Category Archives: 5 Stars

Review: THE SUMMER SHARE by Jenn McKinlay


THE SUMMER SHARE by Jenn McKinlay

Publication Date: May 26, 2026

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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When two misfits discover they’ve inherited the same beach house, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways, in this hilarious and heartfelt rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.

Free-spirited travel influencer Hannah Spencer has spent five years touring the country in her vintage van, alone save for her hulking Great Dane, Dude. Until an unexpected inheritance from her pops has Hannah thinking about putting down roots in Cape Split, North Carolina, where she’s the new owner of a worse-for-wear seaside beach house. Or, rather, fifty percent of one. Turns out Simon O’Malley inherited the other half from his gramps.

As Simon and Hannah spend the summer tag-teaming repairs on the crumbling cottage, they discover it was once home to a timeless love story. As their own relationship shifts from enemies to friends to lovers, they begin to wonder if the house’s romantic past might be a good omen for their future together. But there’s one problem—Simon is set on selling the property at the end of the summer.

For Hannah, the Split isn’t like anyplace she’s ever been, and Simon isn’t like any man she’s ever known—she doesn’t want to let this new life go. She just needs Simon to see their budding relationship and this newfound community in the same way, or their first summer share might also be their last.

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This book is the perfect summer read. A light romance with a little drama thrown in, past family issues that of course resolve, and a dog with personality. Granted, the story started out a bit slow for me, but I am glad I stuck to it. I liked Hannah and truly understood her desire to remain in the cottage. I know Simon started off a bit cold, but knowing his side of things helped in liking him as well. Especially as the story progressed.

Their romance was definitely a slow-burn and developed in a realistic manner. Even though I was wanting it to go faster, it was as it should be. I think my favorite part of this book was their delving into the true history of their respective grandfathers. Finding out things they never knew with the help of friends and neighbors. That in turn changed Hannah and Simon. I enjoyed watching that journey. The book made me smile and also yearn to move to Cape Split myself.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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The hum of desire between us was making my entire body throb and not even remotely concerned that we were in a very dusty attic.

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Former librarian Jenn McKinlay is the New York Timesand USA Today bestselling author of the Bluff Point Romances, including Every Dog Has His Day, Barking Up the Wrong Tree, and About a Dog, as well as the Library Lover’s Mysteries, the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries, and the Hat Shop Mysteries. Jenn lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

Visit her website at: www.jennmckinlay.com

Or follow her:
Facebook: JennMcKinlayAuthor
Instagram: @mckinlayjenn

Review: CROSSING PATHS by Katie Ruggle


CROSSING PATHS (Beneath the Wild Sky Book 2) by Katie Ruggle

Publication Date: May 13, 2025

Genre: Romantic Comedy

WHY DATE A MOUNTAIN MAN? Because he can bring you to your peak.

Norah Pax loves working for her family’s Rocky Mountain bounty-hunting business. But unlike her adrenaline-junkie sisters, she only enjoys chasing skips from the safety of her laptop. She has all the computer skills she could want, but her fighting technique is lacking—so when all hands are needed, she dredges up her courage to ask surly MMA expert Dashiell Porter to teach her everything she needs to know. Dash may be terrifying to most, but his unexpected gentleness makes her feel safe, and it isn’t long before things begin heating up.

Dash is used to people slowly backing away when he enters a room, but a certain beautiful bounty hunter’s earnest trust throws him off guard…and catches his attention. Yet as the two exchange punches and endearingly awkward flirtations, vultures circle. Every criminal in town has turned against the Pax girls, and they’re willing to hit them where they’re (supposedly) weakest: Norah. To keep herself and her family safe, Norah will need every new skill that Dash can teach her.

Good thing that Dash is ready to do whatever it takes to protect the gentle yet fierce bounty hunter who stole his heart.

The Rocky Mountains get unBEARably hot in Katie Ruggle’s brand-new series packed with adventure, action, tall dark & scruffy heroes, and a sense of quirky humor that will be your next perfect escape.

