Staged Evidence

About the Book:

Title: Staged Evidence
Series: Pen and Dagger #2
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: April 7th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

From the queen of clean romantic suspense—one terrified witness, one unsuspecting Broadway playwright, and a killer who won’t stop until the final curtain falls.

When Tessa Seidel delivers costumes to a Manhattan television studio late at night, she expects an empty set—not a murder scene. After stumbling upon a woman’s body and nearly being attacked by a man fleeing the scene, Tessa escapes with no idea who to trust—and a fear that the killer knows who she is.

Desperate, she runs to a friend’s beach house in the Hamptons, where Broadway playwright Parker Sawyer is retreating to finish his next script. But he knows danger when he sees it and offers to shelter Tessa, even when they find out she is being accused of committing the murder.

Back in Manhattan, CIA operatives Kimber Seidel and Brandon Hale realize Tessa is being framed. But with a powerful suspect manipulating the investigation, clearing Tessa’s name won’t be easy.

If they can’t unravel the truth in time, Tessa won’t just be the prime suspect—she’ll be the next victim.

Book Review:

Wow! This book took me completely by surprise. I didn’t know what was going to happen or who the culprit was. Staged Evidence is the second book in Traci Hunter Abramson’s Pen and Dagger series. This time the main character is Tessa, Kimber’s sister.

The suspense was on point as always. I was on the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out who committed the crime. I love the hints given throughout the book and yet I was still surprised by the end. The story was engaging and it was cool to see Kimber and Brandon again. I loved seeing their perspectives. The way that the characters considered the murder mystery was intriguing and it was fun to follow along on their journey.

The romance was also perfect. Parker and Tessa were forced together by their circumstances. I loved the progression of their relationship as they learned to trust each other and work together. They had an easy chemistry and it was sweet to read about them falling for each other.

I really enjoyed this book and I would totally recommend it! I loved getting to know the characters and seeing some of the old characters. I am excited to see what will come next in this series. Staged Evidence is a clean romantic suspense.

I received a complimentary copy

The Neighbor Playbook

About the Book:

The Neighbor Playbook: A Sweet Sports RomCom

Title: The Neighbor Playbook
Series: The Love Playbook #5
Author: Kristine W Joy
Release Date: March 6th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

An NBA star just moved in across the hall.
He hates LA, hates noise, and hates me—probably.

I’m Nicole Farrarah, an entrepreneur whose life is currently held together by optimism and caffeine.
The first time I meet Dominic Neelson, he’s standing in the hallway with a key in his hand, my dog at his feet, and a look that suggests this was not how he imagined his first day in Los Angeles going.
But somewhere between chance encounters, messy afternoons, more dog related disasters, and a few borrowed eggs, things begin to shift.
Glances last a beat too long.
Smiles come easier.
And being near him starts to feel like my favorite part of the day.
But I want to build something in LA, and his career has never stayed in one place.
And I can feel the moment coming when one of us will have to decide.

The Neighbor Playbook is a grumpy sunshine sports romcom full of lots of swoon and no spice. It’s the fifth standalone novel in The Love Playbook Series.

Enjoy the other full-length books in The Love Playbook series, which can be read in any order:

Book Review:

This was a really sweet sports romcom! It is another standalone in the Love Playbook series.

Nicole was just doing her best! I really felt for her. She was struggling through failure and felt like she was still searching for her future. Even though she knew that her family supported her, Nicole wanted to find her own place and success. I loved her sister and their relationship! There was such a natural connection, with their calls and texts.

Dominic was a sweetheart! He was also searching for his place in a new world. L.A was a bit of a culture shock for him and the uncertainty was difficult for him. It was really cool to see him find a camaraderie with his team and to get his groove. He also had a great relationship with his brother and I loved the way his family supported him.

Nicole and Dominic were adorable together! Though they did have a bit of a meet-ugly because of Cocoa, they quickly connected. I loved how supportive and encouraging they were with each other. They both pushed the other to be the best version of themselves. Cocoa was also hilarious! I loved seeing his antics and how he brought Nicole and Dominic together. This sports romcom has some passionate kisses.

I received an ARC.

Don’t Crosse the Line

About the Book:

Don't Crosse the Line: A Sweet Sports Romcom

Title: Don’t Crosse the Line
Series: The Love Playbook #4
Author: Britney Mills
Release Date: February 27th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Laney Zelinski knows how to keep things professional.
As a sideline reporter, she’s great at asking the right questions, hitting her marks, and rolling with whatever comes her way. She loves her job, loves the chaos of game days, and loves the life she’s built. She just wishes she had someone steady standing beside her when the cameras shut off.

