Book Review: Catch Her If You Can

Title - Catch Her If You Can 

Author - Tessa Bailey 

Tropes - Sports Romance  

Series - Big Shots Book 5 

Format - Arc Ebook 

Publication date: January 20th 2026

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Synopsis 

#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey is back with an all-new marriage of convenience, friends-to-lovers sports romance about a baseball catcher and the burlesque club owner he can’t get out of his head.

Madden Donahue, the newest catcher for the Yankees, has been in love with Eve Mitchell since high school, but for some mysterious reason, the burlesque club owner always turns him down. That never stopped him from being her self-appointed protector. Case in point, now that Eve’s sister has left Eve with her two children indefinitely, Madden steps in with a proposition—marry him for the much needed health benefits.

Eve has secretly harbored feelings for Madden all along, but there’s one problem—her best friend Skylar called dibs on him when they were fourteen. Eve has always put their friendship above all else, and she’s not willing to risk losing Skylar over a man. Raised by the local strip club owner, Eve is woefully short on friends and treasures the ones she has. But with Skylar happily paired off, Eve finds herself accepting Madden’s proposal—on the condition that their marriage remains strictly private. She’s not about to let her unique profession and maligned reputation destroy Madden’s shiny new career.

Madden won’t let Eve get away that easily, though. What starts as a marriage of convenience soon ignites into something much hotter, and now it’s up to Madden to convince Eve that their connection is far more than a business arrangement. As the passion builds, can their fake marriage become the real deal?

My Review

I received Catch Her If You Can in return for an honest review from the publisher. 

Eve and Madden have been friends since he moved to town but neither one can deny that they are attracted to each other and as they years pass it just grows. Madden has always been there to help and protect Eve since they were kids.  When she needed help he proposed a six month marriage so that she can get the help for her nephew. However, Madden doesn't plan on letting her go at the end of the six months. 

I love Eve she's such a sweetheart you can't help cheering her own and Madden just complements her so well. Both characters are easy to connect with and I just loved them both. I love the supporting cast they are perfect for the story. They have this sweet yet steamy connect that just works perfectly for them and it's adorable. I loved that Madden didn't judge her reason's for needed the burlesque club and supported her in every way. 

I was hooked at the first page and didn't stop till I finished the last page so hooked on Eve and Maddens story. I've been a huge fan of the authors storytelling for a long time but this may just be my favorite set of characters as I just loved their story. The author has created a captivating story that stole a little place in my heart and I'm feeling a little book hangover might just need to binge the series again. Highly recommend if you enjoy friends to lovers and sports romance. 

Book Review: Most Eligible

Title - Most Eligible 

Author - Isabelle Engel 

Tropes - Contemporary Rom-com 

Series - Standalone 

Format - Arc Ebook via Netgaley 

Publication date: January 13th 2026

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Synopsis 

Miss Congeniality meets The Bachelor in this action-packed rom-com debut about an investigative journalist who sneaks onto reality TV only to fall for the wrong guy.

Georgia Rose is not going on the hit reality dating show Love Shack to find love. She’s there to write a killer exposé on the producers, which will guarantee the journalism job of her dreams. But when Georgia’s unforgettable one-night stand from the year before, country singer Rhett Auburn, steps into the Malibu mansion as the season’s new host, all of her carefully crafted plans unravel.

Caught up in the drama of backstabbing contestants, producer blackmail, and death-defying dates, Georgia must keep her identity—and history with Rhett—a secret. Despite the lies between them, it isn’t long before Georgia and Rhett’s heated behind-the-scenes moments start to feel more genuine than the romance Georgia’s faking for the cameras. But with her assignment unfinished and the executive producer on her tail, a second chance with Rhett could be her riskiest move of all.

My Review

I received Most Eligible in return for an honest review via Netgalley and St. Martins Press. 

When I received this one I did a little happy dance because I'm addicted to all dating reality shows but have been watching the Bachelor since the first season. I couldn't pass up on the chance to read a rom-com version of my favorite show. Georgia is one of the ladies that shows up to date our Batchelor but she's not here for love it's the story of behind the scenes she's after. 

