Audiobook Review ~ Arlington Hall series by Jodi Ellen Malpas

The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting start to the Arlington Hall series. I was intrigued by the mysterious Jude and how everything seemed to fall into place for Amelia. A day out with her friends at a fancy resort was just what she needed until she met Jude. There was no denying the chemistry between these two, however it was clear that Jude was withholding information from Amelia, and it was only a question of when their situation would unravel.

This was a good start to the duet, and the ending left me wanting more. To be honest I have way more questions and I need to know more about the mysterious Jude. I enjoyed the way that Jodi Ellen Malpas pieced this story together and how Shakira Shute vividly embodied Amelia’s character.

Title: The Invitation

Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas

Series: Arlington Hall #1

Genre: Romance

Published: July 1, 2025

An ambitious career woman. An enigmatic billionaire. There’s more to their affair than meets the eye in this scalding romance by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man series.

Amelia Lazenby deserves a breather—from work and from the stress of a recent breakup. Courtesy of her best friends, she gets a day of pampering at a posh country spa called Arlington Hall. Instead of finding calm, she finds her pulse racing when she sees flawlessly rugged Jude Harrison. Hand on heart, she’s never laid eyes on such a stunner. And an unexpected steam room meet takes their instant attraction to a whole new level.

Amelia wasn’t looking for an intense new affair. But the passion Jude ignites is off the charts. Even if he is a little possessive. Even if his temper can be as formidable as the influence he has on her body. He becomes all the more intriguing when Amelia discovers that Jude not only owns Arlington Hall but that their meeting was no accident. It was planned. But to what end?

That’s a mystery as irresistible as Jude himself. Is he worth the risk? Or is this the man who could break her?

The Surrender by Jodi Ellen Malpas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited to get into the sequel of the Arlington Hall series, but I felt it was a bit repetitive to the first book in the series. I felt we were facing the same issues: Amelia had the same insecurities, Jude was still holding back, but there was more danger building through the read. Overall it was a good conclusion to the series, but It won’t deter me from reading more of Jodi Ellen Malpas’ work in the future.

Title: The Surrender

Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas

Series: Arlington Hall #2

Genre: Romance

Published: September 2, 2025

He’s a tantalizing man of mystery. To solve him she could risk everything in a scorching romance by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man series and The Invitation.

A pawn in a man’s callous game, Amelia Lazenby is trying to heal after being betrayed by the wealthy and scorchingly sexy Jude Harrison. Now he’s saying all the right things, whispering apologies as sincere as his kisses, and refusing to let her walk away. It’s hard for Amelia to resist a force as strong as Jude. Before long, he’s making her pulse pound, her head spin, and giving her the rapture she craves.

But once she surrenders, Amelia can’t help but fear she’s risking her heart all over again. This time, maybe even more. Jude is every bit as mysterious and possessive as she remembers. His ex-lover is back to wreak havoc on their lives. And Amelia’s own ex has returned from the past, knowing more about Jude than Amelia can imagine. As the secrets and shocking revelations keep coming, Amelia must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to stay with the man she loves and above all else…can’t resist.

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Review ~ On Loverose Lane by Samantha Young

On Loverose Lane by Samantha Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Loverose Lane was such a fun read! From the opening chapter I was hooked on the characters, the banter and the amusing storyline!! I loved the way Beth got under Callan’s skin right from the moment they were reacquainted, and how she won over Callan’s friends Baird and John. He was so irritated by how well they got along every time they interacted. Callan had held such a grudge after how things ended so abruptly when they were teenagers and I liked how Beth was straight to the point early in the read and confessed her reasons for it. It wasn’t long before the dynamic started to shift between them, and things became hot and heavy.

This was quite a good book to read, although as it is a spin off from the original series – that I have not read – there was a lot of time spent meeting all the extended family and friends. I did get a little lost trying to piece it all together, but he majority of the book was great. I liked seeing the connection between Beth and Callan grow once again, and how Beth’s family stood up for Callan when he needed it most. It really was a nice read and I would definitely want to continue the series.

Title: On Loverose Lane

Author: Samantha Young

Series: Return to Dublin Street #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 20, 2025

A steamy enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, sports romance from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young.

