🔥 Fight by Sloane St. James 🔥

Y’ALL. I’m obsessed. This book is like Backdraft meets Fire Country meets The Notebook, but with a heroine who has zero chill and a broody hotshot firefighter who needs someone to light his emotional fire (pun absolutely intended).

Callahan? Yeah, he’s the emotionally unavailable firefighter of your dreams—gruff, haunted, and refusing to fall for anyone… until Prescott storms into his life with her sass, her sense of adventure, and her total disregard for his “no attachments” rule. And Prescott? She’s THAT girl. Smart mouth, sharp edges, but with a heart of gold that makes you want to be her best friend. Together? Literal FIRE.

This book has:
🔥 Banter so sharp it could cut
🔥 Survival scenes that will leave you breathless
🔥 Enough tension to burn down a forest (okay, maybe too soon…)
🔥 An MMC who’s both tough as nails and a complete softie when it comes to the FMC
🔥 An FMC who refuses to back down, no matter how much baggage he’s carrying

AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE TROPES?

Grumpy/sunshine energy
Forced proximity (oh hey, one bed 🤭)
Life or death drama
A hero who saves everyone else but doesn’t know how to save himself (until her 💔).

Sloane St. James takes you on a wild ride—literally—with her vivid descriptions of wildland firefighting, survival, and a romance so scorching it’ll melt your Kindle. But what really hit me? The EMOTIONS. Callahan’s guilt and grief, Prescott’s strength and determination… I was rooting for these two with my whole heart.

If you love action packed romances with high stakes, characters who fight for their love (and each other), and chemistry that could set off its own wildfire, Fight is for you. Someone please adapt this into a movie ASAP.

Wow. Just wow. What Saves Us is one of the most emotionally raw and authentic romances I’ve read in a long time. Maggie Gates tackles the deeply sensitive topic of postpartum depression with grace, honesty, and an unflinching lens that left me in awe. This isn’t just a love story—it’s a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of unconditional support.

Beth Hale’s journey as a single mom dealing with a complicated ex and the prying eyes of a small town is so incredibly relatable and real. Her struggles with postpartum depression were portrayed with such nuance that I found myself deeply moved. I applaud the author for not sugarcoating the experience but instead showing how messy, isolating, and overwhelming it can be—and how love, understanding, and support can help light the way.

And speaking of love and support, Shane Hutchins absolutely stole my heart. A former Navy SEAL with his own scars and regrets, Shane is the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend—not because he’s flawless, but because of how deeply and selflessly he loves. From the moment he delivers Beth’s baby to every quiet moment of care he gives her afterward, Shane proves time and time again that love is an action. His unwavering belief in Beth, his gentleness, and his ability to see her strength even when she couldn’t were breathtaking. The way he steps into the role of a father figure to her baby girl melted my heart entirely.

Maggie Gates also delivers her signature small town charm and swoony romance with this book. The chemistry between Beth and Shane is electric, and their journey from friends to lovers feels natural, tender, and incredibly satisfying. The moments of humor and heat help balance the heavier themes, creating a story that’s both heart pounding and heartwarming.

This book isn’t just a romance—it’s a story of healing and redemption. Beth’s courage in the face of her challenges, Shane’s steadfast love, and their journey to a happy ending are truly unforgettable.

Trigger warning: The discussion and depiction of postpartum depression may be difficult for some readers, but I can’t overstate how important and beautifully handled it is. This book doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, but it’s also full of hope, strength, and joy.

If you’re looking for a romance that will move you to your core, What Saves Us is an absolute must read. It’s the perfect conclusion to the Falls Creek Series, though it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Maggie Gates has outdone herself with this one.

Maggie Gates continues to own my heart with What Heals Us! While I don’t usually gravitate toward romances where the heroine is a virgin and the hero becomes her “first,” this story proved to be the exception—and honestly, it’s a new gold standard for the trope. Austin Hale and Caroline Tyree’s chemistry was nothing short of magnetic, and their journey together was heartfelt, raw, and absolutely perfection.

Caroline is a kindergarten teacher with a quiet strength that shines through every page. Her decision to embrace a fresh start with her ten resolutions felt so relatable, and watching her navigate her journey of self-discovery while also falling for Austin was deeply satisfying. And Austin? Sigh. A gruff, emotionally guarded firefighter with a heart of gold? Say no more. His protective nature and the care he showed Caroline had me swooning and giggling and kicking my feet.

