Book Review: La Dolce Veto

Title -La Dolce Veto 

Author - Caitlin Alice Gilbert 

Tropes - Enemies to Lovers, Romcom, forced proximity 

Format - eArc

Publication date: April 7th 2026 

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Synopsis 

From debut author Caitlin Alice Gilbert comes a bold and emotionally resonant romance that flips the script on scandal, and shows the power of self-discovery, redemption, and a summer of love in a small Italian town.

Rising star US Congresswoman Isabella Rhodes was supposed to be making history—not headlines.

But when a devastating betrayal shatters her political career overnight, she flees to La Musa, a sleepy village in the heart of Umbria where the days are slow, the pasta is handmade, and no one knows her name.

At Villa Farentino, Izzy hopes to start fresh, far from politics and the relentless eyes of the world. But her plans unravel when she learns she’ll be sharing the villa with Benito Farentino, the brooding, newly elected mayor who is just as determined to save his crumbling hometown as he is unwilling to trust outsiders.

As tensions grow over a controversial hotel development, Izzy is pulled into the fight for La Musa’s future… and further into Benito’s world. And soon, what began as a quiet escape becomes a chance to rebuild, to believe again, and maybe even to fall in love.

Izzy now has a choice. Will she risk her second chance at happiness for the life she left behind, or stay and fight for the one she’s only just begun to imagine?

My Review

I received La Dolce Veto in return for an honest review from Keeperton. 

Izzy's life has spiraled out of control and she's forced to step back from her political career so a trip to Italy sounds like just what she needs. Upon arriving she has no plans other than to enjoy her time and she's not planning to return to the life she loved. It's while living in La Musa she meets Benito who's just returned home after his time in London. However, she can't escape her past and it's calling her back. 

I loved Izzy she's a sweetheart and the fact that she choose to run to Italy when her political career blew up was such a smart idea. I feel like sometimes we just all need a nice long vacation or just a change and this was a huge one. I love the relationship between Izzy and Benito it's this sweet and just a little spicy. I really felt like I was able to connect with Izzy she's just such a great character you can't help loving her story. 

I devoured this one in just one afternoon as I was hooked right from the start. I had the audiobook and I've listened to the narrator before she's one of my favorites. The author has done a beautiful job creating a captivating story that I fell in love with. I enjoyed the characters and loved the sweet romance. I'm excited to see what the author will write next as I'm a fan. Highly recommend if you are looking for a contemporary romance. 

Book Review: Mayhem and the Mortal

Title - Mayhem and the Mortal 

Author - Shanora Williams  

Tropes - Fantasy Romance  

Format - eArc 

Publication date: March 17th 2026 

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Synopsis 

One mission. One curse. No escape.

Zaira doesn’t want a hero. She needs a weapon.

To save her sister from a soul-devouring curse, she has to cross The Shallows—a nightmare landscape of ruined magic, shifting paths, and vicious creatures that eat people alive.

Her guide? Thane Valkor: sorcerer, assassin, walking red flag. His name clears rooms. His magic kills quietly. And whatever he’s really after, it’s not salvation.

He promises to help. He might even mean it.

But Zaira knows better than to trust a liar with a blade and ice in his veins.

She just doesn’t have a choice.

My Review

I received Mayhem and the Mortal in return for an honest review from Valentine PR. 

Zaira's sister has been cursed and without a way to break the curse she won't be able to save her. The only way she knows to break the curse is to set off to the dangerous Shallows to get a stone that will break the curse. She hires Thane to take her to the Shallows but he's got his own agenda. Along the way they bring together a rag tag group of friends on an adventure of a lifetime. 

 I loved Zaira she's such a great character and I really felt like I could connect with her. The whole cast of characters are perfect you can't help liking them all. I hope that if I was every cursed I had someone like her who was willing to risk everything to save me. Thane is just the right amount of grumpy hero and swoon-worthy with just a touch of morally grey.  

I was hooked from the very first page by Zaira's story till the very last page. I actually devoured this one in one sitting it was impossible to put down till the very last page. This is a fast paced action packed whirlwind adventure with just a little romance. The author has done a beautiful job creating a story to fall in love with. This is one of my most anticipated reads and it doesn't disappoint it's a must read if you enjoy Romantasy. I loved it! 

  

Book Review: A Heist for Filthy Rivals

Title - A Heist for Filthy Rivals 

Author - Rebecca F Kenney  

Series -3rd in the Mythic Holidays 

Genre - Romance Enemies to Lovers 

Format - Paperback Review Copy 

Publication date: October 10th 2025

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Synopsis

A rollicking enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance in which two rival thieves, each the leader of their own crew, battle each other in an attempt to steal priceless treasure from a magical fortress. Prepare for mayhem, monsters, wicked banter, traps, and taunts as a cunning young thief competes against her cocky yet charming nemesis for the prize they both crave. This novel is a spicy, adult romantasy with nods to Die Hard, Home Alone, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

My Review

I received A Heist for Filthy Rivals in return for an honest review from the author as part of the tour hosted by MTMC Tours. 