Burton knows how to play the game.
On the field, he reads angles, lines, and timing with instinctive ease. Off the field, he’s careful not to cross into territory that requires long-term answers, because wanting something steady feels like tempting fate when nothing in his life feels settled yet.

So after one extremely questionable roommate hobby, a run-in with a fainting goat named Pearl, and a very unexpected kiss under fireworks pull them into each other’s orbit, they both agree on one thing: this is just for fun.

Except Burton starts pulling away the moment things feel real—convinced Laney deserves someone steadier than a guy juggling restaurant shifts, injuries, and a career that never quite looks impressive on paper. And Laney, who’s used to first dates that never turn into second ones, refuses to chase someone who won’t choose her.

With opposite schedules, mounting doubts, and a line they’re both afraid to cross, Laney and Burton have to decide what really matters: playing it safe… or risking their hearts for something that might finally last.

Book Review:

Burton is a sweetheart! I loved his thoughtfulness and genuineness. He was extremely diligent and dedicated to his dream. He was adorable in his crush on Laney. Burton had to learn to open up and to trust. Laney was so fun! I admired her drive and her connection with her grandparents. She felt just like a real person and I was rooting for her!

Burton and Laney had to take the jump to trust one another and take a chance on a real relationship. Both of them had hesitations, but it was sweet to see how they connected and supported one another. They truly wanted to help and be there for the other, which was so adorable.

I loved the side characters in this! Both of their friends/teammates were so supportive. But I think Laney’s grandparents stole the show for me! I loved their quirkiness and their farm! Pearl was adorable and hilarious. I honestly wanted to see more of them. Overall, this was a sweet sports romance with only kisses.

I received an ARC.

Lassos and Lace

About the Book:

Lassos and Lace: A Sweet Contemporary Romance (Healing Springs Ranch Book 3)

Title: Lassos and Lace
Series: Healing Springs Ranch #3
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Release Date: April 7th, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance

The lone girl of the family doesn’t think the McQuaid legacy of love can be hers. But is it within her reach after all?

As the event manager for Healing Springs Ranch, Emberly McQuaid works hard to prove her worth to her family. When an international banking group arrives at the ranch and her best personal concierge falls ill, Emberly has no choice but to step in and assist their most illustrious guest, the young and handsome CEO, Max Berg.

During his stay at the ranch, Prince Max is keeping his royalty a secret, hoping to escape the paparazzi along with the increasing pressure to marry a duchess by his birthday. He resists telling Emberly about his heritage because he likes that she doesn’t try to impress him. Even though he’s a workaholic, Max finds himself setting aside his duties to spend time with the beautiful redhead.

Feelings quickly escalate between the two, but they know a relationship can’t go anywhere. When they get stranded together in a mountain cabin, it’s all too easy to let the emotion of their time together sweep them away. But will they be able to overcome the obstacles that stand between them and find a way to be together?

Secret prince
Only girl in family
Overprotective brothers
He falls fast
Stranded together
Swoony kisses

Book Review:

Ahh, this was just so fun. I love this series and I am enjoying getting to read each siblings’ story and adventure. Lassos and Lace is about Emberly and Max. Emberly is the only girl in the McQuaid family and I loved reading her story. Lassos and Lace is the third book in Jody Hedlund’s Healing Spring Ranch series.

I adored both Emberly and Max! They were such fun characters. They were trying to find themselves in their own ways. I love Emberly’s independence and how she worked hard. She was trying to prove herself to her family. Max was stubborn and wanted to be a good king, but he was also struggling to figure out what he wanted to do in life. Both Max and Emberly had some growing to do throughout the book.

I liked the progression of their relationship. They could be themselves with each other. Emberly didn’t have to prove herself to Max. And Max could just be a normal person to Emberly. They were so sweet together. I really liked how they challenged each other to be better versions of themselves.

The romance was sweet and the story was engaging. I wanted to see how Emberly and Max would end up together. Emeberly was committed to her home and Max was a prince with a responsibility. The side characters were a lot of fun, I really liked Max’s companions. The family scenes were also sweet.

I really enjoyed this book and I would totally recommend it! The characters were likable and the story was interesting. I am so excited for the next book! Lassos and Lace is a closed door contemporary romance with passionate kisses.

