Charles

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.

The Fix-Up is the kind of romance that draws you in from the very first page. With the perfect blend of warmth, wit, and emotional depth, it’s a story that lingers long after the final chapter. Ellie is a strong, determined single mom who’s just inherited half a house and café—along with a grumpy (but absurdly attractive) co-owner, Gil, who wants nothing to do with any of it.

Their forced cohabitation sets the stage for a slow-burn romance full of tension, banter, and unexpected tenderness. Gil doesn’t have a tragic past, but a mysterious one—especially when it comes to his grandfather Ollie, the man who left everything behind. As Ellie and Gil navigate their new normal, long-buried emotions come to light, and so does the chemistry neither of them expected.

Ellie’s son Oliver absolutely stole my heart. His bond with Gil grows in the most heartwarming ways, and his joy and curiosity bring a beautiful layer of light to the story. I also really enjoyed Gil’s brother, Mikey—his emotional depth and unwavering loyalty stood out. Mikey clearly just wants to be wherever Gil is, and the friendship he and Oliver develop is both touching and sweet.

What truly made this book shine for me was the writing. Sharon M. Peterson’s voice is engaging and heartfelt, with pacing that feels just right. You can tell how much thought, care, and emotion went into every chapter. The story flows effortlessly, filled with both laugh-out-loud moments and scenes that tug at your heart.

The Fix-Up is a charming, feel-good read with forced proximity, lovable characters, and a romance that builds naturally and beautifully. It’s everything I want in a small-town love story—and more.

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

With a Cherry on Top completely swept me away. I laughed, I cried, and I felt every twist and turn of this slow-burn, forbidden romance. Letizia Lorini crafts an emotional, spicy, and deeply satisfying story that hits all the right notes.

Aaron is a single dad doing his best to keep life steady while going through a complicated divorce. He’s focused on his daughter, his work, and staying far away from trouble—which makes Charlotte, his client’s daughter, the very last person he should be drawn to. But Charlotte is bold, electric, and impossible to ignore. Their chemistry simmers from the moment they meet, and the forbidden aspect of their connection only adds to the tension.

This book delivers on the heat, but what really makes it shine is the emotional depth and character growth. The pacing is pitch-perfect—every glance, every touch, every moment between Aaron and Charlotte feels earned. And the side characters? Absolute standouts. They bring just the right amount of humor and heart to balance the intensity.

With a Cherry on Top is more than just a steamy age-gap romance—it’s a story about risk, healing, and finding joy where you least expect it. If you love forbidden love, emotionally rich storytelling, and characters that linger long after the last page, this one belongs at the top of your TBR.

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

From the very first page, Red, White & Royal Blue had me completely hooked. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in just two days — a rare feat for me! Casey McQuiston’s debut novel is the perfect blend of wit, heart, and political fairytale, delivering a beautifully crafted LGBTQ+ romance that feels both modern and timeless.

The story follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the charismatic First Son of the United States, and his not-so-friendly rival, Prince Henry of England. Their relationship starts off with tension, fueled by years of mutual annoyance and carefully staged public appearances. But when a PR disaster threatens to sour US-British relations, the two are forced into a fake friendship to salvage diplomatic optics. What begins as damage control slowly blossoms into something tender, passionate, and wholly unexpected — a secret romance that could change the course of both their lives and their countries’ futures.

What makes this novel shine is its richly drawn characters and heartfelt exploration of identity, responsibility, and love. Alex’s journey of self-discovery is powerful and deeply relatable, especially for readers who are navigating their own understanding of sexuality. His voice is sharp, passionate, and sincere, and his evolution from a confident political wunderkind to someone questioning his future, his heart, and his place in history is both moving and inspiring. Henry, with his quiet charm and deep vulnerability, is the perfect complement to Alex’s fiery spirit. Together, they’re magnetic — a couple that makes you root for love above all else.

McQuiston doesn’t just give us a love story — they give us a world where love matters, where representation is empowering, and where two boys from vastly different worlds can change the narrative simply by choosing each other. The supporting cast is equally delightful — from Alex’s ambitious sister June to his best friend Nora, each character adds humor and warmth to an already rich story.

