Category Archives: Donna’s Reviews

Review: HEAD WITCH IN CHARGE by Avery Flynn

HEAD WITCH IN CHARGE (The Sherwood Witches Book 2) by Avery Flynn

Publication Date: September 2, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

When two witches with a tangled history are forced to team up, it spells disaster in this steamy rom-com from USA Today bestselling author Avery Flynn.

It’s the curse of every family’s heir to be the responsible one. My family being the most powerful family in all of Witchingdom doesn’t eliminate that fact, it only makes it worse—and that’s why I, Leona Amber Sherwood, never do the unexpected. Except for that one time I did.

Believe me, I have rued the day that I got married in a midnight ceremony under a full moon to Erik Svensen, the heir to my family’s deepest, bitterest enemies, and now, he won’t agree to a divorce unless we return an ancient spell book to his family’s secured facility.

But on our road trip to return the book, I learn more about Erik as we encounter trolls, nymphs, satyrs, and more. The longer we work together, the more I’m convinced that he might not be the evil trickster I assumed he was. Any more time together will leave me even more enchanted with my husband and that’s the last thing I want. And if I keep telling myself that, maybe I’ll start to believe it.

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This sexy fantasy rom com was a quick read with a lot going on. Leona and Erik’s families are arch enemies, yet the couple have a lot in common. Namely the burdens and duties their witch families have on them. (Hint at Romeo and Juliet situation) Each of them are strong and quite talented in this world of magic and admire those traits in each other.  I was able to relate to them both but wish that Erik was more open with Leona about his situation. Because it was the catalyst for all the madness, it made me almost dislike him despite his good qualities.

There is quite a lot of inner dialogue going on that tends to get repetitive as the story progresses. At least the action taking place is so varied and bizarre that it kept the pace moving. Their journey almost seemed like The Odyssey with all the strange creatures and magical folk. I didn’t know what would pop up next. I’ll note that I did not read book one in this series yet had no trouble following along.

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

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About the Author

imageAvery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.

She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.

Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

Review: DEADLY STORMS by Christine Feehan


DEADLY STORMS by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: September 2, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Danger is gathering on the horizon in this gripping novel of romantic suspense from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

Shabina Foster does her best to lead a normal life. She takes comfort in her friends and her dogs and finds passion in running her own small-town café in the eastern Sierra. But she can’t help always looking over her shoulder, not after what happened in her past. Since then, Shabina has worked very hard to build herself up and live life to the fullest.

Still, there’s no denying the scars she carries. Truly opening up her guarded world seems like an impossible dream—especially when it comes to the one man who makes her feel safe. Shabina already feels like she’s ruined his life and is determined to keep her distance, even as the ghosts of her past emerge from the shadows.

Security expert Rainier Ashcroft knows firsthand that a storm is brewing and that Shabina is in real trouble. Threats are approaching on all sides—and there’s no telling when the next hit will strike. But convincing the woman he loves to truly let him in will be just as difficult as keeping her alive.

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I’ve not read books one and two in this romantic suspense series but was able to follow along with no problem. The only issue is that I came in blind to the relationship between Shabina and Rainier. You don’t actually see him until over halfway through the book. She only talks about him…a lot. Because of that, I never got invested in him except loving the way he treats her. Shabina herself is resilient, smart, and strong. She suffers from PTSD due to extreme abuse at the hands of her kidnapper years before. I was pleased to see that the author discussed the treatment and issues she faced. I liked her personality and the lovely camaraderie she had with her friends. They are a group of women I would love to be a part of. Note: There was a mention of her having a psychic connection to birds, yet that was never fleshed out. Pity, as that would have been an interesting aspect of the story.

The storyline itself was filled with tension from page one. They had to deal with a two-pronged mysterious danger. It kept me guessing whether it was the same madman or separate issues. That made for a very exciting read that I could not put down.

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardcover

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image#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.

Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Review: LOVE AT FIRST SIGHTING by Mallory Marlowe


LOVE AT FIRST SIGHTING by Mallory Marlowe

Publication Date: August 12, 2025

Genre: Romantic Comedy

A chance at love might not be out of this world in this astronomically charming romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of Love and Other Conspiracies.