Book Highlights:

Second prince

Forced proximity

Family themes

Only sister

Protective brothers

Ranch setting

I received a complimentary copy

Could’ve Fooled Me

About the Book:

Could've Fooled Me: A Sweet Hockey Romance (Georgia Jaguars Hockey)

Title: Could’ve Fooled Me
Series: Georgia Jaguars’s Hockey
Author: Jenny Proctor
Publisher: Four Petal Press
Release Date: March 26th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

She married him to stay in the country. She didn’t expect him to feel like home.

Sarah Stone never meant to marry a hockey player.

She doesn’t even like hockey—too loud, too violent. But when her visa runs out and going home isn’t an option, marrying one of her brother’s teammates becomes the fastest way to stay in the country.

Carter Williamson is boyishly handsome, charming, and exactly the kind of man who makes a temporary marriage feel dangerous in all the wrong (right?) ways. He respects the rules, takes the pretending seriously, and somehow manages to make her feel safer than she has in years.

Which is inconvenient because he’s also determined to keep things strictly business.

Or so he says. Something about the way he looks at her makes Sarah think he’s struggling as much as she is to remember their marriage is fake.

But then a crisis on the ice sends them both into a tailspin, and Carter and Sarah have to decide if the fragile life they’ve built together is one they want to fight for.

This was supposed to be paperwork. Not feelings.

Definitely not love.

Book Review:

Ahh! This book was just so good!! I love Jenny Proctor’s books and I was so excited to read this one! Could’ve Fooled Me is the first book in her new series, Georgia Jaguars Hockey series. But it features characters that you met in When Alec Met Evie! Carter definitely needed his own book and it was so fun to get to know him!

I loved both Carter and Sarah! They were perfect together and had an easy connection. THey were both likable characters and I was rooting for them as they tried to find themselves. They weren’t looking for love but they found it in each other. They were helping each other out and found themselves in love before they knew it.

I loved getting to see Carter more fleshed out. It was sweet how he could be himself around Sarah. She saw him as his own person and always encouraged him. He was figuring out how to be his own unique person. Sarah had been through a lot and was just trying to stay close to her family. It was cool to see her find her voice. I love how Carter always encouraged her.

The romance was so sweet. They pushed each other in the right manner but were ultimately just there for each other. I loved the side characters. Miles was just trying to be a good brother but he definitely got it wrong at times. I loved Theo too and I am excited to read his book.

This was such a great start to a new series! And I am so excited to read the books to come. I didn’t want to put this book down! I loved the characters and the story. I would totally recommend this book. Could’ve Fooled Me is a closed door romantic comedy. It has passionate kisses, a fade to black implied (this is a marriage of convenience), and some LGBT characters.

Book Highlights:

Hockey romance

Family themes

She’s an artist

Twin brothers

Marriage of convenience

They encourage each other

I received a complimentary copy

Every Breath You Take

About the Book:

Title: Every Breath You Take
Series: The Love Playbook #3
Author: Larissa Hommes
Release Date: February 20th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy
What if the stranger who knows your secrets is the one standing right in front of you?

Talon Everhart has spent his whole life swimming toward one goal—the Olympics. Now, with his final chance on the line, the pressure is more intense than ever. Everyone sees him as the golden boy in the pool, but no one knows about the words he hides behind under an anonymous writing account … or the girl whose comments have become the one thing keeping him afloat.

Livvi Dayton has made a career out of working harder than everyone else. If she can just keep pushing forward, maybe she can outrun the shadows of her parents’ mistakes and finally achieve the success she’s been dreaming of. But when the town’s swim celebrity keeps showing up in her life, his easy charm and quiet intensity have a way of making her wonder what she truly wants out of life. Except with every message she shares with an anonymous writer who knows her heart too well, untangling the truth of her feelings only gets harder.

As their connection deepens both on the page and in real life, Talon and Livvi discover that the dreams they’ve been chasing might not be the ones that matter most.

Will the truth drown them—or teach them how to finally breathe?

Book Review:

Another sweet addition to the Love Playbook series! I am having so much fun reading this series and was pretty excited for swimming! I was a swimmer so I have a soft spot for the sport.

