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.

Book review: GRAND SLAM, by Heidi MacLaughlin

Boys of Summer #3
Travis & Saylor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cute book, loved the story, it dragged a little. Travis Kidd is a left fielder in Boston's Renegades baseball team. He’s a prankster and a player, and his teammates warned him many times he could get in trouble playing the field that way. Saylor is his publicist, they had a one night stand two years ago, but it had terrible consequences for her, so she’s been keeping her distance since then. It’s a pity because she’s the only woman that Travis could see himself settling with. 

When she got terrible news, she stopped in a bar, Travis happened to be there playing pool with a woman who was very much willing to take the game to a room. But Travis’ attention shifted to Saylor, who left when she saw him fooling around with the woman. He followed her, got into her taxi, the woman was yelling from the sidewalk, and Saylor got out. Travis went home, Saylor went home, and next day Travis was taken in for questioning regarding a rape. The woman got back at him, and the only witness who could save him wasn’t willing to do so because it could cost her everything.

With this premise, the book promised to be super interesting, and it was, but it kept going around the same issues, Travis needed Saylor’s help, she balked at every request, and the truths didn’t come out until I was tired of the back and forth.

Still, the characters were lovable, Travis is a jokester, Saylor’s daughter Lucy was adorable, especially when she wanted Travis as her dad and he fell like a ton of bricks for the little girl. The interactions between Travis and Lucy owning him were the best part of the book.

Book review: MIDNIGHT PRINCE, by J. Saman

Once Upon Ever After #2

Rowan & Marcella

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! This book absolutely shines, taking everything wonderful from the first two installments and raising the stakes in the best way. After following King Sebastian’s journey, we step into Prince Rowan’s story and go back into the suspense, the mystery, the menace of the curse, and it’s impossible not to fall right in.

Rowan has always been the charming prince in the background, but here he becomes a man longing for something real, something tender, something his brother found with Bellamy. And when he crosses paths with a mysterious woman who steals his breath—and leaves behind only a diamond earring—he’s caught and is a man on a mission.

Marcella is the heart of this book. Strong, abused, brave, and desperate for freedom, she’s a heroine who grabs you from the first moment. Watching her step into the palace as a simple maid, trying to build an honest life while carrying the weight of her past, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Initially, she was carrying out a job to honor her slain brother, then she realized the truth and decided to honor that truth, not her owner’s. Her chemistry with Rowan is electric, full of longing, tension, and a sweetness that sneaks up on both of them.

What makes this story unforgettable is how seamlessly it blends romance with danger, secrets, and jaw‑dropping revelations. The last chapters brought new twists, new truths, and new emotional punches.  My jaw was touching the floor, I was so surprised. The suspense keeps you glued to the page, but the love story is what makes your heart ache in the best way.

Rowan’s devotion, Marcella’s courage, the royal family’s warmth, and the unraveling of long‑buried mysteries all come together in a tale that is passionate, tender, and thrilling. It’s a story about healing, choosing love over fear, and finding your place in a world that once tried to erase you.

A captivating, emotional, nail‑biting romance that left me smiling, swooning, and eager for the next chapter in this royal saga.

Purchase links

http://geni.us/MidnightPrince

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: KACE, by Sawyer Bennett

Pittsburgh Titans #20

Kace & Lauren

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story was such a delight. Kace Elliot—Pittsburgh Titans goalie by day, secret MIT physics brain by night—completely stole my heart. His double life as “William,” the remote research assistant helping Dr. Laurel Kent with her polymer‑latices study, sets up one of the most entertaining love triangles… with himself.

Their early messages are crisp and professional, but slowly they start sharing little pieces of their lives. Kace falls first but keeps his distance, convinced Laurel would never want to date her research assistant. Laurel likes William too, but she wants someone real and present, so she lets her best friend drag her to a speed‑dating event. She tells William. He warns her off. She goes anyway. And Kace shows up—as Kace.

Laurel has sworn off athletes, but he charms her into one date, then another, and suddenly she’s falling for the man in front of her while feeling guilty about the man behind the screen. Meanwhile, Kace is jealous of… himself. It’s messy, funny, and so human.

The family visit was one of my favorite parts. Laurel’s parents adore Kace instantly—especially her dad, a massive Titans fan—and for the first time, Laurel feels like she fits in her own home. Kace helps her bridge that gap, and those scenes were warm and lovely.

Of course, the truth eventually blows everything up. The betrayal and hurt land hard, and I genuinely didn’t know how the author would fix it. But with the babe brigade, the team, and some perfectly timed emotional honesty, everything comes together beautifully.

Kace’s double role, the internal rivalry, the sweetness with Laurel’s parents, and the hilarious chaos brought by Lucky, Atlas, North, and the rest of the Titans crew made this such a joyful read. I finished the story smiling.

Purchase links

https://geni.us/SB_Kace

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: LOST IN OVERTIME, by Claudia Burgoa

This book follows Vesper, Monty, and Cally — three people who grew up together during three summers, loved each other deeply, and then broke apart after one night they weren’t ready for. Years later, life pulls them back into the same place, with old feelings still burning and old wounds still hurting.

Vesper returns home because her father and the family hockey camp need help. She hasn’t been back in years — the camp holds too many memories of her mother and of the boys she loved and lost. Monty and Cally show up immediately, ready to support her, even though they can barely stand being in the same room. Their rivalry is strong, their chemistry is stronger, and their love for Vesper is the thing they can’t escape.

The story becomes a slow, emotional rebuild of their connection. There’s a lot of caretaking, a lot of tension, and eventually a lot of honesty. Monty and Cally’s relationship is the standout — their push‑pull, their fear, their attraction, and the way they slowly let themselves trust each other again. The throuple dynamic grows naturally, with real tenderness and communication.

Vesper is complicated. She’s loyal and stubborn, but she also refuses help even when she desperately needs it. She hides behind sarcasm and insists she’s fine while falling apart. The guys adore her, but I sometimes struggled to see the version of her they see — she spends a lot of time complaining or shutting down instead of showing the spark they love.

My biggest issue was the pacing. There’s a lot of internal monologue — pages and pages of feelings repeated in different ways. I wanted more action, more dialogue, more moments where the characters show who they are instead of telling me over and over. When things actually happen, the book shines. When it slows down into emotional babble, I found myself skimming.

Still, the romance pays off. The throuple feels real and committed, the hockey moments are fun, and the final stretch gives them a future that feels earned.

Final thought:

A heartfelt, emotional triad romance with amazing chemistry between the men and a satisfying ending. I just wish the story had been tighter and relied more on action than repetition.

Purchase links

https://loom.ly/OHQQYYY

About the author

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. 

She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breaths away. Her books are the perfect blend of steamy and heartfelt, filled with emotional characters and explosive chemistry. Her writing takes readers to new heights, providing a variety of tears, laughs, and shocking moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats.

She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, her youngest two children, and three fluffy dogs.

When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family. At nights, she likes to binge watches shows or movies with her equally geeky husband.

Connect with Claudia Burgoa:

https://claudiayburgoa.com/wp/links/