Los Angeles social media influencer El Martin seems to have a picture-perfect life. But what El wants more than anything is to find something real to make her heart race in a way it hasn’t in years. She doesn’t expect that feeling to come from capturing footage of an unidentified flying . . . thing, much less from the charming Man in Black who keeps following her around.

Agent Carter Brody is trying his best to keep the Private Intelligence Sector afloat by dragging their hopelessly out-of-date office into this century, even though what he really wants to do is follow in his father’s footsteps by identifying and hiding extraterrestrial sightings. He gets his chance after being assigned to El’s case and is stopped in his tracks not only by her ingenuity and confidence but also by an unnerving coincidence—her sighting looks eerily like what Carter himself saw right before a family tragedy.

The deeper El and Carter fall into the mystery, the harder it is for them to ignore their growing chemistry as their own alien feelings become dangerously terrestrial.

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Donna review 4.5 stars

I enjoyed this romantic comedy on several levels. The banter between El and Carter was entertaining and moved the romance along nicely. Normally I’m drawn to books that have a group dynamic that pushes the story and demonstrates the main character’s likeability. But I didn’t like anyone around these two, and neither did they. That was part of the story.

As the book blurb states, El was a popular online influencer that basically lived a plastic life. She knew it was empty but still played the game. Carter was a “Man in Black”, dealing with UFO sightings for the government. He had such low self-esteem brought on by those around him. But he knew deep inside that he had more to give. They were perfect for each other. Through circumstances, they joined up to solve a UFO mystery and managed to work to find themselves as well.

This is a sweet and sexy romance filled with humor, mystery, and danger. Yes, some parts were a bit cringeworthy…Private Intelligence Sector – P.I.S. ?  Really?  I was able to overlook that and enjoy the story. It had my pulse pumping and left me with a smile. BUT-I wanted more alien stuff.

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

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El’s the kind of woman where, if I kiss her, I’m not going to want to stop.

Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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About the Author

Mallory Marlowe is an author and video game writer living in Los Angeles, CA. Seriously right-brained since childhood, her love of telling stories began with highly elaborate plots for her Barbie dolls and taking elementary school writing projects too seriously. She studied Writing for Film and TV at Emerson College. When she isn’t writing, she’s likely reading, stuck in L.A. traffic, or fallen down a weird internet rabbit hole. Love and Other Conspiracies is her debut novel.

Review: HEART MARKS THE SPOT by Libby Hubscher


HEART MARKS THE SPOT by Libby Hubscher

Publication Date: July 22, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance


A treasure hunter and the bestselling adventure novelist who broke her heart after one successful expedition reunite for a summer to search for lost riches.

Treasure hunter Stella Moore dreams of having it all—wealth, love, and a flourishing career—but knows she’ll never be that lucky. Every summer she and her childhood friends travel to search for hidden treasure, but she can barely manage her bills, let alone a relationship. Then, a chance encounter with alluring novelist Huck Sullivan during an expedition in Iceland has Stella thinking maybe her fortune has changed.

After his last book bombed, Huck hasn’t written a word. Joining Stella and her crew on an adventure seems like the perfect distraction from his problems, and when the crew finally uncovers hidden treasure, he is certain that he’s found more than just inspiration for his next novel. Huck and Stella’s undeniable connection gives way to an unforgettable night on a black sand beach.

After Huck disappears without a goodbye, Stella vows to put the heartbreak behind her—but that’s easier said than done when, a year later, every bookstore has a life-size cutout of her ex-lover next to stacks of his latest record-breaking bestseller. Good thing it’s time for another summer treasure hunt. Stella throws herself into mapping the path to a shipwreck off Key West, but the last thing she expects is an extra crew member showing up in search of material for a sequel and a second chance.

Stella and Huck are prepared for storms, sharks, sea sickness, even a tentative truce. But facing the feelings they buried and confronting the devastating truth about why Huck left is the only way to find what their hearts have been searching for all along.

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Somehow it was too much, it was not enough, it was perfect all at once.

Donna 4 stars

I enjoyed this contemporary romance wrapped around treasure hunts. There is no swashbuckling danger, but it held my attention all the same. I think it was the group dynamic and banter with the treasure hunters. Huck fit right in with the easy camaraderie, making the romance seem natural. The world building and backstory seemed effortless and pulled me in.

