Book review: STOLEN PRINCESS, by J. Saman

Once Upon Ever After #3

Desta & Ferrin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A magical, emotional, high‑adventure romance that kept my heart racing!

Desta is finally found, and what a discovery it is! She has spent over sixteen years hidden away in a lonely cottage with a tall tower attached, her room tucked at the very top. With her long blond hair and the way she gazes out at a world she’s never touched, she gave me a soft Rapunzel feeling — a girl full of light, locked away from everything she deserves to experience.

At the start, she’s called Genevieve, and she knows almost nothing about life beyond her walls. All she’s ever been told is that the world is dangerous, violent, and that her mother keeps her hidden for her own protection. It’s heartbreaking and isolating, and you feel her desperation from the very first pages.

Everything changes the day a jewel thief stumbles upon the cottage. Genevieve sees her chance and takes it. She remembers a festival from her childhood — something bright and magical — and she wants to see it again. So she escapes with Ferrin (who is going by Rhys at the time), and from that moment on, the story becomes a whirlwind of adventure, secrecy, and danger.

There’s tension, betrayal, dark deals, and constant pursuit. I’ll admit I was confused at first about who was connected to what, but the pieces fall into place beautifully as the story moves forward. And through it all, I was impatient (more like desperate!) for Genevieve/Desta to find her family.

Ferrin is fascinating. He insists he’s a bad man, shaped by a rough childhood and choices he’s not proud of. He even describes himself as “charcoal grey,” which made me laugh. But when he meets Desta, something in him shifts. She’s sunshine — curious, bold, irreverent, and unexpectedly fierce. She challenges him, surprises him, and keeps him on his toes. And slowly, he lets the good inside him come forward.

Desta’s arc is one of my favorite parts. She starts afraid and sheltered, but she grows into her strength. She stands up for herself, pushes back, and shows Ferrin she’s not a fragile thing. Their dynamic is warm, funny, and full of heart.

The whole story feels like an out‑of‑control train ride — sharp turns, close calls, escapes, and then suddenly running right back into danger again. It’s exhilarating, emotional, and anxiety‑provoking in a fun way.

The final scenes with the family are beautiful, and there are still unanswered questions, which makes me excited for the next book. I loved watching a charcoal‑grey man and a sunny‑yellow girl find each other, fit together, and bring out the best in one another.

Five nail‑biting stars.

Purchase links

http://geni.us/stolenprincess

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

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Book review: VELELLA, by C.W. Farnsworth

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The opening chapters of this story were excruciatingly slow—and in my opinion, deliberately so. I could feel the narrative holding its breath, pacing itself before the explosion, and I wasn’t wrong.

Carina, daughter of a Sicilian don, has lived her whole life in Chicago, believing distance equals safety. She’s built a quiet, careful life, one where she feels like an afterthought to her own family. Lev, second son of a Bratva Pakhan, has carried responsibility since childhood, always doing the work meant for others. Two people raised in shadows, meeting by chance one summer night when Lev saves her from drowning—and from then on, they belong to each other in a way neither can shake.

Their rare meetings become the heartbeat of their lives. Carina’s boyfriends never stand a chance. Lev’s duty never lets him stay. And yet, they remain tethered.

When Carina is summoned home and learns her father’s plans, the story erupts into danger, chase, rescue, and survival. From that point forward, I couldn’t look away.

Suspenseful and entertaining, with subtle moments of humor. I loved the dual POV; Lev is so expressionless that I needed his thoughts to understand the depth of his feelings. And Carina’s arc is beautiful—she grows into her strength and resilience, supported by Lev’s encouragement and training. Together, they are fierce, devoted, and unforgettable.

Purchase links

 geni.us/velella

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: RUNAWAY ROCKSTAR, by Kylie Scott

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A wild, hilarious, feel‑good romp that had me grinning the whole way through! This book is an absolute hoot — completely wild, endlessly funny, and written with that lighthearted, wink‑at‑you style I love. The humor never lets up, even in the quieter moments.

June is recovering from a messy breakup after her ex literally threw her out of his apartment. With no real relationship with her mother, she heads to her grandmother Audrey’s house for a breather. They haven’t spent much time together over the years for reasons the book never explains, but right now? They’re having the time of their lives.