I loved the characters Georgia is fantastic and I really connected with her through the whole story. I just loved her her goal was to win the heart of Roland so she can write her story but along the way she makes friends and realizes some things are more important. I loved every moment of her adventures even when she thought she was going to die falling off the ladder. 

I laughed so hard with this story and devoured it in one read session I was hooked right from the moment she walked in the house till the very last page. Rhett is swoon-worth in every way you want a country singer to be and he's a good guy. I loved how the story ended it was better than I could have ever hoped for. This is a cute rom-com that had me giggling though Georgia's whole adventure. The author did a beautiful job creating characters to fall in love with and a story that is adorable. Highly recommend as I loved it so much. This will totally be a re-read on my shelf. 

Happy Release & Review: Pretty Vicious

Title - Pretty Vicious 

Author - Lexi Davis 

Tropes - Dark Academia Romance 

Series - The Order #1 

Format - Arc Ebook 

Publication date: January 13th 2026

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Synopsis 

Laurel just wanted to survive college, keep her father fed, and fly under the radar.

Delivering pizzas was supposed to be the safe kind of side hustle, until the night she witnesses a murder at Ashford House, the most elite and secretive fraternity on campus.

Now she’s a prisoner of The Order, a blood-bound society that controls everything from politics to police. They rule with ritual, obedience, and violence, and they’ve decided Laurel doesn’t get to leave.

At the center of it all is Carrson Ashford, heir to the powerful Ashford legacy.

Cold. Commanding. Infuriatingly magnetic.

Under the rules of The Order, he “bonds” her, marking Laurel as his.

Body. Mind. Soul.

But Laurel isn’t here to be claimed. Not without a fight.

To save her father and her future, Laurel must navigate a twisted realm of initiation rites, brutal secrets, and a bond that may destroy them both.

In this world, there’s one rule: obey or die.

But love doesn’t follow rules. And neither does Laurel.

★ Dark academia meets Southern Gothic in this emotionally intense, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, morally gray, twisted college romance filled with secrets, violence, and impossible love. Perfect for fans of Penelope Douglas, LJ Shen, Shantel Tessier, and Sierra Simone.

My Review

I received Pretty Vicious in return for an honest review. 

Laurel while working runs into The Order on campus finding herself pulled into the dark world of a secret society. All she has to do is survive the year and she's free to go but she never expected to start having feelings for Carrson causing her to question everything. She finds friend in unlikely situations and the more she learns the more she can't just walk away. 

I loved both Laurel and Carrson they both had challenges growing up but it's just made them stronger. When Laurel gives Sam the Handmaid's Tale I knew she was my kind of character. After all I read that several times in school and enjoyed it. The characters are relatable you can't help connecting with them and cheering them on. Plus Carrson is swoonworthy in all the right ways. 

I was hooked right from the start and didn't stop till the last page and talk about an ending. I'm still in the book hangover phase thanks to how perfect the story was it's dark and gritty but also sweet and spicy. The author has a beautiful job creating a captivating story that stole my heart and left wanting more. I love the dark academia concept and this one doesn't disappoint it's got everything I could have ever wanted and characters I just loved. I'm addicted to the authors storytelling she's quickly becoming one of my favorites and I have now I need to read all her books while I wait impatiently for the next one in the series. Highly recommend a perfect balance of story to romance. I loved everything about it!!! 

Book Review: Where Dreams Fall

Title - Where Dreams Fall 

Author - R.L. Caulder 

Format - Arc Ebook 

Publication date: March 17th 2026 

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Synopsis 

In a world in which dreams are guarded and nightmares are unsanctioned, one woman’s unraveling mind may hold the key to everything the empire fears.

Elysia has spent her life thus far beneath the white clouds of the Dromin elves, protected from nightmares and the Nithrin elves that feed on them—until now. Her dreams have begun to twist into haunting scenes of ancient creatures, death . . . and a mysterious figure cloaked in light and shadow. Elysia suspects he’s a Dromin elf breaking multiple laws to appear to her, and his whispered words and lingering touch ignite a spark between them that the gods themselves will soon fear.

