Kels and Denise Stone have done it again! On Guard was everything I wanted and more: sports romance, siblings in the spotlight, real life struggles, and the kind of sizzling, heartfelt chemistry that makes a book impossible to put down. Every book from these two just keeps getting better, and Dante and Reese’s story? Absolute perfection.

I love a good opposites attract romance, and Reese and Dante embodied everything I adore—good girl x bad boy, delicious tension, undeniable chemistry, and a connection so deep it felt like they had known each other forever. Their banter was fun, their intimacy was hot, and their emotional bond? Unmatched.

Dante Hastings completely stole my heart. He’s that MAN. The book boyfriend of your dreams. The perfect blend of cocky and vulnerable, he’s a fighter who has spent years forcing himself to be seen after a lifetime of feeling invisible. And then there’s Reese. She is ambitious, determined, and ready to step outside the box she’s been put in. I loved seeing her push past her limits, stand up for herself, and take control of her career and her happiness.

The way these two saw each other, supported each other, and brought out the best in one another was beautiful. Dante was her protector from the very start, and Reese could read him in ways no one else ever could. Watching them fall for each other in the chaos of their lives felt so real; they made mistakes, they had fears, but they tackled it all together.

This book had everything: intense chemistry, emotional depth, incredible character growth, and a romance that felt like fate. Plus, the fencing/sports setting (a sport you really do not read about often, especially in romance novels) was fresh and exciting, adding another layer of depth to an already stunning story.

I cannot wait for more from the Hastings family! This series is already a favorite, and I’m counting down the days until the next one.

Thank you to Valentine PR and Kels & Denise Stone for the ARC!

If you take only one book recommendation from me, I am on my knees begging you to let it be this one.

Alexander was one of my most anticipated read of 2025, and somehow, it exceeded every expectation I had. I thought I knew where this book was going—I was so wrong. And yet, what E.L. Stevens delivered was so much better than anything I could have imagined. I went in with a million questions and left with a million more.

The emotional rollercoaster Beth takes you on with her books is unmatched. And honestly, I don’t know what it says about me that I love the pain so much. The fact that she took a character I adored in previous books and made me absolutely hate them in this one? INSANE. I was emotionally distraught from start to finish, yet I never wanted it to end. These characters hold such a massive piece of my heart, and Alexander completely wrecked me in the best way possible. My heart physically hurts, and I’ll need at least a week to recover. But I’m already desperate for what’s next.

📖 Not a standalone—You must read the first three Spearhead Lake books to understand the full depth of this story.
⚠️ Check TWs—Heavy, emotional topics are explored in depth.

Tropes You’ll Love:
🏡 Small Town
💍 Marriage of Convenience
💖 Found Family
💔 Broken Hero
🩹 Hurt/Comfort

Everyone who has read Spearhead Lake knows one thing—you can expect the unexpected. And Alexander delivers hard. This book puts our beloved Alex through hell, and we witness his struggles through the eyes of those closest to him. The shifting POVs had me questioning everything from June, and by the end, all I wanted was for Alex to finally find peace and happiness—whatever that looked like.

This is not a surface level, bubblegum romance. This book is raw, complex, messy, and flawed—just like Alex. It’s Spearhead on steroids. The depth of emotion, the mistakes, the painful pasts, the friendships—they all feel so real. From the very first chapter, you’re second guessing everything and dying for more. I finished with a brutal book hangover and need to talk about it with everyone.

This book is beautiful. Gut wrenching. Heartbreaking. Soul crushing. Hopeful. Lustful. It’s everything and more. And that big reveal? 😳

I cannot wait for book five!

Kristin Harmel has done it again! The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau is a breathtaking historical fiction novel that masterfully blends past and present, weaving a story of resilience, justice, and the unbreakable bonds of family. While I wasn’t sure if I was emotionally ready for another WWII novel given the current state of the world, I’m so glad I picked this one up because it was absolutely stunning.

