Promise Me- Sara Cate

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 

I was on a small book slump after i finish an arc, and pick this one on whim after I saw someone post about it and remembered I had it sitting in my tbr. And wow it was amazing I wast honestly shocked of how good it was, I was hooked from the very beginning i couldn’t put it down. Both main characters Declan and Colin made the book for me , definitely one of my top couples. Sara Cate should definitely write more MM pairing because this one was so good. 

Overall the story surprised me in the most amazing way, it was basically a 5 star read for me but unfortunately I knock a half star because two things did bother me 

1. POV Timeline: it was told in past(Colin) and present (Declan). But I wished the author had distributed both pov between both timelines. Especially because the ending felt rushed and incomplete because some situations required both pov’s. Either way we got a conclusion but it would had made the book ten times better had we had that. 

2. Pierce (Colin’s fiancé) what a disgusting character I never felt more triggered or disgusted by a character, there is a difference between being a Dom and gaslighting someone into believing you are one, he preyed on the vulnerability and submissiveness nature of the character to justify his actions. please never write a book about him. One reason why I point out we needed both pov was because I needed to understand what was the reason Colin accepted his proposal and his hesitation to end it, neither of them loved each other it was just an arrangement to assert dominance. I also felt that he should’ve gotten a worse ending, the way his actions were brushed off by Colin i couldn’t understand it and left a bitter taste in my mouth. Even if you love the lifestyle and in no way I’m kink shaming there should be boundaries a Dom shouldn’t overlook and the dynamic he had with Colin wasn’t healthy and wished Colin had acknowledged that and not be brushed off as not being compatible. 
I love the book but had the author worked on those two things deeper it would have been a masterpiece for me. Either way I love it and I’m thankful those parts were at the end and didn’t totally ruin my experience.

Deathball- W.H. Lockwood , T.J. Rose

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What would you choose freedom or love? 

Hunger games meets Spartacus in this new dark romance series by the amazing authors T.J. Rose and W. H. Lockwood 

Deathball took me by surprise in the most amazing way, I knew it was going to be good but oh boy it was more than good it was magnificent, from the very beginning I was hooked on the story I couldn’t put down it was everything I expected and more. This book was dark, angsty , gritty but also tender and sweet and the spice was 😮‍💨 hot! 

This was definitely a wild ride, I kid you not I was on edge from the very beginning to end but every single anxious moment I felt throughout the story was worth it, because Robin and Marco’s love was beautiful, their love was the light in the darkness, I just love them . Both characters went through a lot and had to sacrifice so much but their bravery and love was the highlight of the story, their journey was not easy it was emotional but also beautiful and their HEA was perfect. 
Overall this story was perfection from start to finish the characters, the writing, everything worked so good. 

All I have to say is get ready because this story will have you on a chokehold. This the first book of trilogy of standalone novels and i can’t wait for the next two books i desperately need them, I have my eyes on a certain character and hope we get to read about him because it for sure will make things interesting. While Marco and Robin do get their HEA I have feeling this is not the last we see of them. 100% percent recommend it.




*** An ARC copy was provided for an honest review ***

Side by Side- Jordan Clayden-Lewis

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 ARC Review 

If there is one trope I love is rivals to lovers especially workplace rivals so i definitely have to read it. 

I have to admit the beginning of the story felt a little slow for me but once I pass that bump I able to immerse in the story and throughly enjoyed it. Is a sweet, emotional rom com with amazing banter , great MMC’s and wonderful side characters. One of the highlights In the story was the character development it was done so well having both characters work through those issues another one I loved was their relationship the progression didn’t feel rushed and I love that although I did wanted to read little bit more of them together my only complaint. 

Overall this a great read, this my first time reading anything from Jordan but for sure won’t be the last. If you’re looking for a rom com that is funny, sweet, with family and friendship dynamics this is definitely for you. 

The Call-Up - K. C. Carmichael

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review 

I love the first book in the series and I was so excited when I got the opportunity to read the sequel. 

This is the story of Ryan and Brandon  who years later reconnected when both get to play for the same team. This such a fun story to read as i mentioned before I love the first one so I had big expectations for this and thankfully they were met. The chemistry and the tension of the main characters was amazing, loved when they finally give in to their attraction. I also love the side characters and the team dynamics. Only tiny complaint was the ending was kind of rushed in my opinion but still good. 

Overall this was such a great read if you love hockey romances this is is definitely a great recommendation. I can’t wait for what else the author has in the works with this characters.

