Author Archives: coffeebookslifeblog
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.
Review: Dragon Forged by Donna Grant
Dragon Forged
Donna Grant
Dragon Kings Series, Book 10
396 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 8, 2025
He is fire and fury. I am forbidden to want him. But some fates refuse to be denied.
I have seen the war that will tear our realm apart. As a seer, it is my duty to stop it, and the path to peace is clear—until him.
The Dragon King is dominance and destruction, a force of nature my gift didn’t foretell… and one I cannot escape.
He is dangerous—untamed, possessive. And the one man I cannot afford to want.
Yet every glance, every searing touch, threatens to unravel the future I’m fighting to protect.
Loving him could mean my ruin.
Wanting him could mean the end of everything.
But when betrayals rise and destiny shifts, one truth becomes clear: I saw the war. I never saw him.
And now, I don’t know if I can stop what’s coming… or if I even want to.
4 Stars
Donna Grant‘s imagination continues to keep readers entertained and on the edge of their seat wondering what’s gonna happen next. The latest edition of the Dragon King series, Dragon Forged is a thrilling page turner.
Dragon Forged is the story of Hector and Emelia. One day Hector is exploring iron hall. He sees the light, and as curiosity got to him he touches it and find himself transported to another place. Emelia is a seer whom has seen the death and destruction of Zora because of a dragon king. Wow, they do feel a connection from almost the moment they meet, Emelia no nothing can come to this because of her vision. Wanting to save Zora. Emelia betrays Hector by sending him somewhere else in hopes that it would save all of Zora. Hector is able to return to Highvale, but the magic of the place has taken route within him, and he is unable to leave or contact his fellow dragon brothers. Trying to escape from his trap prison, figuring out what’s going on and how to get help. Hector still feels a very close connection to this woman, but yet now is not the time for those type of feelings. Or is it?
Donna Grant once again gives readers an entertaining and thrilling story to get lost in. Emelia and Hector work beautifully together. I like their chemistry. They both learn quickly that there is something bigger and more mysterious at play than they realize. Hector becomes an amazing protector when Emelia is targeted as a traitor. This a story of secrets and deception. Lies that have been told for power. Yet we also get an intimate and sweet romance. Emelia and Hector are sensual and passionate together. As always, Donna Grant gives us a magical world, with a thrilling story with love at its core.
Review: One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti
One Dark Kiss
Rebecca Zanetti
Grim Bargains Series, Book 2
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 24, 2025
Rebecca Zanetti explores the forbidden and the taboo in this modern dark romance twist on Snow White—the second in a captivating new series set in a seductive world of money, power, billionaires, and the dangerous desires that drive them.
Mirror, Mirror . . . Innocence or Sin. The reflection holds a darker truth.
ALEXEI
I’ve spent the last seven years in the hell of a maximum-security prison, every moment consumed by the need for revenge—revenge against the bastards who framed me, and revenge against the family who stole everything I owned. Now that I’m finally free, nothing will stand in my way. Not even her—my hot as sin new lawyer. Maybe she’s another weapon sent by my enemies to break me, or maybe she’s the key to my freedom. Either way, once she’s mine, I’m never letting her go.
ROSALIE
When I took this case, I thought I had it under control. But Alexei is no typical convicted killer—he’s a dangerously seductive force of nature. Perhaps it’s the lingering power from his days as heir to a global social media empire. Innocent or not, he’s dangerous in the worst and best ways.
I secure Alexei’s release as we prepare for a new trial, but he wastes no time turning against his traitorous relatives and plotting his return to power. Amidst the chaos, our explosive chemistry ignites, putting us—and everyone I care about—in the crosshairs of ruthless enemies. If we can’t stop them, Alexei plans to burn the whole world down. And if anything, he’s a man of his word . . .
5 Stars
Rebecca Zanetti delivers a deliciously dark spin on some of those fairy things that we all grew up with. One Dark Kiss is a wickedly seductive retelling of Snow White.