Colette Marceau is no ordinary thief. Raised to believe she’s a descendant of Robin Hood, she and her mother used their skills to steal from the cruel and corrupt, funding the French Resistance during WWII. But when a fateful night in 1942 leads to her mother’s execution and her four year old sister’s disappearance—along with a priceless diamond bracelet—Colette’s life is forever changed. Now, seventy years later, that same bracelet resurfaces in a museum exhibit, pulling Colette back into the past she’s never been able to escape.

Harmel’s storytelling is, as always, exquisite. The dual timeline flows seamlessly, with the historical sections rich in detail and emotion, while the present day mystery adds an irresistible pull. Colette is a deeply compelling protagonist and her lifelong mission of justice, her grief, and her unshakable determination make her a character you can’t help but root for. While some plot twists were a bit predictable, they didn’t take away from the emotional impact of the story.

And then, after reading the author’s note and learning Harmel wrote this book while going through cancer treatment? I was even more blown away. The strength and heart she poured into this novel shine through every page.

This book is less about WWII itself and more about one woman’s lifelong pursuit of truth and justice, making it feel unique compared to other historical fiction novels. It ties everything up beautifully, and the ending left me deeply satisfied. If you loved The Paris Daughter, you’ll be just as captivated by this one. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kristin Harmel, and Gallery Books for the eARC of this book. 

Save Me by Mona Kasten is a drama filled romance that perfectly blends elite private school glamour with an irresistible enemies to lovers dynamic. Originally an international bestseller, this first installment in the Maxton Hall series is now available in English—and I couldn’t be more excited to finally read the book that inspired the show I absolutely love!

Ruby Bell is a hardworking scholarship student at Maxton Hall, a school full of the ultra rich and entitled. She wants nothing more than to keep her head down and secure her future at Oxford. James Beaufort, on the other hand, is the epitome of privilege. He is handsome, arrogant, and used to getting his way. Their worlds collide when Ruby uncovers a scandalous secret about James’s family, putting her directly in his crosshairs. What starts as an unwilling partnership on the school’s gala soon turns into undeniable chemistry, forcing both of them to question their preconceived notions about each other.

Kasten does a fantastic job weaving tension, slow burn romance, and high society drama into a compelling narrative. Ruby is a relatable, determined protagonist, while James’s character development makes him more than just a brooding bad boy. Their interactions are filled with banter, frustration, and longing, making their romance all the more satisfying.

Having loved the Maxton Hall show, I was thrilled to dive into this English translated version of the book, and it did not disappoint! The story captures all the angst, glamour, and heart I adored on screen, while offering even more depth to Ruby and James’s relationship. The novel ends on a cliffhanger that will have you desperate for the next book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on Save You!

If you love books with Gossip Girl-esque vibes, forbidden romance, and emotional depth, Save Me is perfect!

Thank you to NetGalley, Mona Kasten, and Berkley for the eARC of this book. 

I’ve been looking forward to A Legionnaire’s Guide to Love and Peace for so long, and I was beyond excited when my request was approved. Even better? It blew me away with how good it is, despite not having any real expectations going into it.

The setup for this book is so unique. Most fantasy stories end with the big, final battle, but this one starts there. Instead of the traditional happily ever after, we get to see what happens after the war is won. Where do soldiers go once their purpose is fulfilled and the war is over? How do you figure out what you want when survival is no longer your only goal? It’s such a fascinating concept, and Emily Skrutskie executes it perfectly. I really enjoyed this style of storytelling because I felt that much more engaged with its components. 

I completely fell in love with Kat and Emory. Their journey, both individually and together, was filled with so much heart, humor, and emotional depth. There’s a lightheartedness to this book that keeps the heavier themes from feeling overwhelming, but make no mistake, it will hit you in the feelings. I honestly wasn’t expecting to get emotional, but I found myself tearing up more than once.

Katrien is such a badass. She’s tall, strong, and fierce and not at all the delicate, helpless FMC you often see in fantasy romances. I adored her resilience, her stubbornness, and the way she constantly challenges the world around her. Emory, on the other hand, is her perfect match; steady, loyal, and so deeply in love with her that it hurts. Their relationship isn’t just about tension or longing; it’s about choice. Watching them navigate their connection outside of the battlefield was both beautiful and devastating.