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I love the Pax sisters and wondered how Norah’s book would go. I need not have worried, I loved it. Norah is a bit socially awkward and shy, so she has taken care of all the computer work and research. Now that she wants to get herself out there and suitably prepared, she hires Dash for self-defense lessons. The story is written in her POV which was perfect for his character and their relationship. She is the perfect counter point to Dash’s fierce, quiet countenance. I loved watching her bring out his soft side and humor as they worked through their romance. The romance was a slow burn, but perfect for them both.

The storyline was fun and exciting. So much going on from different directions – some old and some new. Through it all, I can only say that the sisters are a hoot! Their lively banter and camaraderie make me wish I lived there too. I can’t wait for more.

*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

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About the Author
imageWhen she’s not writing, Katie Ruggle rides horses, shoots guns, and travels to warm places where she can SCUBA dive. Graduating from the Police Academy, Katie received her ice-rescue certification and can attest that the reservoirs in the Colorado mountains really are that cold. While she still misses her off-grid, solar- and wind-powered house in the Rocky Mountains, she now lives in Rochester, Minnesota near her family.

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Review: CHARMING DEVIL (A Dark & Spicy Modern Dorian Grey) by Rebecca Kenney

CHARMING DEVIL (A Dark & Spicy Modern Dorian Grey) by Rebecca Kenney

Publication Date: February 11, 2024

Genre: Romantasy

SynopsisHe’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen…and the most dangerous. Eternally young and full of a brilliant passion that may ultimately be the end of me: my perfect Dorian Gray.

The painting that’s kept Dorian Gray flawless for over a century is beginning to fall apart, rotted by his life of reckless decadence. Desperate, he seeks out the only person who might be able to save him: a talented young painter descended from Dorian’s first love.

Baz may have the same magical gift as her ancestor, but she’s vowed never to paint anyone’s likeness again. Haunted by the memory of the terrible price her talent can exact, she swears she will not be swayed—not even by the seductive words dripping like venom from the lips of the most beautiful man she’s ever met.

Yet as Dorian tries to persuade Baz by any means possible, they become aware of a darker, deadlier magic awakening around them. Dangerous forces, long dormant, have been stirred by Baz’s presence…and are determined to have her no matter the cost. As tensions rise and desire flares ever-hotter, Baz and Dorian become trapped in a complex web of conflicting motives, messy emotions, and a growing, desperate passion that may well consume them both.

An addictive and truly original spicy New Adult retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray with a magical twist.

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Cori 5 StarsI couldn’t put this book down. I got wrapped up in the story and loved the characters. If you’ve read Dorian Grey this is a retelling with spice. It’s the second book in the Gilded Monsters series but you don’t have to read the first book before picking up this one. I haven’t read the first book but plan on picking it up next. I have it and the next release on my TBR. I also recommend the paperback copy of this one because it’s so pretty. It has sprayed edges.  I thoroughly enjoyed Rebecca Kenney’s writing style and she’s going on my must buy list. This book is one of my favorites this year.

*Review copy provided by the Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

KINDLE | PAPERBACK

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Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and retellings, including the Gilded Monsters series from Sourcebooks Casablanca. “Beautiful Villain” (Gilded Monsters #1) is a spicy Southern gothic retelling of The Great Gatsby with vampires, set near Asheville, NC. “Charming Devil” (Gilded Monsters #2) is a retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, set in Charleston, SC. Books 3 and 4 of the series are Southern gothic retellings of Wuthering Heights and The Phantom of the Opera.

Rebecca’s most popular indie books include the Wicked Darlings series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the Merciless Dragons series (dragon shifters), the Dark Rulers series (standalone fantasy romance novels in a shared world), and the Beloved Villains series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy (The Vampires Will Save You), a demon romance duet, a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

Review: ALL THE MISSING PIECES by Catherine Cowles

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ALL THE MISSING PIECES by Catherine Cowles

Publication Date: January 7, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance

SynopsisIMG_3783Sometimes the last thing you expect is exactly what you need, the final missing piece. And sometimes it comes in the form of a towering, broody sheriff, determined to get in your way at every step.

