To Heist and to Hold by Christina Britton book review

Heloise Marlowe, a determined widow and skilled blacksmith, infiltrates the notorious gaming club, Dionysus, to clear her sister-in-law Julie's name after a valuable heirloom necklace goes missing. Under the guise of seduction, she must navigate her feelings for the club’s owner, Ethan Sinclaire, who is grappling with rumors that threaten his establishment's reputation. As Heloise and Ethan’s lives intertwine, they must confront their pasts while uncovering the truth behind the theft and the suspicions surrounding the club. Their growing attraction complicates their mission, leading to a passionate romance that blooms amidst deception and danger. 

Readers of historical romance will be enjoy by "To Heist and To Hold" for its unique perspective on the working class, diverging from the typical ballrooms and aristocratic settings. Heloise is a relatable and empowering heroine, defying societal norms as a blacksmith and a member of the Wimpole Street Widows Society. The novel masterfully combines mystery, romance, and emotional depth, showcasing the characters' struggles with guilt and trust amidst a backdrop of intrigue. The chemistry between Heloise and Ethan adds a layer of tension and excitement, while the supporting characters add a lot to the story. With its blend of steamy moments, witty banter, and genuine connection, this book is a must add to your TBR pile.  I really enjoyed it and I particularly loved all the name (of characters) choices in this story.

This book is out today!  Thanks to @Forever and #NetGalley for an ARC.

Dream Harbor #4: The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore book review

This is book #4 in the Dream Harbor series and I have to say that I love coming back to a familiar world with both old and new characters. In this book, Archer, a world-renowned chef and single father, relocates to provide a stable home for his young daughter, Olive, after her mother's untimely passing. Faced with the challenge of running a pancake restaurant and winning over the locals, Archer struggles to balance his new life while gaining custody of Olive, who is hesitant to connect with him. Enter Iris, a free-spirited woman who has never held a job for long and is searching for a fresh start. When offered the opportunity to be Olive's nanny, she is hesitant but ultimately decides to take the plunge. The job has good pay and a place to live. As she navigates her new role, she finds herself drawn to Archer, who surprises her with his cooking skills and brooding charm. Their evolving relationship is filled with sexual tension as they grapple with their pasts and the challenges of parenting. With a delightful blend of humor, romance, and community spirit, this story captures the essence of finding love and family when least expected, leading to a heartwarming happily-ever-after that readers will cherish. 

I love this book because of  its charming small-town setting and lovable characters. The single dad and nanny trope adds a layer of sweetness and tension as Archer's protective instincts clash with Iris’s desire for independence. Readers will enjoy the forced proximity that heightens their chemistry, making each interaction feel electric. The slow-burn romance allows for emotional depth, as both characters confront their pasts and learn to trust one another. The narrative is sprinkled with humor and heartwarming moments, making it a perfect escape for those seeking lighthearted yet meaningful stories. With well-developed secondary characters that enrich the plot, readers will feel immersed in the close-knit community of Dream Harbor. If you have read the other books in this series, you know what to expect.  If you are just jumping in, you will love the HEA, the fun and quirky characters and sexy scenes.

Big Shots #4: Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey book review

NHL rookie Robbie Corrigan is a charming playboy who seems to have it all—stardom, a best friend as a roommate, and the adoration of Boston’s women. However, everything changes when he meets Skylar Paige, a fiercely independent Division 1 softball pitcher who is immune to his charms. She puts Robbie in his place, seconds after they meet.  She is not impressed by his conquests and lets him know. However, their paths will soon cross because Skylar harbors a long-time crush on her brother’s best friend.  Her best friend backs out of a an event and Skylar decides she needs a fake boyfriend for this family wilderness competition. Robbie steps in to help make her crush jealous. As they navigate through the challenges of their faux relationship, trust builds between them, leading to unexpected chemistry. Their banter and growing closeness force them to confront their feelings, and soon, what started as a pretense begins to feel all too real. 

I didn't realize this was book 4 in this series, but it was super easy to jump into and I did not feel like I was missing out on a back story.  I loved how Skylar was hot, sporty and a little awkward.  Robbie did not give the best first impression, but I love how his character was developed throughout the story. Parts were laugh out loud funny, there was a little tension and some pretty hot sex! The fake dating trope is great, with Robbie's flirty nature contrasting perfectly with Skylar's strong-willed persona. Robbie's growth from a cocky player to a caring partner adds layers to his character. Skylar’s journey of self-discovery and vulnerability resonates with many, showcasing a strong female lead who doesn’t shy away from her ambitions. With a backdrop of sports and family competition, this story promises a lighthearted yet heartfelt read that blends sizzling romance with character development, ensuring readers are left swooning for more. It was an enjoyable read.  Once I started I could not put it down.  Some reviews are pretty harsh on the story and the author, but this is a great sports romance that is well written with a HEA.  This book was just released on September 9, 2025 and it should definitely be added to your reading list.

Let's Give 'Em Pumpkin to Talk About by Isabelle Popp book review

Textile artist, Sadie Fox reluctantly returns to her small hometown of Pea Blossom, Indiana, to care for her father's beloved pumpkin patch during the summer. Her mission is simple: grow a giant pumpkin to win back her father's respect. However, disaster strikes when a horde of wild hogs ravages the entire patch. Just when things seem hopeless, Josh Thatcher, her father's charming neighbor and a former tech millionaire turned gourd enthusiast, offers his help. The story unfolds with the classic grumpy-sunshine dynamic, where Sadie embodies the grump, and Josh is the sunny, supportive figure. As they work together to rebuild the pumpkin patch, unexpected feelings begin to blossom, leading to a stormy kiss that hints at something deeper. This unexpected rom-com captures the essence of small-town life, the warmth of autumn, and the complexities of relationships, all while exploring themes of self-discovery and healing.

