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Review: Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward
Crown of War and Shadow
J.R. Ward
Kingdom of the Compass Series, Book 1
466 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2026
An outcast burdened with a curse and a mercenary who’s out for himself collide in this star-crossed, slow-burn, high-stakes romantic fantasy from #1 New York Times bestseller J. R. Ward.
In the dead of night, passions rise and empires fall.
Welcome to Kingdoms of the Compass.
The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world, stalking the night.
No one is safe.
Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast, she’s spent her whole life within the walls of her small village, ostracized for her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and maybe find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.
Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.
She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen’s crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.
Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.
The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.
But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though passion runs hot between them, enemies are around every corner, and danger and betrayal threaten at every turn.
Crown of War and Shadow is the first book in the Kingdoms of the Compass series.
Crown of War and Shadow
*Forced proximity/Only one bed
*Chosen mates
*Dark mercenary
*Who did this to you?
*Touch her and die
*I’ll die for you
*Hidden magic
4 Stars
J.R. Ward was one of the first authors that I fell in love with when I began my reading journey after my son was diagnosed with autism. She is one of my top contributors as to why I love paranormal romance. If you were looking for a fantasy version of the black dagger brotherhood, this is not it. Does this book hold up with the BDB? Yes, I believe it does, however it is a different writing voice with a different subject matter.
Crown of War and Shadow is a perfect example of phenomenal world building. As we navigate through this new world, the reader is given visit imagery that allows you to transform the words into a scene in your mind. Sorrel is an orphan who is carrying a curse. She has never known any family and has lived out her entire life confined within the walls of her small village. Working as a bar maid, but she carries an ability that makes people look away from her. She has skills she doesn’t understand or even know where they came from. Merc does not have the typical night in shining armor reputation. He is a mercenary that has his own set of rules and plays his own game.
Over the course of the book we embark on a fantasy journey. A slow burn romance with betrayal and secrets, truth and magic, love and self discovery. J.R. Ward hit the dark romantasy world with a bang. Crown of War and Shadow gave me some very Anne Rice feels while reading. Honestly, that has to be one of the highest compliments I can get. The setting and scenery descriptions are absolutely amazing, the world building is fantastic and even though it may take some time to see it, the characters have depth and growth. I very much look forward to see how the rest of the story plays out.
Review: Accidental Runaway Groom by Carrie Ann Ryan
Accidental Runaway Groom
Carrie Ann Ryan
Clover Lake Series, Book 2
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 9, 2026
I picked up a groom on the side of the road on the way to a wedding.
One problem: I wasn’t the bride.
And he didn’t mean to run away.
Sometimes things happen for a reason and six months later, I’m back in Clover Lake and Sharp McBride is single, not-so-heartbroken, and my new best friend.
Only neither one of us wants to be just friends.
I don’t know where his heart belongs, and I don’t want to be the person to break what’s left. Yet I’m only in town for a short time and I’m not sure I’m made for small time life.
And if we’re not careful, this time I might have to be the one who runs away.
**Accidental Runaway Groom is a next generation, grump rancher, friends to lovers, not-what-you-think romance set in the Montgomery World & Clover Lake series featuring Jamie Montgomery & Sharp McBride. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
4 Stars
Accidental Runaway Groom is a sweet and fun Novella in Varrie Ann Ryan’s Clover Lake Series.
Sharp is a man trying to do the right thing. But when he wakes up on the day of his wedding in an old truck in a field, and not his home, the math is not mathing. When a Kind stranger picks him up on the side of the road and drives him to the church where his wedding is taking place, little did Sharpe know the moment he walked into that church his life was truly changing.
Jamie is just driving along on her way to a wedding when a man is standing there on the side of the road. Being the kind person she is she stops to make sure he’s OK and ends up giving him a ride to his own wedding. She follows him into the church and let’s just say it was more of a spectacle than a wedding. From that day, Jamie and Sharp began texting and became friends. Six months later, Jamie’s back in Clover Lake for a little bit of time, but she does know the person she made friends with as a person she would like more with but will not be a part of breaking anymore of his heart that is left.