This book isn’t just for romance lovers. It’s for anyone who wants to see a story about growth, acceptance, and the messy, beautiful path to becoming who you really are. The pacing is fast, the dialogue is sharp and clever, and the romance? Utterly swoon-worthy. It’s exactly the kind of queer representation I wish I had growing up — joyful, unapologetic, and deeply affirming.

Whether you’re exploring your identity or simply in the mood for a heartfelt enemies-to-lovers romance with political flair, Red, White & Royal Blue is a must-read. And if you haven’t heard — it’s already been adapted into a movie, bringing this incredible love story to an even wider audience. I can’t recommend this book enough.

A Five-Star Sports Romance That Scores Big on Heart, Heat, and Humor

Tessa Bailey’s Pitcher Perfect is a grand slam of a romance novel—equal parts steamy, funny, and heartfelt. With her signature blend of laugh-out-loud banter and emotional depth, Bailey crafts a story that will charm fans of enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and found family tropes from page one to the last pitch.

At the heart of the story is Robbie Corrigan, a rookie NHL player whose life seems pretty perfect: he’s just made it to the pros, has a reputation as a charming “orgasm donor,” and enjoys the attention that comes with it. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige—a no-nonsense softball pitcher who sees right through his player persona. Skylar is laser-focused, highly organized (with actual itineraries for her personal goals!), and completely uninterested in being another name on Robbie’s long list of flings.

The tension between Skylar and Robbie is electric from the start. Their initial interactions are full of witty, fast-paced dialogue and that delicious friction that only great enemies-to-lovers stories can deliver. But Bailey doesn’t stop at the surface-level tension. As the two are thrown together in a fake relationship—complete with a wilderness competition and Skylar’s not-so-secret crush on someone else—they begin to peel back each other’s emotional layers. What starts as a favor turns into something deeper, something real, and watching them slowly come to terms with their feelings is immensely satisfying.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is the emotional growth both characters undergo. Robbie is more than just a flirtatious hockey star; beneath his charm is someone deeply loyal, protective, and yearning for something real. Skylar, too, has to navigate what she really wants in a relationship, and her journey is equally compelling. Bailey handles their individual arcs with tenderness, humor, and just the right amount of angst.

And then there’s the spice—Pitcher Perfect delivers. The intimacy between Skylar and Robbie is not just physically charged but emotionally resonant. Every steamy moment is layered with meaning, vulnerability, and care, making their connection feel incredibly genuine.

The supporting cast only adds to the story’s appeal. From the chaos of the family wilderness competition to the cameos by characters from the previous books in the series, there’s a sense of community and warmth that deepens the reading experience. Robbie’s friendships, Skylar’s family, and even the unexpected appearances from familiar faces all make the world feel rich and lived in.

In the end, Pitcher Perfect is a romance that delivers on every front: it’s funny, flirty, deeply emotional, and thoroughly enjoyable. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Tessa Bailey or new to her work, this book will remind you why she’s a standout in the contemporary romance genre.

If you’re looking for a sports romance that brings the heat while also tugging at your heartstrings, Pitcher Perfect is a must-read.

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

Lex Easton’s Jaded is a heartfelt, gritty MM hockey romance that delivers far more than just swoony chemistry. At its core, this is a story about second chances, healing, and finding meaning when life doesn’t go as planned. Nat, once a rising hockey star, is now scraping by as a Zamboni driver and single dad. Olli, the Dingoes’ new captain, is battling his own demons while trying to salvage his shot at the NHL. Neither expects to find something real in each other—but what begins as tension-filled banter quickly turns into something deeper.

The relationship between Nat and Olli is slow-burn perfection, filled with hurt/comfort, vulnerability, and moments of genuine tenderness. The nicknames “Mouse” and “Ghost” are surprisingly intimate and endearing, capturing the soft, guarded sides of both men in a way that lingers long after the final page. The representation of depression and mental health is handled with honesty and care—raw without being overly dramatic, and truly reflective of real-life struggles.

Set against the backdrop of a dying hockey town and an underground fight-club-style league, Jaded adds enough grit and atmosphere to make the emotional moments hit even harder. Some pacing issues in the middle and underdeveloped side characters keep this from being a five-star read, but the connection between Nat and Olli shines. This is an emotional, bruised, and beautiful start to the Day River Dingoes series.

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