I was super excited to read this one as Mr. & Mrs. Smith is one of my favorite movies. I just loved Devilry she's such a great main character and I loved that she's a total badass. Ravager is such a great partner for her. They have this steamy connection and banter that kept me giggling through the whole book when they aren't trying to kill each other. I enjoyed the references to Home Alone while they traversed the house. I laughed so hard through this book. 

This was a fast paced story with just the perfect balance of story to spice. The characters are easy to connect with and I couldn't help cheering them on in the faery world adventure. The author did a beautiful job creating a captivating story that I couldn't put down. I loved every moment of our thieves story. My only complaint was that I wanted more and I wasn't ready for it to end. It's a fantastic story and perfect for the holiday season. Every book by the author just get's better. This may be my favorite but I'm kind of partial to Devilry because she's awesome. 

Book Review: Waiting On You

Title - Waiting on You 

 Author - Nikki Ash 

Genre -  Contemporary Romance 

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: January 9th 2025

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Synopsis

From USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Ash comes a secret pregnancy, office romance ...

Nate

One minute, I’m minding my own business, and the next, I’m rescuing a beautiful woman in front of my family’s hotel.

I’m not prepared for the instant attraction I feel for her, but the chemistry is undeniable.

Paige warns me all she can give me is London, and I agree, but when our time is up, I’m desperate for more.

I slip my card into her purse, hoping she will call, but after two months of silence, it’s clear she’s not going to.

So, I do what any man in my position would do …

I go after her.

Paige

What started as a grand gesture for the man I thought was the one ends with me fleeing after catching him with my best friend.

With tears in my eyes and my heart in my hand, I stumble on the cobblestone. One second, I’m closing my eyes and praying I don’t die, and the next, I’m being swept off my feet by a handsome stranger—literally.

Nate shows me passion like I’ve never known, and it only takes five unforgettable days to fall head over heels for him.

Faced with the harsh reality of long-distance love, I make a heart-wrenching decision to throw away his number—a choice I believe will spare us both from inevitable heartbreak.

But after returning home, I realize what a colossal mistake I made. Because what had happened in London didn’t stay in London …

Review

I received Waiting On You by Nikki Ash in return for an honest review from Enticing Journey Book Promotions. 

Paige has trust issues after her world has been shattered a few times. So when a chance encounter puts her in the path of Nate she never expected to find the magic she lost when she lost her mom. What should have been a whirlwind adventure in London has left her with a gift that changed her life forever. 

I love Nate and Paige they are just adorable. I think Nate is perfect for Paige and I love that he came up with an elaborate plan to find her. I love the sweet and steam romance between them. It just works so well. I've read the prior books but gosh and I say this each time I just fall more in love with each couple. Paige is my favorite but I love all the characters. 

The author has done an amazing job creating a captivating story with characters you can't help falling in love with. I ended up devouring this one in just one afternoon it was impossible to put it down. I love the that prior characters are connected to Paige but I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Kira and Ana just yet. I loved every moment of the series and while I hate to see it end it was a perfectly executed. 

Nikki Ash is on my auto buy list, she's one of my favorite authors. A truly talented storyteller with characters to fall in love with and stories to get lost in. Highly recommend all her books. 

 

Book Review: The Duchess Takes it All

Title - The Duchess Takes it All 

Author - Michelle McLean 

Genre -  Historical Romance 

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: Nov 26th 2024

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Synopsis

A widowed duchess in possession of a fortune must be in want of a husband...or is she? It's a battle of wills in this delightfully clever, enemies-to-lovers romance that's perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Beverly Watts

Tamsin Palmer—the recently widowed Duchess of Clevesly—has almost anything a woman of common birth could want: wealth, title, estate, and even her adored toddler son. But it's not exactly easy. She's been ostracized by the ton due to her decidedly unblue blood. And worse still, her dearly departed duke has assigned a co-guardian of their son: the handsome (if insufferable) Count of Rauchberg, who seems most insistent on dictating the terms of Tamsin's duchy. But not if she has anything to say about it...

Christian August has never been so vexed in his life. He's come to help raise the duchess's son, and in return, she's doing everything she can to destroy his peace of mind. Unleashing goats, secretly shortening the cuffs of his shirts, and—damn the infernal woman—driving him to distraction with her flashing eyes and soft, kissable lips. It's enough to make a man forget his duty...

With every argument, the longing grows stronger. With every diabolical prank, the temptation becomes greater. And they'll risk everything to win...even if it means surrendering to a passion that will destroy them both.

