, but this was one of the most tedious second chance romances I’ve read in a long time. I kept zoning out, bored, and waiting for something to actually happen.

Overall? I’m just really bummed. Wild and Wrangled had all the ingredients of a good small town second chance romance, but none of them were fully cooked. I still think some readers will love this one, especially diehard second chance fans, and fans of this series, but it just wasn’t for me. I’ll always check out what Lyla Sage writes next because she has real talent, but this one just didn’t rope me in. 🐎💔

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)

As a huge Formula 1 fan, I was instantly drawn to The Thrill Of It All, and it totally delivered on the racing vibes and tropes I love. With a mix of single mom, brother’s best friend, and found family, this debut had all the right ingredients for a romance that could steal my heart.

Lucia and Alexander’s story had a lot of heart, and I really enjoyed the dynamics between them. Alexander being a five time world champion with a reputation to fix, and Lucia being a woman trying to find herself again after heartbreak, made for an engaging setup. I also loved the way Elliana Rose brought the Formula 1 circuit to life; it added a really fun, fast paced backdrop to the romance. And shoutout to that gorgeous cover because it is absolutely stunning and a perfect match for the vibe of the book.

That said, the writing itself felt a bit clunky to me at times. The pacing was off in places; one minute we’re finding out about a pregnancy, the next we’ve jumped ahead three years with no real warning. It threw me off and made some of the emotional beats less impactful. I think with stronger editing and some smoothing of the narrative flow, this could have packed a much bigger punch emotionally.

Still, for a debut, this had so much promise! Elliana Rose clearly has potential and a great eye for combining high stakes sports romance with emotion and sweetness. I’ll definitely be curious to see where she goes from here.

Thank you to Elliana Rose for the eARC of this book. 

The second Lessons in Heartbreak hit NetGalley, I immediately requested it. I mean, a dating coach trope (which is criminally underused, by the way)? AND Karla Sorensen writing it? Sign me up.

This book was everything I wanted and then some. Karla’s signature blend of emotional angst, tender moments, and genuine character growth is on full display here, and I felt every bit of it. Ruby and Griffin’s story is heartfelt, sweet, and painfully relatable in the best way.

Ruby is one of the most relatable FMC I’ve ever read. Her struggle with trying new experiences, her anxiety, her determination to push herself outside her comfort zone all hit so close to home. And Griffin? Griffin King is a literal dream. Patient, kind, funny, and devoted in a way that had me melting. He sees Ruby, truly sees her, and loves her wholly. 

Their love story isn’t rushed. It grows naturally, built on trust, friendship, and deep emotional connection. There’s tension, vulnerability, and some truly beautiful moments that had me on the verge of tears. (Okay, I might have cried more than once.) Especially the scene where Griffin finds out about Ruby’s secret. He was so kind and patient and loving and I just FELL for him in that moment. The extended epilogue? Absolute perfection. It gave me everything I didn’t even know I needed and cemented this as probably my favorite Karla Sorensen book to date.

Read if you love: 
✨ Childhood neighbors to strangers to lovers
✨ A swoony NFL player with a soft side
✨ Mistaken identity
✨ Lessons for dating/flirting
✨ A quietly strong FMC navigating fear and love
✨ Banter, chemistry, and all the feels

Lessons in Heartbreak needs to be on your radar! I adored this book from the first page to the last, and I’m already anxiously waiting for more from this new series of interconnected standalones.

Thank you to NetGalley, Karla Sorensen, and Montlake for the eARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and if I could give it a million more, I WOULD)

Jessica Peterson is out here RUINING me in the best way possible. Each book in this series just keeps getting better, and Sawyer? It took me out. I am unwell. I am feral. I am OBSESSED. 

Sawyer and Ava’s story was ✨PERFECTION✨. It starts with a one night stand that absolutely scorches the pages, and then fast forward three months and fate decides that these two belong together, because SURPRISE, they’re now neighbors. And not only that… they’re both single parents to the cutest three year old girls ever. Are you kidding me?! The found family vibes were STRONG, and so beautifully done.

Let’s talk about parenthood in this book: it felt real. The exhaustion. The fear. The constant questioning. Both Sawyer and Ava are doing it alone, and Jessica Peterson didn’t shy away from showing the hard stuff, but still gave us so much love and joy in the in between moments. It made me want to hug them both.