One night at the bar, June gets drunk, spills every detail about her ex, stumbles home with Audrey  to sleep it off… to find a man passed out on the porch. Audrey, being Audrey, pokes him with the walking stick she keeps by the door — and up rises Aaron Porter, country‑rock star, gorgeous, sleepy, bearded, and very much in need of a bed. He begs for a place to crash and promises explanations later.

The next day, June and Audrey learn he’s done with touring, done with fame, and wants to live like a normal person in their tiny town. Burned out, exhausted, and craving connection, he runs straight to Audrey — who used to be his housekeeper and basically a bonus grandma — hoping she’ll give him a safe landing spot.

From there, the story becomes a delightful, rollicking adventure as Nash tries out every “normal person” activity he can find: knitting circle, meditation group, walking club, banned‑books club. He’s figuring out life in this quirky town with June and Audrey guiding him like two chaotic guardian angels.

And June? Oh, she is gone for him. Every time he walks around shirtless, she turns into a puddle. Every time he walks away, she’s admiring how well those jeans fit. She’s real, funny, giggly, and completely captivated — and he’s just as enchanted with her. Their fake relationship (to help him blend into the community) doesn’t stay fake for long, of course.

The town’s shenanigans, the gossip train, the colorful characters, and the endless community activities made me want to pack my bags and move there immediately. It’s cozy, chaotic, and full of heart.

Five stars for such a good time! 

Purchase links

Order your copy now: Amazon Apple KoboNook Goodreads Signed print copies

About the author

 Kylie is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-selling, Audie Award winning author. 

She has sold over 2,000,000 books and was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year four times by the Australian Romance Reader’s Association. Her books have been translated into sixteen different languages. She is based in Queensland, Australia; living and working on land traditionally owned by the Jagera people.

Contact her at info@kyliescott.com

Connect with Kylie Scott:

https://kyliescott.com/

Book review: EVERYTHING WE COULDN’T SAY, by Emma Scott

 

Castle Hill Academy #2

Orion & Harper

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A heartfelt, emotional romance that packs a powerful punch.  I actually read it twice in a row, to savor and enjoy all the nuances. It’s not just a love story — it’s about two young people carrying heavy expectations on their shoulders, trying to build a future that feels almost impossible. The writing is warm and emotional, and the journey is full of those quiet, tender moments that make you stop and sigh.

Harper’s strength moved me. She carries so much, yet she never stops fighting for her future, for her little brother, for the tiny pieces of hope she refuses to let go of. There’s a softness in her that made me ache — that mix of determination and vulnerability that feels so human and so brave.

And Orion… he’s the kind of hero who sneaks up on you. Gentle, gifted, hurting in ways he doesn’t know how to name. He presents to others in such a cocky way, hiding a broken boy inside. And the only one who truly sees him is Harper. There’s something so emotional about watching someone who has spent years believing he’s “less than” slowly realize he’s extraordinary. The way he looks at Harper, the way he listens, the way he tries — it’s the kind of quiet devotion that makes your chest feel warm.

Their connection is magnetic from the start, but what makes it beautiful is how they see each other, how they choose each other. Not in grand gestures, but in small, intimate moments — honesty, comfort, encouragement, the kind of love that says “I see you” when the world feels too heavy. It’s emotional and so swoony!

What stayed with me most was how the story honors resilience. It’s about surviving what should have broken you, about finding your voice, about refusing to let circumstances define your worth.

By the end, I was completely in love with these characters and the world they built together. It’s a romance that doesn’t just entertain — it touches something deep and leaves you glowing.  It’s a story about love, yes, but also about courage, healing, and becoming the person you were meant to be. A truly wonderful read.

Purchase links

https://books2read.com/EWCSes

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4uj1dVC

About the author

Emma Scott is a USA Today and Wall St. Journal bestselling author whose books have been translated in seven languages and featured in BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, New York Daily News and USA Today’s Happy Ever After. She writes emotional, character-driven romances in which art and love intertwine to heal, and in which love always wins. If you enjoy emotionally-charged stories that rip your heart out and put it back together again, with diverse characters and kind-hearted heroes, you will enjoy her novels. Visit www.emmascottwrites.com

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Email: emmascottpromo@gmail.com

Book review: SACKED, by Aleatha Romig

The Coopers #3

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story picks up right where the last book ended, and from the first page it pulls you right back into Vee’s world. There’s tension, secrets, and a lot of pressure on her shoulders. Bre’s arrest, the pregnancy reveal, and all the legal mess around it set the tone for a book full of suspicion and shifting loyalties. Vee has to stand firm as the owner of the Coopers, and I loved seeing her take control in that board meeting and choose her Aunt Rachel as temporary CEO. You can feel how much she’s learning every day, even when her uncle and cousin push back.