Ridley Sawyer knows what it’s like to miss someone, to feel like a piece of her vanished—because it happened to her the night her twin sister disappeared. Now, Ridley channels that loss into hope, traveling the country covering cold cases for her true crime podcast. She might not have found justice for her sister but that doesn’t stop her from finding it for others. Until Sheriff Colter Brooks gets in her way. Colt knows what it’s like to have reporters descend on his town in the wake of a tragedy, and he’s not about to let a fiery podcaster stir up trouble. It doesn’t matter that her haunting blue eyes tell him there’s more to Ridley’s story or that he can’t stop imagining what it would be like to touch her. But when Ridley’s cold case turns hot and she’s thrust into the crosshairs, Colt has no choice but to step in. Suddenly, Ridley’s living at his house, drinking his whiskey, and stealing his dog’s affections. But she’s also proving that she’s so much more than his first impression. And as they get closer to the truth, the game they’ve been playing might just turn deadly…

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I loved this small-town romantic suspense. Ridley’s character is a cold-case pod caster bent on finding a serial killer. She is smart, driven, and caring. I’m glad she didn’t come across as “a story no matter the cost to others”. She had a depth of character that pulled me in. Colt came across as an ass in the beginning. His attitude was somewhat understandable, and thankfully was soon overcome. I liked him and enjoyed watching Ridley and Colt learn from each other and their sexy romance blossom.

No good small-town story is without great characters. Shady Cove was filled with them, and they added to the overall feel of the story. Now, the mysterious suspense and danger were great. It drove the story and kept me from putting the book down. I was absolutely shocked at the end. The best part is this is a new series, the worst part is now I have to wait for book two.

*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

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USA Today bestselling author Catherine Cowles has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she’s not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.

BRIDE OF THE SHADOW KING by Sylvia Mercedes

IMG_3180BRIDE OF THE SHADOW KING by Sylvia Mercedes

Publication Date: November 12, 2024

Genre: Romantasy

SynopsisIMG_3164The viral TikTok fantasy romance, now in a special print edition with exclusive bonus material!

An outcast princess makes a political marriage with a reluctant king to save both their kingdoms in this first book in the viral Bride of the Shadow King series.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. She’s told her gods-gift makes her a liability to the crown, and has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

King Vor is not eager to take a human bride, but he is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

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Cori 5 StarsThis book kept me up late. I couldn’t put it down. I got swept up in the world Sylvia Mercedes created. I really wanted to throw the book and reach in and shake the characters a few times but I love when the characters can create that much emotion in a story. The story is full of suspense, lots of drama, some spice and it ends with a powerful cliffhanger. The rest of the trilogy is available now though. It is being released in new paperback covers over the next few months. I recommend this book for fantasy romance lovers. I can’t wait to pick up the next book and to see what happens next.

*Review copy provided by the Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

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Sylvia Mercedes makes her home in the idyllic North Carolina countryside with her handsome husband, numerous small children, and a menagerie of rescue cats and dogs. When she’s not writing she’s . . . okay, let’s be honest. When she’s not writing, she’s running around after her littles, cleaning up glitter, trying to plan healthy-ish meals, and wondering where she left her phone. In between, she reads a steady diet of fantasy novels.

But mostly she’s writing.

Sylvia is the author of more than 20 popular Fantasy Romance novels, including the internationally bestselling BRIDE OF THE SHADOW KING trilogy. She is represented by Amanda Jain at BookEnds Literary Agency.

