Book review: HALE BOUND, by Abbi Glines

Mississippi Smoke #11

Hale & Bay

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When I reached the end and realized this book ended on a cliffhanger, I was actually relieved. There was no way this addictive, delicious story could end yet. It still needed more time to simmer.

Hale is a gorgeous, sexy, fifty-year-old man (thank you for the silver fox, Abbi Glines!), and I knew he couldn't fall without a little more resistance. His life is completely settled. His children are grown and independent, his company is thriving under the leadership of his sons, Ransom and Than, and he enjoys his work in the Southern Mafia under Linc's direction. Everything is exactly as it should be. Then along comes Bay and turns his perfectly ordered world upside down.

Bay is thirty-four and carrying the scars of a bad experience from years ago. To feel safe, she has built herself a carefully scheduled, predictable life. Hale takes her to emotional heights she never imagined, and while she's clearly falling for him, she still doesn't feel entirely secure. Then there is the small matter of his criminal activities, which understandably make her more than a little uneasy.

This story was delicious. It's the classic setup: man kidnaps woman, falls for her but struggles with it, while she finds herself falling for him and wondering if it's Stockholm syndrome. She calls herself crazy for lusting after her kidnapper, and honestly, it was all wildly entertaining. I loved being inside both of their heads as they tried to make sense of what they were feeling.

What I especially loved was how focused the story remained on Hale and Bay, with just enough involvement from Hale's children to enrich the story without overshadowing it.  I loved Slash, the supposedly guard dog, who melted like wax for Bay, and disgruntled Hale.  It was sweet, sexy, and surprisingly tender, without getting pulled too deeply into the darker, more violent side of this world. It felt like a refreshing interlude among the grittier installments in the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed the slower pace and the sweeter romance.

Now bring me the next book!

Purchase links

https://geni.us/halebound

About the author

Abbi Glines is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, Field Party, and Existence series. She never cooks unless baking during the Christmas holiday counts. She believes in ghosts and has a habit of asking people if their house is haunted before she goes in it. She finally moved to New England into a home that is 200 + years old with it's own ghosts. She drinks afternoon tea because she wants to be British but alas she being born in Alabama, her life in New England is as close as she will get. When asked how many books she has written she has to stop and count on her fingers. When she’s not locked away writing, she is reading, and/or watching Netflix like the introvert that she is. 

You can connect with Abbi online in several different ways:

www.abbiglinesbooks.com

TikTok @abbiglines

Twitter: @abbiglines

Instagram: @abbiglines

Snapchat: abbiglines

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbiglinesauthor

Book review: LET’S BE REAL, by Julia Wolf

The Wells Brothers #3

Nate & Samantha

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a beautiful and intriguing story! Going into this book, I thought Nate was the serious, almost robotic Wells brother. I was so happy to finally get to know the real him. He’s kind, thoughtful, and impossible not to love.

Samantha and Nate were perfect for each other. Both carry old wounds, and I loved watching their relationship grow from friendship and family ties into something deeper. Nate listens to her rambling, Samantha sees the goodness in him, and together they bring out the best in each other.

What made this story stand out is that it’s not just a romance. Both characters struggle with deeply personal issues, and their journey is as much about healing as it is about falling in love. Nate’s battle with depression was especially moving and felt  heartbreaking at times.

I also loved the strong family element. The Wells brothers always show up for each other, most specially when it matters most, and seeing them rally around Nate during his darkest moments was incredibly emotional. 

This book put me through all the highs and lows, but I was fully invested because Nate and Samantha are such wonderful people. A heartfelt, emotional romance about love, healing, family, and finding the courage to let yourself be happy. Highly recommend. Five stars, of course! ❤️

Purchase links

https://mybook.to/LetsBeRealWB 

Available in KU

About the author

Julia Wolf writes sexy rockers, grumpy billionaires, snarky heroines, and bad ass women. She’s a firm believer in happily ever afters, no matter how rocky the road is to get there.