Release Day blitz First and Forever by Lynn Painter

 

It’s Pub Day for Lynn Painter newest release 

Links https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0FM7FV5SB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-and-forever-lynn-painter/1148039682?ean=9780593817445

My review Link 

http://allthatreading.blogspot.com/2026/02/first-and-forever-lynn-painter.html?m=1

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

Duffy Distefano loves three things: her dad, the family cat, and Minneapolis Coyotes football. So when she gets booed out of a game and becomes the internet’s villain, she is distraught—and disgruntled. All she did was shove Coyote Carl away when he made a move on her, but everyone else just saw a woman attacking their team’s beloved mascot. Eager to clear the air, Duffy agrees to an interview on a hit morning show. She doesn’t expect a co-guest to join her—especially not the Coyotes’ star tight end.

 

When MVP Connor Cunningham gets tasked with damage control to help his team out of their PR nightmare, he thought that meant saying a few words on the team’s behalf. Instead, he finds himself in a highly amusing verbal sparring match with a recently wronged fan on live TV. Duffy pelts him with fiery jabs but is also clearly diehard about the Coyotes—color him intrigued…and attracted.

 

The interview instantly goes viral, and the public is obsessed with them. A strong push from the Coyotes’ PR team to ride the wave results in Connor asking Duffy out. Despite his distaste for PR stunts, he’s surprised to discover being with Duffy is much easier than he thought, and somehow it doesn’t feel fake to him. Harboring this secret can only blow up, but all he knows is that if he messes things up with Duffy, it’ll be the greatest fumble of his life.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Lynn Painter is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies for teens and adults. When she isn't reading or writing, she can usually be found binge-watching rom-coms or shotgunning energy drinks.

Salt- Jonah Yorke

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review 

From  the very beginning  I was captivated that prologue was heartbreaking and set the pace on my emotions throughout the story if I thought that was the heavy part buckle up because Salt was a wild ride. 

I really loved this one, it was just a captivating as sweat but different both are amazing stories but I felt this one was a bit heavier on the emotional level. Dane was a such interesting character for me at first he was this somewhat annoying but also intriguing character all those emotional scars he carried where heartbreaking to read, the way he was treated since he was a kid was definitely hard to read but it made you understand the character better. And Connor what can I say he was such a great character, the confusion he felt towards Dane but also the pull he felt towards him was amazing to read. The writing was so good, the author was able  balance the angst and the spice perfectly. But one thing I did notice is towards the end some parts felt rushed especially in Dane case but other than that it was an amazing story and a great follow up to Sweat. Can’t wait for what’s next on the series because the title is already so good. 

**Thank you to the author for providing an arc copy for an honest review***

Stealing Forever- Lizzie C Koz

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review 

I love Finding forever so when I found out we will not only get Shane story but also a full series of the jetties I was over the moon. 

 

This is the first installment of the Jetttis and is the story of Jed and Shane. After suffering the death of his father and getting back into the game after an accident Jed  suddenly finds himself not only fighting for his spot in the roster but also his attraction to sunshine in personified Shane Michaels what will happen when the temptation is too hard to resist and the control he has is slipping away? 

  

I love it, i couldn’t put it down, both Shane and Jed are amazing characters their chemistry between them was off the charts neither of them could resist it, but what I love the most is the emotional part of the story. it was heartbreaking to read about how on the surface Shane is this big sunshine of a man but underneath all those smiles there is someone who is hiding the pain with smiles. Overall I love the story, the writing, the characters everything was perfect, we also get a bit of glimpse of what’s to come in the series and let’s just say those little crumbs have on chokehold i can’t wait to dive into those stories. Definitely recommend it 

In Your Court -Kit Haley

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review 

Did I judge a book by its cover? Well yes I did! The cover is hot!! So No regrets because thankfully the cover is not the only great thing, The story had me hooked i couldn’t put it down. 

Besides the cover what really attracted me to the book was the premise of the story. Two rival tennis players; one openly gay who’s trying to make a comeback after a horrible accident and another one who is this big rich American superstar player. Like I was sold on it as soon I read that blurb throw a challenge and a little bit of flirting into the mix and we have a winner. 

In your court was such a fun surprise I throughly enjoyed the story from start to finish. Is emotional low to medium angst , funny the banter is on point, and steamy  that fast burn was 🔥. But most of all what made the story incredible was the characters; both are great but also complicated and interesting as the same time, after suffering a big accident Matt is struggling with his self worth and comeback as a player who is also openly gay. Then we have Miles that on the surface is this big superstar that may seem like he has everything but underneath all of that is someone who is also dealing with his own struggles. The bond both  characters forge was the highlight of the story for me, how both pushed each other to be better but also be there for each other, that was my favorite part of their story. 