Website | Amazon

 

Review: A FIRE IN THE SKY: A Novel by Sophie Jordan


A FIRE IN THE SKY: A Novel by Sophie Jordan

Publication Date: September 24, 2024

Genre: Romantasy

Synopsis

IMG_2688New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan returns to the high-stakes, sweeping world of dragons, romance, and drama first evoked in her bestselling young adult Firelight series, in a brand-new epic adult romantasy series.

Dragons are extinct. Witches are outcast. Magic is dying.

But human lust for power is immortal.

Dragon fire no longer blisters the skies over Penterra, but inside the lavish palace, life is still perilous…especially for Tamsyn. Raised in the glittering court alongside the princesses, it’s her duty to be punished for their misdeeds. Treated as part of the royal family but also as the lowliest servant, Tamsyn fits nowhere. Her only friend is Stig, Captain of the Guard…though sometimes she thinks he wants more than friendship.

When Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands, descends on her home, Tamsyn’s world becomes even more dangerous. To save the pampered princesses from a fate worse than death, she is commanded to don a veil and marry the brutal warrior. She agrees to the deception even though it means leaving Stig, and the only life she’s ever known, behind.

The wedding night begins with unexpected passion—and ends in near violence when her trickery is exposed. Rather than start a war, Fell accepts Tamsyn as his bride…but can he accept the dark secrets she harbors—secrets buried so deep even she doesn’t know they exist? For Tamsyn is more than a royal whipping girl, more than the false wife of a man who now sees her as his enemy. And when those secrets emerge, they will ignite a flame bright enough to burn the entire kingdom to the bone.

Magic is not dead…it is only sleeping. And it will take one ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny to awaken it.

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I’m obsessed! I got so wrapped up in this story and the characters I didn’t get any sleep. I picked A FIRE IN THE SKY up because it has dragons and I like Sophie Jordan’s historical romance books. I wasn’t disappointed. The book had great world building I got swept up in and I’m going to be anxiously waiting for the next book. If you collect hardbacks this one is really pretty in person as well. I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a great Romantasy book. It’s one of my favorites this year. 

*Review copy provided by HaperCollins in exchange for an honest review.  

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Buy Links

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About the author

Sophie Jordan grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of more than twenty novels. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with anything that has a happily ever after.

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Review: LOVE AT FIRST BOOK by Jenn McKinlay

A8D959A0-A77E-43E9-A1C9-FD418EFCD2BALOVE AT FIRST BOOK by Jenn McKinlay

Publication Date: May 14, 2024

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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IMG_0778When a librarian moves to a quaint Irish village where her favorite novelist lives, the last thing she expects is to fall for the author’s prickly son… until their story becomes one for the books, from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.

Emily Allen, a librarian on Martha’s Vineyard, has always dreamed of a life of travel and adventure. So when her favorite author, Siobhan Riordan, offers her a job in the Emerald Isle, Emily jumps at the opportunity. After all, Siobhan’s novels got Em through some of the darkest days of her existence.

Helping Siobhan write the final book in her acclaimed series—after a ten-year hiatus due to a scorching case of writer’s block—is a dream come true for Emily. If only she didn’t have to deal with Siobhan’s son, Kieran Murphy. He manages Siobhan’s bookstore, and the grouchy bookworm clearly doesn’t want Em around.

Emily persists, and spending her days bantering with the annoyingly handsome mercurial Irishman only makes her fall more deeply in love with the new life she’s built – and for the man who seems to soften toward her with every quip she throws at him. But when she discovers the reason for Kieran’s initial resistance, Em finds herself torn between helping Siobhan find closure with her series and her now undeniable feelings for Kier. As Siobhan’s novel progresses, Emily will have to decide if she’s truly ready to turn a new page and figure out what lies in the next chapter.

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This contemporary romance was a pleasure to read. Set in Ireland with lovely villagers and a couple that were meant for each other. I loved Emily’s personality, and her inner thoughts were a fun read. Kieran was a little harder to get to know, but his gruff and dismissive attitude couldn’t hide the good man inside. I was quickly invested in their story. Their witty banter along with the love and friendship of those around them made me long to move to the village and join them.

