Review: Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward
Crown of War and Shadow
J.R. Ward
Kingdom of the Compass Series, Book 1
466 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2026
An outcast burdened with a curse and a mercenary who’s out for himself collide in this star-crossed, slow-burn, high-stakes romantic fantasy from #1 New York Times bestseller J. R. Ward.
In the dead of night, passions rise and empires fall.
Welcome to Kingdoms of the Compass.
The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world, stalking the night.
No one is safe.
Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast, she’s spent her whole life within the walls of her small village, ostracized for her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and maybe find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.
Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.
She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen’s crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.
Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.
The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.
But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though passion runs hot between them, enemies are around every corner, and danger and betrayal threaten at every turn.
Crown of War and Shadow is the first book in the Kingdoms of the Compass series.
Crown of War and Shadow
*Forced proximity/Only one bed
*Chosen mates
*Dark mercenary
*Who did this to you?
*Touch her and die
*I’ll die for you
*Hidden magic
4 Stars
J.R. Ward was one of the first authors that I fell in love with when I began my reading journey after my son was diagnosed with autism. She is one of my top contributors as to why I love paranormal romance. If you were looking for a fantasy version of the black dagger brotherhood, this is not it. Does this book hold up with the BDB? Yes, I believe it does, however it is a different writing voice with a different subject matter.
Crown of War and Shadow is a perfect example of phenomenal world building. As we navigate through this new world, the reader is given visit imagery that allows you to transform the words into a scene in your mind. Sorrel is an orphan who is carrying a curse. She has never known any family and has lived out her entire life confined within the walls of her small village. Working as a bar maid, but she carries an ability that makes people look away from her. She has skills she doesn’t understand or even know where they came from. Merc does not have the typical night in shining armor reputation. He is a mercenary that has his own set of rules and plays his own game.
Over the course of the book we embark on a fantasy journey. A slow burn romance with betrayal and secrets, truth and magic, love and self discovery. J.R. Ward hit the dark romantasy world with a bang. Crown of War and Shadow gave me some very Anne Rice feels while reading. Honestly, that has to be one of the highest compliments I can get. The setting and scenery descriptions are absolutely amazing, the world building is fantastic and even though it may take some time to see it, the characters have depth and growth. I very much look forward to see how the rest of the story plays out.
Audio Review: Safe Haven by Kristen Proby
Safe Haven
Kristen Proby
Triple Creek Ranch Series, Book 1
281 pages, Kindle Edition
February 17, 2026 by Montlake
Narrated by:
Connor Crais
Savannah Peachwood
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an emotional romance where two best friends reunite at Triple Creek Ranch, proving that home is where love finds its way.
Fifteen years ago, my best friend found salvation at the Triple Creek Ranch, transforming from an angry foster kid into a hockey legend. Now, with his adoptive father’s death forcing him home, Ryker’s trading his hockey stick for ranch life—and I’m not sure my heart can handle having him this close again.
I’ve spent the past decade raising my troubled nephew alone while building my career as an audiobook narrator. When my boy needs a fresh start, Ryker offers us sanctuary at the ranch. But living under the same roof with the man who’s always owned my heart ignites feelings I’ve tried hard to bury.
Between helping manage a struggling ranch, watching my nephew find his way, and dealing with the shadows of Ryker’s fame, we discover our connection is stronger than ever. But when threats from his past surface, we’ll have to decide if our second chance is worth fighting for.
5 Stars
Safe Haven is a small town, friends to lovers, make you swoon over and over again. Willow and Ryker are pure perfection.
Willow is absolutely amazing. She is an audiobook narrator. What an amazing job! She is the guardian of a teenage boy, who has been through quite a bit and she gives him her heart 100%. She’s genuinely sweet, caring and very relatable in so many aspects. Her chosen family means the world to her. Extremely loyal and would do anything in the world for those she loves.
