Chris M

The Step Don't has a fun premise and plenty of chemistry, and Riley Hart and Devon McCormack definitely know how to write heat. The spice is genuinely fun, and the authors lean into it with confidence. But it takes over so much that the story never really gets the chance to develop.

There are small hints of emotional depth and a dynamic that could have been interesting, but every time the plot starts to open up, it gets pushed aside for another spicy scene. After a while, it starts to feel repetitive, and I kept wishing for more character work and quieter moments to balance things out.

If you want something light and very steam‑forward, this will deliver. As a fuller romance with grounding and growth, it fell short for me.

“Forbidden romance? Perhaps. Frowned upon romance? Definitely!”

That line hooked me immediately, and it really does capture the vibe of this story. I went in excited for the tension and the softness that usually come with this kind of setup, and while I enjoyed myself, it didn’t always land the way I hoped. For me, this sits comfortably at 3.5 stars.

The premise is great and the chemistry is there, but the writing felt a little lighter than I expected. There are a lot of spicy scenes, and even though they’re fun, I kept wishing some of that page time had gone toward quieter moments that would have deepened the characters and made their connection feel more grounded. I wanted a bit more emotional development and a little more space for the relationship to breathe.

Even with that, I liked the book. It’s easy to read, the characters are likable, and the setup is addictive in that familiar Riley Hart and Devon McCormack way. And honestly, knowing what’s coming next has me curious. Book 2 focuses on Colin and Ash, and that pairing has so much potential. Colin being Troy’s best friend and Ash being his stepbrother sets up a whole new kind of tension, and I’m already looking forward to seeing how their dynamic unfolds.

A fun, fast read that left me wanting a bit more depth, but I’m definitely continuing the series.

This was such a warm and quietly satisfying romance. Role Model really shines in how it builds Harris and Troy as two lovable opposites who fit together in the most grounding way. Harris has this bright, open warmth, and Troy carries a guarded softness he tries to hide. Their differences do not create friction. They steady each other. Harris brings light into Troy’s world, and Troy gives Harris something solid and real in return.

I also appreciated that the story does not rely on the usual late book falling out. Their relationship grows with a steady, believable rhythm that makes every moment feel earned.

Tender, funny, and full of genuine connection. I loved watching them find their balance.

Secret Service ended up being such an engaging surprise for me. This was my first Tal Bauer book, and I really enjoyed the mix of tension, tenderness, and the emotional threads he seems to write so well. President Brennan and Agent Reese have a calm, steady chemistry that grows with this believable, quietly intimate warmth. Their connection gives all the political pressure around them a more personal weight, and I liked how grounded they stayed even when everything around them was spiraling.

I’m not usually into dual timelines. They can feel distracting for me, but Bauer handled them better than I expected. They’re clear, purposeful, and woven in with enough emotional context that they actually add to the story instead of pulling me out of it.

Overall, this was heartfelt, engaging, and surprisingly gentle in all the right places. A solid 4 star read that left me glad I read it, and it definitely made me want to pick up more by this author.