Category Archives: Review
Review: When We Break by Kristen Proby
When We Break
Kristen Proby
The Blackwells of Montana Series, Book 2
347 pages, Kindle Edition
May 8, 2025 by Ampersand Publishing, Inc
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes When We Break, a small-town, cowboy, heroine in danger romance, set in Bitterroot Valley!
Beckett
I’ve seen the gorgeous redhead with the big black dog that never leaves her side around town. She’s impossible to miss with that lush red hair and perfect green eyes. But it’s when she opens her plump lips and the sound of Ireland comes out of her kissable mouth that I know I’m a goner. I know she’s the one for me and I’ll do whatever it takes to make Skyla Gallagher mine. I can be a patient man and all I want in the world is to worship every bit of her, inside and out.
Skyla
I moved to the lovely town of Bitterroot Valley, Montana because I needed a safe place. I left my life in New York as a prima ballerina after an injury that I never fully healed from, and to escape the obsession of a madman. I adore this new community, but I must admit that Beckett Blackwell is the very best part. I love his kindness, his patience, and his thoughtfulness. But most of all, I can’t get enough of the way he worships my body, and then does everything he can to pamper me afterwards. Beckett is a drug that I’ve become addicted to. But will my stalker find me in Montana, ruining everything we’ve started together, before we have had our chance at forever?
4.5 Stars
Skyla has been living her dream as a ballerina in New York City. Who knew going on a date with what a nice guy ended up, turning her world upside down. Skyla moved from the big city to the small and cozy town of Bitterroot Valley to escaped an obsessed man, and to have a place where she felt safe. Skyla has fallen in love with her new community. She has even started to plant her roots within the community. With her trusty sidekick and therapy dog, Riley, the two have befriended everybody in the town. Skyla is an incredible woman. She is a survivor and warrior. Yet the last thing that she wants or needs is a man in her life. Yet Beckett Blackwell is someone she seems to not be able to stop thinking about.
Beckett Blackwell is the most unbelievable of men. And I say that in every good way possible. He’s an amazing brother. A fantastic and fun uncle and you could not ask for a better friend or brother. Beckett understands what hard work and dedication is and can do. I honestly think this was every book that Kristen Proby writes but Beckett may be the best male Aid character she has written today. He’s charming and funny. He’s caring and protective. From the people that he loved to the animals on his farm he will do what it takes to make sure they’re well and safe. He is a persistent man, but he also knows what boundaries are. There is a fiery, red haired woman with a big black dog that Beckett can’t seem to get out of his mind.
Beckett and Skyla are brilliant together. Their chemistry is amazing. They can talk to one another easily. You can tell that genuinely enjoy just being with one another. Not to mention the fiery passion that the two of them share. Kristin Proby gives us an amazing love story with When We Break. Beckett is one of those guys that understands that the little things matter. It took a bit for Skyla to let down her walls to be it, but when she did a whole New World opened for both of them. Get ready to feel a lot of emotions as Beckett and Skyla show us their way to their happily ever after.
Review: Prince of Darkness by Rebecca Zanetti
Prince of Darkness
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 17
Unknown to humans, beyond daylight lies a world of intoxicating darkness where deadly creatures prowl with insatiable desires and unbelievable power: vampires, demons, witches, shifters. When vulnerable humans find themselves thrust into that realm, they’ll never be the same. . .
In the aftermath of war, a fragile peace hovers between the Kurjan nation and the Dark Protector coalition. Yet amid labyrinthine politics and intrigue, Vero Phoenix, a Kurjan, stands apart. He has lived devoid of legacy or lineage—until the day he backed his newly found brother as king, putting himself into the treacherous position of enforcer and shield. Yet there is another thorn in his side, no less vexing, undeniably captivating—and all-too-human . . .
Lyrica Graves was once ensnared by Kurjan captors and now embodies defiance and freedom as she guides other women to independence and modernity. She is particularly amused—and breathtakingly fearful—by her tangles with Vero. But their clashing also belies a sizzling connection, a dark attraction between supernatural and fully human that threatens their chosen destinies and makes them a target for far too many enemies . . .
4,5 Stars
A fantastic beginning to a new chapter of the Dark Protector series.
Vero is a Kurjan, a prince and in charge of trying to integrate his people into a new way of life. Diplomacy is something that he doesn’t have and patience he has even less of. Trying to rebuild a broken nation, avoiding assassination attempts and trying to get everyone on the same page, Vero feels that weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Although the presence of a certain female keeps Vero off his balance, just a bit. Whether he feels that she is a thorn in his side or that’s just his excuse for something he’s not quite ready to admit.