I liked Stella’s personality, independence and strength, despite issues from her past. I also liked Huck, though I thought an author would be capable of explaining his feelings better. They were great together in part 1 of the story. Their growing relationship was a delight to watch. Part 2 had their behavior rather tense and confusing. Again, Huck, an author, could not find the words to communicate? The only reason I knew that he still loved her was because he told me. How was she to know enough to trust him?  However, like a treasure hunt, it takes time for all to be revealed.

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

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About the Author

Libby Hubscher is an author and scientist. She studied biology at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine and holds a doctor of philosophy in molecular toxicology from North Carolina State University. Her work has appeared online and in textbooks, scientific journals, and literary journals. Her short story “The Unwelcome Guest” was long-listed for the Wigleaf Top 50 in 2018. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, two young children, and a menagerie of pets.

Review: IT TAKES A PSYCHIC by Jayne Castle 


IT TAKES A PSYCHIC (A Harmony Novel Book 18) by Jayne Castle

Publication Date: June 3, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Two unlikely allies search for the secrets of their pasts while on the run within the Alien world of Harmony in the thrilling new novel by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Castle.

Leona Griffin is at the height of her career as a para-archeologist thanks to a recent Underworld discovery. Her high profile attracts the attention of an organization of elite, secretive collectors. They want her to authenticate the artifacts that aspiring members submit as evidence to join their group. The ceremony takes place at a glittering reception where Leona is shocked to discover that one of the relics is a powerful Old-World object known as Pandora’s Box. But she’s not the only one interested in that artifact.

Oliver Rancourt, a man with a unique talent—they say you never see him coming—is also there. Leona knows she must not underestimate him. Attempting to make a discreet exit, she stumbles over the body of a waiter wearing the emblem of a dangerous cult. Before she can alert authorities, a police raid sends the reception into chaos. To avoid being arrested, Leona slips away with Oliver—a risky decision that gets her fired.

Now forced to work together, Leona and Oliver pursue an investigation that leads them to the town of Lost Creek where the locals are obsessed with a chilling legend involving a long-dead cult leader and illicit paranormal experiments. But Leona knows the real danger may be the irresistible attraction between herself and Oliver.

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Donna 4 stars

This is my first time reading Jayne Castle, and I was not disappointed. I am trying to categorize the genre of this story and can only say it is a combination of Syfy, fantasy, and paranormal romance. It all takes place on an alien planet called Harmony. I didn’t realize this was book 18 in the series, but that did not matter. The world building was smooth, and I quickly fell into the nuances of a different reality.

It was fun reading the exciting introduction of Leona and Oliver, their quick banter while danger surrounded them made me want to read more. Later their flirting was a joy as their lively conversations flowed. I enjoyed Leona’s family as well. They added a nice dimension to the book. The action thrown at them was interesting and kept me reading. Overall, it was a fun book. Oh….and now I want my own dust bunny.

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

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About the Author

Jayne Castle is a pen name for Jayne Ann Krentz, the author of more than fifty New York Times bestsellers. She also writes historical romantic suspense as Amanda Quick. There are more than 35 million copies of her books in print. She lives in Seattle.

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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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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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: THUNDER GAME by Christine Feehan


THUNDER GAME (A Ghostwalker Novel, Book 20) by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: May 6, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Two broken souls find a love worth fighting for in this captivating GhostWalker novel from #1 New York Timesbestselling author Christine Feehan.

Diego Campos has come home to die. The GhostWalker is tired of walking a dark path shaped by countless losses. There has never been a moment of good in his life that wasn’t followed by something bad. But as he makes his way to his family’s homestead in the Appalachian Mountains, his plans are interrupted by a violent ambush that sets his life on a new course.

In between fighting off a small army of assailants, Diego is struck by a beautiful, brutal warrior woman unlike anyone he’s encountered before. Compelled to rescue her, Diego uses his psychic gifts to make Leila’s broken body whole again and save her from certain death. With each new breath she regains her strength, showcasing her humor, intelligence and courage as she reveals the truths of her past and inspires feelings Diego never thought his heart could experience.