Alexei is a dark and dangerous man. Most people would not be able to sleep at night only doing a fraction of the things that this man has done and is capable of. He spent the last seven years in a maximum security prison. As each day passes, so does his knee for revenge. His story is that he was framed for murder and his family is the one who did it.
Rosalie never imagined when taking over a murder case that her entire life, we get twisted and turned upside down by the man that she supposed to be defending. But this Russian mobster ignite a fire within her that no matter what she does, she can’t put out. Rosalie is a hard-working attorney with a heart of gold. She goes above and beyond to healthcare for seven elderly borders at her inheritance at home. She is truly one of those one-of-a-kind people.
Rebecca Zanetti has something so going on with this series. One. Dark Kiss is the second installment of the Grim Bargains. First and foremost the world building is top-notch. If you have had the pleasure of reading Rebecca‘s Dark Proctors Series you will already know she is a master at world building. She has strong and likable characters, even if they shouldn’t be the ones you’re not supposed to be liking. Alexei and Rosalie are each amazing in their own separate ways. Both very strong characters but in completely different ways. Rebecca mixed the dark story and spice in a perfect way. These two ignite the pages from the moment that they meet. It is not a matter of if with them, it is when. We have a thrilling, dark adventure that will leave us on the edge of our seats.
Review: An Unexpected Everything by Carrie Ann Ryan
An Unexpected Everything
Carrie Ann Ryan
The Cage Family Series, Book 2
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 9, 2025
He left me with a note.
Weston Caldwell and I had two months together. Two months of intense heat and plans for our future. Then one day he left me sleeping with a note and never turned back. I closed off my heart and my dreams after he left and promised to take care of my family, never trusting love again.
So when I am forced to head to my family’s small town for protection, I never expect to turn around and see the man I loved.
I want to walk away and never look back, but when I find out he left for a heartbreaking reason, I’m not sure what to think. The chemistry between us hasn’t gone away—if anything it burns even brighter.
But my life is in the city and his is in this small town that draws me. Between his siblings, the town itself, and my new found family, walking away might break me.
Only Weston isn’t the only secret from my past. And it turns out, if Weston and I aren’t careful, we could lose everything before we find our second chance.
An Unexpected Everything is a second chance, right person, wrong time, single “dad”, contemporary romantic suspense in the Cage Family series featuring Weston and Isabella. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
4 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan hits the heartstrings hard with this emotional and steamy second chance romance , An Unexpected Everything.
Isabella has had quite a bit of unexpected things going on in her life. An unexpected family of brothers and sisters that she never knew about. The unexpected way her father is still trying to control them all from the grave. Then the unexpected encounter with the man that she thought she was gonna build a life with. Isabella is an amazingly strong woman. She works too hard, but no one can deny her loyalty. She is an amazing big sister and will throw down for any member of her family. Her family protecting her may have just been the push she needed for other things to fall in place.
Weston maybe the textbook definition of a good man, even though he could communicate a little bit better. Just one life was starting to become promising, and he had begun planning. A future absolute tragedy struck his family. In an instant, changing Weston‘s life and priorities. He never thought he would ever see that woman who had never left his mind ever again, but when an unlikely yet dramatic encounter happens, it may have just reopened the book of something from the past, of something he still wanted.
An Unexpected Everything was a beautifully written story. Isabella and Weston get a second chance at something they both wanted so deeply. Seeing these two actually work through the issues of their past and allow their chemistry and passion to give them a second chance. It’s a story about love and healing. I love the family dynamic to these books. It allows the reader to connect on so many different levels. The cage family has crazy drama going on, but yet one of the strongest women we just discovered had an amazing soft side and a grumpy growly man who is willing to do anything to make her happy.
Review: Owen by V.H. Nicolson
Owen
V.H. Nicolson
The Boys of Castleview Cove Series, Book 3
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2025
A runaway groom strangers to lovers unforgettable steamy romance from VH Nicolson. Perfect for fans of Ana Huang, Catharina Maura and Meghan Quinn Don’t play the game, change it…
I was born into privilege. I had it all; the house, the car, more money than I knew what to do with. But it came at a price. Duty. An arranged marriage for the sake of the family empire to a woman who couldn’t bear to look at me. As I stood at the altar, the weight of that burden became too much. So, I did the only thing I could. I ran.
