Wow. Merit is hands down one of Devney Perry’s best books, and I’m so relieved to say that because I haven’t loved her last few releases. But this one? Absolutely phenomenal. It had me hooked from the very first page, and the emotional depth was next level.

The grief aspects were written so well—raw, heartbreaking, and incredibly moving. This book will make you cry, and not just a tear or two, but full on wreck you in the best way kind of crying. Devney Perry handled loss, love, and healing with such care, and it made the story all the more impactful.

The tropes were absolute perfection. We’ve got:
✔️ Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
✔️ Fake dating
✔️ Football star x ex volleyball player
✔️ Playboy and inexperienced FMC
✔️ College romance 

Maverick Houston is the golden boy, the campus football star, the playboy everyone adores—except Merit, who has hated him since they were kids. Their banter? So sharp and deliciously petty. Their chemistry was really palpable and built on the fact that they have known each other since they were children. Watching their relationship evolve from childhood rivals to fake dating partners to something so much deeper was everything I could have asked for. And the way Maverick loves his mom? Cue the waterworks.

This book had the perfect balance of angst, tension, and heartfelt moments. Merit and Maverick’s story wasn’t just about romance; it was about grief, growth, and finding unexpected love in the middle of heartbreak. If you love an emotional, deeply compelling romance that will have you laughing one moment and crying the next, Merit is perfect and the best of this series by far.

Devney Perry, you nailed this one. ❤️

The Step Dare is so good! This book is fun, hot, and brimming with heart. Riley Hart and Devon McCormack have crafted a low angst, friends to lovers romance that effortlessly blends humor, heat, and unexpected depth.

Taylor and Brenner are the perfect opposites attract duo. Taylor, the quieter, more reserved of the two, is perfectly balanced by Brenner’s easy charm and confidence. Their chemistry is palpable from the start, and watching Taylor explore his curiosity with his best friend made for a deeply compelling read. The playful dares between them evolve into something much more intense, and their dynamic shifts in a way that feels natural and inevitable.

What I loved most about this book was how it took a trope that could have been overly dramatic—best friends hooking up only to find out their parents are getting married—and made it feel refreshing and real. There’s tension, of course, but it never falls into unnecessary angst. Instead, the emotional stakes build in a way that makes you root for Taylor and Brenner every step of the way.

The spice is off the charts. These two have a magnetic pull that makes every interaction sizzle, but it’s also layered with tenderness and genuine affection. And while the book is definitely hot and steamy, it doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of grief, change, and what it means to truly trust someone with your heart.

If you love a friends to lovers romance with sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and just the right amount of emotional depth, The Step Dare is perfect for you. Riley Hart and Devon McCormack have delivered a story that’s both ridiculously fun and undeniably heartfelt.

🔥 Tropes: Best Friends to Lovers, Bi Awakening, Stepbrother Romance (but not messy), Low Angst, Steamy

Thank you to Riley Hart, Devon McCormack, and The Author Agency for the eARC of this book.

The Lair by Lisina Coney was absolutely gripping! I loved how this story explored the dark side of influencer culture—especially the consequences of exposing children online without their consent. It was such a unique and chilling premise that felt disturbingly real, making Allie’s journey even more heartbreaking and powerful.

Allie was such a strong, resilient character who has been through SO much but is so brave. The way she fought to reclaim her identity after everything she endured had me rooting for her from page one. And Travis? He was the definition of protective, his quiet strength and unwavering support making him the kind of man that sticks with you. The way he saw Allie for who she truly was, beyond the media spectacle of her past, made their connection feel so raw and earned.

The slow burn between them was deliciously tense, and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, age gap, and boss/employee tension added layers of angst that I lived for. But beyond the romance, this book was also a powerful commentary on privacy, trauma, and the consequences of growing up in the public eye.

Lisina Coney nailed the balance between suspense, emotion, and romance, making The Lair impossible to put down. If you love protective heroes, gripping storylines, and slow burning tension with just the right amount of spice, this one is a must read!

High Sticking The Heart is an absolute knockout! I CANNOT believe this is a debut novel because it was that good. Dalton is officially my new book boyfriend—he falls first, he falls hard, and I was blushing and kicking my feet and giggling over him the entire time.

Ariella and Dalton’s story had everything I love in a romance. The fake dating setup was perfection, and their instant connection? Electric. Their banter had me GRINNING, and the tension between them was chef’s kiss. I mean, how do you resist a 6’4” cowboy boot wearing hockey player who is down bad for you? Answer: You don’t.