It’s always the broody ones you have to watch out for….

Imagine my surprise when my new neighbor turns out to be Callan Keen, one of Scotland’s most famous (and hottest) professional footballers. I’m even more shocked to discover that the brooding player is still holding a grudge for something that happened between us years ago.

But I can’t focus on him or his issues with me because I’m too busy trying to take my company to the next level. I don’t have time for this blast from the past, even if the grump upstairs is still the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

When a huge client opportunity arises, I’m forced to ask Callan for help. I need a fake date and he needs an introduction with my real estate mogul dad. The deal between us should be simple. Except for the blazing chemistry we’ve shared since the moment we met. We can’t deny it, we can’t control it, and soon we’re agreeing to a six week, no-strings-attached, mind-blowing affair.

I told myself I wouldn't catch feelings for Callan, but the closer we get, the more he reminds me of the guy I once fell for. It just might prove impossible to show my stubborn Scotsman we’re worth the risk, especially when the past continues to haunt us and threaten to wreck any chance of a future together…

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Review ~ Truly Madly Deeply by L.J. Shen

Truly Madly Deeply by L.J. Shen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It has been some time since I’ve read a book by L.J. Shen, and I was excited to get into this one. Cal and Row had some history and were brought back together due to Cal’s fathers passing and a promise to her mother to hang around for a while. I was excited to see these two together and to see how they would interact given their history.

To be honest, I was annoyed with Row’s sister Dylan, as she was selfish and was really not a good friend to Cal considering the way she reacted when they were children and when they crossed paths in the present. She was still very self-centred, but I could see that she was beginning to make progress with Cal in restoring their friendship.

The relationship with Cal and Row was amusing to watch as it was obvious that they both had good chemistry and the banter between them was amusing. I liked seeing them growing as adults, however a lot of drama could have been avoided. There were some secondary storylines that threw me a bit, as I felt that they were a bit far-fetched, but the read was ok considering. It wasn’t my favourite book by L.J. Shen, however it won’t deter me from picking up more of her work.

Title: Truly Madly Deeply

Author: L.J. Shen

Series: Forbidden Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 10, 2024

This old flame just might set them on fire.

Conceited, unattainable, and downright delicious, renowned Michelin-starred chef Ambrose Casablancas has one passion in life—food.

Women are a distraction, and he doesn’t do those. Especially Cal Litvin, his baby sister’s best friend. Her entire existence is a complication; she’s awkward, eccentric, infuriating…

And, much to his chagrin, hotter than his kitchen.

Ambrose has a lot on his a new restaurant to open, a multimillion-dollar property deal to execute, and a violent stalker to tame.

Then Cal shows up at his doorstep, looking for both a job and salvation after their messy goodbye. His resolve, like his patience, is ebbing each day she works at his restaurant.

Because Cal is no longer a doe-eyed girl.

Now? She’s the woman he’ll do anything to conquer.

***

Quirky, compassionate ball of sunshine Calla Litvin can’t catch a break, and not just because she swore off running.

Back in her hometown to nurse her mother’s broken heart after losing her father, she finds herself jobless, hopeless, and penniless. She hopes to rekindle her friendship with her former BFF, but Dylan is attached at the hip to her cruel brother—the one Cal’s been secretly crushing on since middle school.

Falling for the bad boy the second time around would be a mistake of gargantuan proportions.

Too bad she’s always been clumsy.

Truly, Madly, Deeply, is a grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers romance. It is the first in the Forbidden Love series, but can be read as a standalone.

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Audiobook Review ~ If Tomorrow Never Comes by Allison Ashley

If Tomorrow Never Comes by Allison Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jamie and Elliott’s story was quite the moving read. In the first part we can see these two had amazing chemistry, but Elliott was holding back. It was the perfect night for her considering what she was about to go through. Fast forward to the future and they cross paths again, although this time Jamie has a girlfriend who happened to be the one who saved Elliotts life.

This journey wasn’t easy, and I liked seeing them navigate their feelings and Carly’s too. I felt this story was pieced together carefully and I had hope that they would be able to find a way to be together once more. I liked how the narrators told the story and how they brough them to life with feelings and passion.