Their romance is a slow burn that’s worth every second. From their snowed in cabin getaway (which, let’s face it, was peak romance gold) to Austin showing up to help her with her list, the progression of their relationship felt so natural and grounded. The age gap and their individual baggage added layers of depth without ever feeling forced or overwhelming. The balance of heat, heart, and humor in their story was just perfect.

And, of course, Falls Creek strikes again! The charming small town chaos of meddling neighbors, town gossip, and quirky personalities adds so much life and texture to the story. Maggie Gates has a way of creating a setting that feels like home, and I can’t get enough of it.

What Heals Us is a beautifully written story about growth, healing, and finding love when you least expect it. Whether you’re a fan of small town romances, friends to lovers dynamics, or simply love a story with a lot of heart, this book is a must read. Caroline and Austin’s story will stay with me for a long time, and I can’t wait to return to Falls Creek in the last book! 

Maggie Gates does it again with What Hurts Us, delivering another unforgettable romance that had me hooked from start to finish! Layla Mousavi and Callum Fletcher have officially taken the top spot as my favorite couple in Falls Creek, North Carolina. This story had it all—laugh out loud moments, heart pounding tension, and tropes so perfectly executed that I wanted to dive right into the pages and live among these chaotic, lovable characters.

Layla is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for—smart, resilient, and brimming with sharp wit. Watching her navigate the antics of Falls Creek’s eccentric residents while trying to keep her guard up around Callum was pure gold. And Callum? Oh, don’t even get me started. The broody, protective police officer who pretends not to believe in love but falls so hard anyway? Yes, please.

The fake fiancée trope was absolute perfection, but what really made it shine was the electric chemistry between Layla and Callum. From every lingering glance to their heated banter, the tension between them was everything. I couldn’t stop flipping pages, desperate to see how they’d finally let down their walls and admit what we all knew from the start—they were made for each other.

And let’s talk about the side characters. Falls Creek is hilarious, with its quirky and eccentric residents that keep everyone on their toes and there is not shortage of mischief and magic. The small town shenanigans added so much charm and humor to the story without ever detracting from the deeper, emotional beats.

What Hurts Us is the perfect balance of heartfelt romance, hilarious comedy, and swoony moments. Layla and Callum’s story will stick with me for a long time, and I can’t wait to see what Maggie Gates gives us next. If you love fake relationship tropes, small town romance, and couples with undeniable chemistry, do yourself a favor and read this book ASAP.

Unfortunately, Temple of Swoon fell short for me. While I was excited to dive into a high stakes, adventurous romance set in the Amazon rainforest, the execution left much to be desired.

The premise had promise—Dr. Miriam Jacobs, a determined archaeologist, leading an expedition to find the legendary Lost City of the Moon, paired with journalist Rafael Monfils, who harbors a secret agenda to sabotage the mission. However, this storyline featured a trope I personally struggle with: the male main character purposely undermining the female main character’s career. This is the second time Jo Segura has written a hero who actively works against a heroine's professional success, and I truly hate it. Why must women forgive and fall in love with men who sabotage their hard work and ambitions? It’s a frustrating and tired dynamic that feels dismissive of the female character’s worth and accomplishments.

Beyond that, the pacing of the book was off. While a lot technically happened—jungle exploration, rival teams, and dangerous encounters—it also somehow felt like nothing really happened. The emotional weight of the story lacked depth, and the romance felt rushed and unearned. The chemistry between Miri and Rafa had potential, but Rafa’s deceit overshadowed their connection.

Compared to the first book in the series, this one didn’t measure up. Dr. Jacobs’ quirky humor and tenacity were highlights, but even those weren’t enough to carry the story for me. Instead of being swept away in a swoony, action packed romance, I found myself annoyed and disappointed by the lack of respect for the heroine’s goals.

If you’re someone who enjoys adventurous romances with lush settings and can overlook a problematic male lead, you might still find some enjoyment here. For me, it was a miss.

