Author Archives: coffeebookslifeblog

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: Where You Belong by Kristen Proby

Where You Belong

Kristen Proby

The Blackwells of Montana Series, Book 5

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication December 11, 2025

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the final installment of the Blackwells of Montana series, Where You Belong, a small-town, second-chance romance set in Bitterroot Valley!

Brooks

Fifteen years ago, I’d planned a romantic proposal, but that was the day Juliet walked out of my life and never looked back. I never wanted to see her again and decided that love wasn’t for me. But now, Juliet has returned to Bitterroot Valley and opened a restaurant. Catching glimpses of her around town makes my heart ache. I want to hate her. I wish she’d do what she does best and go away.

Instead, I find myself wanting to be near her. Helping her. Touching her perfect skin. I don’t want to love her. I don’t want to need her.

Juliet

Coming home to Bitterroot Valley might have been a mistake. Just because I grew up here doesn’t mean I belong here. Honestly, I’ve never felt like I belong anywhere. But once I was finally free from the man who lied and controlled me, I knew I needed to be in Montana. My new restaurant, Sage & Citrus, is a big hit, and I’m making friends. But more importantly, Brooks is here.

I know he doesn’t want me, but having him nearby is a balm to my jagged heart. The more I see him, the more I’m reminded that Brooks Blackwell is my soulmate. But has too much time passed? Or will we finally get our happily ever after?

 

 

 

5 Stars

Where You Belong is the wonderful conclusion to the Blackwells of Montana series. This is one of those bittersweet stories. Bitter because our time in Bitterroot Valley is coming to an end but yet it’s the story that I personally have been waiting for.  Kristen Proby did absolutely amazing with Juliet and Brooks’s story.

 

Brooks is that gruff and brooding guy. 15 years ago, his world was shaking upside down. He thought he had it all figured out. He had the love of his life, a plan and a lot of dreams. Unfortunately, all of that came to an abrupt stop when the woman he thought he was going to share his life with decided to help a friend instead of staying. Present day, Brooks owns a garage. He has an amazing soft spot for his niece and nephew, and his an extremely loyal brother. The person who has haunted his dreams for over a decade has returned to town. Once again, Brooks has had his world shaken. Living in a small town is impossible for them to avoid one another, which has emotions all over the place. Brooks being the man that he is can only take so much and once he opened the door there was no turning back.

 

Juliet made a decision that changed her life 15 years ago. She walked away from the man she loved to go and help a friend who was on the edge.  Little did she know that that decision would truly change her world. Over the course of 15 years, Juliet got married, was lied to and manipulated and had to deal with the fallout of her husband dying. Her ex uses trauma from her past as manipulation that he knew would hold her in place. She decided to start over at home. Returning to Bitterroot Valley was not an easy decision. Knowing what she walked away from all those years ago, the feelings that still lingered and it being a small town there is no avoiding the man that she loved. Still loves.  Brooks made it very clear that he wanted nothing to do with her, yeah, begins to make subtle changes that maybe he doesn’t hate her quite so much.

 

Where You  Belong is five star plus fantastic. I absolutely devoured this story. Kristen Proby gives us an emotional, passionate, and oh my goodness grab a fan hotter than hot story. That is a fantastic conclusion to the Blackwells of Montana series. I love the fact that Brooks and Juliet never stopped, loving each other. Brooks, swoon! The things this man does and has done, would have any woman melting into a puddle. He had every right to be hurt, but in the end, he knew she was the one for him.  I love how Jules’ heart would pound whenever focus was around. The two never fell out of love with one another.  It took time. There were challenges and a whole family of people rooting for the two of them.  Kristen Proby created something extremely special with the Blackwells of Montana series. I absolutely loved living in this small town for a while.

 

Review: We Are Yours by M. Robinson

We Are Yours

M. Robinson

We Are Yours Book 1 

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2025

From Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author M. Robinson comes an angsty, forced proximity love triangle where secrets test brotherly bonds and music brings them together, only to have destiny threaten to tear them apart.

I’ve loved two men in all my life.

Two extremely different men.

Where Julius and I blossomed from a loving friendship, Kraven and I stemmed from nothing

but hatred. A very thin line exists between love and hate, and I crossed it with both.

I fell in love with each of them at different times, in different ways, and with different words

and actions. Cause and effect has always been our problem.

This isn’t just a love triangle between the two men I love.

It’s worse.

Because misery is the only certainty when you”re in love with two brothers.

And now I’m faced with the impossible choice. Though nothing could’ve prepared me for the devastation when they both declared, “We are yours.”