When the queen dies and a brutal selection process to replace her begins, Elysia quickly realizes the waking world is fracturing alongside her sleeping one. Women across the empire are offered to the elven high priestess, put forward as potential heads for a crown drenched in blood and lies. Elysia finds herself at the center of the trials, and if she’s to survive them, she’ll have to decide what she’s willing to fight for—and if she can live with the choices she’s forced to make. Because only one will be chosen as queen, but all will be broken in the process.

Elysia eventually ascends into the elven world to find the one who stirred her heart is waiting there, but his true identity is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Choosing each other will mean forsaking the world they’re trying to save . . .

My Review

I received Where Dreams Fall in return for an honest review. 

Elysia has lived a quiet life her dreams have gotten a little more into nightmares recently but her family is well. When the current fae queen dies suddenly all the women of age are called to be selected for the new queen. Her village chooses her and she's forced to leave her family and only home. However, if she's chosen her village will prosper. Things in the fae courts aren't what they seem and making it to coronation is dangerous. 

I love Elysia she's such a great character even before the selection started you can't help liking her. She's a genuinely good person who will risk it all to save those she cares about. Rhune is kind of a perfect he's the underdog who has spent his whole life living in his brothers shadows. They have this spark and I just loved it as the relationship is sweet but undeniable. 

I devoured this one in one afternoon I couldn't put it down so obsessed with Elysia's story. I was hooked from the very first chapter till the last page. I need the next one like yesterday because I'm having severe book hangover waiting. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help cheering them on through the story. 

I loved everything about this book it's a perfect balance of story and action with just a touch of romance. I'm a huge fan of the author every book of hers I just fall head over heels in love with the characters and story. The cover is as beautiful as the story within it is. A truly captivating romantasty that stole a little place in my heart. I addicted to all her stories but this may just be my favorite as Elysia is just such an amazing character. Highly recommend if you enjoy Romantasy it's a must read. 

Book Reviews: Savage Crown

Title - Savage Crown 

Author - Leia Stone 

Genre -  Fantasy Werewolves 

Format - Ebook 

Publication date: December 17th 2025 

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Synopsis 

To save a kingdom, I may have to surrender my soul.

My hard won victory in the Arcane Trials came with a price I never expected. Now, as Kaelric fights to reclaim his shattered kingdom, I must choose between answering the dangerous call of my heart, or protecting the family I've always sworn to keep safe.

But the deeper I step into his world, the more I realize that some bonds demand more than I ever imagined giving.

My Review

I received Savage Crown in return for an honest review from the author. 

I've been anxiously waiting for the conclusion to the Bonded by Fate duet. Brynn and Kaelric have won the trial but it's far from over as they still need to take back the crown and free his people. I love Brynn and Kaelric they have this sweet connection that just works even though they are from different worlds. The characters are great because you can really connect with them you can't help cheering Brynn on. 

I devoured this one in just one reading session just like the prior book. I was hooked from first to last page and the ending was perfect. The concept is unique and exciting who doesn't love an epic fantasy story with a sprinkle of romance. I loved Val she was such an intricate unique part of the story. I loved the first book and the second book was everything I needed to complete the duet perfectly. 

I'm a huge fan of all of the authors werewolves books and have been reading her books forever. I can honestly say I think I've read all her books. They are all action packed fantasy with just a touch of romance. With characters you can connect with and can't help falling in love with. I love the Bonded by Fate duet it's one of my favorites by the author and highly recommend if you enjoy werewolf epic fantasy. I can't wait to see what comes next from this author as she's such a gifted storyteller. 

Happy Pub Day! & Review: Deadliest Desire

Title - Deadliest Desire

Author - Nikki Ash 

Genre -  Dark Romance 

Format - Ebook 

Publication date: January 8th 2026

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Synopsis 

Matteo

Daniella is my best friend’s younger sister—sweet, innocent Little Russo—and the one woman I should stay away from.

But when she unknowingly marries a man who’s out to destroy her family, she lands herself in danger she can’t escape, and I’m the only one who can protect her.

My first mistake? Insisting she move in with me.