Emily and Kieran have past family issues that caused insecurities they needed to work through. The story is written through Emily’s eyes, so it is her transformation that touched me the most. I liked watching her transform into the woman hidden inside. Their romance was a slow burn that was quite satisfying. I enjoyed it all and now need to go find a recipe for whiskey shortbread.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Former librarian Jenn McKinlay is the New York Timesand USA Today bestselling author of the Bluff Point Romances, including Every Dog Has His Day, Barking Up the Wrong Tree, and About a Dog, as well as the Library Lover’s Mysteries, the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries, and the Hat Shop Mysteries. Jenn lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

Visit her website at: www.jennmckinlay.com

Or follow her:
Facebook: JennMcKinlayAuthor
Instagram: @mckinlayjenn

Review: THE WITCH QUEEN OF HALLOWEEN by Kresley Cole

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THE WITCH QUEEN OF HALLOWEEN (Immortals After Dark) by Kresley Cole

Publication Date: March 26, 2024

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

IMG_1955Take a spooky Halloween tour of the mysterious Lore in this stand-alone installment of the Immortals After Dark series by #1 New York Times best-seller Kresley Cole.

A demon soldier of fortune . . .
Rök Kours dives into a dangerous mission, only to cross swords with the one woman who bewitched him.

A cursed Wiccan mercenary . . .
Poppy Dyer has never let her uncontrollable magic interfere with her work, but she can barely withstand one demon’s charms.

Trapped in a terrifying lair.
If the two rivals can defeat Halloween’s worst nightmares to escape a haunted castle, can they overcome their pasts to claim a spellbinding future together?

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Cori 5 Stars

I was so excited to get my hands on a new Kresley Cole book! I love the Immortals After Dark series. This novella did not disappoint and I loved it. It was fun, action packed and had all the steamy romance Kresley Cole always delivers. This one is Poppy, a witch and Rök, a demon’s story. I think I’ve said it in another review but if I could be any fictional character it would be one of Kresley Cole’s witches or valkyries. They’re so much fun!  I highly recommend this series for paranormal lovers if you haven’t read it yet. It has it all. You don’t have to read it in order but there is a series plot so I recommend starting at the beginning. Some of them are on Kindle Unlimited. They’re addicting!

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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imageKresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.

A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings. 

Her IAD books have been translated into twenty foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.

Cole lives in Florida with her family and “far too many animals.”

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKSHELF | YOUTUBE

Review: THE WRATH (The Warlord Series Book 4) by Gena Showalter

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THE WRATH (The Warlord Series Book 4) by Gena Showalter

Publication Date: February 6, 2024

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

IMG_1333New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with a new book in the tantalizing Rise of the Warlords series, featuring a brutal Hell king and the irresistible beauty who upends his world.

For centuries, Rathbone the Only, King of Agonies, has existed for one purpose: recovering the enchanted bones of his slain wife to bring her back to life. He’s never been closer to success. But a new enemy has risen. A band of deadly war gods who have thirty days to destroy her or suffer the consequences. With time running out, Rathbone hires a maddening harpy-oracle, unaware she has an agenda of her own.

Neeka the Unwanted is a fierce warrior on a mission: stop Rathbone and the gods. She’s seen the future if either is victorious, and it’s horrifying. She’ll do whatever proves necessary to forge a new path, even seduce the ruthless royal from his purpose. What she can’t predict? How the intense male will shatter her hard-won defenses along the way.

As Rathbone battles unexpected betrayals, cunning foes and the wild temptress he craves with every fiber of his being, he knows he must choose: hold on to a cold dream or embrace a new flame.