To another country and unintentionally straight into the arms of another woman. Jade is strong, independent, and a single mom. And brick by broken brick she dismantles the wall I’ve built up around my heart. But where once I had everything, now I have nothing. No home, no job and no idea what the future holds. All I do know is, Jade makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt before.
But there is always the risk my past could catch up with me. Because the weight of my family’s expectation is likely to cause me to crash land and send my world up in flames. Can I save myself and Jade before that happens?
3.5 Stars
Only twice in my almost 2 decades of reading romance have I gone into reading a book with a lot of preconceived notions and ideas about the main male character with no likelihood of him being able to redeem himself. Owen can now be added to this list.
Owen has made some mistakes with his life. Most as sort of a rebellion against the controlling strings of his parents. Now they have him set to marry a woman that is nothing more than arrangement to benefit both of the families. Owen can’t stand the thought of being stuck with this woman for the rest of his life so he does the one and only thing he can do. He runs. He runs to the one person that he can trust a cousin in Cyprus. Owen ran from the expectations and dictations of his controlling family. Little did he know the place he was running to he find a different kind of family.
Author VH Nicholson save the best for last in my opinion. Owen was a much better story than I expected it to be. As I said, I went in with a bunch of preconceived ideas for reading the earlier books. Owen redeemed himself in ways that I didn’t think possible meeting Jade changed his life and the time and patience that he took with her daughter truly showed his redeeming factors. He is one of those people that you truly couldn’t judge the book by the cover. He had much more layers of depth and complexity than I expected. For someone that I didn’t think had the capacity to love she approved me. I was wrong in the best possible way.
Review: Built to Last by Lexi Blake
Built to Last
Lexi Blake
Park Avenue Promise, Book 3
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 27, 2025
From New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake, discover The Park Avenue Promise Series…
Three young women make a pact in high school—
to always be friends and to one day make it big in Manhattan
Built to Last
Harper Ross has always dreamed of working on one of the magnificent brownstones of Park Avenue. Now one of her closest friends has bought the house of her dreams and hired Harper to do the construction work. She wants to showcase the renovation on a television show for her brand-new production company. It’s the same grand home she and her friends promised themselves they would be able to afford one day. Working on it isn’t the same as living in it, but it’s all a part of Harper’s grand plan to grow her father’s construction business into one of the biggest in the city. The only obstacle—the designer on the project.
Reid Dorsey believes in the balance between beauty and functionality. As one of Manhattan’s new voices in design, he’s excited to get to work on a true Gilded Age property. If only the owner had selected a contractor he enjoyed working with. Oh, Harper was brilliant and her work was excellent, but she has an opinion on everything—and it’s usually the opposite of his.
Over the course of the job, these enemies start to see different sides of each other, and suddenly their fights don’t seem so bad. But when the project is threatened, they might have to choose between their jobs and the beautifully designed future they could share.
4 Stars
Built to Last is the third book of Lexi Blakes Park Avenue promise series and follows Harper Ross and Reid Dorsey. An enemies to lovers romance that gives total romcom vibes. Lexi Blake is a master of mixing spice, banter, and characters that you can’t help but to fall in love with.
Harper is a CEO of her family’s construction company and has the weight of her entire family and their backwards way of thinking upon her shoulders. Read is an interior designer who used to have a design show with his brother. We have heard of grumpy crossed with sunshine or what about grumpy crossed with grumpy. That’s what Harper and Reid are to one another but yet there is an indescribable and unmistaken attraction that the two share. However, both of them are hardheaded and want to have their way. Harper feels that her dream of her storing this brownstone is falling through the cracka. Harper believes that reads designs take away from the historic value of the home while Reid is doing and continuing changing and adapting to what the owner of the home wants. They have two completely different styles and you could see how they would naturally butt heads.
.
Lexi Blake delivers a lighthearted and snarky banter, romance that we can all sync our teeth into.
Coffee Books Life 