Perfectly Pretend

About the Book:

Perfectly Pretend: A Sweet Hockey RomCom (Perfect Crush Hockey Romance Book 5)

Title: Perfectly Pretend
Series: Perfect Crush Hockey Romance #5
Author: Grace Worthington
Release Date: April 22nd, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

He needs a girlfriend for his sister’s over-the-top wedding week. She needs a miracle for her struggling cafe. Now they’re pretending to date—and neither is ready for what comes next.

Scarlett never planned to fake date her brother’s best friend, Brendan Marco. But when the grumpy hockey coach needs a girlfriend for a week of wedding events, she suddenly finds herself playing the part at his hockey games and a long list of lavish family events.

In exchange, Brendan agrees to help her land the arena vendor contract that could save her cafe.
It’s the perfect arrangement—temporary, harmless, and completely fake.

Between a dreamy week at an extravagant estate and wedding week shenanigans, their pretend relationship starts to feel dangerously real.

Scarlett is determined to keep things professional, which should be easy, right?

Except Brendan Marco has always been her weakness—ever since that kiss they shared back in high school that neither of them has ever mentioned again.

Now he’s looking at her differently.
Not like a friend.
Not like a teammate’s sister.
Like she’s the best thing that’s ever walked into the room.

When wedding week chaos brings family secrets and buried feelings to the surface, Scarlett has to face the truth:
Pretending to date her brother’s best friend was never the real problem.
Falling in love with him might be.

Tropes:

Fake Dating
Friends to Lovers
Brother’s Best Friend
Forced Proximity
Wedding Week Chaos

Book Review:

Ahh! I loved this book ! I didn’t want to put it down. The books in this series just keep on getting better and better. Perfectly Pretend is the 5th book in Grace Worthington’s Perfect Crush Hockey Romance. I just loved this book and the characters

Scarlett and Brendan had history. He used to be her brother’s best friend and they were almost “something” years ago. It was cool to learn about their story and history. They knew each other well but had drifted apart. They both had feelings for each other but were afraid to even consider a relationship.

They had to learn to be brave for each other and be willing to risk their hearts. As they pretended to date, they began to wish for something more. Scarlett was so strong but I love how Brendan saw her and encouraged her. He always wanted her to succeed. Brendan was trying to prove himself to his uncle but Scarlett helped him see that he was enough. They were honestly perfect together. Brendan cared for Scarlett and Scarlett helped him let loose.

Brendan’s family was a lot of fun and I love how they just accepted Scarlett. They reminded me of my crazy but loving family. I also loved seeing the hockey team, they were each other’s found family. The scenes where Brendan was with the boys were just hilarious.

I adored this book and I would totally recommend it! The characters and the story were everything! I love the themes of family, standing up for yourself, and choosing to love. I am so excited for the next books to come! Perfectly Pretend is a closed door romantic comedy.

Book Highlights

Hockey romance
Fake relationship
Brother’s former best friend
Found family
Big family celebrations
Coffee shop
He’s a hockey coach

I received a complimentary copy

I’m Only Me When I’m With You

About the Book:

I'm Only Me When I'm With Him (Sweeter Than Fiction Book 3)

Title: I’m Only Me When I’m With Him
Series: Sweeter Than Fiction #3
Author: Amanda Schimoeller
Release Date: April 15th, 2026
Genre: Rom-Com

Firefighters are supposed to be the ones putting out fires, not causing sparks.

I thought I stifled everything I felt for Connor Porter over a decade ago. But now he’s back home, and I’m hit with those old feelings again, stronger than a firehose to the face.

Feelings I most certainly should not be having for my best friend’s older brother.

I’m trying to push all thoughts of Connor aside and focus on opening a flower truck when his sister persuades him to help me get my business off the ground.

Now, I’m spending more time with my childhood crush than can be considered healthy. And it’s difficult to get him out of my mind when I’m constantly being distracted by his muscular arms and thinking about how they feel when they’re wrapped around me.

My attraction to him grows into a roaring inferno, but I don’t think Connor’s ever seen me as anything other than his little sister’s friend. I need to extinguish these feelings before I’m in too deep.

It’s like that old saying goes: if I keep playing with fire, I’m bound to get burned.

I’m Only Me When I’m With Him is a best friend’s brother, grumpy/sunshine romcom with sizzling chemistry but no explicit content. It’s the third book in the Sweeter Than Fiction series, following four best friends finding love.

Book Review:

This was adorable! I loved the way both Conner and Shayna made each other better and supported one another. They were so sweet!

