Category Archives: ARC
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: 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: Storm Wood by Donna Grant
Storm Wood
Donna Grant
Elven Kingdoms Series Book 3
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
Donna Grant always takes her readers on an adventure. It may be dangerous, but it’s always got a happily ever after at the end. Storm Wood is an enemies to lovers story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Rohan and Farah are on the same mission, but yet neither one knows exactly what the other is doing. Both have lost their sisters, both have put their lives on the line to find them. An attempt to save his sister Rohan embarks on a wild plan that involves kidnapping Farah and using his leverage to be able to have her help him find his sister. Rohan may know exactly what Farah is,
but he does not know her reasons. Each of them have their motives and each of them will do what it takes to save their loved ones however, what they didn’t count on was overtime actually developing feelings for one another.
I said it before and I will say it again Donna Grant is a master world builder, and her imagination comes up with amazing stories. Storm Wood is a dark, dangerous and magical journey of two people trying to find their loved ones that end up finding love themselves. From where their journey begins to where it ends, Rohan and Farah discover a lot about themselves and the people that they love.
Review: Wilde Secrets by Melanie Hepburn
Wilde Secrets
Melanie Hepburn
Cape Wilde Series
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2025
A big mistake that will cost a talented songwriter more than just her career. The broken-hearted, small-town loner who rescues her from a storm. An attraction they both struggle to deny.
When Harper Holden accidentally destroys her entire life in one night, she does the only thing she can. She runs.
Straight into the muscular arms of flannel-clad carpenter Logan West.
The Cape Wilde loner does not want to play babysitter to a curvy runaway he rescues from a storm. But there’s something about Harper that resurrects Logan’s long-dormant protective instincts.
For Harper to get her life back, she must write the best album of her life… in just three weeks. Or it won’t just be her own career that is ruined. Logan decides to help, rallying the townspeople of Cape Wilde to support Harper in her hour of need.
But as the deadline looms, Harper realizes she has to make the biggest decision of her life. If she leaves Cape Wilde she’ll get her career—and her life—back… but she’ll lose her chance at a love of a lifetime.
Wilde Secrets follows Wilde Sanctuary, but can be read as a standalone. Perfect for readers looking for a cozy small-town romance as an escape.
Review: Jacob by V.H. Nicolson
Jacob
V.H. Nicolson
The Boys of Castleview Cove Series Book 2
April 23, 2025 by Boldwood Books
296 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2022
Once upon a time… You know the story… prince meets princess. Evil thwarts their love, and the prince must fight for her heart. Good always wins and there is a stunning wedding at the castle on the hill. I used to dream of having a fairy tale love story of my own, but I don’t think the author of mine got the memo because right now, I’m shackled to a bed, scared for my life.
My story started with an ambivalent prince whose parents reminded me constantly that I simply wasn’t good enough for him.
When I broke free, a new hero stepped forward.
My boss, and my ex’s best friend. Jacob.
Broad, toned, and dripping in ink that he tried to hide from me.
Turns out, I’ve been looking for my happy ever after in all the wrong places and he’s been here, waiting for me since I was sixteen.
Except, he made a teenage pact. An unbreakable bro-code with my ex. Never touch each other’s past girlfriends. Ever.
So we resist.
Although it’s amazing how much naughtiness you can get up to without touching.
But this is more than just lust, this is love and real love always gets a happy ending, right? If we explain, my ex has to understand… especially since he’s already engaged to someone else.
But, even I have to admit, this doesn’t look good. I can’t see how I will get out of this mess.
I wanted my fairy tale, but right now I’d settle for a chance to at least kiss my prince.
*****
Jacob, the second book in The Boys of Castleview Cove Series, is a steamy contemporary romance, dual point of view, best friend’s ex, friends to lovers, with a happy ever after. This book contains dark suspense content that some readers may be sensitive to or triggered by. 18+ only. Reader discretion is advised. For all content warnings, check the Author’s website. All content warnings are also listed on the inside of the book.
4 Stars
Author VH Nicolson hooked me in from those very first pages. I was invested from the beginning, and let me tell you this story surprised me at how much I enjoyed it.
