Homebound by Meredith Trapp 🤠💔

Gorgeous cover. Disappointing story.

Listen, I wanted to love this so bad. A female bull rider? Yes, please. That premise alone had me clicking buy now faster than a cowboy on a bucking chute. But honestly? This just didn’t hit.

We’ve got an “always been you” childhood friends to lovers vibe going on, but y’all, he had a baby with someone else while supposedly pining for Dakota the whole time? Be serious. That’s not swoony, that’s a red flag.

And speaking of Dakota… oof. I wanted to root for her. I tried to root for her. A tough, independent, bull riding woman in a cowboy romance is such a rare gem, but she was written like a textbook pick me girl. Like girl… you are the problem. She kept sabotaging everything, and instead of feeling complex or layered, she just came across as frustrating.

And the writing? Felt choppy. Like the emotional beats didn’t land, the chemistry was off, and the pacing was all over the place. The angst felt forced, and the supposed connection between Dakota and Wyatt didn’t impress me.

Was Wyatt cute with his baby? Sure. Do I still think this story could’ve been great if it leaned into the actual grit and glory of a woman dominating a male dominated sport? Absolutely. But instead, we got surface level girl boss energy and a romance that felt more like a plot convenience than a genuine emotional arc.

⭐ Only saving grace? The cover is stunning.
⭐ Female bull rider trope = underused, but sadly underdelivered here.

This was not the rodeo romance I wanted, and I’m honestly still a little salty about it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith Trapp, and Atria Books for the eARC of this book. 

✨Tattooed ex con x sunshine bakery queen = my new obsession✨

I’m officially IN LOVE with Deacon Slater and not accepting criticism at this time. He was everything; haunted, broody, a total grump with a heart of gold and a soft spot for one woman only: Phoebe. 🥹

Phoebe is this curvy, pink apron wearing ray of sunshine who owns a bakery and tries to melt Deacon’s walls with lemon bars and sass and eventually? It works. And let me tell you, watching Deacon go from closed off and silent to protective and devoted? I was kicking my feet and smiling so hard.

🛠️ Deacon didn’t let prison break him. He came out stronger, quieter, but still full of heart, and once he lets Phoebe in? It’s over for all of us.
🍰 Phoebe is the literal definition of sunshine. She bakes like a dream, has the biggest heart, and sees past all the darkness Deacon tries to hide behind.

Their chemistry was off the charts, and it was more than just attraction; you could tell how much they cared about each other, and how much they both wanted to show each other love and heal together. Their banter was adorable, and hot at times. They had a deep connection to one another and I felt their tension. I really think they are soulmates! 

This is more than just a sweet romance. There’s real emotion here. Deacon has seen some things, but he never lets it turn him cold. And the way he adores Phoebe? He treats her like she’s precious. Like she’s light. Like she’s his. Ugh, my heart. 😭

Tropes & themes:
🌸 ex con redemption arc
🌸 grumpy/sunshine
🌸 neighbors to lovers
🌸 plus size FMC
🌸 small town vibes
🌸 she feeds him (and eventually he feeds her)
🌸 protective MMC who would burn the world down for his girl

Julia Wolf nailed this one. It’s swoony, steamy, a little angsty, and totally addicting. I couldn’t put it down. I want to wrap Deacon in a hug, eat all of Phoebe’s muffins, and reread this forever.

Deacon Slater, you have my heart. 

Thank you to Julia Wolf and Valentine PR for the eARC of this book. 

Mountain Boss by S.J. Tilly 🪓💦🏔️✨

Latte Darling is one of my FAVORITE books so I was so excited about this! 