And can we talk about how fun this book is? Between the road trip style military campaign, the political intrigue, and the moments of pure, chaotic togetherness and friendship, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, the romance? It was so good. I wasn’t prepared for how much I’d love the dynamic between Kat and Emory, but their chemistry is everything.

I’m not sure what I was expecting from this book, but whatever it was, it doesn’t even come close to what I actually got. It’s fresh, unique, emotional, and completely captivating from start to finish. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Skrutskie, and Del Rey for the eARC of this book. 

I sure do love me a cowboy romance, and Bailey Hannah never disappoints! Change of Hart had everything I crave including angst, second chances, and a cowboy who’s down BAD for his girl. I devoured this book and I loved returning to Wells Ranch!

🤠 Angsty, emotional, and spicy – the perfect blend for an addictive read
💔 Second chance childhood lovers – their chemistry is undeniable, and the heartbreak is real
📖 Dual timeline done right – seeing Denver and Blair’s friendship blossom into love made their present day distance even more heartbreaking and heartwarming. 14 years apart? BRUTAL. But after the reveal? I got it.
🥹 Denver Wells = the ultimate playboy turned devoted man – from the second Blair stepped back into his life, he was done. Watching him prove himself over and over, even when she pushed him away, melted me. These two were soulmates, and I was rooting for them the whole time.
❤️ Alzheimer’s representation – the way Blair took care of her mom was so touching, and I really appreciated how Bailey Hannah handled this aspect with care and realism.
💪 Blair was the eldest daughter to her core – strong willed, fiercely independent, carrying way too much on her shoulders, not ever wanting to ask for help. I felt that DEEPLY. Watching her finally let her guard down and allow Denver to share her burdens? It was so perfect.
🔥 The spice was NEXT LEVEL – My god, the mouth on BOTH of them had me absolutely flustered. Blair praising Denver and calling him a good boy? Yeah, that completely rewired my brain.

Give me second chance romances with hot cowboys all day, every day, and I will be a happy girl. This series has been one hit after another, and Change of Hart was no different. It had everything I love—dual timeline, hot cowboy, emotional moments, supreme spice, and the "it's always been you" vibes I crave. I can’t recommend it enough!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bailey Hannah, and Dell for the eARC of this book. 

Wow, Veiled was everything I wanted and more! The slow burn, the delicious push and pull, and the way Azara and Michael went from barely tolerating each other to falling hard had me completely hooked. Their chemistry was off the charts, and the way they kept bumping into each other had me screaming and kicking my feet! 

Michael definitely fell first and fell hard, and I loved every second of it. Azara was so relatable! She was strong, independent, but also vulnerable in a way that made her feel real. Their dynamic had me frothing at the mouth with all the teasing, the tension, and the undeniable pull between them. And that friend group?! PLEASE, I need to be part of it! The side characters were just as amazing, and I cannot wait to see more of them in the rest of this series. They made the book so much fun and such a good time. 

On top of the romance, the medical and cultural representation was handled beautifully. The intricate details of their jobs as surgeons, the high stakes of their careers, and the thrilling mystery surrounding the secret society had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. And yes, there’s a third act breakup, but it makes sense, and trust me, it’s worth it. 

I’m so thankful I got the chance to read this ARC because Veiled was phenomenal. It’s my first book from SeRaya, but I will going back and reading the others because this was so good! If you love rivals to lovers, intense chemistry, high stakes romance, and a touch of mystery, Veiled needs to be on your TBR. I’m waiting with bated breath until the next book drops! 

Thank you to SeRaya for the eARC of this book. 

Dip Out by Eve Holmes is an absolute gem of a romance, filled with heart, authenticity, and beautifully nuanced autism representation. From the very first page, I was drawn into Arthur and Trevor’s world, captivated by their gentle yet profound love story.

Arthur, a brilliant wildlife photographer with a deep love for birds, is a character who feels incredibly real. Eve Holmes handled his autism representation with such care and respect—it’s clear she did her research to ensure Arthur was not just a side note or stereotype but a fully realized person with his own agency, emotions, and desires. His journey is not about overcoming who he is but about finding someone who sees and loves him exactly as he is.