Title: If Tomorrow Never Comes

Author: Allison Ashley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 28, 2025

Fate connects two people in life-changing ways in a deeply romantic and emotional novel about hope and second chances by the author of Would You Rather and The Roommate Pact.

Uncertain of what tomorrow brings, Elliott Holland decides to live it up—on the eve of a stem cell transplant to treat her leukemia. It’s destiny when she crosses paths with handsome and charming Jamie Sullivan. The chemistry is magic. So is a beautiful evening that ends with a bittersweet kiss goodbye and no expectations of ever seeing each other again.

One year later, Elliott’s future looks good. Her cancer is in remission. Her career in graphic design is taking off. And she’s finally met Carly, the young woman whose stem cell donation gave Elliott a second chance at life. Then, in a twist of fate both blissful and unfair, she meets Carly’s boyfriend. It’s Jamie, the man Elliott kissed like it was her last day on earth. Neither of them has ever forgotten it.

Now, the most difficult decisions of all lie ahead. Whatever risks there are to the heart, one need wins to grab hold of everything that can make someone feel alive again.

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Audiobook Review ~ Heartbreak Hill: A Novel by Heidi McLaughlin

Heartbreak Hill by Heidi McLaughlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Grayson and Reid’s story had all the feels! My heart was aching for Reid as she found out what Grayson was hiding and that they almost lost one another. Giving into their feelings was bittersweet and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. There was something nagging at Grayson and watching his paths chase after that was heartbreaking for all parties involved. I liked how the worlds crossed into a delicate area, and I enjoyed the way that Heidi McLaughlin wove this story and how all narrators delivered it. (Narrators: Christian Barillas, Kacy Combest, Jeremy York & Sarah Mollo-Christensen)

Title: Heartbreak Hill

Author: Heidi McLaughlin

Genre: Romance

Published: October 1, 2024

From the author of Before I’m Gone comes an intensely affecting romance about love, loss, and second chances, sure to elicit a good ugly cry.

Grayson Caballero sees the glass half-empty. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, he’s been living on borrowed time. The uncertainty of tomorrow makes him push people away, helping Grayson to avoid any real commitment.

Then he meets Reid Sullivan and falls madly in love. The two work together at the Wold Collective, Grayson as a project manager and Reid in HR. They even live in the same apartment complex. But Grayson continues to keep his distance, despite their obvious attraction. And Reid’s not interested in waiting around.

When Grayson collapses at a basketball game, Reid learns he’s been keeping secrets from her. Now his life hangs in the balance…and a stranger from Boston holds the key to his survival.

Nadia Karlsson makes a life-changing decision after her husband, Rafe, is involved in a tragic accident near Harvard Square. Her choice will unwittingly alter the course of Grayson’s future—and tie his fate unexpectedly to her own.

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Review ~ To Flame a Wild Flower by Sarah A. Parker

To Flame a Wild Flower by Sarah A. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There was so much in this book! I could see it was building and I was excited about the journey. A lot of the characters came back together, and I could see how strong Orlaith wanted to be. She outsmarted some people and landed herself in hot water several times. She forged on through and showed that her heart was big repeatedly.

I was thoroughly enjoying this read and the closer I got to the end I realised that this story is far from over. We managed to get some answers, but there are a lot of threads still open. It has been two years since this book was published and am sad that I cannot continue this journey today. I hope that the next book comes soon!!

Title: To Flame a Wild Flower

Author: Sarah A. Parker

Series: Crystal Bloom #3

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Published: March 30, 2023

It’s not in my nature to beg, but I’ll stay on my knees until I feel that flame sputter out.
And then …
I’ll rip the world to shreds.

I’ve tumbled into a darkness so deep it’s hard to see the light, my petals curling inward as I tip my face from the sun. Hide from my monstrous actions.

Traitor. Murderer.
High Mistress.

My mistakes hunt me down, and I’m pulled into a political tug-of-war, balancing Ocruth’s welfare on the edge of a bloody blade. The moon is swelling, the weight on my shoulders compacting, and my unfailing curiosity keeps weaving its roots in the wrong direction.

