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

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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 

Book review: SAVAGE TRUCE, by Michelle Heard

Heart of Crime #1

Rodian & Anastasia

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lovely! Even with all the brutal moments that come with Michelle Heard’s mafia world, this story still manages to feel tender, romantic, and full of hope. She truly killed it again.

Rodian and Anastasia share a sweet, unforgettable connection early on—one of those moments that stays with you even when life turns dark. Years later, their worlds collide again under harsh circumstances, and what follows is a powerful journey of healing, protection, and rebuilding trust. Anastasia has endured deep trauma and cruelty, and Rodian becomes the one person determined to help her reclaim her strength, her voice, and her future.

Their relationship grows slowly and beautifully. Rodian’s patience, loyalty, and fierce devotion contrast with Anastasia’s fear, resilience, and quiet courage. Watching her learn to feel safe, to accept love, and to open her heart again was incredibly moving. The romance is full of tenderness, passion, and emotional growth.

One of my favorite parts was the presence of the wider mafia family. Seeing familiar faces—especially Rosie, now recovered and vibrant—added warmth and humor to the story. Rodian’s cousin Artem, with his anxiety and gentle nature, forms an instant sibling bond with Anastasia that melted me. And Rodian’s guards, Andrei and Sergei, become her protectors and family in a way that felt so comforting.

Despite the gritty violence, this book is overflowing with love, loyalty, friendship, and found family. Anastasia’s misgivings about Rodian’s role in the Bratva make their path rocky, but the romance that blooms is heartfelt and unforgettable.

A beautiful, emotional love story. Loved it!

Purchase links

Amazon: https://geni.us/jq7ag

About the author

Michelle Heard is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #3 Bestselling romance author. She writes emotional, heart-shattering stories with a whole lot of angst and romance that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. Every book shows the strength of the characters who will burn down the world for each other.

Before becoming an author, Michelle had a career in banking. She lives in South Africa with her son, Sheldon, who's also her right-hand man when it comes to all things publishing, and her daughter-in-law, Tayla, who's her best friend. 

Connect w/Michelle:

Website: https://michelleheardauthor.com

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

FB Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/118971435201074

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormichelleheard

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/michellehorst

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18108320.Michelle_Heard

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/michelle-heard

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

Newsletter Signup: https://preview.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p6m4o4

Book review: RIVER & RUE, by L.M. Halloran

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The magical realism in this book felt like stepping into a world I already knew. The psychics, the premonitions, it reminded me of the stories I grew up with, the same way The House of Spirits always felt like a perfectly normal portrayal of my culture. I loved that.

Rue’s connection with animals is a beautiful part of the story. She doesn’t just love them; she understands them, and they understand her back. River has his own kind of magic — he knows the weather like it’s a language only he can hear. Their gifts clash and cling in a way that makes their love story feel enchanted.

Both carry scars from their past. River’s loneliness, shaped by parents who weren’t there when he needed them most. Rue’s tragic childhood, the loss she can’t outrun, the storm she carries inside. For ten years, her only anchor has been Ivy, River’s sister. So from the very beginning, I felt that River and Rue had something between them — something old, something denied, something waiting.

The PAC brings them close again, and that nearness unravels every wall they built. River sees the truth first, and he practically drags Rue toward it, kicking and screaming, and it’s such a fun, wild, emotional ride.

The story balances chaos with humor, magic with heartbreak. Their conversations about their pasts are tender and painful. Their art makes their feelings feel more colorful, more intense. And the side characters — the PAC crew, the possessed golf cart, Lenny the stray who watches over Rue — all add so much color and charm.

A beautiful, emotional, magical romance that left me smiling, and completely in love with these characters.

Purchase link

https://a.co/d/0foI2wh6

About the author 

When not writing or reading, the author can be found gardening barefoot or chasing her spirited daughter. Some of her favorite things are puzzles, podcasts, and small dogs that resemble Ewoks. Home is Portland, Oregon.

Connect with L.M. Halloran:

https://www.lmhalloran.com/links/