Ryker, the hockey star. Spending 15 years on the ice was absolutely amazing for him but his mind and body say it’s time to put up the skates. Ryker has had a tough life. When two people were willing to take a chance on him. He found a family. He never thought he would have. He may come across brash and intimidating, but he truly is one of a kind. He’s understanding and caring. He’s giving and willing to teach and understands when comfort and caring are needed. He’s like the perfect man.
I absolutely adored Safe Haven. Willow and Ryker met when they were teenagers. And over the years developed a deep bond that’s hard to explain. Watching their relationship going from friends to lovers was beautiful. This one definitely checks off all the boxes.
This was a very emotional rate for me hearing I had to grab the tissues almost from the beginning. Aiden is also a very big part of the story. To see Aidan ‘s growth while Ryker and Willow are evolving their relationship to something more makes the story hit the heart even more. Kristen Proby delivers another winner with Safe Haven.
I had the pleasure of listening to this story as an audiobook. Narrators Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais truly made the story come alive. Delivering every emotion expertly and pulling you into the story so deeply.
Review: Accidental Runaway Groom by Carrie Ann Ryan
Accidental Runaway Groom
Carrie Ann Ryan
Clover Lake Series, Book 2
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 9, 2026
I picked up a groom on the side of the road on the way to a wedding.
One problem: I wasn’t the bride.
And he didn’t mean to run away.
Sometimes things happen for a reason and six months later, I’m back in Clover Lake and Sharp McBride is single, not-so-heartbroken, and my new best friend.
Only neither one of us wants to be just friends.
I don’t know where his heart belongs, and I don’t want to be the person to break what’s left. Yet I’m only in town for a short time and I’m not sure I’m made for small time life.
And if we’re not careful, this time I might have to be the one who runs away.
**Accidental Runaway Groom is a next generation, grump rancher, friends to lovers, not-what-you-think romance set in the Montgomery World & Clover Lake series featuring Jamie Montgomery & Sharp McBride. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
4 Stars
Accidental Runaway Groom is a sweet and fun Novella in Varrie Ann Ryan’s Clover Lake Series.
Sharp is a man trying to do the right thing. But when he wakes up on the day of his wedding in an old truck in a field, and not his home, the math is not mathing. When a Kind stranger picks him up on the side of the road and drives him to the church where his wedding is taking place, little did Sharpe know the moment he walked into that church his life was truly changing.
Jamie is just driving along on her way to a wedding when a man is standing there on the side of the road. Being the kind person she is she stops to make sure he’s OK and ends up giving him a ride to his own wedding. She follows him into the church and let’s just say it was more of a spectacle than a wedding. From that day, Jamie and Sharp began texting and became friends. Six months later, Jamie’s back in Clover Lake for a little bit of time, but she does know the person she made friends with as a person she would like more with but will not be a part of breaking anymore of his heart that is left.
Carrie Ann Ryan does it once again with Accidental Runaway Groom. A novella that can deliver the same level of emotion that a full-fledged novel does. We get heat, heart and family. As a long time reader, it’s very much a treat to be getting the next generation of Montgomery’s. Sharp and Jamie complement one another beautifully. A story that shows sometimes blessings are hidden as something else to surprise you with at a later date.
Review: Of Ink and Alchemy by Sloane St. James
Of Ink and Alchemy
Sloane St. James
Black Rabbit Series, Book 1
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2026
All’s fair in love and war at a tattoo parlor―until a stalker enters the picture―in this deliciously dark romance from the author of the Lakes Hockey series.
Even before her father’s death, Kelly Everhart always knew Logan Teller was someone she could rely on. Now he’s taken over the Black Rabbit tattoo shop and brought her along with him. And while Kelly still finds her former crush and current mentor hot as hell, they’re firmly in the friendzone. Or so she thinks . . .
Logan’s been biding his time, but he’s no longer leaving anything to chance―not since Kelly started getting serious with her boring boyfriend. And as Logan manipulates the situation and sabotages the couple every chance he gets, Kelly starts to notice all the ways her Jason doesn’t quite measure up to the man who’s always been such a huge part of her life.