Then, all in one breath, they begged…

“Now… say you’re mine.”

 

4 Stars

Looking for an angsty, love triangle? Well, my reading friends look no further. Author M. Robinson delivers just that with the raw and emotional We Are Yours.

I’m gonna try to do this without giving away any of the story, considering this is the first book of a duet. I know that sometimes it is easier said than done, but I’m gonna try and focus on my feelings towards the book as opposed to what’s happening in the book.

First of all, we definitely get all the fields. If you do not like angst in your romances, this one might not be for you. However, if you do, grab your box of tissues, get a drink and settle in. This is a story of three people who have already been dealt a pretty bad hand. Each carrying emotional baggage that affects them. A story of when no one else was there for them. They had music. Music as an escape. There is a fine line between love and hate, and the Author very much puts us right in the center of it.

I felt, I cried. The betrayal and the passion bleed through the pages that you can’t help but feeling everything the story has to offer. I have to say this is a very intense story and we do have debt cliffhanger at the end, but it is well worth it. And I can’t wait to see what happens next.

 

Review: When We Breathe by Kristen Proby

When We Breathe

Kristen Proby

The Blackwells of Montana Series, Book 4.5

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes When We Breathe, a small-town, mmf Why Choose romance set in Bitterroot Valley!

Alex

I met Adam and Gabe the old-fashioned way: in a bar. That is, if old-fashioned means that I met a couple of men already in a committed, loving relationship, and they took me home for a night of debauchery and fun, then yeah. That.

It’s just supposed to be one night. I don’t want to be the third wheel or put any kind of a wrench in their love story. These two guys are perfect together. Gabe is the laid-back, easygoing auto mechanic with muscles for freaking days. Adam isn’t lacking in the muscle department either, honestly, but he’s more intense, a little more bruised from a shaky past.

Like me.

I find myself craving their attention all the time. And they don’t seem to want to let me go. What started as one night has turned into something so much … more. I’m a girl who thought she wasn’t lovable, and instead, these two men are proving to me that the three of us could have something really special.

But it’s hard for me to trust, and letting go of the last of my independence may be where I draw the line. Will these men let me walk away, or will they fight for us?

5 Stars

Hotter than a heat wave and sexy as sin. Break out those fans ladies, this one sets the pages on fire.

One night of fun that became so much more. Adam and Gabe are in a loving, fun and committed relationship. You can tell these two men completely adore one another. Adam is in finance and Gabe is a mechanic and you would think that each hung the moon for the other one. 

Alex is a journalist and carries a good bit of baggage. She had the worst kind of father a person could ever have, but through the love of her brother and sisters. She has become a resilient, strong and independent woman.

There are so many things about When We Breathe that I just love. For a short story, this one packs such an amazing tale of love.  Alex has her issues. She knows what her issues are. She owns them and she still holds her head high and does her best to make it through every day. She has commitment issues, but with her past, we can understand. Adam and Gabe are a force. Everything good that you would want in a man is embedded in these two men. The chemistry between the three of them together off the charts. This may be a very emotional story, but yet the heat and spice are off the charts. Kristen Proby has once again given us another story for us to get lost in.

 

Review: If You Were Mine by Carrie Ann Ryan

If You Were Mine

Carrie Ann Ryan

The Cage Family Series, Book 3

376 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2025

The last words I said to my best friend were “I trust you”. Then the world went dark, and I nearly lost everything.
While my best friend’s little sister lost even more.
I promised him that I’d take care of her—but if he knew my current thoughts when it came to Harper, he’d have never trusted me.
She’s too young for me. Too bright to my shadows. And too tempting.
Now I’m stuck in our small town, and I can’t escape her. I’d rather hide in my cabin, restoring what was one lost. Only Harper won’t let me.
I’ve already held onto more secrets than my family knows. I don’t know if I can keep what I feel about her secret too.
She sees beyond my scars and anger, and I know she hides her own just as tightly.
When one kiss changes everything, there’s no going back—even if it shatters everything in our wake.

**If You Were Mine is an age gap, best friend’s little sister, tortured hero, small town romance featuring Dorian and Harper. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**

 

 

 

 

 

4 Stars

Carrie Ann Ryan draws you in with emotion, drama, and love in If You Were Mine. 

 

Dorian‘s life changed in a blink of an eye. After a tragic accident took the life of his best friend and left him with life-changing wounds and scars both physically and emotionally. After a year he returns to. Cage Lake to heal in peace and quiet.