Lyrica is an enhanced human female, an empath who was kidnapped during the previous ruler, but yet has been given a job that she has taken very seriously. Lyrica has been put in charge of helping those who have been kidnapped relocate or re-oriented with society however they wish. Lyrica is a modern woman in all sense of the word and wants all the females to be able to experience anything they should desire. She does have a bit of a hard time understanding why any of them would want to stay. She’s a strong woman and willing to stand toe to toe with anyone. Even with that Kurjan who makes her blood boil, but for so many different reasons.
I love this new chapter that Rebecca Zanetti has given us on her dark protector for. This is the first book within the 17 book series that has been primarily of a kurjan point of view. That is one of the reasons that this series stays so fresh and interesting. Vero and Lyrica are a perfect opposites attract match. I love their tension, their banter and how hard they fight their attraction. In places it’s comical and others you just want to shake them both and hope they get with it. They are so opposites of one another it’s but it so works for them. He is in all sense a warrior built for battle, but truly would rather be in a lab and she is a foot shorter than him and has enough sass for all of them. I very much enjoyed their story. And I’m very excited for what will be happening within this new arc of the dark protector’s world.
Review: HIs Dark Vendetta by Katelyn Brehm
His Dark Vendetta
Katelyn Brehm
Bonded in Blood Series, Book 2
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
SIOBHÁN
Once upon a time, I thought he’d be my happily ever after. Now, I’m not sure I’ll survive his dark vendetta.
I’ll never be safe. My found family is as dangerous as the one I escaped. I need to run, but Luca Moretti has other plans. My family murdered his father, and he wants me to pay the price.
Kidnapped and trapped by the man I wanted as a lover but is now my enemy, I wait for him to break me like he broke my heart.
We’re a modern-day Romeo and Juliet. Except in our version, Romeo tries to kill Juliet.
LUCA
Desire. Obsession. Revenge. The end of my blood feud is within reach. And it starts with her.
The New England dons granted their blessing—if I play by the rules, vengeance is mine. One life for my father’s.
But blood demons need Sources, and as a capo, I need to earn. Even with the feds breathing down my neck.
Each day I dodge bullets and the law, she chips away at my walls until there’s nothing left but the truth. An unwanted truth that shatters my resolve to break Siobhán Connelly and instead make her mine.
HIS DARK VENDETTA is the second book in the Bonded in Blood series. Each book is an interconnected standalone Paranormal Mafia Romance with a guaranteed HEA.
4 Stars
A vampire mafia book. Hello yes this one is totally up my alley. His Dark Vendetta by Katelyn Brehm was an unexpected read that checked off all my boxes.
I will be honest this is a hard review to write without putting a lot of spoilers in it. I very much enjoyed this dark romance tale. Siobhan and Luca have an incredible story of how they were able to get to their happily ever after. This is a dramatic tale from beginning to end. It’s complex and just sucks you in. Two broken people. One out for revenge and the other that just wants to wash your hands of everything that her family is involved in. It is rare that an author writes a character That I don’t particularly care for and it’s very hard for me to find red redemption. I can say that Luca definitely did that. This is an incredible story in so many ways. I’m definitely going back to the first book in the series.
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.
Audio Review: Accidentally Forever by Carrie Ann Ryan
Accidentally Forever
Carrie Ann Ryan
Montgomery Ink Legacy Series, Book 8
Narrators: Oscar Reyes and Lucy Rivers
406 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2025
In the world of romance, Aria Montgomery knows two things for sure:
She’s not in love with the man everyone thinks she is.
And she refuses to let herself love Crew McTavish.
Her former best friend is spiraling, and her photography career seems to be standing in her father’s shadow. Aria knows she needs to find her way out of the darkness. Yet she’s afraid if she allows Crew inside, he’ll not only take over—but he’ll get hurt in the process.
Crew McTavish enjoys being the mysterious friend of the Montgomerys. They may joke that he’s dating his way into their family one-by-one, but in the end, it’s only one Montgomery he wants: Aria.
Their pull to one another is inevitable and once a line is crossed, the heat between them ignites.
Only his family’s dark secrets threaten to pull him down and when Aria is threatened, Crew will stop at nothing to protect her.
Even if it means watching the world he’s built burn.
**Accidentally Forever is a next generation, protector, enemies to lovers, best friend’s ex romance in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series featuring Aria and Crew. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
Aria Montgomery is Alex and Tabby’s daughter from Ink Exposed.
4 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan never fails to deliver an emotional story. Accidentally Forever was emotionally intense in all the ways I didn’t realize I needed. Crew and Aria overcome many challenges to get to their happily ever after.