When her relationship with Logan suddenly goes from playful and platonic to strictly sinful, Kelly can’t stop herself from falling head over heels. But just as things are heating up between them, she starts receiving anonymous messages with information only a few―including Logan―could possibly know about her. Can she trust him after all?
Of Ink and Alchemy is a dark romance with a morally gray MMC and mature content featuring explicit scenes.
4.5 Stars
Kelly Everhart is living in and trying to break out of the shadow that is her namesake. Being the daughter of a major influential tattooist, her name alone, gives her big shoes to fill and exceed. With her father ‘s passing Kelly deals with major loss while putting everything of herself into her art. Logan, her father ‘s protégé, now her mentor and her best friend is a constant in her life. Yes she has crushed on him and is attracted to him, but everything is strictly in that friend zone. Or is it?
Logan Teller is an amazing tattooist and current owner of black rabbit tattoos. Logan yes oh my God I need a fan myself hot. Description of his face and those glasses my goodness ladies. Logan is obsessive and possessive and morally gray. Logan always knew that Kelly was the one for him and he decided to buy his time patiently waiting for the girl that he deemed his. My goodness does this man have the most delicious dirty mouth on him. Promising Kelly’s father that he would care for her when he was no longer here was an easy one to make, but waiting for her to choose him makes him do a few questionable things. All in the name of love right.
Of Ink and Alchemy was a sinfully delicious read. Level five on the spice, with that dark and slightly forbidden edge and some well written suspense, makes this story unbelievably good. Chefs kiss all the way. Logan and Kelly worked so well together. They’ve known each other for years and have a friendship that is bonded deep. There is one Smexy scene that is so emotionally fueled. I can’t even begin to describe how good it was.
Feelings boiled with hatred, combined with chemistry that is about to explode. Yes, that one was really hot. This is my first time reading anything from Sloane St. James and will definitely not be my last. Her writing style is amazing, and she was able to paint this beautiful vivid story with words.
As always, please check the trigger warnings as this does contain darker content. Your mental health comes first and please only read what is comfortable for you.
Review: The Suite Secret by Tierney Page
The Suite Secret
Tierney Page
London Hearts Series, Book 2
432 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2026
With globe-trotting glamour, sizzling banter and a fast-paced forbidden-lovers story, this seductive second book in the London Hearts series is perfect for fans of Ana Huang and Lauren Asher.
What happens when temptation doesn’t check out?
Gemma’s got it all figured out: amazing best friends April and Anna, a high-flying job, and a dating life that’s strictly no-strings-attached. Men fall at her feet – and she walks away from them without a backwards glance.
Max is a jet-setter with zero interest in settling down. Between London and New York City, he’s in a position of power working at a luxury hotelier. But when he meets Gemma in a high-stakes hotel pitch, their chemistry is instant, electric…and completely off limits. Why? Because Max is her best-friend Anna’s brother. And Anna has just one rule: don’t even think about her brother.
But the danger zone is Gemma’s favorite place to be. And some temptations are worth checking in for…
4 Stars
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, but also has the pages heating up, look no further. Tierney Page delivers just that with the second book in her London Hearts Series The Suite Secret.
The Suite Secret follows Gemma and Max, two people who are very career oriented and very good at what they do, but neither one of them are looking for love. They both kind of have this philosophy of when at work they work and when it’s time to play, they play hard. Little did they know that their business relationship would soon get tangled with their playtime relationship. This is one of those relationships that has all of those forbidden checkmarks next to it. There’s an age gap, he’s her best friend’s brother and their coworkers. However, that funny and fickle thing that we know as fate tends to have her own way of doing things even if it’s the last thing someone is looking for.
I personally think that Miss Tierney Page wrote a banger of a book. Gemma is one of those characters that you may not like it the beginning but when all of a sudden done, she was actually pretty awesome. She was truthful to herself and had confidence for days. She even owned her insecurities.