⭐️⭐️/5

Bec Eden’s A Song of Death and Desire is a hauntingly beautiful and intoxicating retelling of The Little Mermaid that completely captivated me. As someone who adores retellings, this one stands out for its darker, more seductive take on the classic tale.

Kairi is a fascinating and complex heroine—a siren torn between the hunger that defines her existence and her yearning to be something more. Her internal struggle is poignant and raw, making her deeply relatable even as she inhabits a world so unlike our own. Eagan, haunted by visions of Kairi and a song he cannot escape, is the perfect counterpart to her—a human wrestling with forces beyond his comprehension, driven by a determination that is as compelling as it is heartbreaking.

Eden masterfully weaves a tale of forbidden love, defiance, and fate. The chemistry between Kairi and Eagan is electric, and their connection feels both fated and fraught with tension. The writing is lush and evocative, immersing you in the cold, mysterious depths of the sea and the enchanting, dangerous allure of the siren’s world.

This is a story that doesn’t shy away from its darker themes, and the stakes feel real and weighty. The curse that binds Kairi and Eagan adds a layer of tragedy that makes their journey even more gripping. Can love born out of defiance and danger truly survive? You’ll find yourself rooting for them even as you dread the consequences of their choices.

For readers who love paranormal romance, forbidden love, and retellings with an edge, A Song of Death and Desire is an absolute must read. It’s a beautifully written, darkly romantic tale that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

Thank you to Bec Eden for the eARC of this book. 

Lauren Morrill delivers a small town romance that’s equal parts sizzling chemistry and heartfelt emotion in Caught Up In You. Wyatt Hart is tough on the outside, tender on the inside and when her life turned upside down by family drama—her sister’s unexpected pregnancy and her mother’s fresh release from prison—she becomes a whirlwind of resilience and vulnerability that makes her utterly relatable.

Enter Owen McBride, the town’s golden boy pediatrician with a surprising wild streak and a dirty mouth that rivals any bad boy’s. Their initial encounter is electric, but what makes this story shine is how their connection deepens beyond the steamy moments. Their banter is sharp, their stolen moments are fiery, and their chemistry leaps off the page.

Wyatt’s fear of commitment and Owen’s seemingly perfect image hide deeper layers of insecurity and past pain that add complexity to their relationship. The small town setting and meddling townspeople bring humor and charm, making the story feel warm and lived in.

Morrill does a brilliant job balancing the heat of Wyatt and Owen’s romance with heavier themes of family, trust, and self-acceptance. Wyatt’s journey to open herself to love feels authentic and earned, and Owen’s secret, when revealed, adds a poignant twist that deepens their bond.

If you love small town romances with a grumpy meets golden dynamic, a cast of memorable side characters, and plenty of steam and heart, Caught Up In You is a must read. Wyatt and Owen’s story is messy, emotional, and utterly satisfying—a reminder that sometimes love comes from the most unexpected places.

Thank you to Lauren Morrill for the eARC of this book. 

Maggie Gates has written a heartfelt, action packed military romance that hits close to home. As someone who served in the Army, I found The Stars Above Us not only captivating but also incredibly accurate in its portrayal of military life, camaraderie, and the chaos of a deployment.

Becks is a fiery, determined journalist who refuses to back down in the face of danger. Her resilience and wit make her an instantly likable character, and her chemistry with the grumpy yet deeply loyal Captain Nathan Griffith is electric. Griff is the quintessential Army captain—tough on the outside but layered with a depth of emotion that makes you root for him from the first page. Their banter is sharp, their pranks are hilarious, and the slow burn of their romance is steamy yet tender.

Gates doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life in a war zone, but she balances it perfectly with moments of levity and hope. The bond between the soldiers of Company B feels authentic and raw, a testament to Gates’s skill in capturing the brotherhood of the military.

The story itself is a rollercoaster, with moments of suspense and heartbreak woven seamlessly into the romance. Becks’s investigation into Troy Davis adds a layer of intrigue that kept me hooked, and the twist was both unexpected and satisfying.

This quote: “You’re not some kind of damsel in distress.” “Then what am I?” “You’re the dragon.” is such a perfect encapsulation of Becks’s character—strong, fearless, and utterly unforgettable.