I think romance readers will appreciate the unique role reversal, with Sadie as the grumpy lead and Josh as the affable sunshine, that adds a refreshing twist to the classic opposites-attract trope. The cozy autumn setting enhances the romantic vibes, making it perfect for curling up with a blanket and a warm drink. Deeper conversations about mental health provide emotional depth, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a more profound level. Stu, Sadie's father, is a pivotal character who adds depth to the narrative. His estrangement from Sadie showcases the emotional distance that can develop between loved ones, especially when burdens of expectations weigh heavy. I like how he ultimately becomes a symbol of reconciliation, illustrating that it’s never too late to mend broken bonds and appreciate the love that exists within a family.  There is still some spice!  Once Sadie and Josh get together...*fans self*.  This book was just released in late August, so it's just in time for pumpkin-spice season!

Catching Lady Theo by Ella Quinn book review

In "Catching Lady Theo," the second installment of Ella Quinn's "Here Comes the Grooms" series, Leo, Duke of Chandos, finds himself unexpectedly enchanted by Lady Theo Vivers, his best friend’s sister. As Theo makes her debut in London society, Leo is determined to win her heart, despite her initial view of him as merely a friend or even a brother. While Theo recognizes Leo's charm, she believes he is unsuitable for marriage due to his bachelor lifestyle and vow to marry later in life. When a misunderstanding leads Leo to proclaim their betrothal, Theo dismisses it as an act of friendship, planning to extricate them from the situation. However, as they navigate social events together, Theo begins to see a side of Leo that is both devoted and tempting. Amidst romantic rivals and misunderstandings, the two explore their feelings, leading to a delightful journey of self-discovery and the complexities of love.

I like this book for its humor, warmth, and emotional depth. Ella Quinn weaves a tale of friends-to-lovers that showcases the complexities of relationships within the Regency era. The dynamic between Leo and Theo is both sweet and engaging, as they navigate societal expectations and personal growth. Leo made a lot of changes in his life to get Theo to notice him.  It took a while for her to recognize these changes and was kind of fun to watch from the reader point of view. The supportive Worthington family adds layers of love and humor, making the story feel rich and relatable. Additionally, the exploration of misunderstandings and romantic tensions keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the characters will resolve their conflicts. With a perfect combination of wit, heartfelt moments, and engaging characters, this book promises to be a delightful escape for fans of historical romance.  Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.  It will officially be out on November 25, 2025.  If you love historical romance, put this one on your TBR pile.

Immortal by Morning: An Argeneau Novel #37 by Lynsay Sands book review

In the latest installment of Lynsay Sands's Argeneau vampire series, immortal rogue enforcer and detective Crispinus Delacort finds his routine disrupted when human bones are discovered in a residential garden. The shocking find is made by Abril Newman, who is house-sitting for her boss. Amidst the chaos, Abril grapples with her unexpected attraction to Crispin, complicating the investigation. As Crispin delves deeper, he realizes a rogue is involved, making the case far more complex. Distracted by his feelings for Abril, he must navigate both the investigation and their budding romance. With humor, chemistry, and a top-notch immortal team for support, Crispin and Abril work against the clock to solve the mystery before morning. 

I find "Immortal by Morning" irresistible due to its blend of humor, suspense, and steamy romance. There are a lot of laugh out loud moments, especially when Lucien makes an appearance. The chemistry between Crispin and Abril is palpable, as they face both external threats and their undeniable attraction. I mean, who doesn't want a 3000 year old immortal man??? The author always emphasizes genuine connection, allowing readers to savor their budding relationship without unnecessary drama. Lynsay Sands’s masterful world-building introduces a captivating backdrop of immortality and vampire lore, while familiar characters from previous books create a sense of community. I look forward to coming back to this immortal world with every new book release. I'm just super impressed that Sands can keep coming up with unique human reactions to being told about the immortals.  There are very few series that can keep going for this long.  I love every single one of them! This book promises not only a thrilling mystery but also a sexy love story, making it a delightful read for fans of the genre.  Anytime someone asks me for a vampire romance, this is one of my go-to series.  The cover art is *mwah* (chef's kiss).  Thanks to the author for continuing to write these books and thanks to the publisher for continuing to publish them :)

The Marriage Method by Mimi Matthews book review

In The Marriage Method, set in Victorian London, Penelope “Nell” Trewlove, a deputy headmistress at the Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies, is tasked with silencing inquisitive newspaper editor Miles Quincy. The Academy seeks to protect its mission of advancing women while thwarting men in power who threaten their cause. However, when Nell attempts to charm Miles into compliance, their encounter takes an unexpected turn involving a mischievous cat and a scandalous situation that leads to a hasty marriage. As they navigate their newfound partnership, Nell and Miles delve into a mystery involving a missing journalist and the darker underbelly of society. Their chemistry grows amidst investigations and societal constraints, revealing both their vulnerabilities and strengths. With humor, heart, and intrigue, the story unfolds, showcasing a unique blend of romance and a gripping mystery. 

I love this book for its delightful marriage of convenience trope, where Nell and Miles' forced union blossoms into a heartfelt partnership. The witty banter and palpable chemistry between the leads create an engaging dynamic that keeps readers invested. Nell defies societal norms as a strong, intelligent woman, while Miles proves to be a protective and tender hero. The blend of romance with a compelling mystery adds depth, ensuring that the story is not just about love but also about personal growth and societal challenges. With charming characters and unexpected twists, this book delivers an irresistible read for anyone who enjoys historical romance laced with adventure and heart.  The cover on this book is beautiful!  It totally sucked me in.  The spice level is very low, but the falling in love is soooooo romantic.  I really enjoyed this book.  Thanks to the Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.  It is scheduled to be published November 25, 2025.  It'll be worth the wait!