Okay, but HELLO STERLING! 😮‍💨 This man is a lumberjack fantasy come to life. He is grumpy, guarded, growly, and 100% obsessed with his girl. And when I say OBSESSED, I mean thigh grabbing, braid loving, panty stealing kind of obsessed. Where do I find a guy like that? 😭

Courtney is literally just trying to survive; girl is down BAD (like ramen noodle budget bad), and then boom, she lands a job as a handyman (yes, handyman!) at a mountain lodge… only to find out her new boss is a whole walking, broody fantasy with flannels, forearms, and a personal vendetta against panties. There is a misunderstanding where Sterling THINKS Courtney is a man because the name she used on her application was Court, and in comes the forbidden aspect because he definitely does not want a woman to tempt him! Buttttt...

Sterling fell FIRST, fell HARD, and I FELL WITH HIM. The man didn’t even know how to be normal; he just saw Courtney and immediately said “mine.” Meanwhile Courtney thinks she hates him but like… girl, we all know you don’t hate him. 😏

The short chapters? Chef’s kiss. So bingeable. So addictive. You blink and you’re halfway through. Some people might not vibe with it, but I loved the pacing because it kept the flow tight and the tension HIGH, and even at 500+ pages, it flew by. 

And the spice? Baby, this was not a slow burn, but more like slow spice; spicy from the start but it just keeps getting hotter and it was so well done. 

Also shoutout to:
Plus size rep 🙌
Secret workplace romance
Slight age gap (30F/46M)
Found family vibes
Possessive, protective MMC
A dash of stalking 😅
Her being a handyman
HEA

I loved Courtney’s independence and sweetness just as much as I loved Sterling’s protective alpha energy. Tilly absolutely nailed that mix of contemporary fluff and downright FILTH and I was HERE FOR IT. It’s rugged, it’s steamy, it’s adorable, and I never wanted it to end.

Now excuse me while I go braid my hair and move to the mountains to find a grumpy mountain man to worship me like Sterling worships Court. 💅

5 Gloriously Kinky Stars 🌶️ | Age Gap (She’s Older!) | Beauty & the Beast Retelling | BDSM | Music Industry Romance

Mine by Clio Evans is a searing, emotionally rich exploration of kink, healing, and finding yourself beyond the boxes society tries to shove you into and I absolutely could not put it down!

From page one, I was hooked by Pepper. She is our badass, sharp, and guarded CEO of a record label who is used to controlling everything in her world. Enter Salt: a younger, masked singer/songwriter with a deep understanding of kink and a tender, commanding presence. Together, they make beautiful, kinky music, both literally and metaphorically.

Let’s talk about what Mine does so well:

🔥 Real kink done right. This isn’t surface level “soft dom” fluff. Salt is an experienced Dom who prioritizes consent, education, trust, and emotional safety and he walks Pepper through everything, giving her space to learn and truly explore. It was not only hot as hell but genuinely moving.

💕 Reverse age gap perfection. Pepper is 37 and Salt is 25, and the dynamic is just so good. I’m a slut for a younger man showing up and giving an older woman exactly what she needs. Power? Respect? Pleasure? Yes to all.

🎭 Beauty & the Beast retelling vibes. Salt is scarred, both emotionally and physically. His mysterious, masked persona paired with his gentle guidance makes him the perfect beast to Pepper’s beauty.

💔 Grief and healing. Both characters are navigating different kinds of loss and trauma, especially related to their families. Watching them open up and work through those wounds together made me tear up more than once.

🧠 Smart, feminist smut. This book doesn’t shy away from themes like ageism, patriarchy, decision fatigue, and personal autonomy. It’s unapologetically feminist and deeply validating to see Pepper fight to reclaim her body, her pleasure, and her identity.

Also, can we all agree Jeff is the WORST? Actual trash. Garbage human being. 

Salt is everything a dominant partner should be: patient, informed, and deeply invested in his submissive’s comfort and pleasure. He’s also just sexy as hell. Pepper’s journey of self-discovery, from buttoned up CEO to fully empowered submissive, was written with so much nuance and care.

Clio Evans never misses. EVER. I’d read anything she wrote, and this was amazing. This might be a new favorite. It’s filthy, it’s heartfelt, it’s everything. Thank you to Clio and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC. I feel blessed by the kinky gods.