Shayna was a sweetheart. I really felt for her. She was trying so hard to make those around her happy and also working for her dream.. I loved seeing how supportive her friends were of her.. Shayna cared so deeply and it often led to her spread too thin and feeling overwhelmed Conner was a sweetheart! I adored his care for Shayna and how he quietly supported her. COnner was definitely an acts of service guy and it was so sweet to see..

I loved the two of them together! Shayna and Conner both cared so much for the other. They encouraged each other’s strengths and pushed each other to overcome their weaknesses. It was so fun to watch them work together on her flower truck.. I loved seeing them fit into each other’s lives and how natural it was for them..

It was so sweet to see the Long Live girls again! I love their sisterhood and how they cheered each other on. I also appreciated how there was no grudges or weird feelings between Mallory and Shayna. They wanted what was best for each other. Overall, this was a sweet romcom with only kisses.

I received an ARC.

Alice in Wonderland

About the Book:

Title: Alice in Wonderland
Author: Lewis Caroll
Genre: Children’s Fiction

Alice in Wonderland is an 1865 novel by English author Lewis Carroll. It tells of a young girl named Alice, who falls through a rabbit hole into a subterranean fantasy world populated by peculiar, anthropomorphic creatures. It is considered to be one of the best examples of the literary nonsense genre. The tale plays with logic, giving the story lasting popularity with adults as well as with children.

Book Review:

I have never read a book quite like this one. Alice in Wonderland is definitely a classic, and one that I knew I wanted to read.

While this is definitely not a traditional children’s book, it’s incredibly interesting with a lot of fascinating things. I liked how realistically childlike Alice felt, and her logic felt accurate. It was interesting to see all of the different characters that I had heard so much about. While I’m not sure how I feel about the book, I’m glad that I finally read it.

Miss Magnolia’s in a Mash

About the Book:

Miss Magnolia's in a Mash (Pine Ridge Ranch Book 1)

Title: Miss Magnolia’s in a Mash
Series: Pine Ridge Ranch #1
Author: Carina Taylor
Release Date: March 31st, 2026
Genre: Romantic ComedyWe were just supposed to be roommates—marriage wasn’t even a thought. Yet here I am taking his last name before I’ve ever kissed him.

All Magnolia wants is to find love. Is that too much to ask?! Apparently so, because now she has a fake fiancé and it’s all based on a lie.

Magnolia Hawthorne has been struggling to find her place in this world. Sometimes she worries that her dreams are too small. That wanting to find love and settle down isn’t enough, except even those dreams seem out of reach at the moment.

When a stranger asks Magnolia to pretend to be his fiancée to fulfill his Grandpa’s last wish, she figures she has nothing to lose. And so she’s introduced to the dying man as Nash Whitlock’s fiancée.

What was supposed to be a short deception becomes something much bigger when Nash’s Grandpa makes a miraculous recovery and wants to spend more time with his grandson’s fiancée.

Magnolia is pulled into a completely different world of inheritance-hungry family members, all while pretending to love a man she just met. But Nash doesn’t make her feel like her dreams are too small. He makes her feel like they’re just right, and that maybe he can make them come true.

And maybe, Magnolia is exactly what Nash needs as well. Because it’s about time he found someone willing to fight for him.

Book Review:

This was so fun! I love reading Carina Taylor’s books because they are often low stress with lots of laughs. Miss Magnolia’s in a Mash is a part of Carina Taylor’s Pine Ridge Ranch series. The story sounded interesting so I was excited to read it!

Magnolia was a breath of fresh air. She was just living life to its fullest. She was trying to find her place and figure out her dreams. I love how she seemed to genuinely cared for people Although she didn’t know Nash well, she was willing to help him out. I loved her interactions with Nash’s grandpa and how she just wanted to live a quiet life.

Poor Nash, he was feeling the weight of his family’s expectations and he wanted to do what was right. He kind of roped Magnolia into the fake relationship but he didn’t have any malicious intent. I loved seeing him grow and find himself as he spent time with Magnolia.

Their romance was so sweet and I loved their easy relationship. They became friends but ended up falling in love as they spent time together. They were faking a relationship to help Nash’s grandpa but they ended up loving being together. The book was just the perfect pick me up.

I really enjoyed this book and I would totally recommend it! Miss Magnolia’s in a Mash is a closed door romantic comedy.

I received a complimentary copy

Try for Love

About the Book:

Title: Try for Love
Series: The Love Playbook #6
Author: Dana LeCheminant
Release Date: March 13th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

One season. One deal. One very inconvenient love story.