She doesn’t believe in “guilty pleasures”, only pleasure. Reading about a plus size woman who gets absolutely railed by a hot rock star is pleasure. Reading about a damaged college student whose flaws are valued and loved by the grumpy guy next door is pleasure. Reading about love in a small town or big city or on a tour bus is pleasure. Reading romance is pleasure!

Julia lives in Maryland with her husband and three crazy, beautiful children. When she’s not writing romance, she’s reading it. Some of her favorite things are, in no particular order: goats, books, coffee, and Target.

Connect with Julia Wolf:

https://www.instagram.com/authorjuliawolf/

Book review: FALLEN ROOK, by L.J. Shen

Society of Villains #3

Enzo & Tom

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book swept me off my feet!  I went in thinking I understood the dynamic between Tom Rothwell and Enzo Ferrante from the earlier installments, but I truly had no idea how deep, complicated, and beautiful their connection would become. What I got was a story that felt bold, tender, messy, human, and absolutely unforgettable.

Enzo stole my heart! His journey toward understanding himself is written with so much compassion. He’s funny, talkative, anxious, affectionate, and constantly trying to figure out where he fits—both in his family and in his own skin. The contrast between his gentle nature and the darker responsibilities he carries makes him one of the most compelling characters in the entire series. And his bond with his family? Pure gold. They’re chaotic, dangerous, loyal, and hilarious, and every scene with them made me smile.

Tom surprised me even more. The emotional weight he carries from his past is heartbreaking, and watching him slowly open up—watching him learn to trust, to smile, to let himself be cared for—was one of the most satisfying arcs I’ve read. He’s so controlled, so rigid, so determined to do the “right” thing, yet he’s also deeply vulnerable. His evolution feels earned and powerful.

Together, Tom and Enzo are magic. Their connection starts off unexpectedly, grows through banter and late‑night messages, and becomes something that feels both inevitable and impossible. The tension between duty and desire, loyalty and truth, identity and love is woven so beautifully that I couldn’t stop reading. Their chemistry is electric without ever needing explicit detail to convey how strongly they feel for one another.

The Ferrante family shines as always—wild, lethal, loving, and absolutely entertaining. Everything is so much better now that Ferrante dad is out of the picture! I adored seeing the brothers (and Tiernan) in full protective mode (read besotted with their wives), the wives adored and cherished, and the subtle humor threaded through even the darkest moments. And yes, Luca showing actual human emotion? I actually cheered! There’s a side plot involving him that I’m desperate to see turn into a future book.

What impressed me most was how the author balanced danger, emotional depth, family chaos, and romance into one seamless, riveting story. I genuinely didn’t know how she would pull off a satisfying ending for these two, but she did it with her signature twisty brilliance. It felt clever, earned, and completely right for them.

This book was entertaining, heartfelt, intense, and absolutely wonderful. I loved Enzo. I loved Tom. I loved the Ferrantes. And I loved every second of watching two complicated men find something real and life‑changing in each other.

Purchase links

All Buy Links: http://shor.by/00WF

Audio (full cast): http://amzn.to/4uTMVKV

About the author

L.J. Shen is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of contemporary, new adult, and young adult romance. Her books have been sold in twenty different countries, and she hopes to visit all of them.

She lives in Florida with her husband, three rowdy sons, and rowdier pets and enjoys good wine, bad reality TV shows, and reading to her heart’s content. Connect with her on her website at www.authorljshen.com or on Instagram (@authorljshen), or join her Facebook group at http://goo.gl/QZJ0NC. Sign up for her newsletter at https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb, and text SHEN to 313131 to get new release alerts (United States only).

Connect with L.J. Shen:

https://www.authorljshen.com 

Book review: FOREVER OFFSIDES, by J. Saman

Forever Boston #3

Quinn & Rhett

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love the forbidden love trope, so imagine my delight when this story gave me not one, not two, but three reasons Quinn and Rhett shouldn't fall in love. Needless to say, I was glued to my Kindle.

Quinn is a surgical resident and the daughter of Asher Reyes, the legendary Boston Rebels quarterback turned coach. Her brothers, Crew and Mason, also play for the team. After escaping a horrible date with a misogynistic lawyer, she meets Rhett, a gorgeous, intriguing stranger. The attraction is instant, leading to a memorable one-night stand.