Read this if you love:
✅ Reverse age gap (she’s older!)
✅ Musician x CEO
✅ Dom/sub with emotional depth
✅ Beauty & the Beast retelling
✅ Strong women finding power in submission
✅ A book that’s as smart as it is spicy

OBSESSED. 10/10. Will be rereading immediately. 🩷

⭐️ Rating: 5 ⭐️
🌶 Spice: 3/5
📝 Tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine, Jersey Shore Setting, Roommates to Lovers, No Breakup, Beach Town Vibes, Age Gap, Bucket List Fun, Dual POV, Summer Rom Com

THE. BOOK. OF. THE. SUMMER.

Like, I’m not even being dramatic (okay, maybe a little) because Tourist Trap was literal perfection. Morgan Elizabeth always delivers with her rom coms, but this one? This one climbed into my heart, set up a beach chair, and never left.

Claire is everything. She's fun, chaotic, flirty, and a hot mess in the best way possible. I connected with her so much because she is just figuring life out, not taking herself too seriously, and living. I envy her carefree joy, and I love how she lit up every scene she was in. But the real magic? Watching her get Miles, our broody, grumpy, buttoned up king, to open up and actually live. UGH. The growth! The tension! THE CHEMISTRY!

And Miles? Once you get past that sexy scowl, it’s game over. That man is protective, possessive (the good kind), and once he starts opening his mouth... well, it was over for me after that. I mean, sir? Chill? Or don’t? He was perfection and one of my favorite Morgan Elizabeth MMCs ever.

The banter? IMMACULATE.
The sand crabs? HILARIOUS.
The lists? I'm such a sucker for summer bucket lists in books and the fact that THEY BOTH HAD ONE? I almost cried from joy.

Also, just to be clear:
🖕 Brad. 🖕 Paul. Add 'em to the List™.

And while Passenger Princess and Tis The Season For Revenge used to be my go to Morgan faves… dare I say this one takes the crown? I SAID WHAT I SAID. 🙈

If you're looking for:
☀️ a swoony, spicy summer romance
🏖 beach town escapism
👯‍♀️ the best found family vibes
💬 witty banter that will have you giggling like a lunatic
🔥 top tier spice by the smut queen  

Then I am begging you to read Tourist Trap! I’ll be recommending this to everyone I know and annoying the life out of them. No regrets.

Thank you to Morgan Elizabeth and Booked with Rae Author Services for the eARC of this book. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jude Hebert: the softest, swooniest, guitar strumming, flannel wearing protector of my DREAMS.

I knew I was going to fall head over boots for Jude and wow, he did not disappoint. From the moment he stepped onto the page, this quiet, nerdy, loyal lumbersnack completely stole my heart. Sweet, obsessed, protective, and oh so attentive… Jude is the kind of guy who doesn’t just watch over you; he washes your hair and serenades you while the world burns outside. That’s romance goals.

Mila was everything I hoped for in a fierce, complex FMC. She's brave, determined, a little reckless (with valid reasons), and still radiates a deep vulnerability that made her feel so real. Watching her lean into Jude’s steady care was one of the most beautiful parts of this story. They needed each other and together, they were perfect.

This book hit every beat I love in a romantic suspense:
💥 Forced proximity in a remote cabin
💥 Danger and suspense with high stakes
💥 Deep emotional care and steamy slow burn tension
💥 Found family that shows up in all the best ways
💥 One very good girl dog named Ripley (MVP!)

The way this final book pulled together the threads from the whole series was so satisfying. The pacing was tight, the twists had me flipping pages like a madwoman, and the emotional payoff, especially for Jude, was immense. Seeing the closure for the Hebert family and the ongoing criminal storyline made this feel like a well earned, full circle finale.

And let’s be honest, I’ve been lowkey obsessed with Jude since we first met him, and getting to see him fall in love was everything. He’s a romantic under the surface, and Mila brought that out in the best way.