Now Sawyer… SAWYER. I don’t even have the words. This man is a walking green flag. Sweet, loyal, protective, kind—but in the bedroom? That mouth. FILTHY. He’s so emotionally intelligent and soft hearted, it physically hurt. He’s not just looking for a partner; he’s dreaming of building a life with someone. He wants to carry the weight of the world with someone, not for them. I wanted to crawl into the pages and live in his arms. Also, he calls Ava pretty girl and I have not stopped screaming since.

And Ava? What a queen. She’s a free spirited, wild, resilient badass who got out of a toxic marriage and is rebuilding her life on her own terms. She’s fierce and independent and still allows herself to feel everything. She never dims her light again, and Sawyer? He worships it. He sees every part of her and doesn’t just accept it, but he adores it. I’m OBSESSED with her. She’s the kind of FMC I want to be best friends with.

Their chemistry is absolutely off the charts, but what really made me melt was their compatibility. Sure, they want different things at first, like Sawyer’s dreaming of weddings and white picket fences, and Ava’s holding on tight to her freedom, but their emotional connection, their respect for each other, their yearning... it’s magnetic.

And the communication? Chef’s kiss. No third act breakup, no unnecessary drama (except Ava’s ex trying to stir the pot, and Sawyer handling it like the KING he is). Just two adults figuring things out while parenting, healing, and falling so hard it’s breathtaking.

Some of my favorite tropes done to absolute perfection: 
✔️ single parent x single parent
✔️ one night stand turned forever
✔️ cinnamon roll cowboy hero
✔️ “who did this to you?”
✔️ he falls first (and hard)
✔️ found family
✔️ he calls her “Pretty Girl” 
✔️ cowboy hats and backward caps 
✔️ no other woman drama
✔️ real, heartfelt parenting moments
✔️ slow build to HEA

Sawyer is what dreams are made of: adoring father, dependable brother, phenomenal barista, filthy lover, cowboy hat wearing, emotionally aware KING. And Ava? She’s fire and freedom and everything he never knew he needed.

The Rivers Family strikes gold AGAIN. My heart is so full. Already frothing at the mouth for Duke’s book, because if Sawyer did this to me, I don’t even want to imagine what’s coming next!

Thank you to Valentine PR and Jessica Peterson for the eARC of this book. 

I enjoyed The Charmer! It had a lot of the classic billionaire romance tropes I love, but with an added international flair and found family dynamic that gave it heart.

The Manhattan/Singapore setting was such a fun surprise! It totally gave Crazy Rich Asians vibes and added a fresh dimension to the billionaire romance genre.

Xander Sutton! Oh, Xander. What a swoony, romantic simp. The man remembered every single detail about Penelope, and he was the king of acts of service. They never felt over the top or performative. Just genuine love in action.

I still felt the warmth and loyalty within the friend group, and it was heavy on the found family trope, which I love. The dynamics were funny, supportive, and full of love. 

Penelope as a main character fell a little flat for me. She’s described as a powerful, high achieving lawyer, but we barely get to see that side of her. Most of her arc is tied to family drama, which, while realistic and emotionally charged, overshadowed her strength and independence. Her personal growth didn’t feel as earned as I wanted it to. Xander’s trauma was touched on but not explored deeply. It was more of a background note than something integrated into the relationship or driving his actions. The emotional payoff at the end felt unearned and underdeveloped.

As much as I liked them together, I couldn’t tell you why they loved each other, and did not feel their romantic connection as much as I would like. Their past interactions were vaguely referenced and lacked emotional depth. For a slow burn, it didn’t feel like it simmered long enough. They were cute, sure, but not deeply compelling.

The writing bothered me because the dialogue and exposition sometimes pulled me out of the story. There were moments that felt overwritten or clunky, making it hard to stay immersed.

The pacing and plot was also off. There were stretches where the story dragged. The ending conflict in particular didn’t fully make sense or hit with the weight it was supposed to. Penelope’s family drama, while an important plot point, felt like a repetitive device that lacked meaningful resolution or layers.

I’m glad I read this book, because Xander alone makes it worth it. Ava Rani writes with a romantic, heartfelt touch, and I appreciated the effort to weave in deeper themes like familial pressure, identity, and love as healing. That said, I wish the emotional arcs had gone further and the romantic development had been more robust. Still, it’s a sweet, slow burn with a ton of charm (pun intended), and a satisfying close to the Biotech Billionaires series.

Rating: 3.75 ⭐️ rounded up to 4 for the found family vibes and my soft spot for Xander!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ava Rani, and Avon for the eARC of this book.