Overall this is an amazing book I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it. If you love rivals falling in love, steamy romance with a sprinkle of angst then this is definitely your story 

The Risk Taker( Colton U Playbook #3) - Stephanie Alves

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC review 

After finish my last read I needed something to balance that heavy emotional energy into something more sweeter and The Risk Taker was just that and more, it was an amazing read from start to finish. Stephanie definitely scored with this one a  5 stars for sure. 

 From the very beginning I was hooked Nathan and Logan chemistry was palpable from the beginning you could feel the pull both had but also the hesitation but once they give in, it was just perfect. Nathan is not only the goalie  of the team but also the coach son so he has more pressure on his shoulders compared to Logan who is total opposite of him. A highlight for me and one  thing I love about their dynamic is how the author perfectly crafted their differences but also knew how to balance them which made the story work so well. 

I love everything about this book, it’s sweet, fun but with an added depth that perfectly balance all of it to make a great enjoyable story. Definitely recommend it. 

Wake- Anyta Sunday

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC review 

 One thing i noticed when I was reading wake is that it didn’t pull that same intensity that Rock did for me but not because it was bad on contrary it was a good story, the characters, the writing all were there , but for me the flow of the story was different, I didn’t get that heart wrecking feeling Rock gave me, it was more less intense feeling which was interesting because I was ready for my heart to be torn. The story still messy, complicated and most of all emotional but in a less intense way. One thing that would have made story perfect is the dual POV we only get to experience one side and that’s something Rock lacked too I wanted to be in both MC’s head, while the story still enjoyable I did wish for that. 

If you love slow burn stories with just the right amount of angst this definitely for you.

Written in the stars( The Barracudas #3)- Christopher J. Brice

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 

This is the story of Ryan and Oliver who were childhood best friends but unfortunately lost touch when Ryan moved away but when you’re meant to be destiny will found a way and they found themselves in the same school years later and reconnect. 

If I could describe written in the stars it would be like eating a warm cinnamon roll each layer is just the right amount sweet and gooey, It was just the perfect read. I’ve been waiting to finally read Oliver story since he was first introduced, so obviously I was so excited for it. Can definitely confirm I was not disappointed. It was funny, sweet and couldn’t be perfect story for them their love was definitely written in the stars. Both characters were fantastic but for me Ryan was the character I just love him he’s so adorable and Oliver he was just perfect both were such a treat to read. Also if you been following the series we finally get the ice queen reveal and I gotta say my suspicions were correct can’t wait for the next book it will be juicy 🤗. 

If you love second chances story with great, banter, amazing group of friends and just all around sweet story this definitely for you.

Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review 

This one was was so fun to read. I admit the title attracted me but then I read the blurb and that seal the deal; I mean a fake FBI agent and the daughter of criminals teaming up together what’s not to love. 

This a fast paced, funny but also romantic stor. It was so good I couldn’t put down. The characters were fantastic Sejal and Krish made a great pair, who had  amazing chemistry, the tension, the banter oh it was just perfect, the whole enemies to lovers trope was done so well.

Overall this a great romcom perfect fast paced but entraining read. Definitely recommend 

The incredible Ordinary- Briar Prescott

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review 

I’m always amazed whenever I read a new Briar book, I don’t how she does it but her books are like an addiction i can’t get enough , the story, the characters honestly just everything. For me is a gift to read a Briar book and the incredible ordinary is not the exception the story is anything but ordinary, it was an incredible and delightful read I loved every page of Milan & Jordan’s story. 
This is the story of two different men in different situations but brought together by destiny in a way that both needed, one more than the other. Is a slow burn but in a lighthearted way , the trope strangers/friends/to lovers was done in such way that work worked perfectly because you could feel the shift in their dynamic, the attraction, the confusion, the want I loved how it was written. One of the highlights of the story wasn’t just Milan & Jordan relationship but the family dynamics as a whole I love reading about them and how we should find the incredible on the ordinary and that ordinary can fantastic. 

Overall this one of my top reads of the year as soon I got it i couldn’t stop reading it was truly such a beautiful story. Can’t recommend enough get it!

Let Me show You- Alisha Williams

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review 

One of my favorite tropes is tutor/player so when I saw the blurb on my feed I needed to read it. Fast forward and have read it now and let just say it one of my favorites reads of this year. Cooper and Blake story exceeded my expectations, I loved everything about it. The story is a bit of slow burn but definitely worth and the spice is so good too. 
Overall a great story and characters. Definitely recommend it.