I’m so sad to leave Lovewell behind, but Axe-ing For Trouble was the perfect farewell. Daphne Elliot wrapped this series up with all the heart, heat, and heroism I could ask for.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just be over here reading all of Jude’s quiet, nerdy, tender moments on a loop.

Thank you to Daphne Elliot and The Author Agency for the eARC of this book. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars)

ARC Review – Hits Different by Joel Rustin

First and foremost, a huge thank you to Joel Rustin for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this lovely, emotional, and beautifully written debut novel. I finished reading Hits Different and my heart is so full. I’m overwhelmed in the best way with emotion. This story pulled me in from the very first page and refused to let go. It truly hit different.

At its core, this is a story about love, loss, healing, and the transformative power of connection. Brandon and Parker are complex, flawed, and achingly human. I was completely engrossed by their journey, which went from best friends to strangers to something so much deeper. The emotional tension, the slow rekindling of their bond, and the tender way their relationship evolved felt incredibly authentic.

One of the standout aspects of Hits Different is the way Joel Rustin tackles mental health. The narrative doesn’t shy away from pain, grief, or internalized struggles, but it also never lets those moments sit in isolation. Therapy is presented not as a weakness but as an essential lifeline and it is something that grounds both characters as they navigate their past, their traumas, and their uncertain futures. The message is clear: it’s okay to ask for help. And having someone by your side, whether a friend, lover, or therapist, can make all the difference.

Brandon, the college soccer star, and Parker, the aspiring MMA fighter trying to honor his late father's legacy, are both dealing with heavy emotional baggage. Watching them support each other  through family drama, internalized homophobia, and career uncertainty was inspiring and heartwarming. Their chemistry felt natural, their banter fun, and their intimacy emotionally charged.

And that ending? Perfection. “Dancing with your best friend sounds like a great way to spend an evening,” he says. “But dancing with the love of your goddamn life? That sounds pretty fucking perfect to me.” I was swooning. This was exactly the kind of HEA that gives you butterflies and makes you want to reread the last chapter again and again.

What you’re getting:
Best friends ➝ strangers ➝ lovers
Bi awakening
Second chance romance
Secret relationship
MMA fighter x soccer player
Emotional depth & solid mental health rep
Spice

TWs: loss of a parent (off page), internalized homophobia, family tension

Joel Rustin’s writing is immersive, emotional, and brimming with heart. His blend of British and American voice added a fun, unique flavor to the story. I absolutely adored this debut and I think you will too! Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this one. Hits Different is special, and I can’t wait to see what Joel Rustin writes next. <3

🌟 3.5 – 4 Stars | A Romantasy With Brilliant Worldbuilding & An FMC That Needs Work 🌟

Shield of Sparrows is a book I’m still mentally unpacking. Marketed as a romantasy in the vein of Fourth Wing or anything by Sarah J. Maas, it delivers on the high stakes premise, slow burn tension, and intriguing enemies to lovers dynamic. But while it soared in some areas, others left me questioning if this book was trying to do too much all at once.

Let’s start with what worked: the worldbuilding is exceptional. I loved the origin of the monsters, the gods' punishment, the fractured kingdoms, and so much more. It all felt rich, well thought out, and immersive. The creatures, the cursed realm, even the political setup between kingdoms added layers I found far more compelling than many similar books in this genre. Faze, in particular, gave me major Disney sidekick vibes, in the best way.

Now onto Odessa. She’s a complicated main character, but not necessarily in the way you'd expect. She's been so muted and controlled her whole life; she has grey clothes, dyed hair, no friends and it seems as though her dullness almost feels intentional. Her hobby? Cliff diving. That’s about it. For most of the book, Odessa is stuck in her own head, constantly asking questions but rarely doing anything. It grated on me.