Carrie Ann Ryan does it once again with Accidental Runaway Groom. A novella that can deliver the same level of emotion that a full-fledged novel does. We get heat, heart and family. As a long time reader, it’s very much a treat to be getting the next generation of Montgomery’s. Sharp and Jamie complement one another beautifully. A story that shows sometimes blessings are hidden as something else to surprise you with at a later date.
Review: We Are Yours by M. Robinson
We Are Yours
M. Robinson
We Are Yours Book 1
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2025
From Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author M. Robinson comes an angsty, forced proximity love triangle where secrets test brotherly bonds and music brings them together, only to have destiny threaten to tear them apart.
I’ve loved two men in all my life.
Two extremely different men.
Where Julius and I blossomed from a loving friendship, Kraven and I stemmed from nothing
but hatred. A very thin line exists between love and hate, and I crossed it with both.
I fell in love with each of them at different times, in different ways, and with different words
and actions. Cause and effect has always been our problem.
This isn’t just a love triangle between the two men I love.
It’s worse.
Because misery is the only certainty when you”re in love with two brothers.
And now I’m faced with the impossible choice. Though nothing could’ve prepared me for the devastation when they both declared, “We are yours.”
Then, all in one breath, they begged…
“Now… say you’re mine.”
4 Stars
Looking for an angsty, love triangle? Well, my reading friends look no further. Author M. Robinson delivers just that with the raw and emotional We Are Yours.
I’m gonna try to do this without giving away any of the story, considering this is the first book of a duet. I know that sometimes it is easier said than done, but I’m gonna try and focus on my feelings towards the book as opposed to what’s happening in the book.
First of all, we definitely get all the fields. If you do not like angst in your romances, this one might not be for you. However, if you do, grab your box of tissues, get a drink and settle in. This is a story of three people who have already been dealt a pretty bad hand. Each carrying emotional baggage that affects them. A story of when no one else was there for them. They had music. Music as an escape. There is a fine line between love and hate, and the Author very much puts us right in the center of it.
I felt, I cried. The betrayal and the passion bleed through the pages that you can’t help but feeling everything the story has to offer. I have to say this is a very intense story and we do have debt cliffhanger at the end, but it is well worth it. And I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Review: If You Were Mine by Carrie Ann Ryan
If You Were Mine
Carrie Ann Ryan
The Cage Family Series, Book 3
376 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2025
The last words I said to my best friend were “I trust you”. Then the world went dark, and I nearly lost everything.
While my best friend’s little sister lost even more.
I promised him that I’d take care of her—but if he knew my current thoughts when it came to Harper, he’d have never trusted me.
She’s too young for me. Too bright to my shadows. And too tempting.
Now I’m stuck in our small town, and I can’t escape her. I’d rather hide in my cabin, restoring what was one lost. Only Harper won’t let me.
I’ve already held onto more secrets than my family knows. I don’t know if I can keep what I feel about her secret too.
She sees beyond my scars and anger, and I know she hides her own just as tightly.
When one kiss changes everything, there’s no going back—even if it shatters everything in our wake.
**If You Were Mine is an age gap, best friend’s little sister, tortured hero, small town romance featuring Dorian and Harper. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
4 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan draws you in with emotion, drama, and love in If You Were Mine.
Dorian‘s life changed in a blink of an eye. After a tragic accident took the life of his best friend and left him with life-changing wounds and scars both physically and emotionally. After a year he returns to. Cage Lake to heal in peace and quiet.
Harper has been going through the day-to-day motions since she lost her brother. With the last of her family gone Harper struggles. Just getting through the day is sometimes hard. A year later Dorian, her brother‘s best friend returns to town. Which brings up mixed emotions.
Harper has had a crush on Dorian for as long as she can remember. Dorian thoughts of Harper are not the purist. He promised her brother that he would take care of her, but would he want him to if he knew the thoughts that we’re going through his head.
They both struggle to get through the days, but what a single kiss brings things to light. It begins to change everything. It’s a test to themselves and what they feel as they both tried to navigate the emotions in chemistry that they are feeling. Carrie Ann Ryan hits another one out of the park with If You Were Mine. Be prepared to feel all the emotions.
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: 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.
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: 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: 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.
Coffee Books Life 