Jacob has been head over heal for Skye ever since he was a teenager. He had a missed opportunity when one of his best friends scooped in and asked her out first. He has stood beside and supported his friends and the girl he secretly loved for many many years. When Skye’s relationship ends, you would think he might consider acting on some of the feelings he’s been having but the pack of a bro code keeps him from trying to get the woman that he truly loves.
Skye has been in a relationship for many years. However, that relationship is not giving her what she needs and she finally breaks it off. Finally feeling like she’s breaking out of the shell and becoming the person who she was meant to be. She is a smart and successful woman yet she felt like she was not good enough for her boyfriend‘s family. She is almost like a new woman now. One late Saturday night while working on some code at the office, she witnesses something involving her boss who just happens to be her friend as well, that she should have walked away from. That single event opened a door to a world of feelings. Feelings that were extremely intense and just seem to intensify as time went on.
Jacob was my first read from Author VH Nicolson. It will surely not be my last. As I have said, the book hooked me from the beginning, and I was instantly invested in Jacob and Skye. Talk about chemistry. These two ignite the pages. There are some ants, some back-and-forth and a lot of sexual tension. From that first chapter, I thought the book was gonna go one way, but it ended up being something completely different, which was such a surprise. I truly enjoyed reading. Jacob and I look forward to going back to reading the first book in this series.
Review: Dragon Marked by Donna Grant
Dragon Marked
Donna Grant
Dragon Kings Series, Book 9
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
I would sell my dragon soul to possess her…
From the moment I saw her, she held me enthralled. It was more than her beauty. It was in the very way she looked at the world.
The way she looked at me.
She saw me as no one ever had. The scars I tried to bury, the wounds no one else knew about. She saw the worst parts of me—and she didn’t look away.
Together we pursue a shared nemesis. While a terrifying foe stalks us at every turn.
Whatever enemy dares to get close, I will slay. Whatever path she walks, I will be beside her.
For I am hers. Utterly. Completely.
She’s my greatest temptation. The other half of my soul.
My mate.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant delivers a powerful story of redemption, danger, and passion in the next chapter of the Dragon King series.
4.5 Stars
Dragon Marked is one of those books that I have been waiting for and it did not disappoint.
Merrill was betrayed by the enemy, which caused him to portray his own kind. Realizing this Merrill decides he has finished and seeks to reunite with the kings. Katra was led to believe that dragons killed her family, and she spent years taking revenge upon them, hunting them down.
Two people who have both been wrong, learn the truth and seek to make things right. Along the way, a dragon and a druid cross pass. Katra may have done things that she cannot forgive herself for, but she gives every bit of her being to protect the children with magic. Merrill helps getting the children to safety and all the wild find himself being drawn, almost enchanted to the druid.
Donna Grant has done it once again. Dragon Marked is a fantastic book to allow yourself to get lost in. As always, Donna Grant’s world building is top-notch. The details are so in depth you can truly close your eyes, and the vision of Zora can perfectly be displayed in your mind. Merrill and Katra are undoubtably attracted to each other and the more time they spend together the harder it is to deny what they feel. Or you to resist. They are on a journey where dangerous is coming from everywhere, they’re trying to keep themselves in the innocent safe all while feeling something they didn’t expect, but realizing they want more than anything. Dragon Marked was so good. I have waited for Merrill’s story for quite some time, and I have to say it did not disappoint in any way.
Review: His Second Chance by Carrie Ann Ryan
His Second Chance
Carrie Ann Ryan
Montgomery Ink Legacy Series, Book 6
316 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2024
The rules were simple. Protect the woman I love. And try to stop loving her along the way.
Kane Montgomery Carr and Phoebe Dixon’s romance went from a fiery temptation to a fizzled-out heartbreak.
Only Kane has no idea why.
All he knows is that he has to keep her safe when a stalker sets Phoebe in their sights.
Yet as the two of them are forced once again into each other’s lives, the truth behind their breakup surfaces and they are forced to face the facts: the feelings and heat they buried aren’t quite as gone as they’d like.
If they give in, they’ll have to face the demons that broke them up in the first place—including a startling secret that shocks them both.