The plot kicks off when she’s forced to marry Prince Zavier in place of her sister, who is actually the one trained for espionage. With barely a night’s warning and some wildly vague instructions from her father, she’s thrown into a mission with no context, no preparation, and frankly, no real motivation. This setup had potential, but the execution felt rushed and scattered. Add in the Guardian, who is Zavier’s right hand monster hunter, and you get a deliciously tense dynamic that carried a lot of the emotional weight. Their banter? On point. But the plot twist involving the Guardian? Called it early. The reveal was predictable and, honestly, kind of icky. If the author intended that reaction then bravo, I guess, but it made me feel more unsettled than shocked.

Where the book falters most is the pacing and payoff. There’s a lot of internal monologue, filler, and repetition that could have been trimmed down. Then we get to the end and it’s like twist after twist is thrown at us rapid fire, with little buildup or clarity. It felt less like a climax and more like a scramble to surprise us as readers, but it just didn’t land.

Still, I find myself intrigued. Despite Odessa’s passivity and the rushed ending, there’s so much promise here. If book two allows Odessa to break out of her shell and truly own her story (which I am begging for), I think this series could evolve into something special.

If you’re here for the vibes, slow burn, banter, and killer worldbuilding, then you’ll find a lot to enjoy. Just be ready for an FMC who hasn’t stepped into her power yet and a few plot choices that may leave you going feeling like it's a weird choice but you'll want to be on the ride anyway. 

Crazy Spooky Love is a charmingly eccentric paranormal mystery with humor and heart, perfect for when the leaves start to fall and you’re craving something that feels right for the season but not too spooky.

Melody Bittersweet and the women of her family can all see ghosts, and together they run a cozy mediumship business out of their quirky home. But Melody wants more. She breaks away from the family firm to start Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency, determined to help ghosts move on rather than just pass messages along. Her first big case? Three ghost brothers who refuse to vacate a home that's waiting to be sold. The mystery surrounding them is deeper than expected, tangled in secrets, murder, and unresolved emotions.

Things get even messier when Melody discovers she’s not the only one trying to solve the haunting. Her fame seeking ex, Leo, is filming a ghost hunting TV special at the same location, and skeptical local reporter Fletcher is intent on exposing Melody’s family as frauds. The push pull dynamic with these two adds drama, though I found the romance underdeveloped and not the highlight of the book.

What really worked for me was the ghost story at the core. The Scarborough brothers were compelling, and the mystery behind their deaths kept me invested. Melody is a fun character because she is chaotic, brave, and relatable in her quest to define her own path. I also appreciated that this book leaned more into its paranormal and mystery elements than traditional romance tropes. The concept execution was somewhat lacking though, but I did enjoy it. 

While I missed a bit of the emotional depth I usually expect from Josie Silver’s writing, I still enjoyed the unique direction and genre shift. Crazy Spooky Love is a fun, cozy read with a slightly erratic energy and ghostly shenanigans that never take themselves too seriously. This will be a perfect read for the fall season or Halloween.

Thank you to NetGalley, Josie Silver, and Ballantine/Dell for the eARC of this book.

I’m always a little hesitant when a book is hyped as the next big thing, especially in romantasy, but The Promised Queen completely lived up to the buzz and then some. From the very first page, I was hooked. This story has everything: a fiercely relatable FMC, a richly built magical world, a romance full of tension and tenderness, and plot twists that kept me flipping pages late into the night.

Ember is exactly the kind of main character I love! She is strong, smart, and so easy to root for. Her growth throughout the book felt authentic, especially as she grappled with the expectations placed on her and slowly discovered her own power. The romance with Rhaell had just the right amount of slow burn intensity, laced with vulnerability and emotional depth that totally won me over.

The world building was vivid without being overwhelming, and the pacing was spot on once things got going. There’s action, betrayal, found family vibes, and just enough spice to keep things interesting without overshadowing the plot. And wow, the ending! What a payoff. That twist floored me, and I’m still thinking about it!

If you’re into fantasy with powerful characters, beastly men who are secretly soft, ancient prophecies, and high stakes magical quests, The Promised Queen absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. I can totally see this becoming the next hit romantasy series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Johnson, and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book.