 

Harper has been going through the day-to-day motions since she lost her brother. With the last of her family gone Harper struggles. Just getting through the day is sometimes hard. A year later Dorian, her brother‘s best friend returns to town. Which brings up mixed emotions.

 

Harper has had a crush on Dorian for as long as she can remember. Dorian thoughts of Harper are not the purist. He promised her brother that he would take care of her, but would he want him to if he knew the thoughts that we’re going through his head.

 

They both struggle to get through the days, but what a single kiss brings things to light. It begins to change everything. It’s a test to themselves and what they feel as they both tried to navigate the emotions in chemistry that they are feeling. Carrie Ann Ryan hits another one out of the park with If You Were Mine.  Be prepared to feel all the emotions.

 

Like is short, buy the book! Or the bookish goodies.

I treated myself to a special addition book box bundle that had some adorable things in it, and I just wanted to share. As we say life is short by the book or the cute stuff to go with the book.

About a year ago on Facebook, I was scrolling and came across a reel of an author packing mystery book boxes. I thought to myself this is an awesome way to be able to gain new readers and to introduce them to several of your works.

That Author was Willow Winters. I quickly purchased one of her mystery boxes and I was not disappointed. I have purchased several of them and have a nice collection of not only her books, but useful and cute bookish items. I always say I am a sucker for pretty package and Willow definitely has a pretty package on her brand.

Pictured above is the latest box I have received. I love that they even wrap the books, even though I know what was included. It’s all the makings for a cozy night of reading. Willow and her team do an amazing job with all these boxes.

Review: When You Blush by Kristen Proby

When You Blush 

Kristen Proby

The Blackwells of Montana Series, Book 4

420 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2025

 

Blake

I don’t do relationships, but I’m excellent at casual hookups. That’s not to say I’m a jerk. Not at all. I respect women—all women—and I know the value of love. But I’m married to my job as a physician. In fact, I’m married to the hospital, having a full-time affair with the clinic, and my family is my side piece. I don’t have time for a relationship with a woman.

But then the most beautiful human I’ve ever laid eyes on walks onto my plane, and my world tilts. Thanks to a Montana snowstorm, I spend one incredible night with Harper but wake up alone. She never told me her last name. She’s just … gone. It would figure that the one woman I could see myself breaking my own rules for is the one I can’t have.

Harper

It’s time for me to come home to Montana to help take care of my dad and pick up the slack for my siblings. I’ve been gone for a long time, but this beautiful corner of the world is my home. I’m excited to start my job as a NICU nurse at Bitterroot Valley General and begin a new chapter in my life. A fresh start. A clean slate.

Then he walks into the room, and it’s suddenly hard to breathe. Blake was the one-night stand who still haunts my dreams. The man can do things. Amazing things. But I never thought I’d see him again. Okay, that’s a lie. I knew he worked at this hospital, but he’s an ER doctor. I’m in a different department, so I planned to avoid him. Yet that didn’t last more than the first hour of my first shift.

Now, he’s pursuing me and saying things like forever. But with a past like mine, can I trust that he won’t tire of me and leave? Or is this finally my happily ever after?

 

 

5 Stars

 

Just when I think Kristen Proby cannot come up with another male lead that is going to make me go super swoony, she releases another book that tops the last one. Blake Blackwell is seriously my new book boyfriend and maybe the best fictional man ever written.

When You Blush is a small town, one night stand, forced proximity, he falls first type of romance story. Blake Blackwell admits he is married to his job. Being a doctor consumes almost all of this time and what spare time he does have he is dedicated to his family. He is an honest man and is upfront about what his intentions are from the get-go, but when he meets a certain woman on a plane, she stops him in his tracks. After a fantastic night together, she is gone when he wakes in the morning, yet Blake swears, he will never forget her.

Harper we’re returning to her adoptive family to help take care of the man who helped raise her. On a flight she meets a doctor, and they share an intense and scorching night together. They may have fallen asleep together, but as soon as Harper wakes, she is out the door. A few weeks later they come face-to-face while at work no less when all kinds of thoughts take over Harper’s head. Slowly, Harper learns that they truly are some good men left in this world.

Chemistry explodes from the get-go. Blake and Harper connect so naturally. Their attraction is undeniable. One night of passion made a lasting impression on both of them. In the not-too-distant future, the last place either one of them expected to run into each other would be at work. Both of them understand the nature of having a health field career and how important that job is. Blake is so patient and caring. Harper finds a confidence within herself just from Blake being the wonderful man that he is to her. There are two moments in this book that are so over the top in the best ways for me that truly has made my heart go pitter patter. It just goes to show that the little things truly do add up to big ones. Whether it be covering for a friend on the fly or a quick moment shared in the pouring rain. It’s undeniable that Kristen Proby knows how to make your heart swoon in all the best ways.