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Cori 5 Stars

I could not wait for this one! I have loved Rathbone since he showed up in THE DARKEST PROMISE and started messing with Lazarus by putting stuffed leopards that looked like him in his bag that kept reappearing after he got rid of them. I’m not sure if it was to spy on him or just to mess with his head but it was funny. The harpies are always fun and Neeka is incredible so this book had a great heroine. I absolutely loved Rathbone and Neeka together. Gena Showalter always delivers an unforgettable love story. I always end one of her books thinking it’s my favorite and those characters are my absolute favorites and then the next book comes along and that books ends up being my favorite. Her characters draw me into their story, and I laugh and smile and get swept up in the worlds she creates. This is a new favorite but I’m sure I’ll say that on the next one too. 

The Warlord Series is a spin-off series from The Lords of the Underground Series but you do not need to read it before picking up this series. I highly recommend the LOTU series though. It’s one of my favorites. Each book in the Warlord series is a standalone but I recommend reading them in order.

I highly recommend this book and this series for paranormal romance lovers looking for steamy romance with action, humor, powerful heroines and heroes you fall in love with.

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

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About the Author

411A3C05-FDF9-4C09-BE5D-F743C622384CGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, two young adult series–Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles–and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader’s Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine, she’s appeared on Nightline and been mentioned in Orange is the New Black–if you ask her about it, she’ll talk for hours…hours! Her books have been translated in multiple languages.

She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com or Facebook.com/genashowalterfan

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Review: MRS. NASH’S ASHES by Sarah Adler

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MRS. NASH’S ASHES by Sarah Adler

Publication Date: May 23, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

IMG_5531A starry-eyed romantic, a cynical writer, and (the ashes of) an elderly woman take the road trip of a lifetime that just might upend everything they believe about true love.

Millicent Watts-Cohen is on a mission. When she promised her elderly best friend that she’d reunite her with the woman she fell in love with nearly eighty years ago, she never imagined that would mean traveling from D.C. to Key West with three tablespoons of Mrs. Nash’s remains in her backpack. But Millie’s determined to give her friend a symbolic happily-ever-after, before it’s (really) too late—and hopefully reassure herself of love’s lasting power in the process.

She just didn’t expect to have a living travel companion.

After a computer glitch grounds flights, Millie is forced to catch a ride with Hollis Hollenbeck, an also-stranded acquaintance from her ex’s MFA program. Hollis certainly does not believe in happily-ever-afters—symbolic or otherwise—and makes it quite clear that he can’t fathom Millie’s plan ending well for anyone.

But as they contend with peculiar bed-and-breakfasts, unusual small-town festivals, and deer with a death wish, Millie begins to suspect that her reluctant travel partner might enjoy her company more than he lets on. Because for someone who supposedly doesn’t share her views on romance, Hollis sure is becoming invested in the success of their journey. And the closer they get to their destination, the more Millie has to admit that maybe this trip isn’t just about Mrs. Nash’s love story after all—maybe it’s also about her own.

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I can’t believe this is Sarah Adler’s debut novel. I loved it! I’ll admit I wasn’t sure at first, but Millie was just too delightful not to fall in love with. Her quirky behavior never became stupid or forced on the page, it was just fun. Hollis was the perfect counterpoint to her. The author effortlessly portrayed his reluctant romantic hiding behind snippy behavior. It was a joy to watch their relationship blossom amid quick and witty banter. And my-oh-my, that romance turned nice and steamy.

Amid the storyline there were some flashbacks to Mrs. Nash’s life and love. Normally I do not like flashback scenes as they tend to pull me from the story. That being said – It was done effortlessly and blended perfectly into the story. I got two love stories in one. Overall, the book was a fun and emotional journey that will stay with me. Sarah Adler is now on my list of favorite authors.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

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Sarah Adler writes romantic comedies about lovable weirdos finding their happily ever afters. She lives in Maryland with her husband and daughter and spends an inordinate amount of her time yelling at her mischievous cat to stop opening the kitchen cabinets. Mrs. Nash’s Ashes is her debut novel.

You can find her at sarahadlerwrites.com, or on Twitter (@sarahaadler) and Instagram (@sarahadlerwrites).