She’s one of those girls that knows how to get the work done but also lives for the party. Max, in many ways, had a parallel story to Gemma but different. Somehow, they fit perfectly together. The scene with them in the rain, oh my God, that was probably one of my favorites as a book.
The Suite Secret is a workplace, age gap, best friend brother, laugh out loud with heat and heart type of read. I was barely through the first chapter when the laughter began. I discovered Tierney while scrolling one endless night. Her book recommendations and the way she passionately spoke about books. I knew this is someone I could be friends with. When I saw that she had written a romance, I knew I had to give it a try. I am so very glad I did. She delivered an entertaining romance that checked all the boxes. She may still be finding her reading voice, but I will be honest. I am expecting things from Tierney Page!
Review: Sinful King by Natalie Kane
Sinful King
Natalie Kane
Kings of Vegas Series, Book 1
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 8, 2026
From NATALIE KANE, comes an all-new world with Sinful King, an age-gap, obsessed-hero, Mafia romance!
Eloise
I ran away from one organized crime household and found myself tripping right into another one. My father, the head of the Italian Mafia, is a bad man. He wants to marry me off to some creep I don’t know, but rather than succumb to that nightmare, I fled to Vegas, hoping to find a job and blend in. In the first week, I’ve been stolen from and beat up, and I have no money to my name, but I find a job as a bartender at RAPTURE, an upscale—okay, super bougie—adult club just off the Strip. I can’t believe my luck. I love this job, and I’m intrigued by the mysterious tattooed man with ice-blue eyes who always seems to be pinned to me. Things are looking up.
Until my father’s men find me.
Rome
I’m a ruthless, hard, dangerous man who takes care of his men and employees, and I run the city of Vegas with my brothers. That’s all I need. Until a gorgeous, raven-haired beauty comes walking into my club and sets my soul on fire.
I’m obsessed with her. Consumed by her. I need her in a way that I’ve never needed anyone or anything before, aside from the power and control that I’ve worked so hard for. She doesn’t know it, but I own the club that employs her, and I follow her back to the seedy motel she’s living in after her shift to make sure she’s safe. She’s mine.
Suddenly, someone is out to hurt my Firefly, and that means that they’ll meet a painful, bloody end. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. To keep her with me.
Forever.
5 Stars
Rome is a king. Well, one of the four kings that run Las Vegas. He is the true definition of a crime boss. He’s ruthless, dark and sinister. He is not the man you want to cross, betray or even slightly lie to. His moral compass goes every which way, but north. Even the strongest of men fear him. He’s also the owner of an adult club. When an unknown woman randomly walks into his club, looking for a job, his life changes before his eyes. Laying eyes on her via a computer monitor, Rome knew she was his. He will have her, and make her his
Eloise is no stranger to the dark happenings within the mob world. Being the daughter of a Don, she has seen more violence than some of them, men of her world. Being the daughter of a high up crime, lord, you would think she would be spoiled. Eloise has not lived the princess life, but yet endured terrible harm both mentally and physically from the one man in the world that should have loved her. She’s been hurt many times, but she’s much tougher than most people give her credit for.
Her world changes when her father summons her to inform her that he is marrying her off and she doesn’t have a choice. She knows her father will give her away without batting his eye, and her only chance of survival is if she leaves right now.
Rome and Eloise are phenomenal. Rome is obsessed with Eloise from the moment he first see. He didn’t even have to be in the same room with her to feel his connection to her. Is as rough and scary as they come. He is definitely one of those touch her and you’re done kind of guys. Eloise was never a pampered princess, but a woman who had to watch out for herself from a very young age enduring mental and physical abuse. She definitely has some PTSD going on and the way Rome protects her and cares for her is so swoony, my heart go pitter patter. Think above and beyond, next level type of caring. I was very fortunate to get an advanced listening, copy and let me tell you I listened from beginning to end, not pausing for anything.