Horrible truths unravel, casting explosive light on everything I thought I knew. I’ll have no choice but to shed my morals, my withering self-preservation, and sow the seed of a plan set to bloom beneath a bloated moon.

One wrong move could destroy everything.
Destroy me.

Lines will blur, blood will spill, and I’ll learn how fragile I really am—at a cost far greater than I could have imagined.

Fate is a ravenous beast, and there’s only so far I can run.

To Flame a Wild Flower is the third book in the Crystal Bloom series—a dark fantasy romance full of immersive imagery and breathtaking angst.

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Review ~ To Snap a Silver Stem by Sarah A. Parker

To Snap a Silver Stem by Sarah A. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up To Snap a Silver Stem as soon as I completed the first book as I am addicted to this series. I needed to know what happened next for Orlaith and to see more of this world. She had definitely grown a lot from the timid girl I first met, and I wanted to see how she would go past the safety barrier that she has lived in. This book took us on quite the journey, and we saw some new perspectives, but I could tell that Orlaith wasn’t getting the whole truth. She was trying to make choices, but she was easily led astray.

This was quite the eyeopener and there were moments my heart ached for Orlaith. She made choices that may have been different if she was given more information. She was quite inquisitive and saw a lot more of the new city she was in and was able to make choices for herself, even if her heart broke in the process. I’m excited to see here the next book takes me!

Title: To Snap a Silver Stem

Author: Sarah A. Parker

Series: Crystal Bloom #2

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Published: August 8, 2022

I want him to hurt. To bleed. I want him to snap, just like he snapped me.

Once upon a time, my world was small and sheltered. Everything changed the moment I stepped over my Safety Line, barreling towards a coupling with a man I hardly know.

He wants me. All of me.

Dunked in a charged political pit, I must secure the ships needed to quell the spill of murderous beasts still flooding the continent. But one wrong move could spur the war I’ve worked so hard to avoid.

I’ll wear the dress and the cupla and the shoes. I’ll do it all with a smile on my face. Because everyone's watching.
He’s watching—hunting a fissure in my frosty shield, trying to scrape back the layers and see my ugly insides.

He’s unyielding. Unguarded.
Changed.

Why is he looking now when I’ve got everything to hide?

Secrets sprout, truths bloom, and more than one of us will snap.
Crowned in the crippling weight of my mistakes, I must atone. Even if it costs me my life.

Fear was my overlord. Now, it’s my prisoner.

To Snap a Silver Stem is the explosive sequel of To Bleed a Crystal Bloom—a dark Rapunzel reimagining full of immersive imagery and breathtaking angst. A unique fantasy series perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout, guaranteed to grip you from the very first page.

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Review ~ To Bleed a Crystal Bloom by Sarah A. Parker

To Bleed a Crystal Bloom by Sarah A. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It has been a while since I’ve read a fantasy book, and I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I was swept away with To Bleed a Crystal Bloom. I was intrigued by the storyline and fell in love with all the characters. Orlaith’s story was heartbreaking, and she has lived a quiet secluded life in the tower of the castle. She has had a good upbringing, but she is quite the timid girl and there are a number of times where she withdrew into herself. I liked meeting the secondary characters and how they fit into her world, they are all very important and I can see they are all part of the bigger picture as we start getting their perspectives too.

This was a fabulous start to the series, and to be honest I was hooked and reading every moment I could. I’m intrigued by the prophecy and the direction the story is heading. I liked seeing how calculated Orlaith was and the growth in her character even though she still struggled with her demons.

Title: To Bleed a Crystal Bloom

Author: Sarah A. Parker

Series: Crystal Bloom #1

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Published: July 24, 2021

"What a pretty flower to keep locked in a big, rocky tower."

Nineteen years ago, I was plucked from the heart of a bloody massacre that spared nobody else.

Small. Fragile.
An enigma.

Now ward to a powerful High Master who knows too much and says too little, I lead a simple life, never straying from the confines of an imaginary line I've drawn around the castle grounds. Stay within. Never leave.
Out there, the monsters lurk. Inside, I'm safe ... though at a cost far greater than the blood I drip into a goblet daily.
Toxic, unreciprocated love for a man who's utterly unavailable.