 

 

 

Review: Endlessly Yours by Carrie Ann Ryan

Endlessly Yours

Carrie Ann Ryan

The Wilder Brothers Series, Book 10

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2025

 

Four years ago, I promised my dying wife that I’d do one thing: I’d move on.

And I knew as I took that oath, I would break it.

Then I saw Rory. The woman I’d met on one of my darkest nights, and the woman I can’t ignore. Our one night is a secret we swore we’d never tell.

When I see her, I see a glimpse of what could be in the fire in her eyes.

When she sees me, she sees the grumpy, annoying Wilder brother who could shatter her dreams and her heart.

With one stolen kiss, we both know we have a choice: to keep running or finally give in.

Only when she suddenly finds herself the guardian to her two nieces, the world crumbles around us once again. She needs to protect her family, and I know I can’t let her do it alone.

The pull between us refuses to go away, but now I’ll have to choose which promise to break. And if I’m strong enough to be the final Wilder to fall.

**Endlessly Yours is a single guardian, widow’s second chance, one night stand romance in the Wilder Brothers series featuring Brooks and Rory. Each one can be read as a complete standalone. A HEA is guaranteed!**

 

 

4.5 Stars

You might wanna grab the tissues for this one. EndlesyYours is not only the last book of The Wilder Series, but Carrie Ann Ryan does what she does best and gives us a highly emotional read. 

 

Brooks is a widower who lost his wife due to cancer. He made her promise that he would move on. When he made the promise, Brooks knew it was a lie because the love he had for her could never be replaced.  Ever since his law, Brooks has been the quiet one of the brothers. That is until a particular woman walks into his life and then he has two things, haunting him instead of just one.

 

Rory is an illustrator for books. She self-employed and quite good at what she does. She is also a good friend of the wilder women. Roy’s life too, has taken a turn for the worse because of a tragedy. Losing her sister, and her brother-in-law in an accident leaves her becoming the guardian of two young girls. It’s very easy to say her life has had a dress change. Little did you know that Brooks and the entire Wilder family would step up and come to help her in the most amazing way as possible.

 

Anyone who’s picked up a Carrie Ann Ryan book Will know she likes to send us on an emotional ride. Endlessly Yours was truly just that. I also believe she saved the best for last. Remember those tissues I was talking about. Yeah you truly just might need them. Brooks and Rory are both suffering from hurt and loss in deep ways. Their lives are an emotional roller coaster. The way that Brook steps up is so swoony, my goodness it made my heart go pitter patter. This is not just a story of love, or a second chance at love. It’s the story of healing from loss discovering you have more than what you think and becoming a family. What a high note to end this series on.

 

Review: Where We Bloom by Kristen Proby

Where We Bloom

Kristen Proby

The Blackwells of Montana Series, Book 3

389 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 17, 2025

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes Where We Bloom, an
Age Gap, Billionaire, Best Friend’s Brother romance set in Bitterroot Valley!

Connor

After an explosive night together, I thought I’d never see the gorgeous bookstore owner again.
We didn’t exchange names and numbers, and when I left her asleep the following morning, I didn’t intend to pursue her. I don’t have time for relationships nor entanglements.

I’m the CEO of Gallagher Hotels, and my life is spent traveling around the world, focusing on my business, not a small town in Montana. Even if my thoughts keep returning to the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.

It turns out, my mystery woman, Billie, is my sister’s best friend, and she’s suddenly everywhere I turn. She’s become my obsession and all I think about. She’s become the only thing that means more to me than running my empire. And I’m determined to have her.

Billie

Owning a bookstore in my hometown of Bitterroot Valley has been my lifelong dream since I was a little girl. The only thing that brings me more joy is my love of thrift stores and coffee.

And, maybe, the sexy Irishman with intense emerald-colored eyes that take my breath away. His charming accent, how he looks at me, and the way he spoils me with lavish gifts are just the icing on the cake. I’ve tried to stay away from him, but my resolve is slipping. Nothing is better than being in Connor’s arms and feeling like I’m the most important woman in his world. But being with a high-profile billionaire comes with a price. Can we withstand the storm headed our way, or are we destined to fall apart like delicate blooms in the wind?

 

4.5 Stars

 

Every time I think Kristen Proby can’t come up with another male lead character that will  top the last one that she just wrote. However, within a few pages of.Where We Bloom i knew I was gonna have myself a new book boyfriend.