Because the more time I spend with Daniella, the more the light threatens to break through my darkness, making me want things I’ve rejected for most of my life.

I should reject her too. Keep her away from me as much as from him.

That’s the problem with our arrangement though …

Her husband is bad.

Me? I’m worse.

I’m rough, ruthless, and nothing close to what she deserves. I can’t give her the white picket fence she desires.

But she doesn’t see the blood on my hands, or that I’m not husband or father material.

All she sees is the man who’ll burn down the world to save her.

Please note: Deadliest Desire is not a mafia romance. The book is a dark romance because of its content. Since dark romance can mean different things to different readers, please check the detailed content warnings on my website. Your mental health matters.

My Review

I received Deadliest Desire in return for an honest review from the author. 

First off can we address how stunning this edition!! I'm a tad bit obsessed with this series covers they are gorgeous each one is better then the next. I can't wait to see the next cover. This is Matteo and Daniella's story and it's perfect. I loved Dani right from the start she just a sweetheart and so relatable and when she made a healthy chocolate cake she I was sold. I love the sweet romance between them it's adorable. He's obsessed with her in a good way and I'm here for it all. 

She not perfect she does like a pumpkin spice latte in the summer but she did redeem herself with a muffin. I loved when she figured out how to help Matteo with his dyslexia and he was reading her the Giver. I loved everything about these two they complement each other so perfectly. I loved Peyton and Dominick from the first one but they two might have pushed them out of my favorite top spot. 

I devoured this one in just one reading session I was hooked right from page one ready to dive into Matteo's story as we met him in the prior story. It was perfect a captivating story with just the right amount of spice and just enough action to keep you on your toes. I am addicted to Nikki Ash's storytelling because each one is beautiful created with characters to fall in love with. I loved every moment of Deadliest Desires and my only complaint is I never want it to end. She's done such a wonderful job creating a world I want to live in. Highly recommend starting with the first one because they are interconnected but I love them one of my favorite billionaire romance but honestly I love all her books. She's an autobuy author for me. 

Book Review: Bad Bishop

Title - Bad Bishop 

Author - L.J. Shen 

Genre -  Dark Romance Dystopian 

Format - Audiobook 

Publication date: November 4th 2025

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Synopsis 

From New York Times bestselling author L.J. Shen comes a dark age-gap mafia romance.

He's Deathless.

She's trying to find a reason to live.

Lila

My innocence was ripped from me one fateful night under the starless sky.

Resulting in an unwanted teenage pregnancy and a secret the Camorra must bury.

My father decided to hand me off to the highest bidder.

The lucky winner? Tiernan Callaghan, psychopath extraordinaire.

The Irish mafia prince wants me for all the wrong reasons.

Alliance. Money. Prestige. War.

I am but a pawn in his twisted game.

The man who sits on a throne of his enemies' skulls thinks I'm a weakling.

Little does he know, in this chess game, the underdog wins.

Because the thing about bad bishops?

They protect good pawns.

Bad Bishop is a dark and twisted romance. Please read trigger warnings before reading.

QOTD Do you pick books based on cover or synopsis? 

My Review

I pre-ordered this one because that cover is stunning! It looks beautiful on my shelf where it's sat since it arrived. I actually listened to the audiobook because how could I not with the narrator choices. When it comes to Corvin King I always have to slow down his books because his accents are just so perfect and I devoured this one in about 5 hours it was impossible to put down. 

I loved Lila she's such a great character and her story is just so heartbreaking I'm glad she had a Bad Bishop to save her from it. It's a dark mafia romance so of course Tiernan isn't a good guy but who doesn't love a morally grey mmc. He's swoonworthy you can't help adding him to your book boyfriend list. I loved that he saw Lila for who she really was not what she pretended to be. I love the relationship between them it's sweet and so beautifully done. 

This is not my first book by the author and won't be my last either as I've loved every book of hers. This one might just be my favorite as it hooked me right from the start till the very end and gave me all the feels. This will be a re-read for sure, I feel like even though it's dark it's a must for any romance fan. Do read the triggers but I highly recommend!!! Top tier dark romance for sure. Even his sister stole a place in my heart I can't wait to read her story next.