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.
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: Justified Secrets by Melissa Schroeder
Justified Secrets
Melissa Schroeder
Book 1 in the TFH Team Bravo
Part of the Harmless World
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2024
The newest team in Task Force Hawaii is ready for duty.
Everyone has secrets, but hers could get them both killed.
Autumn Bradford has always been a little…different. The daughter of a cult leader, she has spent her life fighting the bad guys and searching for the father everyone thinks is dead. One thing stands in her way, the new leader of Team Bravo.
Former SEAL Seth Harrington accepted the job at TFH for a new start. Years of dangerous missions has left his body and soul scarred. He doesn’t have time for a woman with too many secrets and the eating habits of a hobbit-no matter how attractive he finds her.
Autumn doesn’t need a keeper or a protector, but every time she turns around, Seth seems to be there. Time together makes it difficult to avoid their attraction, and one stolen kiss makes it impossible to resist the temptation. Falling in love wasn’t in the plans for either of them, but Seth realizes he will do anything to protect her, even if it means facing down the most dangerous man either of them know: her father.
Author Note: This is a Harmless World Novel with our favorite crime fighting heroes and heroines! There are secrets (duh!), inappropriate jokes, Hawaiian food, a betting pool as usual, and a new team to get to know.
4 Stars
Melissa Schroeder starts off the new TFH Bravo Team Series, Justified Secrets with a one sit read.
Justified Secrets is a thrilling beginning to a new series that comes from a series that I absolutely adored. Autumn has experienced things that no young woman should have to go through. She was saved from a world that could have made her a very different person and now she has made it her mission to make sure justice is served. Seth is part of the Bravo team of the Task Force Hawaii and has worked with Autumn. He knows she harbors secrets of her past however he cannot help the attraction that he has for her. The two try to go on with the job, but yet when the chemistry explodes the chemistry explodes. And just when it does, Autumn’s fear stands right in front of her. Seth is determined to save her in anyway he can.
Justified secrets was a one sit read for me. I haven’t had one of those in quite a while and truly it was something I needed. Having read the task force Hawaii books I am familiar with both of the characters and I have to say I am happy to have had this story. Autumn and Seth have chemistry for days and I love when it comes to ahead. The story has so many classic Melissa Schroeder parts that I smiled so much. I always love the family aspect of the stories. They are also quite steamy and highly entertaining. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the bravo team.
On the Wild Side by Kristen Proby
On the Wild Side
Kristen Proby
The Wilds of Montana Series, Book 4
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 3, 2024
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes On the Wild Side, a sizzling single mom, cowboy, small town romance in the beloved Wilds of Montana Series!
Brady Wild has focused on one thing this entire adult life: riding bulls. A three-time world champion, Brady’s body has taken a beating over the years and he knows he’s nearing the end of his impressive career. He’s had no time for relationships with his dangerous career but the minute he sees sexy single mom, Abbi Kastella, he knows it’s game over for his resolve to be single.
Abbi is a mom, first and foremost, and she’ll do whatever needs to be done to keep her daughter safe from the danger that’s chased them for half a dozen years. She’s finally been able to set down roots in Bitterroot Valley for herself and Daisy. She adores this community that has welcomed them with open arms, her new business is thriving, and she has a circle of friends that she loves and trusts. And don’t even get her started on the hazel-eyed, muscled up cowboy that makes her whole-body tremble with need. Life is good in this little Montana town and Brady is showing her and her little girl what real love is supposed to be.
Despite Brady’s best intentions he can’t resist his blue-eyed siren, or the sweet little girl that has him wrapped around her little finger. But when Abbi’s past catches up with them, Brady quickly realizes that the secrets that Abbi’s been keeping from him are far worse than any damage his career could do to them. Will they lose everything before it even really begins? Or will love prevail so they can get started on their forever On the Wild Side?
4.5 Stars
Talk about saving the best for last. She’s a Wild One delivers an explosive conclusion to the Wilds of Montana series with Millie and Holden‘s story.