Ariella was such a strong, inspiring FMC. Her determination to prove herself in a male dominated field while navigating the undeniable pull toward Dalton made her so relatable. And can we talk about the moment she realizes she just fake dated the star player of the team she was just hired to coach? ICONIC.

The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was everything, and the spice? Whew. 🔥 Marie M. (seriously, this was a debut?!) delivered a perfectly balanced story with heart, heat, and just the right amount of angst.

If you love hockey romance, strong FMCs, and MMCs who worship their women, High Sticking The Heart is the pefect addition to the hockey romance world.

By The Letter by Julia Wolf was absolute perfection! Give me an anonymous masked man any day (because hello, it’s insanely hot), and then throw in an accidental pregnancy? I devoured this book.

Shira and Roman had me hooked from their first interaction. The tension, the awkward (but hilarious) misunderstandings, and the slow unraveling of their feelings made this story so addictive. Roman was the ultimate softie beneath his rugged, confident exterior, and the way he stepped up as a dad? My heart could barely handle it. He was determined, patient, and so sweet, and every little note and breakfast delivery had me melting.

Shira was such a relatable FMC, balancing her struggles to save her company with the emotional rollercoaster of her surprise pregnancy. Her hesitance to trust Roman felt so real, especially after his ruthless business move, but watching him prove himself over and over? Chef’s kiss.

This book had everything I love—steamy tension, heartfelt moments, and the perfect mix of spice and emotion. Julia Wolf nailed the enemies to lovers dynamic, and I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a romance where the MMC fights for his family in the best way.

In The Details by Julia Wolf was everything I wanted and more! A double single parent romance? Yes, please! Add in a steamy one night stand, a workplace connection, and a hot motorcycle man who also rocks a suit? I was hooked from page one.

Jake Hayes is the perfect blend of possessive, patient, and playful. From the moment he and Clara cross paths at a biker bar, their chemistry is undeniable. But what really got me was how he didn’t just pursue her—he showed up, again and again, proving he was all in. And let’s talk about how soft he was with her daughter; he was perfect.

Clara was such a strong, relatable woman. As a powerhouse executive and devoted single mom, she had so much on her plate, and I loved watching her navigate her feelings for Jake while trying to protect her heart. Their push and pull was delicious, and when she finally lets him in? Perfection.

This book had everything—tension, spice, heart, and just the right amount of angst. Julia Wolf delivered a beautifully written romance that felt deep, real, and was so satisfying. Highly recommend for anyone who loves steamy, emotional, and grown up love stories!

Wild Side is an emotional gut punch wrapped in the kind of slow burn, tension filled romance that Elsie Silver excels at. This book wrecked me in the best way—I cried, I swooned, and I fell head over heels for Tabitha, Rhys, and little Milo. I honestly was not sure about this, based on the summary and some of the tropes, but this blew me away.

Tabitha has always been a fighter, but when she learns that her late sister’s landlord, the man she blames for everything that went wrong, has been granted custody of her nephew, she’s ready for war. What she doesn’t expect is for that battle to turn into something else entirely. Rhys is infuriatingly closed off, frustratingly broody, and yet, underneath all that armor, he’s exactly the kind of man who will move mountains for the people he loves. Their marriage of convenience is supposed to be just that—a means to an end—but when close quarters lead to late night glances and reluctant confessions, their arrangement becomes something neither of them can walk away from unscathed.

Tabitha is one of the most emotionally intelligent and mature FMC I’ve read in a long time. She’s carrying so much guilt over her sister’s passing while trying to be the fierce, protective force that Milo needs. Rhys, on the other hand, is the kind of guy who keeps his heart buried beneath layers of pain, shaped by a childhood in the foster system and a lifetime of emotional isolation. Watching Tabitha break down his walls—while realizing her own heart is on the line—was everything. Their chemistry is palpable and perfect, their push and pull dynamic is delicious, and when the tension finally boils over? It is one of the BEST that Elsie Silver has ever written.

And of course, the supporting cast brings so much warmth to the story. From the found family vibes to the small town setting (and cameos from all the bowling adas), every element works together to create a romance that is both deeply emotional and utterly addictive.

As for the spice? Elsie Silver once again proves she’s a master of crafting tension that builds and when it finally comes to a head? WOW, I was blown away. Every moment feels earned, every scene is packed with emotion, and when they finally give in, it’s nothing short of explosive.

Read if you love:
✔️ Marriage of convenience
✔️ Sports romance (wrestling!)
✔️ Touch her and die vibes
✔️ Billionaire
✔️ Found family
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Fierce and protective FMC
✔️ Cinnamon roll alpha MMC
✔️ Small town romance
✔️ Slow burn with just the right amount of spice

⚠️ Content warnings: Death by overdose (off page), parental abandonment

With Wild Side, Elsie Silver takes a trope I wasn’t sure I’d love and makes me feel every moment of it. This book is heart wrenching, healing, hot, and heartfelt. Another absolute winner from Elsie Silver!