I enjoyed the dual narration of Livvie and Talon. They were both quite driven and focused on what they hoped for their future. Livvie was a bit stuck in what she thought she should do and her preconceptions. She was able to open up online and yet Talon kept popping up in her life. I loved her friends and how they supported her! Talon was also really fun. I loved his depth and how determined he was. He was chasing one of his dreams, but hiding another. It was also sweet to see the support he had from his brother and friend

Talon and Livvie really were so sweet together! I loved how they could really be themselves around each other, though it did take some time! They supported one another and really saw one another. I loved how they bonded over the fish and how thoughtful they were with each other.

This was a fun and sweet sports romance! I loved seeing the connection between Livvie and Talon and the way they were able to communicate with each other. I am also loving the pet adoption thread through the series! The story has only kisses.

I received an ARC.

All That Glitters

About the Book:

All That Glitters: a sweet college romance (RomCom University Book 2)

Title: All That Glitters
Series: Rom Com University #2
Author: Annah Conwell
Release Date: March 13th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

They were best friends, until he betrayed her.

Marigold Belmore wants nothing more than to forget about Jameson Sinclair. So what if they’ve been friends since elementary school? Who cares that he was the one person she trusted most in the world?

Jameson showed her how little she mattered to him when he stole the internship they swore not to apply to. That kind of betrayal isn’t something a person brushes under the rug.

Marigold tries to escape Jameson’s brooding stares, but between their shared classes and working on the paper together, the task seems impossible. She refuses to let his presence get to her, but when she’s forced to document his road to hockey stardom, it becomes more and more difficult to ignore the tension.

As banter is exchanged and secrets are revealed, Marigold becomes certain they can never go back to being just friends

.All That Glitters is a college hockey romance with all the sizzle, none of the spice. If you love sports, found family, and academia, you’ll love the second book in the RomCom University series.

Book Review:

Oh I was eagerly waiting for this book! This was just a wonderful addition to the series. All That Glitters is the second book in Annah Conwell’s RomCom University series. This was just the sweetest book and the characters were just lovely.

Marigold and Jameson were old friends but they had had a huge falling out. Marigold was mad and hurt, while Jameson was just trying to figure out how to win her back. I felt for them both as they tried to navigate college and their feelings for each other. They had been best of friends but now there was a huge chasm between them.

I really liked both Marigold and Jameson, though Marigold did get on my nerves at times. They felt young but they felt real. Marigold had been hurt by others before so she was scared to let Jameson in. Marigold had to learn that she didn’t have to be perfect and it was okay to ask for help. Jameson had made a mistake and was trying his hardest to win Marigold back. Jameson had to learn to fight for Marigold and not to bottle everything in.

I liked the progression of their relationship and it was fun to get to know them better. They were so sweet together and truly knew the other person. The side characters were intriguing and I hope Praisely and Nash get their own books. I am so excited for the next book in the series. I adored All That Glitters and I would totally recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy

A Love Most Daring

About the Book:

Title: A Love Most Daring
Series: Bow Street #3
Author: Joanna Barker
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: March 3rd, 2026
Genre:Historical Romance

“Sweet romance complete with a dynamic mystery. . . . The intrigue simmers and the chaste love story offers plenty of big emotions. Regency fans will be charmed.” – Publishers Weekly

After years of whispered gossip and quiet exile in the countryside, Beatrice Lacey arrives in London determined to reclaim her life. But her resolve is shaken when she witnesses a horrific attack tied to a chilling high-profile murder case gripping the city.

Thrust into sudden danger, Beatrice finds herself under the reluctant protection of Alexander Rawlings—a brooding Bow Street officer with a guarded heart and a fierce sense of duty. Though it’s clear he’d rather be chasing the killer than shielding a scandal-stained Society miss, their forced closeness begins to unravel his defenses. In the unnerving moments between danger and discovery, every sharp exchange and lingering glance fans a slow-burning connection—one neither of them expected and neither can resist.

With danger closing in and old wounds resurfacing, trust may be their only refuge—and love their most daring risk of all.

Book Review:

Okay so this was so good! I adore Joanna Barker’s books and I was excited to see that there was going to be another book in the series. A Love Most Daring is the third book in Joanna Barker’s Bow Street series! It was the perfect blend of romance and hints of mystery.

Beatrice and Alexander were just so much fun together. I loved their banter and reading about them falling in love. They had a bit of a bad impression but as they spent time together, they began to see the other in a different light. They were forced together because of their circumstances. The romance was just perfect. Alexander was so swoony and Beatrice had a way of getting under his skin. I like how they could be themselves with each other.