 

Connor is a corporate powerhouse. As CEO of Gallagher hotels the man has spent more of his adult life in motion and on the go, then he has staying still. His family’s brand of luxury hotels has a reputation and so does he. He’s broody and protective. He’s a man who knows how to get exactly what he wants and won’t stop until he has what it is that he wants. For the few people in this world that Connor truly cares about he would do anything in the world for, but if you’re on the other side of a business deal, you better watch out. Not to mention that sexy accent can just make you melt. 

 

Billie is the only girl of the Blackwell siblings. Growing up was four older brothers she knows how to stand her ground. She is a smart and savvy businesswoman. She knows how to take care of herself and won’t back down from anything. Her dream as a child was to have a bookstore in her hometown which she has achieved and loves. Her family is close to her and she has solid girlfriends. One night, a mysterious man with an amazing accent, walks into her world and completely shakes it up. Thinking it was a one night stand and a good memory to have. That is until she discovers that the mysterious man is one of her best friends, older brother.  

 

Where We Bloom was amazing from beginning to end. Connor and Billie come from two very different worlds. Their chemistry was explosive from the beginning, but yet the sexual tension between the two was like another heartbeat of the story. The two share a few very intense experiences that rock both are worlds off their axis. Each one shakes the other one up in so many different ways that they are not used to. Connor and Billie are both obsessed with their work and love what they do. They both soon learned that the intensity that they feel for their individual passions is it very similar to what the other one feels. Both being workaholics, both running a business and both extremely loyal to the ones they love. Connor and Billiesoon learn to navigate the waters around them and find something beautiful that blooms between them. We have an emotional, heartfelt, and so sweet of a love story. I thoroughly enjoyed Connor and Billie finding their way to one another.

 

 

 

 

Review: The Mastermind by Zara Cox

The Mastermind

Zara Cox

Mafia Rivals Series, Book 2

344 pages, Kindle Edition

July 8, 2025, by Boldwood Books

 

Dark secrets, fast cars, filthy lust…your new mafia romance obsession 🖤🏎️ Ruthless Underboss. Clever Mastermind. Sworn Rival.

Just a handful of reasons why I should hate Cesare Salvatore, heir to the Salvatore Sicilian mafia throne. Other reasons? His insanely gorgeous face. How hot he looks in his Formula One race suit. The feral look in his eyes when he’s pounding his enemy into the ground… But as a Mancinelli, I abide by one family Stay away from the Salvatores.

Betrayal. Forbidden Attraction. Vendetta Ignited.

Cesare believes there’s a traitor in his crew…put there by me. He’ll uncover the truth by any means, including blackmailing me into his bed. What he doesn’t know is I’ve crushed on him since high school; have craved his blood-stained hands on me since one mistake sparked a lust-hate relationship. Discovering he’s equally hot for me risks re-igniting a family vendetta and unearthing brutal decades old secrets many have been killed for. Can we stop before sparks turn to inferno? Because if it does? Forget Romeo & Juliet. Our forbidden attraction will destroy empires.

An enemies-to-lovers dark mafia story full of dark secrets, fast cars, filthy lust and deceit. Perfect for fans of Kylie Kent, Sadie Kincaid and Penelope Sky.

 

 

4 Stars

I am a sucker for a good mafia romance. Always have been and always will be. Zara Cox definitely caught my attention with The Mastermind. 

 

We may start off a little bit on the slow side, but let me tell you, we definitely pick it up for a fast pace edge of your seat story.  Mafia meets Formula One racing. Not only are they rivals by their family names, they’re  arrivals on the track as well. Cesare Salvatore is a race car driver and the heir to his family legacy. Maddelena Mancinelli is the daughter Mancinelli family head and over sees the running of their racing team. The two arrivals by birth, but yet have this crazy irresistible attraction to one another.  Their relationship borders on hate and lust. When they find out, they have a mole on their team, Cesare goes to every length to get to the bottom of what is going on. Even if that means taking the one person that he feels, he can get the answer answers from. Maddelena is one tough cookie, she will see toe to toe with the best of them. yet she has two weaknesses, one feeling things for a man that she should never want to and something completely beyond her control, which could totally destroy her family.

 

I really enjoyed The Mastermind. Zara Cox puts a nice twist on the typical mafia romance. The addition of F1 racing almost made this book move at break next speed once we got going.  It’s a darker modern day inspired by Romeo and Juliet type of story that caught me off guard in the best possible way.