My savior. My protector.
My almost executioner.

I can't help but be enamored with the arcane man who holds the power to pull my roots from the ground.

When voracious beasts spill across the land and threaten to fray the fabric of my tailored existence, the petals of reality will peel back to reveal an ugly truth. But in a castle puddled with secrets, none are greater than the one I've kept from myself.

No tower is tall enough to protect me from the horror that tore my life to shreds.

To Bleed a Crystal Bloom is a dark Rapunzel reimagining full of immersive imagery and breathtaking angst. A unique new fantasy series perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout, guaranteed to grip you from the very first page.

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Audiobook Review ~ Biggest Player by Sara Ney

Biggest Player by Sara Ney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was amusing right from the beginning, and I found it hilarious the way that Margot dismissed Dex right away. Even when her daughter Wyatt stepped in to help Dex and wove such an unbelievable story, I knew these two would be a hysterical couple to get to know! Although neither were looking for anything truly serious, I could see them both falling, and Dex having to win Margot over.

These two were so cute together! Margot was quite hesitant as Dex was younger, but I could see that he truly wanted Margot. This was quite the sweet read with a good amount of spice blended throughout the pages. Felicity Cross and Alexander Cendese did an incredible job of bringing the characters to life and conveying Sara Ney’s story.

Title: Biggest Player

Author: Sara Ney

Series: Not Yours #2

Genre: Romance

Published: July 29, 2025

Bestselling author Sara Ney scores with a fiery romance about online dating, where a single mom and a football pro ignite sparks when they swipe right—even though they know it’s all wrong.

Margot’s a busy single mom juggling teaching, parenting, and trying not to die alone. Dating apps? Total nightmare. But desperate times call for desperate swipes, even if they make her break out in stress hives. When she matches with a guy who looks too good to be true, she’s convinced he’s a walking red flag—or worse—a catfish.

Dex is hot, and he knows it. A quarterback with a killer smile and looks to spare, he’s a good guy looking for a long-term relationship. He wants what his friends someone to come home to…and if they’re naked when he gets there, even better. When he logs on for a casual scroll, he’s not expecting to meet her. One swipe, and suddenly he’s hooked.

Margot’s convinced he’s a catfish. Dex has zero dad bod and no dad energy. But their sizzling back-and-forth leaves them both thinking “what if.” After a surprise run-in leads to a mind-blowing (and soggy AF) kiss, their opposites-attract energy skyrockets. Can they find a way to make it last?

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Audiobook Review ~ Buck Wild by Lauren Landish

Buck Wild by Lauren Landish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Buck Wild and getting to know James and Sophie! Their first interaction was a bit rocky, but I loved how the Bennett boys were ruled by their mother, and she put James back in line! It was amusing to see him grovel and to win over Sophie and his mother! From there the sparks grew and I was along for a fun journey, and I knew these two would be perfect!

Lauren Landish created a fabulous story, and I was hooked right to the end. The narrators portrayed the characters perfectly and I know I will want more form this world!!

Title: Buck Wild

Author: Lauren Landish

Series: Bennett Boys Ranch #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 25, 2018

From Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Lauren Landish comes a hard-riding romance of cowboys who run wild—and the women who tame them…

Bull rider James Bennett lives for those eight seconds of exhilaration. A rodeo cowboy in his prime, all he wants out of life is something to straddle. That’s why James is feeling a little restless, spending his summer off working his family’s ranch. That is, until a spirited and gorgeous veterinarian-in-training shows up and puts the cocky wild boy—and his ego—in place. Though she’s a feisty one, James is always up for a challenge.

Sophie Stone has to admit James Bennett is a checklist of cowboy hotness—ruggedly handsome with piercing blue eyes, a hard-muscled body, and just enough swagger to make her toes curl. She thought she was done with her bad-boy phase, but exceptions must be made.

How can Sophie possibly say no to a man who makes her heart buck like a bronco? And when their summer fling comes to an end, how can she possibly say goodbye?

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