The Duke’s Bargain

About the Book:

The Duke's Bargain (Proper Romance Regency)

Title: The Duke’s Bargain
Author: Megan Walker
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: May 5th, 2026
Genre: Regency Romance

Ruined by scandal, Georgiana bargains with a duke to regain her place in Society. But their pretend friendship sparks real love, risking reputations, duty, and unexpected happily-ever-afters.

Eight months after a stolen kiss ruined her reputation, Miss Georgiana Wood is a recluse, cast out of Society without any hope of ever finding a suitable match. Longing for redemption, she never expects her salvation to arrive in the form of a handsome, temperamental duke.

After a failed bargain left the Duke of Marlow without a promised wife and heir, he must face courtship a final time. He plans to entice his future bride with a priceless family heirloom—one now in the possession of Miss Wood, who agrees to return it if he takes her on three outings in London during the Season to restore her reputation.

As the pair navigate Society’s expectations and whispered gossip, Marlow soon sees a new side to Georgiana—an ally and friend. Her wit and courage, grace and allure far exceed that of the eligible ladies he intended to court, and soon, he’d do almost anything to secure her happiness.

As Marlow wrestles with duty and desire, Georgiana begins to hope that she could be loved not despite her past, but because of who she truly is. When hearts are tested, truth and secrets revealed, will love be enough to risk it all?

Book Review:

Oh my goodness! This was just so good. The characters, the redemption, the story. It was simply perfect and I didn’t want to put it down. The Duke’s Bargain is written by Megan Walker and it is set after Miss Newbury’s List. This was honestly an excellent book.

Georgiana and the Duke of Marlow were not the heroes of previous stories. They had their flaws and had a lot of growing to do. They were honestly sort of the villain but it was so cool to see them grow and really get to know them. They were brought together by bargains and contracts, however they never could have guessed how their relationship would change.

I actually liked both Georgiana and Marlow from the beginning of the book. You were able to see their thoughts. They were trying their best and failing at times. Georgiana was lonely and just wanted a friend. Marlow was trying to live up to his own expectations of what a duke should be.

I liked how they were comfortable with each other, although they did get on each other’s nerves. They were able to be themselves with each other. Honestly, the growth of their relationship was so sweet. I loved how they both wrestled with their feelings for each other, it felt real. Georgiana had to figure out what she really wanted in life and Marlow had to learn what kind of person he wanted to be.

There were so many great things about this book! Both Marlow and Georgiana learned to love and consider others. I really liked the side characters, Marlow’s family was a lot but sweet. I adored Georgiana’s relationship with her brother. One of the things that I loved about this book was how they helped each other be better versions of themselves without truly changing how they were.

I would totally recommend this book! I am excited to see what else Walker writes. The Duke’s Bargain is a clean historical romance.

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.

First Down Second Chances

About the Book:

First Down, Second Chances: A Sweet Sports RomCom

Title: First Down Second Chances
Series: The Love Playbook #7
Author: Deb Goodman
Release Date: March 20th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Falling for my brother’s best friend was a terrible idea.
Falling for him again? Catastrophic.

Pro quarterback Taysom Reed was my first crush—and my first heartbreak. I learned the hard way that wanting things—wanting him—can be dangerous. So when he shows up out of nowhere at my workplace just minutes after I lose my job, the timing feels cruel.

With funding cuts, my career—and my young clients’ access to treatment—hang in the balance. Desperate, I ask Taysom for help. He can’t give it, though, and suddenly things are even more awkward between us.

Except, he keeps showing up in unexpected ways, and the feelings I swore were long gone come rushing back. I don’t trust his foundation, the university’s politics, or my own heart—especially after how badly things ended before.

Unfortunately, my rescue kitten, Miley, has already decided she loves him.

The little traitor.

Second chances are risky. But when Taysom starts proving he’s in this for real, I have to wonder…
What if some plays are worth running twice?

Book Review:

Charlotte was such a fun narrator! I loved her genuineness and earnestness. She cared so much for the kids she worked with and the work that they did at the Center. I really felt for her as she tried to grapple with the loss that of the Center and the sudden re-appearance of Taysom into her life. Charlotte had some hang-ups and misplaced beliefs about herself that she had to work through, but I loved seeing the support Taysom had for her.

Taysom was a sweetheart. He cared so much for Charlotte. He also had a lot of beliefs from childhood about what he could and should do for his future. Taysom tried so hard to care for Charlotte and support her. I loved how he cared for his mom! Both Taysom and Charlotte had to choose each other and what was best for them together. They were so sweet together and I loved seeing them grow. Having a shared history allowed them to really reconnect well, they already knew each other in a lot of ways.

Miley was adorable! I loved the way she brought them together and the continued thread of the Friends Fur-ever. It was really cool to see Taysom and Charlotte work together and I was rooting for them. This sports romance has only kisses.

I received an ARC.

Buying Love

About the Book:

Title: Buying Love
Series: A Maple Run Novel #1
Author: Toni Shiloh
Release Date: April 8th, 2022
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Will money ruin everything?

Nina Warrenton is ready for the next step in her life plan—marriage. Only no one has proposed. Taking matters into her hand, she places an ad in the newspaper hoping to entice a willing stranger. But when she begins to fall for the small-town chef, she realizes how much she wants him to love her and not her money.

Dwight Williams needs fast cash to save the family restaurant. When he sees Nina’s monetary offer for a husband, he goes for it. He’s determined to save the legacy his dad left him, but can he let it go to prove his love for her?

Can Nina and Dwight find true love, once money has entered the equation?

Book Review:

I have loved all of Toni Shiloh’s books and this one was no different. I was a little worried because of the concept but I had nothing to worry about. This is the second Toni Shiloh book that I have read and I ended up really enjoying it. I have to admit I read things out of order, so I ended up reading the 4th book, Risking Love first. Buying Love is the first book in Toni Shiloh’s Maple Run series.

I really liked the characters in Buying Love. Nina and Dwight were so likable. Nina was looking for a family and Dwight was trying to save his family’s restaurants. Nina and Dwight were both kind people who were just trying their best.

It was so interesting to read about Nina and her life. She had grown up as an orphan and all she wanted was to find a family. She had everything in the world’s eyes, she was settled and had a good job, but she wanted a home. Nina was strong and I liked how she went to God for guidance. Although it was odd how she went about finding a husband, she still tried to seek God’s counsel. She still had her faults. She needed to learn how to trust Dwight and to not let her fears keep her from seeing the family God has given her.

Dwight was also a nice guy. He was sweet and he just wanted to help his family. I liked how he also went to God for guidance and how he cared for Nina. He didn’t love her at first, but he respected her. I really enjoyed reading about their relationship as it grew and as they fell in love with each other. They balanced each other out. Dwight had to deal with not only his family’s restaurant but also the expectations of his family. I wasn’t sure how to feel about his family at first, but they grew on me. Buying Love was a great start to the series and leaves you wanting more. I loved the characters and the story grew on me. I would definitely recommend this book! I would also recommend the rest of the books, they just keep on getting better and better. Buying Love is a clean, Christian romance.

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