Yet if they don’t, they might lose the chance of a life time.
That is, of course, if they can survive what lurks in the shadows for them both.
4 Stars
Kane fell head over heels for Phoebe. Their spark ignited, hard and fast and then almost as quickly as it again it ended. For reasons he didn’t understand, the woman he loved walked away.
Phoebe love Kane with everything she had I never expected for them to end as suddenly as they began. Leaving them both brokenhearted. Strange things are hitting too close to home, and the only person that she can trust to keep her safe and help is the person she broke it off with.
His Second Chance is the story of two people who are clearly made for one another, but yet it takes him a little bit to be able to get there. Phoebe and Kane are so passionate together in every way possible. Being away from one another did nothing to stop the fire that burns within. Now with danger on the page, Kim has decided he will be the one to protect her. Carrie Ann Ryan delivers a jaw dropping installment of the Montgomery Ink Legacy Series. This one really does it all the boxes for everything that you could possibly want in a romance story. A second chance at love, a good mystery, jaw-dropping moment, and of course it would not be a Montgomery story if it didn’t have cheese in it.
Review: Wildest Dreams by Kristen Proby
Wildest Dreams
Kristen Proby
Wilds of Montana Series, Book 3
Kindle Edition
July 18, 2024 by Ampersand Publishing, Inc
Ryan Wild thought he had everything he could ever want. A billionaire before thirty, he’s finally
moved back home to Bitterroot Valley, built a beautiful house on his ranch, and has
recently adopted a teenage boy that has brought nothing but joy into his life. The only thing that’s been missing is the feeling of Polly in his arms since their incredible night together months ago. Memories of her touch aren’t nearly enough to satisfy him, and Ryan will do anything he can to make her his.
Polly can’t forget the one night she spent with Ryan all of those months ago, but she understood that it was a one-time deal. Yes, she still thinks about the sexy billionaire cowboy and his strong arms wrapped around her, but she’s a busy woman, with a thriving clothing shop and a group of friends that keep her on her toes. When you add in a house that always needs repairs, Polly’s days and nights are completely full. But when Ryan starts coming around, tempting her with that killer smile, heated bedroom eyes, and generous gifts, how is she supposed to stay away from him?
Polly knows how important the bond between father and son is and feels guilty for taking
some of Ryan’s attention away from Jake, especially when Ryan whisks her away to Paris for
the romantic vacation of her dreams. And just when the three of them start to settle in together, where Polly, Jake and Ryan start to feel like a family, she starts getting warnings and prank phone calls. Someone wants to come between them and their growing relationship.
The love they share is beyond their wildest dreams, but when danger lurks, will they be torn apart forever?
4.5 Stars
Ryan may be a billionaire of the wild family, but he’s still a cowboy at heart. Recently returning to Bitterroot Valley, Ryan has made a lot of wonderful changes to his life. Yes, the man is obsessed with work, but he also understands what home and family mean. After a little bit of life learning of course. Ryan has built a beautiful house on his ranch and does the biggest thing in the world that makes my heart go pitter pat, adopting a teenage boy after losing his family. The man is almost too good to be true.
Polly is one of the sweetest people you could ever want to meet. She has a huge heart and a keen sense for fashion. She owns Polly’s posies, which is an adorable little boutique. Polly and Ryan have known each other practically their entire lives. And him returning home has her just a little more than a bit distracted. They spent one incredible night together. With Ryan now back in town and seeing him more definitely has her thinking and wondering.
Wildest Dreams is a fantastic read. I could not put this book down. Honestly, from the very first page I was sucked in and obsessed. Ryan is the most humble billionaire I think we will ever read about. He really is a dream come true. Every time the two are on the page together you could feel the heat and the chemistry. I love the moment of realization that things were misunderstood. Kristin Proby’s has me obsessed with his charming small town and the people that call at home. I love the relationship between Ryan and Jake. I love how we see that bond form and how I get stronger. I also love that poly understood the importance of Jake in the relationship. I love that the two of them had their own special bond as well, and how the three of them came together as a unit.
Coffee Books Life 