Charles

# The Prince's Playbook by Nora Phoenix ## Opening hook ## What the book is about ## What worked for me ## What did not work for me ## Favorite elements ## Who I recommend it for ## Final thoughts ## Disclosure I received an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Claire Wilder delivers an emotionally rich, beautifully written romance in Over & Out, the third installment of her Redbeard Cove series. This small-town, beachside romance is packed with sharp wit, sizzling chemistry, and a depth of feeling that lingers long after the final page.

Chris’s journey—from loss and uncertainty to healing and rediscovery—feels raw, relatable, and genuinely earned. Her voice is refreshingly real, and Wilder captures her internal struggle with stunning nuance. The trauma of her accident isn’t just backstory—it shapes every decision, every doubt, and every reluctant hope she begins to feel again.

Enter Hopper Donnach: Hollywood heartthrob, rough-around-the-edges boss, and the last person Chris expects to be thrown into close quarters with. What begins as classic enemies-to-lovers banter soon evolves into something deeper, something tender. Hopper’s complexity—his private grief, his hidden kindness—balances beautifully against Chris’s guarded strength. Their connection simmers with slow-burn intensity, and every moment between them feels earned.

Wilder masterfully blends tropes like grumpy-sunshine, boss-employee tension, and secret identity, but it never feels formulaic. Instead, these elements work together to create a romance that’s heartfelt and grounded. And beneath the surface, the emotional subplot involving Hopper’s father adds an extra layer of poignancy that quietly shapes the entire story.

Over & Out is a standout romance—smart, layered, and utterly swoon-worthy. Whether you’re new to Redbeard Cove or a returning fan, this one is not to be missed.

I received this book for free from Grey's Promotions in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Amy James delivers an unforgettable romance with Crash Test, a story that fuses high-speed adrenaline with heartfelt emotion in a way that feels both gripping and deeply personal.

Twenty-four-year-old Formula 1 driver Travis Keeping is having the season of his life—until a horrific crash in Formula 2 leaves his secret boyfriend, Jacob Nichols, in critical condition. No one knows about their relationship, and suddenly Travis is forced to navigate the public eye, the racing world, and his personal grief completely alone. With Jacob’s family shutting him out and his performance slipping on the track, everything Travis has worked for is slipping through his fingers.

James masterfully captures the raw ache of love, identity, and vulnerability in high-stakes circumstances. Both Travis and Jacob’s perspectives are deeply felt and thoughtfully written. Travis struggles with the pressure of the spotlight and the helplessness of being shut out while the person he loves is fighting to recover. Meanwhile, Jacob’s journey—waking up to a world that no longer feels the same and confronting his identity head-on—is handled with honesty and care. Their emotional connection remains central even as they’re physically apart, making every quiet moment and hard-earned realization resonate.

This book is light on steam, but that restraint works beautifully for the story being told. The emotional payoff doesn’t come from grand gestures but from small, deeply intimate moments of growth, hope, and reconnection. The side characters bring moments of warmth and levity, and the motorsport setting adds a unique and exciting backdrop without overshadowing the emotional core.

Crash Test is more than a romance—it’s a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the courage to love openly in a world that often demands silence. It’s tender, emotional, and ultimately triumphant.

Perfect for fans of sports romance with heart and emotionally rich queer love stories. An easy five stars from me.

I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan brings the heat, the heart, and a hero who’s impossible not to fall for. This steamy sports romance checks all the right boxes: emotionally satisfying, wildly sexy, and grounded in real character growth.

NFL center Ethan Dexter is a refreshing twist on the usual football star—tattooed, bearded, a little broody, and famously still a virgin. But once he sets his sights on Fiona Mackenzie, all bets are off. Their chemistry is electric right from the start, and once things heat up, the pages practically burn. Dex’s virginity is handled with warmth and care, adding depth to the steamy scenes that follow.

Fiona is smart, ambitious, and wary of anything that might throw her life off balance—including a relationship with her brother-in-law’s best friend. Their dynamic is intense, intimate, and often funny. One of the most memorable moments comes when private photos of the two are leaked to the press—an emotional turning point that’s handled quickly but effectively, with a satisfying resolution that showcases their growth as a couple.

While the middle of the book slowed down my reading pace a bit, the final stretch absolutely made up for it. The ending is everything I wanted—romantic, feel-good, and completely worth the journey.

Final Thoughts:

With unforgettable characters, steamy scenes, and a truly swoon-worthy conclusion, The Game Plan earns a solid four stars. Dex and Fi’s story is sexy, emotional, and sure to satisfy any sports romance fan.

I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Okay, so I, like so many others, have been on a hockey romance kick for the past several years. I absolutely devour everything when it comes to hockey romance! So one of the first series I started with was Off-Campus by Elle Kennedy, and I loved it (I love it so much that now I’m thinking about doing a reread of the series). So when I was Love Song was being published, and an ARC was available, I knew I had to read it ASAP. Love Song follows the second generation of the Off-Campus characters, mainly Wyatt Graham and Blake Logan. I absolutely loved seeing so many of the original characters showing up and their antics, as well as learning about the new characters. There are quite a few new characters, and sometimes it was hard to keep track of who was who, but luckily, Elle Kennedy has provided family trees on her official website (LINK). This book had it all: character development, funny antics, growth, and steam, so much steam. The chemistry between Wyatt and Blake is off the charts, and the whole book, I kept rooting for them. There were a few sensitive topics explored in Love Song, so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in. It took me about two chapters to really get into the story, but once I did, it was hard to put down. The pace was perfect for me and kept me engaged the entire time. I highly recommend Love Song for those who have read the Off-Campus series and want to see some of their favorite characters and learn about some more family members. Love Song is currently my top read so far for 2026.