Book review: MORALLY BLACK ELOPEMENT, by Nicole French

Morally Black Weddings #2

Ronan & Delaney

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A dark, addictive, emotional romance about choosing love over legacy, this second book in the series just confirmed what I already suspected: there’s a pattern in this family, and I’m loving every second of it. Each Black brother is shaped by the same toxic empire, yet each one finds a way to break free when love finally gives them something worth fighting for. And this time, it’s Ronan’s turn.

Ronan Black has always been the fixer, the one who cleans up the darkest messes for the family. He’s sharp, secretive, and carries more weight on his shoulders than anyone realizes. But underneath all that darkness, there’s a spark of goodness he’s been trying to protect. And when he meets Delaney—brilliant, kind, book‑loving Delaney—that spark turns into something bright and impossible to ignore.

Their connection is instant, chaotic, and completely unexpected. What starts as a wild night in Vegas turns into something real, something tender, something that makes Ronan question the life he’s been forced to live. I loved how simple their bond felt, even with all the complications around them. They talk, they share their love for the Classics, they build a quiet little world together that feels safe and warm. You can feel Ronan slowly realizing he wants a different life, one where he’s not drowning in secrets.

The family drama is intense, as always. The Black family is a battlefield—manipulation, rivalry, old wounds, and a father who pits his sons against each other like it’s a sport. But the author balances all that darkness with moments of softness, humor, and hope. Watching Ronan try to hold on to Delaney while the family machine tries to pull him back in kept me completely hooked.

What I loved most is how clearly the book shows Ronan’s heart waking up. He starts wanting dinners at home, quiet nights, shared poems, and a future that isn’t built on fear. Delaney brings out the best in him, and he sees her fully—her strength, her sacrifices, her dreams. Their love feels earned, steady, and deeply emotional.

This story has everything I enjoy: a morally gray hero trying to be worthy, a heroine with a gentle but unbreakable spirit, a toxic family empire, and a romance that feels like a lifeline. I was invested from start to finish, and I can’t wait to see what happens with the next Black brother.

A gripping, emotional, beautifully written romance.

Purchase links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G27FD585

About the author

Nicole French is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She's also a hopeless romantic, Springsteen fanatic, and total bookworm. When not writing, she is hanging out with her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running or practice the piano, but never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.

 

Keep up with Nicole French and receive your FREE copy of one of her books when you subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.nicolefrenchromance.com/

 

For more information on Nicole and her books visit here

 

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Book review: SOMETHING ABOUT HER, by J. Nathan

Big Air #2

Thayer & Giselle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story follows Thayer and Kason, two Colorado boys who grew up chasing snow, trophies, and Olympic dreams — until grief knocks Thayer off his axis. His comeback is the emotional spine of the book, and watching him slowly find his footing again, both on the board and in life, is genuinely moving.

The romance between Thayer and Giselle has that familiar push‑pull: history, tension, guilt, and the kind of chemistry that sneaks up on them both. I liked their quieter moments — the caretaking, the comfort, the way they circle back to each other even when it’s messy. Giselle’s struggle between loyalty and longing feels real, even if she hesitates a bit longer than I wanted.

The book shines most when it leans into the brotherhood between Thayer and Kason and the thrill of competition. Their dynamic has heart, humor, and that deep, lived‑in bond that makes their eventual conflict sting.

Where it wobbled for me was pacing. The story moves in bursts — emotional highs followed by stretches that felt a little flat or juvenile. I was entertained, but not fully swept away. Still, the themes of resilience, found family, and second chances land well, and the ending ties everything together with warmth.

Finally, my opinion is that this was a comfortable, enjoyable read — just not one that kept me riveted.

Purchase links

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3OHeEyL  

Apple Books: https://bit.ly/4bJILNu  

Nook: https://bit.ly/4rP31De  

Kobo: https://bit.ly/4t5G7IN 

Google Play: https://bit.ly/4lN9ZqN  

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3NBeOHm 

About the author

J. Nathan is the author of new adult, sports, and rock star romances with cocky heroes and sassy heroines. When she's not writing, she's a crazy baseball mom and a total romance junkie! She loves country music, guys in backward hats, iced coffee, and the summertime.

 

Connect with J. Nathan

Website | http://www.jnathan.net/   

Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8202337.J_Nathan   

Amazon | http://amzn.to/2brF0xz    

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/jnathanauthor     

Facebook Group |  bit.ly/JNathanReaderGroup     

Instagram |  http://instagram.com/jnathanauthor    

Bookbub |  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-nathan     

Pinterest |  https://www.pinterest.com/jnathanbooks       

Newsletter |  http://eepurl.com/bYa6_L  

Book review: SET IT RIGHT, by Julia Wolf

Kelly Ranch #4

Cormac & Zara

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Zara and Cormac grew up spending their summers together at the Kelly Ranch, two best friends who felt happiest outdoors, riding horses, and sharing every adventure. Their bond was deep and easy, the kind of friendship that shapes your whole heart.