Almost a decade ago, Millie and Holden shared a secret romance. As each of them was on the opposite side of feuding families, their relationship is forbidden. Their bond is deeper than they could’ve imagined, and after sharing the most intimate of intimacies with one another, both worlds crack apart. Fast forward to present Millie is the proud owner of the Bitterroot Valley coffee and Holden is running his ranch. To stay when the two are in close proximity to one another you can still see their attraction, chemistry, and tension that is just waiting to explode. When Holden‘s father passes away, he finds one more way to mess with Holden by stipulating in his wheel. He can’t inherit anything unless he’s married for a year. Holden comes up with a way to adhere to his dad stipulations while throwing one of the things he hated most right back in his face. Millie Wilde works very hard to be mad at Holden. When he approaches her to ask her to marry him, to help him be able to make it right for his sisters. Mill agrees with a list of conditions. Hoping that she could possibly get herself over this man.
It’s no secret that I have fallen in love with the Wilds of Montana series. Kristin Proby outdid herself with She’s a Wild One. I have been waiting for Millie and Holden story ever since we first met them. You could feel the attention between them and other books that were not even theirs. Holden has got to be the most swoon worthy male lead character that I have read in a long time. He takes off every box that you could possibly want. He is beyond loyal and protective to those he cares about. Millie is strong, independent and an all-around amazing person. She agrees to help hoping that she is going to be able to shake off the feelings that she’s carried for years but very quickly got the more she’s around Holden the more they intensify. The chemistry between these two is absolutely amazing. Millie and Holden have a bond that was deeper than either one of them realized. Their marriage begins on an emotional roller coaster ride. Millie‘s family is not happy with her, Holden reveals several secrets from his past, and their bond just gets deeper and deeper. Holden and Millie are so honest with each other. It takes their intimacy to a whole new level. I loved watching them come together.
She’s a Wild is such a wonderful read. You get a small town throw in a dream come true and a story that gives you all the emotions and a nice bit of heat. Millie and Holden story is definitely my favorite of the series and one that I will definitely go revisit from time to time
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: Lonely for You Only by Monica Murphy
Lonely for You Only
Monica Murphy
A Lancaster Prep Novel
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 6, 2024
From New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Monica Murphy comes a swoon-worthy new adult romance full of love songs. Young heiress Scarlett Lancaster is delighted when her father tells her he hired a famous pop star and former boy band member to play at her eighteenth birthday. But delight becomes utter disappointment when it turns out he wasn’t talking about Harry Styles. No, Scarlett’s dad hired Tate Ramsey, former lead singer of the band Five Car Pileup, who hasn’t been popular for years. Tate, after years of alcohol- and drug-fueled partying, is sober and ready for a comeback. He is in top form at Scarlett’s party and blows the audience away with his performance—though Scarlett herself still isn’t impressed. But when they talk after he leaves the stage, their encounter ends in a kiss that surprises them both—and immediately goes viral. The viral kiss and the video of Tate singing at the party do wonders for both of their burgeoning careers. So after some careful negotiation, the two of them agree to start a fake relationship. But before long they discover their feelings might not be fake after all …
3 Stars
Scarlet Lancaster is beyond excited for her 18th birthday. Her father is surprising her by hiring a famous popstar to perform at her birthday. Having just finished high school and about to take a fantastic European vacation for her gap year things couldn’t be much better. Until the surprise musical entertainment is not quite who Scarlet thought it would be. Scarlet is thrown for a bit of a loop. When the guys she wants the attention of doesn’t seem to want her attention and someone that she thought was a husband gets her attention in more ways than one.
Tate Ramsey has lived a life. He’s performed for thousands and thousands of people, and gave himself a bit of a reputation as a Bad Boy. Falling into the Rockstar life of partying, his days in Five Car Pileup came to an end. Tate has spent some time getting his life back together, getting healthy and he’s trying to make a comeback. He is approached with an opportunity of a lifetime to play the birthday party of an 18-year-old girl. Hesitant at first, he’s decided that the payday is definitely worth it. However, what he didn’t expect was to have an heiress hit him hard in the heart.
Lonely For You Only is a coming of age, find yourself, light hearted, fake romance romance. I have to be honest I found myself putting this book down quite a bit through the first 2/3 of the story. I have to say it’s not that it was a bad story. It just didn’t have anything that kept me turning most pages. I am a big believer in giving every page a chance. Once I hit the last third of the book, I found that I was able to get into it a little bit more. I absolutely love the ending and I loved that Scarlet and Tate found a way to make them work.
Coffee Books Life 