Hot Axe( Axford Brothers #2)- May Archer

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC review 

One of my favorite tropes is best friends to lovers add bi awakening and is just perfection. 

I love everything about this story is fun, spicy and sweet. I adored both Robbie and Ames. The love both have for each other is amazing I was so happy when Robbie finally realizes they
love he had for Ames wasn’t just a friend’s love but a deeper one. The story is low angst which I love usually with this kind of trope just might expect heartbreak but it wasn’t the case here and I loved that. It was the perfect lighthearted story I needed, definitely recommend it

Pretty (King’s heart #2)- L. Waltree

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review 

Pretty is the story of Javi and Declan is a second change romance. Ever since I read safe I was itching to have their story, the little we got was so intriguing so I was really excited when L. Waltree announced it.

Wow pretty was definitely a roller coaster of emotions, once I started I couldn’t put it down Javi and Declan story is heartbreaking but also heartwarming. The story is told in past and present timeline is dives into Javi and Declan friendship and eventual falling out, which I love because you get to see the full picture. I loved how Javi loved Declan but if I’m honest Declan was my favorite he was so strong and definitely deserved all the good things and love. 

Overall this is a an amazing story, is well paced, the characters are amazing and the plot keep you entertained, plus there’s some cameos from safe which i loved. Compared to safe i would say the angst was not as intense but still has a kick to it. If you enjoy Safe and love second chance romance definitely recommend reading it. 

Quiet Ones(Hellbent #3)-Penelope Douglas

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

More than a review this will be a rambling mess because as soon as I got the preorder I started reading, so yes I went to bed close to 4am but it was 100% worth it, my brain and body are super tired but happy and now  I have the need to put some of my thoughts down. 

If you thought that then slow burn was us waiting years for the story,  prepare yourself because  that was just us building patience, Penelope was not going to make it easier for us or them. The slow burn was intense, at times even frustrating but Quinn and Lucas story is not a fast paced one, there were too many bumps in the road for them to make it fast, both needed to grow up in their own way and find that freedom they were looking for. Their chemistry between them was amazing, after 8 years apart Quinn wanted more , needed more but Lucas had secrets, there was also Quinn’s brothers  and their age gap all of that was like an invisible wall stopping them from getting what they wanted. I will say the wait for them to finally give into those simmering feelings was excruciating but the satisfaction when they finally did was such a relief,  it was that moment when as a reader I said yes! the wait was worth it. But the ride was wild one a very bumpy one till the very end so prepare yourself.  

There is also the subplot of the mystery of the Doran brothers & Winslet, personally I think they’re creepy and the mystery is like a spider web getting bigger and more confusing than ever so if you enjoy it in the first two installments then you will love all the new discoveries. 

Overall I loved Quinn and Lucas story to me it was worth the wait. The only thing I wish we had was at least 3 or 4 more chapters of just them. while the story was not a fast paced one there so many things happening around them that I didn’t get my filled of just them getting to know each other or enjoying their relationship but I’m a bit selfish with characters I love and always want more. Also honorary mention to Madoc, his love for Lucas was one of the highlights of the story. 

Penelope probably will hate hearing this and even more for suggesting it but please I know is not possible this year but please give us Tommy and Kade next year I need their story please take mercy on us. 

Also I like to point out for those who want to read Quiet ones. This is not a standalone story , besides the subplot there is some key plot points from the first book that are relevant here so keep that in mind when reading and definitely give it a try to the full series is really good. 

Second Serves and First Times - Emmery Fox

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review 

Emmery has delivered another win with Second serves and First times. 

This is the story of Ben Harris a smart but shy man that lacks the self esteem and experience in the dating department and Elias Liebrenz a German hunk of man and amazing tennis player whose only goal is to become pro. When Ben’s best friend and secret crush wants to set him up on dates he’s too nice to say no. To help him Elias proposes a fake relationship but what happens when it becomes too real? 

I loved every bit of Ben and Elias story is sweet, fun, spicy but with that depth Emmery gives to the characters that makes the story just perfect. Compared to First serves and second chances is not angsty at all, this one is more about finding yourself and that sometimes wining is not necessarily everything. 

Overall SSAFT was such an enjoyable read, I couldn’t put it down, it was the perfect read. I can’t wait for what’s next in the series because I’m definitely hooked now. 





***An ARC was provided for an honest review, all opinions are my own***