Life pulls them in different directions as adults, and Zara loses herself for a while. After a rough few years, she returns to the ranch to breathe again, to figure out who she is, and to reconnect with the people who once felt like home. And there he is — Cormac — steady, familiar, and still the person who sees her clearly.

Their friendship comes back with that same natural warmth, and little by little, you feel the shift. The chemistry, the history, the quiet longing… it all builds in such a gentle, believable way. I loved watching Zara rediscover joy, confidence, and the life that truly fits her. And I loved how Cormac never pushed, never rushed — he just showed up, the way he always did.

This story is about love, yes, but also about choosing the life that makes you feel happy. It’s tender, nostalgic, and full of heart. A beautiful second chance for two people who were always meant to find their way back to each other. I loved meeting with the other Kelly siblings, now with partners and children, living their best life. This last book felt like a circle has been completed and now all is as is should be. 

Purchase links

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

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.

Book review: CROSBY, by Sawyer Bennett

Portland Wildfire #1

Crosby & Juno

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don’t know where this author gets her ideas, but she is so creative and never repeats herself. I’ve read all the Cold Fury books, all the Pittsburgh Titans, and now this new Portland team, and every story feels fresh, different, and completely compelling. This one grabbed me from page one.

Juno is such an interesting heroine. She’s a talented documentarist with a reputation for integrity and honesty, and her first documentary, Sanctuary, earned Golden Globe and Oscar nominations. It was based in part on her own past, which makes her strength even more impressive. She escaped a cult at thirteen, saved other kids by speaking up, and then had to rebuild her life with foster parents who finally gave her real love. She’s grounded, smart, intuitive, and she sees people clearly — sometimes more clearly than they want.

Then we have the new expansion team in Portland, and the author’s descriptions of the stadium made me want to walk through it myself. Patrick Rowe built a place that feels like a luxury spaceship for hockey players, and every detail shows how much he cares about his team.

Crosby Hale, the goalie, is fascinating in that quiet, intense way. He avoids the spotlight, keeps to himself, and focuses only on the game. His past engagement ended because his ex wanted fame more than a real relationship, and now she’s back in his orbit in the most uncomfortable way possible, she’s now married to another team player. I was already preparing popcorn for the drama.

Juno and her friend Eddie get full access to film the team, and everyone warms up to her except Crosby — which of course makes him the most interesting one. When he finally gives her a few minutes, he’s surprised by how sharp and fun she is. Their connection builds slowly, naturally, with great banter and honest conversations. I loved watching them go from cautious to comfortable to something deeper.

A standout for me was Crosby’s sister, Birdie. Her job as a saturation diver is wild and claustrophobic, but she’s brave, funny, and loyal. She and Crosby have such a strong bond, and she adds so much heart to the story. I’m quietly shipping her with Patrick Rowe.

The romance grows in a steady, believable way — slow, then warm, then intense. And of course, Cherry (the ex) brings chaos the moment she steps into the picture. She wants attention, she wants control, and she wants to get under Crosby’s skin. The tension she creates is delicious, and the fallout is messy in all the right ways.

By the end, I was fully invested in Juno and Crosby, in the team, in the stadium, in the whole world the author is building. And now I’m counting the days until Locke Donovan’s book, because that man is pure chaos on skates and I need to see Patrick deal with Miller and his wife.

A strong start to a new series, full of heart, tension, and characters you want to follow for many books to come.

Purchase links

https://geni.us/SB_Crosby

About the author

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer Bennett:

https://geni.us/SawyerBennett

Book review: LOVE ON THE LINE, by C.W. Farnsworth

Kluvberg #3

Otto & Claire

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book swept me away from the very first chapter. Otto and Claire’s story starts in Paris during the Olympics, two young athletes representing their countries — Otto for Germany, Claire for the USA — both standing at the edge of their dreams. They fell hard, fast, and beautifully, but when the moment came to choose, they chose their careers over each other. Claire hadn’t even begun her professional journey yet, and Otto was just starting his football career. So they walked away, hearts shattered, and life moved on.

Years later, fate throws them back together in Boston, and the emotional tension between them is incredible. Claire is now a professional soccer player, talented but weighed down by family responsibilities and the emotional fallout of her parents’ divorce. Otto is recovering from a serious injury and carrying his own complicated family history. Both of them are older, more bruised by life, and still completely undone by each other.