Narrators Teddy Hamilton and Avery Caris truly bring the story to life. It was more than a narration of a story. It was a spectacular performance from beginning to end.
Mafia romance is one of my guilty pleasures. There is something about the dark and twisted worlds that I just gravitate to and fall for all the time. Sinful King gave me all I needed and more. Natalie Kane, the after dark, alter ego of Kristin Proby- out of the gate, the first book of the series is a five star read. Period. I was truly excited for this book and after listening was even more than what I expected it to be. I truly cannot wait to see what we will be getting with future installments of the Kings of Vegas series.
Review: Legacy by Carrie Ann Ryan
Legacy
Carrie Ann Ryan
Ashford Creek Series, Book 1
474 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 6, 2026
With one scowl, I fell just that much harder for Callum Ashford—NFL star turned small town brewer. He’s not only older, but he’s my brother’s best friend. Two very important reasons I should stay away.
Only two years ago, after the worst night of my life, he kissed me and I can’t keep him off my mind.
When the only house available to rent in town happens to be the one across the street from him, the close proximity does its work.
We can’t keep our hands off each other. Yet as the heat rises, so do feelings. He might want me, but he wants peace more.
There’s a darkness within him I know he fights. Just as there are secrets his family needs to uncover. But when the danger comes full force, it won’t be from the obvious corner. No, we both have our pasts we chose to hide.
And our fears.
Yet when I break, he catches me.
And I hope I have the strength to do the same.
**Legacy is an age gap, best friend’s little sister, small town romance and the first in the Ashford Creek series featuring Callum and Felicity. Each one can be read as a complete standalone. A HEA is guaranteed!**
4 Stars
I love that Carrie Ann Ryan can always make me feel deep emotions with her books. In Careless(which was absolutely spectacular and an amazing set up, did not prepare me for the emotions that I truly felt while reading Legacy.
Callum is an ex pro football player who returned home after his retirement. His family may have found his town, but secrets and mystery run deep through Ashford Creek. A lot of that surrounds the Ashford family themselves. Callum is a man of mystery and his secrets run very deep. One of those secrets is that he has it bad for his best friends little sister. Believing that he is not good enough for her, Callum pushes her away. Whether it be fate or call it what you will bring in the universe keeps putting them together, and he can only take so much.
Felicity is a sweet and genuinely caring person. She left Ashford Creek to go to college. now she is returning home to work in the bookkeeping office and be closer to her family. Her older brothers Rune and Atlas are an absolute trip. I absolutely love them. They are extremely loving and protective of their sister. Felicity gain some independence while she was away at college and now, she is ready to start the next chapter of her life. There are two issues that she is dealing with. One the housing situation in her small hometown is very very limited. Second, the only house available is across the street from the man that she has been crushing on for years. Her brother ‘s best friend who she does not see as a brotherly figure at all. Shared a very passionate kiss and then he pushed her away. Fate has a funny way of doing things. and it seems that Felicity and Callum keep ending up in the same proximity as one and another.
Legacy checks a lot of the boxes that I love in my romances. We have a small town, a brother’s best friend, insane chemistry, and the amazing sense of family. Whether it be by blood or by choice. Oh, and we have an age gap in there as well. Felicity and Callum are amazing together. They are opposite enough of each other that their differences complement each other in an amazing way. Their chemistry burns hot before they even touch one another. Legacy is one of those stories that will take you through all the emotions. Be prepared to be entertained and maybe even find herself blushing. Callum seems to be a master at dirty talking. I have been reading Carrie Ann Ryan‘s books for well over a decade now. I was at a book conference where she was on a panel where she announced the original Montgomery series. I remember how excited I was. Her work was good back then and fast forward a decade or so and I know that I can expect an emotional read that will hit me in the heart every time. Legacy is a wonderful beginning to the Ashford Creek series.
Review: Careless by Carrie Ann Ryan
Careless
Carrie Ann Ryan
Ashford Creek Series, Book 0.5
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2025
On my 21st birthday, I know there’s only one wish I’m making when I blow out my candles.