The Duchess Takes It All takes place in the same world as Four Weddings and a Duke.

Review

I received The Duchess Takes it All in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by TLC book Tours. 

Tamsin didn't marry for love but she did for duty and when she ends up a young widow with her son she has no plans to get married again. She has her own plans and agenda's to earn her place in society and raise her son. However fate it not on her side, Christian is duty bound to take care of his cousins young wife and son as well as get his estates in order. Little did he know that Tamsin was going to challenge him every step of the way. 

I just love Tamsin she's such a wonderful character and she instantly has me cheering her on in her adventures. I loved that she tormented Christian while they were in the country. They have this sweet snarky connection that I just loved and he's perfect for her even if it wasn't obvious to them right from the start. 

I ended up devouring this one almost in one sitting as I started it in the evening and ended up having to stop for bed but I finished it first thing in the morning. I loved the characters they were easy to connect with and it makes it hard to put down. The author has done a beautiful job creating a captivating story. This is my first book by the author but I'm hooked and need to read her backlist. I'm a huge historical romance fan and this one checked all the boxes it even had me giggling out loud which I loved. 

 

Book Review: Forged by Shadows

Title - Forged by Shadows

Author - Maddison Cole 

Genre -  Dark Contemporary Romance 

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: August 22nd 2024

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Synopsis

Avery thought her suffering had ended.

She thought wrong.

After a traumatic start to life, being adopted was Avery‘s saving grace. She finally had parents who loved her and an entire mansion to call home. Her days were spent reading in the library and exploring her passion for ballet. Until a fateful accident changed everything, and left her at the mercy of her step-brother.

Transferred to his boarding school, Avery’s solace comes to an abrupt end. Especially as the moment she stepped through the gates, her stepbrother and his gang of tormented souls branded her as fresh meat. He hates her, they want her. Whoever prevails, Avery refuses to surrender her mind or body without a fight.

Review

I received Forged by Shadows in return for an honest review from Chaotic Influencers. 

I love Avery she's such a great character even after everything she's had to endure she's come out stronger. I love the men in her life they are broken but together it just works. I'm a huge fan of broken people finding each other and healing each other. All of the characters are perfect they complement each other and together it just works. 

I ended up devouring this one over a couple of days because it's a chunky book but it was hard to put down. I loved the characters all of them even Wyatt who's got his own issues. I'm not sure which of Avery's men is my favorite because they are all unique and offer something different. I just loved them all. 

Forged by Shadows is a dark captivating story that stole a little place in my heart it was hard to put down. I can not wait for the next one to come out because I can't stop thinking about it Avery and her men. This is my first book by the author but she nailed it and blew all my expectations out of the water. I'm hooked and obsessed with her story telling style and I'm already reading her other books while I wait for the next one. Highly recommend if you love a dark romance this is a must read. Forged by Shadows may be my favorite read for 2024 it's just that good. 

 

Book Review: My Pucking Mate

Title - My Pucking Mate 

Author - Izzy Elliott 

Genre -  Romance Hockey Shifter 

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: August 19th 2024

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Synopsis

When Leera Adams loses her parents months before starting college, the excitement of beginning the next chapter of her life is now shadowed with grief. Having grown up traveling the world with her photographer & journalist parents homeschooling her, she's a little awkward and anxious to settle down in one place but vows to do her best to have a normal college experience. She never planned for him.

Roman Razboinic has lived through his father's darkness, rebuilding the king's werewolf army, and learning to play professional hockey. When in reality he feels like he died the day he lost his mate and their unborn pup. Every day, he's just going through the mundane motions of taking care of his pack, his closest men, and playing hockey, until the time comes for him to fulfill his duty to his people. That is until an incredibly short and spunky woman throws his entire world off its axis.

Review

I received My Pucking Mate in return for an honest review from the author. 

Leera's life is tossed upside down when her parents don't come home and she's forced to figure it out on her own. At least she had a plan in place to head to collage. Little did she know that she would meet the man who would change her life forever and suddenly the life she had growing up is changed forever. 

I love Leera so much she's an adorable character you can't help cheering her on as she learns to deal with everything. Roman is kind of perfect he's got some issues that he needs to deal with but he can't fight the connection anymore than she can. They have this sweet insta love connection that just works. I really felt that I was able to connect with Leera she's just a sweetheart. Roman is swoon worthy in every way. 

This is my first book by the author and I'm hooked on her writing style. I ended up devouring My Pucking Mate in just an afternoon it was impossible to put down till the very end. It's a cliffhanger and the author has me dying for the next one. The author has created a beautiful captivating sweet romance that captured my heart as well as imagination. I loved the concept for the supernatural playing sports it was such a unique idea. I loved every moment of My Pucking Mate can't wait for the next one.