Anne Willoughby is a delightful new author I’m thrilled to have discovered. Her debut novel, Baked & Brewed, was an absolute gem that I couldn’t put down, and I eagerly anticipated reading her follow up, Deals & Dalliances. This tale centers around Piper, Willow’s best friend from Baked & Brewed, and delivers everything I hoped for—magic, romance, and the perfect blend of tension and passion.

Piper, a fiercely independent and highly competent witch, finds herself stuck with River, an arrogant (but devastatingly attractive) Elf, as her new temporary partner. Their clashing personalities make for some deliciously sharp banter, but beneath all the snark and frustration, there’s an undeniable attraction. River is just as passionate—about the Earth, about defying expectations, and soon enough, about Piper herself. Watching them battle their own stubbornness while falling for each other is an absolute treat.

The dual first person POV brings both characters to life, giving insight into their push and pull dynamic and the slow realization that their attraction might run deeper than either of them expected. The magic infused world adds an extra layer of intrigue, and the environmental themes feel fresh and relevant. And let’s not forget the spice—when these two finally stop bickering long enough to give in to their feelings, it’s absolutely worth the wait!

If you’re a fan of magic, elf adventures, pixies, witches, a dash of spice, and a heartfelt romance, then this book is perfect for you! I loved the tension and chemistry between Piper and River, along with the familiar faces from B&B that added depth to the story. It’s a heartwarming read that many of us crave in our lives. Anne Willoughby has once again delivered a magical, romantic escape that’s impossible to resist. I highly recommend!

Thank you to Anne Willoughby for the eARC of this book. 

Galaxies and Oceans is the kind of book that wraps around your heart and refuses to let go. It’s tender, deeply emotional, and beautifully written—a slow burn romance between two broken souls who find safety, healing, and love in each other’s arms.

Ethan—now Aubrey—escapes an abusive past and reinvents himself in the quiet, breathtaking isolation of Hadley Cove. He’s lost, fragile, and carrying the weight of trauma, but his arrival on Kangaroo Island sets the stage for something life changing. Enter Patrick, the island’s lighthouse keeper, a man who knows all too well the ache of loss and solitude. The connection between them is gentle yet powerful, built on mutual understanding, quiet moments, and the slow realization that love doesn’t have to hurt.

What makes this book so special is how soft it feels. There’s no unnecessary drama—just two men learning to trust again, wrapped in stunning, atmospheric writing that makes you feel the salty ocean air and the vastness of the starry night sky. Aubrey’s fascination with the cosmos and Patrick’s deep love for the sea create this perfect metaphor for their journey: sometimes lost, sometimes drifting, but ultimately finding home in each other.

If you love romantic suspense with a strong emotional core, a guy on the run trope done beautifully, and a love story filled with healing, hope, and quiet intimacy, Galaxies and Oceans is absolutely perfect. N.R. Walker delivers a story that’s as breathtaking as the stars above and as steady as the ocean waves—an unforgettable read that will leave your heart full.

Katie Van Brunt delivers an absolute delight with For the Show, a romance that perfectly blends humor, heart, and sizzling chemistry.

Millie Greer and Ezra Miller are a match made in fake dating heaven. Millie, a former aspiring Broadway star turned erotic audiobook narrator (a career choice that adds an extra layer of spice and hilarity), is a breath of fresh air. She is so smart, self-aware, and struggling with body image in a way that feels incredibly relatable. Ezra, a middle school teacher with a heart of gold, is equally endearing as he juggles family expectations, career stress, and his own romantic misfortunes. Their arrangement starts as a convenient solution to Ezra’s family dilemma, but the slow burn tension, electric banter, and undeniable connection make it impossible to resist falling for them.

Beyond the romance, For the Show shines in its themes of self-love, resilience, and found family. Millie’s journey of reclaiming her confidence and embracing her worth is deeply empowering, while Ezra’s longing for something real beneath the weight of familial pressures makes him so relatable. The banter is top tier, the humor is laugh out loud funny, and the spice? Let’s just say Millie’s job lends itself to some steamy moments.

While it’s part of the All for Love series, this book easily stands on its own, though you’ll likely want to devour the rest after finishing. If you love fake dating, forced proximity, and sweet romance with depth, For the Show is a perfect beach read!

Thank you to Katie Van Brunt and Grey's Promotions for the eARC of this book.