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.

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: 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: 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: THEN THERE WAS YOU, by S.L. Scott

This book felt like watching two lonely souls finally find the one person who sees them. Keats Mathews grew up with nothing—an alcoholic mother who chose the bar over him, a childhood built on ramen and white bread, and a life where he had to raise himself. And yet, he’s this quiet, hardworking, beautiful soul who studies finance on a scholarship, writes in secret, and works every job he can find just to stay afloat.

The moment that truly got me was the way he answers the second line of a poem she quotes, like it came straight from his heart. Thud. I melted.

Sosie Stansbury is his opposite on paper—billionaire daughter, fancy life, all the resources in the world. But she’s neglected, paraded around for show, and basically raised by staff while her parents chase their social calendar. Even her birthday isn’t hers. She’s rich in money and poor in love.

Their first meeting on Christmas Eve felt magical. She steals a cigarette from him and accidentally steals his heart too. They spend one night together that is absolutely not a hookup—it’s two people recognizing each other’s loneliness and offering warmth. He can’t promise her much, but he offers himself completely, and she accepts.

And then her father destroys everything. The threats, the manipulation, the way she sacrifices her own happiness to protect Keats—it broke me. When Keats shows up to return her phone and gets threatened too, both of them walk away shattered.

Years pass. Keats becomes the golden boy of his firm. Sosie becomes the perfect daughter in a fake relationship. They meet again, twice, and both times it feels like fate is trying so hard to push them together, but life keeps getting in the way. Star‑crossed lovers indeed.

When Greg traps her with a public proposal and she runs—runs—straight to Keats, I cheered. From that moment, they choose each other, even when everything else falls apart. She gets cut off, loses her cards, her job, her safety net. He gets mugged and she finds him unconscious in a hospital, staying by his side until he’s discharged. They rebuild their lives together, piece by piece.

Sosie gets a job, picks up photography again, starts healing. Keats reconnects with his mother, who is finally sober and trying. Their worlds slowly knit into something warm and real.

The wedding scene—simple, intimate, with only the people who truly love them—was perfect. And the ending, with Sosie showing him the positive pregnancy test, felt like the softest, sweetest full‑circle moment.

This story is about love, yes, but also about choosing yourself, choosing healing, choosing the person who sees you when no one else ever did. It’s tender, hopeful, and full of heart. I loved every page.

Purchase links

https://geni.us/TTWYAm

Available in KU 

About the author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, writes character driven, heart-racing suspense, and swoony romances that will leave you glued to the page. With stories ranging from witty beach reads to heart wrenching and heart healing, her stories are highly regarded as emotional, relatable, and captivating.

Her books are more than escapes for the voracious readers of today. They are journeys of the heart that always come with a happily ever after reward at the end.

For more information, visit her website and sign up for her newsletter. She also loves to connect with readers on social media.

Connect with S.L. Scott:

https://linktr.ee/s.l.scott

Book review: THE HOCKEY PROBLEM, by Kendall Ryan

Off The Ice #1

Zayden & Tori

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sometimes a book arrives at the exact right moment it’s needed, and The Hockey Problem was exactly that for me — absolutely cute, perfectly emotional, and just the right amount of swoony.

This hockey romance has everything I love: a feisty, principled heroine, a broody, quietly tender single dad, a six‑year‑old super sweet scene‑stealer (a,k.a. Maisie), and that delicious “we really shouldn’t… but oh no, we’re already falling” tension!

Tori is the kind of heroine I root for immediately. She’s smart, disciplined, and determined to protect her hard‑earned reputation in a field where women are scrutinized twice as hard. She has seen colleagues lose their reputation by getting involved with a player, so she’s determined to never date a player. And yet… enter Zayden.

A French‑Canadian hockey player and single dad who is doing his absolute best while running on emotional fumes. He’s not the typical cocky sports hero — he’s thoughtful, serious, and deeply devoted to his daughter. Many times in the story, we see him exhausted, not only physically but mentally. That vulnerability? Irresistible.

From the moment Tori is assigned to treat his shoulder, the spark is instant. Their therapy sessions become this slow, careful dance — both of them trying to stay professional while failing spectacularly. He looks at her like she’s the first person who’s really seen him in years, and she tries so hard to remember her mantra: no players.  But their chats flow so easily, there’s instant trust.

Maisie is pure sunshine, she likes Tori immediately. Their bond grows naturally and tenderly through accidental babysitting moments, giggles, trust. Maisie blossoms under Tori’s attentions and it makes Zayden sigh in happiness. Watching this little found family form was one of my favorite parts.

There’s a sleazy teammate who crosses boundaries and retaliates when rejected — a storyline handled with care and realism. Zayden stepping up for Tori, taking responsibility, and advocating for her? That’s the kind of heroism I love: quiet, steady, and rooted in respect.

There are side characters that shine: Banks and Winnie. I’m already invested!  I was thinking as I read that they would make a perfect couple, and to my delight, they are next book’s couple! Win!

This story is soft in all the right ways — a gentle romance built on trust, friendship, and the slow realization that sometimes the person you’re not supposed to fall for is exactly the one who feels like home. It’s found family, healing, and a man who finally gets to exhale because he’s found someone who stays. Same for Maisie!

I loved this story. Five stars, easily. 

Purchase links

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3NIjzyQ

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4sGBKnU

Audible: https://geni.us/AudioHockeyProblem

Goodreads: https://geni.us/hockeyprbGR

About the author

Kendall Ryan writes contemporary romance. Her books have been featured on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists a combined total of more than 100 times. 

Connect with Kendall:

➜ WEBSITE www.kendallryanbooks.com

➜ NEWSLETTER www.kendallryanbooks.com/newsletter

➜ FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/kendallryanbooks

➜ INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/kendallryan1

➜ TWITTER www.twitter.com/kendallryan1