Crew McTavish i’ve been a friend of Montgomery for years. One of his very dear friends is Montgomery and there’s a random joke among them he is trying to marry his way into the family. Crew personnel story is not an easy one, but the Montgomery’s accepted him when he needed a place and a family. Most of the Montgomery clan believe that Crew and Aira couldn’t stand one another, forever what he feels is very, very much the opposite of disliking someone.
Aria Montgomery is a brilliant photographer. She is so strong and has the biggest heart. She cares on a level that is soul deep. She has a best friend that is in a very rough spot in our lives yet she just won’t turn them away. She won’t help enable, but friendship means a lot to her. When that person hurt her physically, Crew was in the right place at the right time. It started a team reaction that maybe two finally can hunt their feelings and not just stolen nights of promises that it was never gonna happen again.
I have been reading Carrie Ann Ryan for well over a decade now. I can vividly remember when she announced the Montgomery Ink series. Ten years later the Montgomery family is still growing and I am falling in love with the next generation. Accidentally Forever gives us the emotional, enemies to lovers story of Crew and Aira. These two have been dancing around one another for far too long. A few stolen moments here and there left them running more even though they said they didn’t. Carrie Ann Ryan very eloquently talks about sensitive topics that need to be talked about. Aria and Crew will take you on an emotional journey, but a little bit of going down the path because you definitely worth it.
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.
Review: Last Minute Fiancé by Carrie Ann Ryan
Last Minute Fiancé
Carrie Ann Ryan
First Time Series, Book 2
314 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 3, 2024
A single drunken night changed everything.
One positive test later, and I’m not only pregnant with my best friend’s baby, but I’m falling for him too.
Except when my ex finds out at work, I do the worst thing I could at that moment: I lie.
I make up a fake fiancé and my boss overhears.
Now I need my best friend to play the part. He’s good at it, too, since we can’t keep our hands off each other.
When we’re both forced to lean on each other, we’ll have to face facts.
There’s nothing fake about this relationship.
Even if I’ll break my heart in the process.
Addison Lily is a numbers lady. She’s always had a thing for numbers. She has worked very hard to gain her position at a prestigious, financial firm. Addison works at one of those companies where the men are at the top and just because she’s a woman she has to work doubly hard to prove her worth.
Luca is the youngest Cassidy brother and a veterinarian. How does your heart not go pitter patter over a man who loves animals. Luca has join the rest of his family in Denver to be closer there sister. Luca has had his share of heartache and a family past that causes him hurt. His vet practice is thriving in Denver. He has made a dear friend and that’s all he feels he has time for.
Friend to lovers is one of my top tropes and Carrie Ann Ryan does it so right. Addison and Luca have a beautiful friendship and a very deep bond. One night of overindulgence makes them cross the line. Both of them agree that it’s a mistake and not to happen again but yet their friendship continues. When the consequences of their actions become prominent, I love how they come together and continue as a team, and become more. Yes there’s a little bit of eggs, but we need that in a friends to lovers story. Last Minute Fiancé is sweet, heartwarming and super sexy all wrapped up in a beautiful story.
Review: Happily Ever Maybe by Carrie Ann Ryan
Happily Ever Maybe
Carrie Ann Ryan
Montgomery Ink Legacy #4.5
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 13, 2024 by 1001 Dark Nights Press
NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan’s Montgomery Ink Legacy continues with a workplace romance that started with a fling and ends with something more.
It was only supposed to be one job.
I know the rules.
Get in. Get out.
Protect the girl, then move on.
Only it never works out the way it should.
Now Jennifer and I work with each other and there’s no going back to normal.
Then it turned into something more.
Gus isn’t for me. I know that.
Only the chemistry that burns between us won’t fade away.
We promise it will only be one night.
Then another.
But when our actions have consequences that could mean the end of our future, we’ll have to figure out exactly what we want.
Even if it means walking away broken before it begins.
* *Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.* *
4 Stars
Hang on my reading friends, this one is fast and full throttle. Carrie Ann Ryan gives us a quick and hot read to warm us up on a winter day with Happily Ever Maybe.
Gus and Jennifer work for Montgomery security and have been partners for about a year. There’s no denying that they both are attracted to one another but with a job like theirs you have to put your feelings to the side. Or can they? Finally, they decide to put it all on the line for one night. But life steps in and handy them something else. We see a lot of things happen very quickly, but most of all we see two people stop, denying something that they will truly want and seeing how much their friends back them up in the process. This may be a quick read, but it packs the punch of a full novel and gives everything we love from a romance read.
Coffee Books Life 