What starts as chemistry quickly becomes something more. Rhett is in Boston interviewing for a job, and after months of texting, he lands the position, buys a house, and asks Quinn for a chance. Their banter, connection, and obvious admiration for each other made it clear they were perfect together.

Then the complications arrive.

Rhett's new job is head coach of the Rebels. Quinn's father becomes his boss, and her brothers will be playing under him. As if that weren't enough, Quinn's ex, the football player who dumped her via text, gets traded back to Boston wanting a second chance. The real shocker? The ex is Rhett's son.

The resulting conflict is messy, emotional, and completely irresistible. Rhett wants to rebuild his relationship with his son, but he's already fallen hard for Quinn. Watching him navigate those competing loyalties made for a compelling story.

I loved the author's sharp, witty writing style (also very steamy!) and her ability to balance a complicated plot with so much emotional depth. Add in the lively family group chats, full of banter and chaos, the wonderful supporting cast, and a significant age gap between Quinn and Rhett, and I was completely invested.

Five stars, as always, for this author.

Purchase links

FREE with Kindle Unlimited

http://geni.us/ForeverOffsides

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3SknPXl

About the author

J. Saman is a USA Today and Amazon top 40 bestselling author who writes sassy, swoony, and scorching contemporary romances. She is addicted to Diet Coke, sour candy, and indie rock. She swears way too much (especially after a glass of wine) and has a penchant for sarcasm (or so her husband and children like to tell her).

J. is an admitted lover of second chance romances, enemies to lovers, and the perfect amount of angst. She is best known for writing funny and emotional romances filled with smart, strong women, and sexy alphas who have a softer side—especially for their women.

Connect with J. Saman

Website: https://www.jsamanbooks.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14923699.J_Saman

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-Saman/author/B01FOIUR46

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jsamanbooks

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jsamansradtasticreaders

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jsamanbooks

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jsamanbooks

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-saman

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jsamanbooks/

Book review: FALL LOVE, by L.B. Dunbar

Lovewell Landing #1

Neve & Tate

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had a good plot and genuinely interesting characters, but I struggled with the pacing. It moved so slowly that I kept putting it down, even though the small‑town setting and surprise‑pregnancy trope are favorites of mine. It could have been such a strong story with a little more momentum.

Neve Snowe doesn’t do relationships — just one‑night stands. Her New Year’s Eve hookup was fun, anonymous, and unforgettable… and it left her pregnant. With only nicknames exchanged, she had no way to find the father, but she chose to keep the baby and move forward on her own.

She works in her late father’s garage, a place she loves deeply, even though it’s losing money fast. Her sisters want to sell, and they already have a buyer lined up, but Neve can’t let go. The garage is her history, her comfort, and the only future she can imagine.

Enter Tate Love, who arrives in town to finalize the sale — and discovers Neve is the woman from that one‑night stand. He never expected the baby to be his, but once he learns the truth, he’s all in. He wants to support Neve, be involved in every appointment, and step into the role he’s always dreamed of: a father. What complicates things is the secret behind the property’s real purpose, something Neve definitely won’t like.

I loved how Neve let Tate be part of everything baby‑related. He was gentle, excited, and genuinely committed. Their nickname for the unborn baby — Little Wrench — was adorable. And as the story went on, I realized Neve wasn’t just stubborn; she was a woman with deep feelings who didn’t believe she was lovable. Tate saw her differently. He loved her quirks, her fire, and her loyalty. His easygoing nature softened her edges, and his protectiveness gave her the stability to be herself..

Once I accepted the slooooow pace, the story itself was sweet and heartfelt. But I did get bored and distracted at times. Still, Neve and Tate’s journey — especially the way they grew into a family — made it worth finishing.

Purchase links

Amazon Worldwide: https://a.co/d/05v6Si1M

About the author

L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Lakeside Cottage and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.

To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her monthly newsletter, Love Notes.

Connect with L.B. Dunbar:

https://linktr.ee/lbdunbarwrites