I was engaged with the story and I wanted to know how they would figure out who was after them. I honestly didn’t know how the book was going to end or be resolved. I loved that I was surprised without being scared. I love the progression of their relationship as they learned to trust each other and fall in love. It was cool to see some of the old characters and I am excited for the next book.I really enjoyed this story and I would totally recommend it! A Love Most Daring is a clean historical romance

Book Highlights:

Hints of suspense and mystery

Friends

Working together

Enemies to lovers ish

Forced proximity

Getting to know each other

Seeing old characters

Family

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Love Catch

About the Book:

Title: Love Catch
Series: The Love Playbook #2
Author: Laura Langa
Release Date: February 13th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Jilted at the game. Roommates by chance. Catching feelings by accident.

Humiliated after my MLB fiancé called off our engagement—in the middle of a baseball game, I did what any rational, rule-following girl would do: I climbed on top of the dugout to give him a piece of my mind.

I just didn’t expect to slip—or fall straight into the arms of Trevor Chapman.

Awkward? Totally. Except the team’s veteran catcher also happens to be my roommate. Trevor’s protective, patient, and ten years my senior—but I’m the one sharing custody of his rescue calico and handling the personal taxes for half of the Waves lineup.

To shake off my post-breakup funk, I make a list of adventures—and rope Trevor in. With every item we cross off, it’s harder to ignore that I’m catching feelings faster than Trevor snags fastballs.

I’ve already been burned by a Waves player, so letting myself fall again feels risky—even when Trevor has always been there to catch me.

Love Catch is a closed-door sports romcom featuring a jilted bride, her protective MLB roommate, and one very sweet calico rescue cat.
It’s perfect for readers who love playful banter and sizzling kisses with no third act breakup!

Book Review:

What an adorable story! This was my first from Ms. Langa and I had so much fun reading it!

Kenzie was a sweetheart! She felt so genuine and relatable. She felt very real with her quieter life and softer personality. I loved her care for the cats and her generous heart. Trevor was so sweet! I adored him! He cared so much for Kenzie and was always taking care of her. He was so thoughtful.

I loved seeing Kenzie and Trevor together! They had such a natural feeling relationship and both of them were such genuinely lovely characters. Their romance grew from a friendship and partnership. I loved how they encouraged and supported one another. They knew the other’s struggles and were there for each other.

The cats were so cute and I am loving the thread of the pets and the group chat! It was really fun to see the way that the cats and both of their kindness through how they treated them. I also enjoyed the side characters! There were definitely some that got on my nerves, but I loved Kenzie’s parents! This closed door sports romcom has some passionate kissing.

I received an ARC.

Tackle My Heart

About the Book:

Title: Tackle My Heart
Series: The Love Playbook #1
Author: Marion De Re
Release Date: February 6th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy
I’m determined to rock this new job.
Managing the London Regents Football Club’s socials? #CareerGoals.

Except there’s one major glitch in my perfect feed: Callum Murray.
He’s the team’s grumpy Scottish fullback, known for red cards, a permanent scowl, and headlines that call him football’s bad boy. The guy is allergic to anything social or media-related, and turns my job into the mission of the century.
He dodges me like a post-match interview, but when I finally corner him at his place, I discover he’s a bird dad to a rescue parrot named Fergie.
Not only do I stumble on a new social media star—you should see Fergie’s rendition of Shake It Off—but I also catch a glimpse of the softer side of the man who swore he didn’t have one.

Book Review:

This was cute! I ended up finishing it in a day. I always enjoy Marion De Re’s books and this one was a lot of fun. Tackle My Heart is written by Marion De Re and it is the first book in the multi author series, The Love Playbook series.

Okay so I adored both Millie and Callum. They were a lot of fun together. I love how Millie slowly broke down Callum’s walls. It was sweet to read about him coming to care about her. Reading about Callum learning to work social media was so funny and oh my goodness Fergie was a hoot. Millie was a bit of a mess at times but she never let life bring her down. Callum could not be more her opposite but slowly started to see the good in things beside Fergie, his parrot.

I loved the team, they were so funny especially their interactions with Callum. They were a family and really accepted Millie from the start. The story was interesting and I didn’t want to put it down. I liked the growth that both Callum and Millie showed throughout the book. Millie learned to stand up for herself and Callum learned to let others in.

This was a great start to a new series! I love the fact that each book also features a rescue pet. I would totally recommend this book! Tackle My Heart is a closed door romantic comedy.

I received a complimentary copy