International rugby star Logan Callahan doesn’t do roots or relationships. California is just a detour: answers, rugby, and then it’s back to Australia where he belongs. Nothing will get in his way.

Savannah Blair can’t afford distractions. If her meal prep business is going to survive, she needs to prove to her family that defying generations of tradition wasn’t a mistake. But her oversized, opinionated cat isn’t making it easy to stay focused.

And neither is the grumpy rugby player who stumbles into her life.

When the cat decides Logan is his soulmate, the pair reluctantly form an alliance. Logan needs Savannah’s help to reach his birth mother. Savannah needs Logan’s connection to the rugby team’s owner to catch a big break.

No feelings. No complications. Completely temporary.

But the cat has other plans, and the more time Logan and Savannah spend together, the more they start to notice things only feel right when they’re side by side. Now they have to decide whether sticking to the plan is worth losing what they never expected to find, when walking away might break more than just a deal.

Try for Love is a standalone no-spice sports romcom full of witty banter, reluctant allies, and slow-burn chemistry. It’s perfect for readers who love independent women, cocky athletes, and happily-ever-afters worth fighting for.

Book Review:

It was such a pleasure to read this! I love this series and Dana is an auto author for me! I am now eagerly waiting for the entire team to get books!

Savannah was a sweetheart! I loved her spunk and energy. She was determined to establish her business, even though she had to do so much on her own. I was rooting for her success, not only in her career, but in finding people to support and believe in her.

I really felt for Logan! He was really going through it and had trouble expressing his emotions. He was with a new team and had some rough edges that caused friction there. Logan had to open up and accept some things about himself.

Logan and Savannah were a lot of fun together! They had a bit of a meet-ugly! Beef was hilarious! I loved his scenes! As Logan and Savannah spent time together, they were able to really see the other’s thoughtfulness and care. They supported one another and still pushed each other. I loved how Logan especially saw Savannah’s strength in building up her business.

I also adored getting to see the Thunders again! They were key in Logan’s story and I would love to see more of them! I enjoyed the cameos too. It was so fun to see the thread of the animal adoption through this series and love the messages. This sports romance has some passionate kisses.

I received an ARC.

We Are Never Getting Together

About the Book:

Title: We are Never Getting Together
Author: We are Never Getting Together
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: April 7th, 2026
Genre: YA Romance

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

In this reverse Parent Trap, two feuding teenagers pretend to be in love to keep their parents apart, but love has other plans. A clean YA rom-com from USA Today best-selling author, Janette Rallison.

Madeline and Cooper have had bad blood since junior year when she beat out his sister for the lead in the school play. Ever since, it’s been one petty escalation after another—rumors, locker sabotage, and even a derogatory viral video. Their latest prank lands them in the principal’s office with their single parents in tow. The last thing either of them expected was for their parents to hit it off and end the meeting with a dinner date.

Horrified by the prospect of their parents falling in love, Madeline and Cooper reach a truce. They’ll reverse parent-trap the situation by pretending their feud is over and they’re in a relationship. They’re positive that by fake-dating, their parents will stop seeing each other.

When a fake kiss meant for only their parents to see is witnessed by Cooper’s friends, rumors spread like wildfire that Cooper and Madeline are an item. The longer their fake-relationship continues, the more they discover that there may be things they actually like about each other, although neither is ready to admit it. But how long are Madeline and Cooper willing to keep up the ruse before they have to face the consequences of their actions?

Book Review:

I thought this was a really fun YA novel! I finished it in a day, and it was a nice, low stress read.

I thought Madeleine was an interesting character! She had a strong personality, so she had to grow on me a little. But at the same time, I think she grew a lot in her awareness of her privilege. She also was not afraid to be herself which I really admired. And similar to Cooper, she was deeply loyal to her friends and family. Her character felt like a real teenager, but with every mistake, she strove to learn and grow.

Cooper was a sweetheart! He was definitely willing to do anything for his family, and he felt a lot of responsibility for them as well. He also felt like a real teenager, but like Madeleine he strove to grow. I thought his banter with Madeleine was really fun, and they balanced each other out well. They were both very driven, and they helped each other see nuances of issues.

This was an interesting storyline! I stayed up way too late because I wanted to see how it all came together. The side characters all added so much to the story, and I love how involved the parents were. It would have been fun to see more of the side characters and their motivations, but this is told from first person POV so it made sense to have some narrative bias. Overall, this is a fun and clean YA story that I would definitely recommend!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

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