After a lifetime alone, in the middle of firefight, Diego has finally found a light to guide him through the darkness—and one brief touch is enough to set them both aflame.

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One thing you can always count on in the Ghostwalker series is uniqueness. All the enhanced characters have their own powers, quirks, and limitations. That makes each book interesting to the overall storyline flowing through all the books.

This book started out quickly with danger and battle, enabling warriors, Diego and Leila to meet. Quite a bit of time was spent developing their relationship and enhancing their mutual respect. I liked how they slowly helped to heal each other. Not just in body, but mentally as well. Their banter and rapport was fun and added a bit of lightness to the situation.

My problem with this installment is that the healing and downtime drug out too long.  Granted it helped to cement their relationship, but as a book, it slowed it down repeatedly. The ending was a bit anticlimactic as well. ( I’m not sure why it was written like that.)  I did love when the rest of the Ghostwalkers showed up with their teasing and camaraderie. I enjoy a group dynamic like that.

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

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image#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.

Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Review: PRINCE OF DARKNESS by Rebecca Zanetti


PRINCE OF DARKNESS (Dark Protectors Book 17) by Rebecca Zanetti

Publication Date: April 29, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance 

Unknown to humans, beyond daylight lies a world of intoxicating darkness where deadly creatures prowl with insatiable desires and unbelievable power: vampires, demons, witches, shifters. When vulnerable humans find themselves thrust into that realm, they’ll never be the same. . .

In the aftermath of war, a fragile peace hovers between the Kurjan nation and the Dark Protector coalition. Yet amid labyrinthine politics and intrigue, Vero Phoenix, a Kurjan, stands apart. He has lived devoid of legacy or lineage—until the day he backed his newfound brother as king, putting himself into the treacherous position of enforcer and shield. Yet there is another thorn in his side, no less vexing, undeniably captivating—and all-too-human . . .

Lyrica Graves was once ensnared by Kurjan captors and now embodies defiance and freedom as she guides other women to independence and modernity. She is particularly amused—and breathtakingly challenged—by her battles with Vero. But their clashing also belies a sizzling connection, a dark attraction between supernatural and fully human that threatens their chosen destinies and makes them a target for far too many bloodthirsty enemies . . .

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This was a great addiction to the Rebecca Zanetti’s Dark Protecters Series. PRINCE OF DARKNESS had suspense, danger, smoking hot romance and a story that kept me up all night. I loved the characters. If you haven’t read the series yet it is one of my favorite paranormal series. I love Rebecca Zanetti’s writing style and she always delivers a great story with a HEA. Go pick one up if you’re a paranormal romance lover and fall in love with her characters.

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

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Buy Links

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

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About the Author

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. She has received a Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review for Wicked Edge, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice Nominations for Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge, and RT Top Picks for several of her novels. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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Review: FIRST-TIME CALLER by B.K. Borison


FIRST-TIME CALLER by B.K. Borison

Publication Date: February 11, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Aiden Valentine has a secret: he’s fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, that’s a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight.

Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job; an incredible family; and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life—or lack thereof—she begins to question if she’s as happy as she believed. Maybe a little more romance wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending…even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final decision between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.

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Donna 4 stars

This was an enjoyable contemporary romance reminiscent of Sleepless in Seattle. Aiden is a radio romance talk show host. The problem is he doesn’t believe in romance. I liked him even though I occasionally became frustrated with his stand on relationships and inability to communicate at times. I loved Lucie. Quick witted and real. Nothing seemed forced in her personality, making her relatable and someone I wanted to find happiness.

For me the story was about their quick banter and flirting. It was enhanced by the fun friends and family around them. I’m a sucker for group camaraderie that makes me wish I was a part of it all. And this story did that. As for romance, it was a realistically paced slow-burn that became quite spicy.  I think the book could have been shorter, tightened up a bit more, so that is why it is scored a 4.

I’m still smiling and can’t wait for the next book.

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

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Buy Links

Paperback | Kindle

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About the Author

B.K. Borison is the author of cozy, contemporary romances featuring emotionally vulnerable characters and swoon-worthy settings. When she’s not daydreaming about fictional characters doing fictional things, she’s at home with her family, more than likely buying books she doesn’t have room for. Lovelight Farms was her debut novel.

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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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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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.