What I loved most is how layered their journeys are. This isn’t just a second‑chance romance — it’s a story about family, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to choose love when everything feels impossible. Claire’s arc especially hit me hard. She’s been holding her world together for so long, and watching her slowly let people back in, reconnect with her family, and rediscover joy in her sport was beautiful. Otto, on the other hand, is one of those quietly devoted heroes who loves deeply once he lets someone in. His loyalty, his loneliness, and his longing made him such a standout character.

Their chemistry is electric, but what really shines is the emotional honesty between them — the yearning, the fear, the tenderness, the slow rebuilding of trust. There’s angst, there’s clarity, and there are so many moments that made my heart ache in the best way.

I loved this book so much that I immediately picked up the first two in the series. Every book I’ve read by this author has been a hit for me. This one, though, felt especially rich — full of love, growth, and the kind of second‑chance magic that makes you believe in timing and fate.

Purchase links

https://amzn.to/4nhczXa

About the author

C.W. Farnsworth is the author of numerous adult and young adult romance novels featuring sports, strong female leads, and happy endings.  Charlotte lives in Rhode Island and when she isn’t writing spends her free time reading, at the beach, or snuggling with her Australian Shepherd.

Find her on Facebook (@cwfarnsworth), TikTok (@authorcwfarnsworth), Instagram (@authorcwfarnsworth), and check out her website www.authorcwfarnsworth.com for news about upcoming releases!

Book review: ACRIMONIOUS, by Marie Force

Remington Family Law #1

Julian & Isla

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Judging by the title, I went in expecting more of the Quantum world, then I realized that this book is an offshoot of the Quantum series. It’s more or less the same world, about Hollywood glitterati, but with lawyers of the rich and famous.

The Remingtons are nine siblings (six brothers, three sisters), all raised by two superstar LA lawyers who spent a decade locked in a brutal divorce. The kind of divorce that turns kids into collateral damage. After surviving that war, the Remington siblings made a pact: no marriage, no kids, no opening themselves up to the kind of heartbreak they grew up watching. And for years, they’ve stuck to it… until now.

Julian Remington, the oldest at thirty‑eight, is the golden son—sharp, disciplined, and fully entrenched in Remington Family Law with his father and male siblings, while his mother and sisters work in his mother’s firm Kate Remington Family Law. He also plays bass and guitar in a band with his long time best friend, Daniel. When Daniel comes to him desperate for help—his little sister Isla needs a divorce and can’t afford Remington’s fees—Julian steps in without hesitation. Pro bono, no questions asked. And the moment he meets Isla, he falls hard.

Isla’s situation is heartbreaking. Her husband Gabriel has been spiraling for years—disappearing, burning through money, lashing out when questioned, refusing medical help. As he becomes more volatile, Isla builds a hidey‑hole under the stairs for her and her two small children, complete with blankets, snacks, and a “silent game” she’s trained them to play. The night Gabriel comes home raging, she hides there with her babies until the police arrive, thanks to her neighbor Mrs. Ventura. That’s when she calls Daniel. That’s when Julian steps in.

Julian guides her through everything: the protection order, the paperwork, the move to a safe rental where Gabriel can’t find her. And with every meeting, the pull between them grows stronger. Eventually Julian admits he can’t ethically represent her anymore and hands her case to his brother Jackson—but he can’t stay away. He shows up for every emotional moment, every panic spike, every small victory. The man who never takes time off suddenly finds himself taking Isla and her kids to his grandfather’s ranch to see horsies, doggies, and “gocha” (goats in toddler‑speak). His siblings are alarmed. Julian is smitten. And he doesn’t care.

Watching LA’s most elusive bachelor fall head‑over‑heels for a single mom—and her two adorable kids—was so delightful. The story is full of little details that add even more delight into the story. Isla’s rental is in Canyon Creek, a place tied to a major moment in 60s music history, which also happens to be Julian’s neighborhood. It connects beautifully to the music that shapes Julian’s and Daniel’s lives.

I also love how the author is building this series. We get Isla and Julian’s arc, but not the full fairy‑tale ending yet. Instead, we get threads for future books: Carson, the only non‑lawyer sibling, falling for a world‑famous model while investigating her ex; Griffin discovering he has a daughter; and several open emotional beats in Julian and Isla’s story that promise more to come. It feels like a long, winding family saga where multiple plotlines will grow and tangle as the series continues.

And I’m all willing and impatient to see them all.  Five stars for such a wonderful first book in this offshoot series!

Purchase links

https://amzn.to/48GKl1M

About the author

Marie Force is a New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, First Family, Wild Widows, Treading Water, Butler Vermont, Quantum and Miami Nights. Her books have sold 15 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list more than 30 times. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband of 30 years as well as two dogs and is the mother of two adult “kids.” who are frequently home to visit, one of them bringing a granddog with her.