There’s also the strange story Prescott tells Fin about the Marsh‑Hubbard family, and Fin trying to protect Vee while he figures out what’s true. The whole book has this steady thrum of mystery, with everyone acting in ways that make you question their motives. Daphne contesting the will, Grant and Uncle Darin acting shady, Bre calling nonstop, and the old secrets about Vee’s mother coming to light… it all builds into a really gripping read.

The football side of the story is amazing. The author clearly knows the game, and the details about QB rotations, injuries, and planning for the long season make you feel like you’re inside the organization. Fin’s role grows, and you can feel both his excitement and his worries. Vee is proud of him, but she also fears every time he steps on the field. Their relationship is beautiful here—closer, stronger, and full of love. Her apartment truly feels like home for both of them.

There are so many moving parts: the team’s hopes for the Super Bowl, the possibility of hosting a future one, the mystery around Reid’s death, Daphne’s strange behavior, and the bombshell plot twist near the end. Every chapter adds another layer, and it’s impossible to stop reading. And of course, it ends in another cliffhanger that leaves your heart in your throat.

My thoughts: this book is more suspenseful, more emotional, and completely riveting. There are secrets everywhere, danger creeping in from different directions, and Vee trying her best to lead the Coopers while building a life with Fin. It’s fast‑paced, full of twists, and the next installment is sure to be explosive.

Purchase links

https://mybook.to/ARSacked

About the author

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they've raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams! 

 

Keep up with Aleatha Romig and subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.aleatharomig.com/contact

 

 

To learn more about Aleatha Romig & her books, visit here!

 

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Book review: THE LOVE LINE, by Heidi McLaughlin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Yikes, I had no idea this book was connected to the Beaumont series. I read some of those books ages ago and remember absolutely nothing, so I went in completely blind. And honestly? It didn’t matter one bit. I was fascinated from the first chapter. The writing is smooth, entertaining, and full of heart.

Liam has been a rockstar for about thirty years, and now in his fifties, he and his bandmates JD and Harrison are feeling the wear and tear. The last tour had half‑filled venues, their bodies are creaky, and Liam just wants to be home with his wife and his grandbabies. Once he’s finally back, the guys start talking about retirement — and each of them has a beautiful reason to stay put for a while. Liam’s grandbabies are almost one, JD’s daughter is training for the Olympics, Harrison has a little boy he wants to enjoy. It’s sweet, grounded, and very real.

Then comes the twist: a producer from New York offers Liam a radio talk show where he gives advice to callers. At first he rejects it like a big “absolutely not,” but Bex, the producer, doesn’t give up. Two days later, Liam calls her back… and suddenly The Love Line with Liam is born.

The talk‑show sections were my favorite. It felt like a modern, heartfelt version of Dear Abby — direct, honest, and full of interesting situations. I could’ve read a whole giant book just of the call‑ins. They were that entertaining.

Of course, the show brings up old wounds, especially Liam’s estranged and abusive father. There’s no forgiveness there, but the emotional weight is handled with care, and you really feel Liam trying to make sense of it.

I loved all the family moments — the sons, daughters, grandbabies, the closeness between Josie and Liam. Beaumont feels like a small town full of love and community, and Liam and Josie have poured so much into making it a beautiful place to raise families. Now… I do need a family tree because there are marriages between bandmates’ kids, twins everywhere, triplets, babies popping out like popcorn. I loved the chaos but could not keep them straight.

The book ends with one issue resolved, but another problem from the radio listeners still hanging in the air. So I have a feeling this story will continue, and I will be waiting with excitement.

A heartfelt, entertaining, comforting read, completely enchanting. Five stars, easily.

Purchase links 

https://geni.us/theloveline 

About the author 

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018, and is now available on DVD & Digital.

Connect with Heidi McLaughlin:

https://www.instagram.com/heidimclaughlinauthor/