A chance with him.
Only I’m his best friend’s little sister, so that means I’m beyond off limits.
And did I mention he’s older?
I’m ready to be seen as my own person and to take the next step.
But I know it can’t be with him.
Yet when I’m backed in a corner, there’s only one person I can call for help.
Him.
Careless is the prequel to the Ashford Creek series. Learn how Callum Ashford and Felicity Carter fall into a careless mistake before their full story in Legacy.
4 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan just delivered an amazing set up for her new Ashford Creek series with Careless.
Felicity is home from college celebrating her 21st birthday. Celebrating with her family and college friends and a bit too much. Alcohol makes for a fun evening but the next night turns very drastically. When what should’ve been a friendly date turns to something very different. The first person she calls is not her brother but his best friend.
Callum is totally the person that you want to have on your side. He’s an amazing big brother who stepped up and took care of his siblings, an extremely loyal friend and protector. When his best friend asked him to check on his little sister after a hard night of drinking, there was no way he could say no. Even though he may have had some alternative reasons for saying yes. When she calls him in a panic asking for help he couldn’t move fast enough to save her. Callum has had a hard life and even though his heart may want more he pushes her away.
Talk about a set up. Carrie Ann Ryan hits hard and fast with this prequel to what I’m sure will be an emotionally charged story. Careless is the perfect set up for what’s to come.
Cover Reveal: Blood King by Natalie Kane
♦️♦️ Blood King Cover Reveal ♦️♦️
Blood King, book two in the Kings of Vegas series, releases on April 2, 2026.
Photographer: Michelle Lancaster
Cover Design: Hang Le
Narrators: TBA
Blurb & Tropes will be announced at a later date.
Review: You Can Scream by Rebecca Zanetti
You Can Scream
Rebecca Zanetti
Laurel Snow Series, Book 5
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2025
Mountains of Washington State in New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti’s heart-pounding series about an FBI profiler and her equally brilliant sister on the wrong side of the law.
Laurel’s family was never simple—but her half-sister, Abigail, a brilliant, unpredictable psychopath, just made it lethal. Accused of murdering their father, a man she always called a monster, Abigail claims self-defense. As the trial unfolds and long-buried family secrets explode into headlines across Washington State, Laurel’s hard-won privacy is shattered. And the nightmare is just beginning.
Even as Abigail’s trial consumes public attention, new dangers close in as the murder of a prominent scientist and the illegal poaching of a rare Pacific plant point to something insidious. Laurel turns to Washington Fish and Wildlife captain Huck Rivers, her partner in work and life, for help. But the deeper they dig, the more the case seems to echo the chaos unraveling Laurel’s world.
With danger tightening around her, Laurel faces an impossible choice: trust Abigail in one crucial, treacherous alliance, or risk losing everything. Her career, her relationships, even her life hang in the balance. The clock is ticking—and if the threat breaks loose, nothing will be fast enough to stop it.
4.5 Stars
Rebecca Zanetti kept me on the edge of my seat with the fifth installment of the Laurel Snow series You Can Scream.
Laurel Snow has earned the reputation of an excellent FBI profiler. She is an extremely intelligent woman who can peace things together, unlike anyone else. With You Can Scream things are hitting very close to home for Laurel. She and fish & wildlife detective Huck River, or navigating through some personal devastation, Laurel’s half sister is accused of murdering their father and her FBI partner becomes a suspect. Laurel’s got a lot on her mind and in her hands. The twist and turns come from every direction and just when they think they have it figured out something else happens to twist it once again.
You Can Scream is a psychological suspense story with a romantic element. Rebecca Zanetti keeps the reader on their toes throughout the entire book. I have personally found this series quite addicting. Ms. Zanetti keeps the series fresh and going with every book. Life would not have gotten in the way I could have very easily read this book in one sitting. And when I wasn’t reading it, I was definitely thinking about it.
Coffee Books Life 