Enter Trevor, a wildlife veterinarian whose adventurous spirit beautifully contrasts Arthur’s quiet, observant nature. I adored how Trevor, along with his friends, never made Arthur feel different or lesser than. Instead, they simply embraced him, recognizing his strengths and unique way of experiencing the world. Their dynamic is so sweet, and Trevor’s patience, kindness, and unwavering support make him the perfect match for Arthur.

And let’s talk about their meet cute—absolute perfection! A special bird brings them together, setting the stage for a romance that feels organic and meant to be. Throw in a mischievous raccoon, stunning Newfoundland landscapes, and a deep emotional journey, and you have the perfect MM romance.

This book isn’t just about love—it’s about acceptance, understanding, and the beauty of finding someone who truly sees you. Eve Holmes has crafted a touching, unforgettable story, and I can’t recommend it enough.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt, character driven romance with beautifully handled representation and the perfect balance of tenderness and adventure, Dip Out is a must read! 💙✨

Thank you to Eve Holmes for the eARC of this book. 

I Think I’m In Love With an Alien had so much potential, and I wanted to love it but in the end, it just didn’t deliver. It started off strong, with an intriguing premise and a quirky sci fi rom com setup, but the momentum fizzled out quickly. The pacing was uneven, and the book desperately needed a tighter edit, which is something that constantly pulled me out of the story.

One of my biggest struggles was connecting with the characters. Jennette and Tamzir’s romance felt more like a friendship than an actual love story, and when the one spicy scene finally showed up at literally the 99% mark, it felt way too little, way too late. The build up just wasn’t there, making the relationship feel flat and like a wasted effort.

Plot wise, I kept waiting for something to really happen, but it never did. Even outside of the romance, things seemed to be leading somewhere, only for nothing to really happen. Some elements, like the Space Con scenes and the creepy actor subplot, felt unnecessary and didn’t add much to the story. And the group chat? Way overused. A few key moments would have been fine, but the sheer amount of it watered down its impact.

That said, I am intrigued about where Poppy and Ravik might go from here. The hints were there, and honestly, that dynamic felt more compelling than the main romance.

At the end of the day, this was a fine book. Not terrible, but not great either. It had the bones of a fantastic story but didn’t quite live up to them. I wanted more depth, more chemistry, and a stronger sense of purpose. Here’s hoping for a stronger follow up!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ann Aguirre, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC of this book. 

Katie Sturino’s Sunny Side Up is a heartwarming, hilarious, and refreshingly real book that completely captured my heart. As someone who is plus size and loves seeing myself represented in books, I appreciate this book so much and love the frank and funny take on body acceptance, culture, and societal norms. 

Sunny’s journey resonated deeply with me—her struggles with shopping, dating, and simply existing in a world that often refuses to make space for plus size women felt incredibly authentic. Beyond just showing those external challenges, Sturino beautifully captured the emotional weight of navigating them. It was comforting to see those feelings reflected so vividly, and I’m grateful for how she showcased a plus size lead female character as more than just the quirky best friend, or the token fat friend. We are so much more than a number on the scale, and this book helps reinforce that message in the best way possible. Plus, she totally gave me plus size and likeable Carrie Bradshaw vibes!

Once I started reading, I was completely hooked. The humor, the friendships, the romance—it all worked so well together. I don’t always love when books include extra media like articles or newsletters, but the ones in Sunny Side Up were spot on. They felt exactly like the kind of marketing fluff that lands in my inbox, making them all the more entertaining. I wanted to be part of the First Wives Club and cheer on the supportive, empowering friendships that formed.

And of course, the romance! You always expect an HEA in a rom com, but I loved how Katie brought it all together in a way that felt natural and satisfying. Plus, I’d be more than happy to get a spin off about Avery. 

Katie Sturino has delivered a rom com that is both fun and important, proving that plus size characters deserve center stage in books. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Katie Sturino, and Celadon Books for the eARC of this book.