Feral Love #2: Prey for Me by Allie Oleander book review

Margot, a resilient woman carrying trauma from a controlling, religiously fanatic ex-husband, finds safety and longing tangled together when Caine—her longtime secret obsession—reenters her life. Caine has quietly watched Margot for years; when she becomes single again and needs to house-sit for his brother, he seizes the chance to protect her and finally make his move. Their relationship grows from simmering friends-to-lovers tension into a fierce, consensual primal-play romance: masked encounters, fear play, and dark eroticism threaded with humor and genuine care. As Margot’s ex escalates from threatening messages to stalking, the stakes rise beyond bedroom games to real danger. Caine’s protective devotion—equal parts golden-retriever sweetness and shadowy intensity—grounds Margot as she reclaims autonomy, sexuality, and trust. The novel balances heated scenes with sharp banter, emotional beats, and a cat-and-mouse mystery that keeps momentum through a tense, satisfying arc. Prey for Me stands darker than its predecessor but still keeps the series’ blend of kink-positive intimacy, character depth, and the spooky, haunted-house atmosphere that fans love. 

The chemistry between Margot and Caine is visceral: long-built yearning pays off in scenes that are erotic, consensual, and emotionally charged. Fans of darker romance will appreciate how kink and primal play are treated respectfully and integrated with character growth rather than mere titillation. The novel inhabits a vivid “haunted” ambiance that amplifies the danger and intimacy, appealing to those who like mood-driven settings (haunted houses, shadowy nights). This book delivers on multiple levels: it’s sexy, smart, and emotionally resonant. I appreciated how the kink elements were portrayed as part of a trusting, communicative relationship rather than exploitative—this made the spice feel integral to character rather than gratuitous. The suspense subplot elevated tension and gave the romance urgent stakes; when danger intruded on their play, the characters’ reactions revealed depth and growth.  I didn't know what to expect going into it, but I loved it!  A definite must add to your TBR.  

This book is set to be published September 22, 2026.  Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an ARC.

Extracurricular by Rachel Lynn Solomon book review

Ramona Wilder, a world-famous pop star exhausted by fame and her stage mother’s control, retires at 26 and enrolls at UCLA to reclaim a normal life. In Psychology 101 she meets Nick Navarro, a recently divorced professor a decade older who’s steady, patient, and quietly complicated. Their first encounters are prickly and defensive, but attraction grows into an intense, secret connection that tests professional boundaries. As Ramona confronts panic attacks, body-image struggles, and the fallout of past exploitation, Nick faces his own emotional baggage from a long marriage and the risks his choices could bring to his career. The story balances steamy chemistry with moments of vulnerability, tender support, and awkward humor. Supporting characters—family, friends, and Ramona’s PR world—add depth and stakes, including a subplot about confronting past abuse. The novel follows Ramona and Nick as they navigate consent, power dynamics complicated by celebrity, and the hard work of rebuilding identity and trust. It’s a character-driven romance about starting over, healing, and whether love can be enough to bridge very different lives. 

I loved this book because I enjoy emotionally driven, character-focused stories. The novel blends a compelling celebrity-trying-for-normal arc with a forbidden, age-gap professor/student tension that creates continuous friction and longing. The chemistry is immediate and vividly written—steamy, awkward, and intimate—while the quieter moments reveal genuine vulnerability and growth. Fans of opposites-attract dynamics will appreciate the grumpy-meets-sunshine banter and the slow unspooling of trust. The book also tackles serious themes—fame, body image, panic, and past abuse—with sensitivity, giving the romance real emotional weight rather than letting it rest on trope alone. The author’s voice delivers both laugh-out-loud banter and tender clarity. Ramona’s journey toward being "normal" felt honest, and Nick’s steady support made their connection resonate. Overall, it’s a heartfelt, bingeable read for readers who like their romance with emotional layers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an ARC of this book.  It will be released on July 14, 2026.

Flirty Rotten Scoundrels #1: Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti book review

A scandalous debutante, Lady Ruby Ballimore, flees London after a disastrous society incident and, with two friends, assumes roles as ladies-in-waiting at a supposedly vacant Cornish estate. Instead, they find a derelict house occupied by Captain Malcolm Archer and his ragtag crew—former sailors-turned-smugglers posing as staff. Misunderstandings, fake invitations, and clever cons escalate into madcap antics as both groups try to deceive the other while protecting their own secrets. Insect invasions, sham sea monsters, and inventive attempts to frighten the ladies create comic chaos, but sparks soon fly between the fiercely honest Ruby and the rakish, protective Archer. As danger and a larger mystery draw them together, the two must lower their walls, confront past hurts, and choose family over pretense. The story balances humor, heists, and warm, steamy romance, culminating in a satisfying HEA while leaving room for sequels focused on the supporting cast. 

Historical romance readers will enjoy the book’s blend of Regency charm and swashbuckling mischief: witty banter, found-family dynamics, atmospheric Cornish setting, and believable tension between class-different leads. The chemistry between Ruby and Malcolm is both tender and spicy, with heartfelt character growth that made me grin and sigh in equal measure. Vasti’s playful plotting, memorable side characters (and quirky animals), and the mix of adventure and emotional payoff make this a delightful, feel-good read I’d happily recommend to anyone who loves warm, character-driven historical romance.  Loved it!

This book is set to be released on June 23, 2026.  Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC.

Mountain Men Matchmaker #4: Bad Boy Era by Amy Daws book review

The 4th and final book of this series!  Definitely recommend reading them in order. Everly Fletcher, the family’s self-styled matchmaking mastermind, returns home to Fletcher Mountain after four years at Trinity College in Dublin to help launch her aunt’s animal rescue. Quiet summer plans unravel when Conri “Wolf” Reilly—her college roommate’s brooding, tattooed twin and a scandal-tainted rugby bad boy—shows up needing a place to stay while he rebuilds his career with a U.S. rugby team. As a favor, Everly asks her aunt if she can hire Wolf to work and live at the animal rescue. This forces them into close, charged proximity. He treats her with grumpy dismissal, but his protective, slow-burning attraction becomes impossible to hide. Between rescued animals, a hilariously overprotective Fletcher clan, and sweet scenes with a precocious child and an alpaca, Everly and Wolf navigate secrets, pride, and growing desire. Dual points of view reveal Wolf’s softer side and Everly’s awkward vulnerability as both learn to accept who they are. What begins as a begrudging arrangement turns into a fierce, tender romance that brings Everly her own hard-won happy ending—and a satisfying close to the Mountain Men series. 

I loved this book because it is a classic grumpy × sunshine with small-town warmth, forced proximity, and slow-burn chemistry—the exact ingredients many romance readers crave. The dual POV lets you live inside both hearts: Everly’s bright, matchmaking mind and Wolf’s brooding, protective interior. His Irish charm and rugby-backstory add spice and texture, while the animal-rescue setting supplies cozy, feel-good moments and comic relief. Fans of found-family dynamics will adore the Fletcher clan’s overprotective uncles and their tender, hilarious reactions; recurring characters return with satisfying cameos that reward longtime readers. I liked how Everly’s growth from matchmaker-for-others to someone who accepts love for herself felt genuine and moving. Everly and Cliona's friendship really stood out as an example of women rooting for each other. Wolf’s rough exterior hiding deep affection—especially in his scenes with the animals and Stevie—made him impossible not to love. The sex was steamy with a bit of primal play thrown in. Definitely not a closed door book.  I think the author gave the ending a Happy For Now, considering they are younger than the other characters in the series.  They are both working on their careers and finding their way in a new relationship.  Loved it!  This book is scheduled to be released May 26, 2026.  Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for a ARC of this book.