If you love grumpy x sunshine romances, military stories with a touch of realism, and characters who make you laugh, cry, and fall in love, The Stars Above Us is a must read. It’s a beautifully written story of finding love and healing in the most unexpected places. Maggie Gates is one of my favorites for sure! 

Wow, Never Broken by Everly Claire is a breathtaking blend of dystopian suspense, forbidden romance, and raw human resilience. With a chilling setting reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale, this story grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go.

Set in a disturbingly plausible version of 2025 New North America, the book introduces us to Louisa and 773496S6 (a name as haunting as the world he inhabits). Their perspectives weave together a tale of oppression, rebellion, and fragile hope. What makes Never Broken shine is its ability to take a starkly oppressive environment and infuse it with glimmers of strength and forbidden desire.

Louisa is a character you root for from the start. She’s caught between privilege and humanity, and watching her grow from a sheltered, complicit figure to someone brave enough to challenge the world around her is deeply rewarding. On the other hand, 773496S6 is a study in resilience—beaten but never broken, he’s as cunning as he is determined. His mission to find his sister drives him, but his growing connection with Louisa complicates everything in the best way.

The forbidden romance between these two is electric. Their chemistry builds slowly, with every shared glance and stolen moment layered with danger and longing. It’s not just about their attraction—it’s about trust, survival, and the hope of freedom in a world designed to crush it. Everly Claire masterfully balances the romance with the suspense, creating a narrative that’s both tender and pulse pounding.

The dystopian world is vividly rendered, dark and terrifying in its realism. The power dynamics, systemic injustice, and casual brutality are harrowing, but they’re never gratuitous. Instead, they serve as a powerful backdrop for a story that feels urgent and necessary.

The cliffhanger ending left me gasping (and frantically searching for details on the next book). While Never Broken offers a “happy for now,” it’s clear that the stakes are only getting higher, and I cannot wait to see where this trilogy goes next.

If you’re a fan of morally gray characters, high stakes romance, and dystopian worlds that feel all too close to our own, Never Broken is an absolute must read. Everly Claire has created something unique, thrilling, and unforgettable. Bring on the next installment—I’m ready to shatter more rules!

Thank you to LoveNotes PR and Everly Claire for the eARC of this book. 

Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite movies, so I was really excited to read this ARC. Riley Andrews has crafted an enthralling modern retelling of The Phantom of the Opera in Our Strange Endeavours, a story that masterfully intertwines passion, danger, and ambition against the backdrop of a historic theater.

The Lotte Theater’s fate hangs in the balance after tragedy strikes, and Krissy Davis, a rising star with unmatched talent, finds herself at the center of a tale as haunting as it is seductive. Andrews delivers a mesmerizing and atmospheric narrative that had me captivated from the very first page.

Krissy is a complex and relatable protagonist, her struggle with fame, toxic relationships, and her own desires pulling at my heartstrings. Her relationship with the new theater owner is chilling, a stark and poignant exploration of power dynamics and manipulation. The stakes felt impossibly high, and her desperation was palpable as she turned to Erick Destler—a man who is equal parts enigmatic and dangerous.

Erick is the perfect modern take on the Phantom: brooding, obsessive, and deeply alluring. The chemistry between him and Krissy is electric, blurring the lines between obsession and genuine affection. Their plan to "kidnap" Krissy is as twisted as it is brilliant, creating a tense and thrilling backdrop for their slow burn romance. As their feelings evolve, Andrews skillfully explores themes of freedom, control, and love in a way that feels both raw and deeply emotional.

The atmospheric writing is a standout, immersing readers in the dark allure of The Lotte Theater and the intoxicating world of cabaret. The rich descriptions made me feel as though I was right there in the wings, watching the drama unfold both on and off the stage. The pacing is tight, with each twist and turn adding to the tension until it reaches a breathtaking crescendo.

Our Strange Endeavours is more than a retelling—it’s a reimagining that breathes new life into the classic tale while standing firmly on its own. With its intoxicating blend of romance, suspense, and tragedy, this book is an absolute must read for fans of The Phantom of the Opera and lovers of dark, captivating stories.

I loved this book, and think it was such a wonderful retelling, in such a modern and perfect way. This is a tale that will linger in my mind for a long time to come.

Thank you to Riley Andrews for the eARC of this book.