READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE - INSIDE SILENCE (Silence, #2) by Freya Barker

 Inside Silence

Silence Series , #2 
by Freya Barker 
Release Date: October 27th 2025 
Genre: Romantic Suspense 

Savannah (Savvy) Colter is not easily overwhelmed, which is a good thing, since she is the sheriff of Edwards County. It’s rare to find someone her age— a woman to boot—carrying such responsibility, but over the years, Savvy has more than proven herself worthy of the position…to most.

However, when in a matter of a few weeks an old flame resurfaces in Silence, and two particularly violent murders land on her desk, her steady and predictable life becomes a little much to handle.

New full-time single parent, Nate Gaines, reluctantly returns to his hometown, Silence, to offer his teenage daughter some much-needed stability. As a contractor he can work anywhere, and it’s not like he left a particularly fulfilling life behind, but he’s not too sure how much work he’s going to get here.

Although, some of the changes he encounters in Silence are a surprise. The most shocking one is seeing the woman he once craved like air, now wearing the sheriff’s badge he so despises.

Coming home is definitely not turning out the way he’d envisioned. Especially when a sudden crime spree has the law knocking on his door…again.

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The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . INSIDE SILENCE (Silence, #2) . . . The Badge and the Broken: A High-Stakes Second Chance for Two Adults With Too Much History.

For those of us who appreciate a romance where the characters have actually lived some life and carry the scars and wisdom that enrich a relationship, Freya Barker is a must-read, and Inside Silence is no exception. This book takes the angsty premise of a second-chance romance and embeds it deep within a gritty, high-stakes romantic suspense setting.

We meet Savannah (Savvy) Colter, a woman who has earned her powerful role as County Sheriff. She's competent, steady, and exactly the kind of strong heroine we love. Yet, her carefully constructed life is shattered not just by two violent murders, but by the unwelcome, chaotic return of her "old flame," Nate Gaines.

Nate's situation is immediately complex and deeply sympathetic: a new full-time single parent desperately seeking stability for his teenage daughter. But Nate's baggage is heavy; he despises the badge Savvy wears, and his history means the law is knocking on his door...again. This is not a fluffy reunion. It’s a collision.

What makes this story compelling for an adult-focused reader is the immense, dual pressure on both characters:

• Savvy must find the killer while compartmentalizing the intense pull toward the man who once "craved her like air," even as he becomes a person of interest in a crime spree.

• Nate must confront his past, swallowing his contempt for law enforcement, and realize that the stability he seeks might only come by trusting the very woman whose job he despises.

This is a story about the hard work of rekindled love, where old passions meet new realities and deep-seated grudges. If you appreciate a narrative where the emotional stakes are as high as the suspense, and where bruised but capable characters fight to earn their slice of happy, you'll be captivated by this tense, heartfelt journey back to the small town of Silence.

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

With forty-plus books already published, she continues to create characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, and Finalist for the 2020 Kindle Book Award with “When Hope Ends”, Freya spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Grab your copy of Finding Silence and preorder Guilty Silence (coming February 9, 2026)

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE - FINDING SILENCE (Silence, #) by Freya Barker

Finding Silence 
Silence, #1
by Freya Barker 
Release Date: September 25th 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense 

Phyllis (Phil) Dubois has long left her performing days behind, opting for a more anonymous role in the music industry instead. Something not everyone is happy about.

When the pressure for her to return to the stage mounts, she packs her things in an old RV and hits the road in search of some peace and quiet.

She thinks she’s found it when she rolls into the small town of Silence.

Former sheriff, Brant Colter, is still trying to get used to his abrupt retirement after a health scare last year. He’s not good with change and likes things just the way they are.

That’s why, when a purple-haired hippie moves into the empty house down the road, he’s convinced trouble won’t be too far behind.

He’s not wrong. However, it’s not his annoyingly cheerful neighbor he should be worried about, but the danger that follows her to town.

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The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . FINDING SILENCE (Silence, #1) . . . Heading in to a new release from author extraordinary of the adults with life experience romantic suspense. Freya Barker brings to life romance of adults that have lived some life and have something more to give. I absolutely love her blend of romance with hints of suspense, and this first book in her new series is a fantastic start! It features adults that have lived life, bringing a richness to their story.

With this release we meet Phil and Brant. Both are in the same small town one a but out loud and the other a little low-key. There was a little something that brings them both together. The characters are wonderfully relatable, and neither Phil nor Brant disappointed! They are both drawn together in the same small town, yet for entirely different reasons. Their dynamic is captivating, with one being a bit more out loud and the other wonderfully low-key, creating a fantastic balance. This book was a quick, engrossing read—perfect for a one-sitting escape. The story was truly entertaining from beginning to end, and I was happy with where they left off.

Finding Silence was not a long drawn out romance. It was a one-sitting read with a beginning with an ending that made you happy. Neither of out leading people disappointed you.  

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

With forty-plus books already published, she continues to create characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, and Finalist for the 2020 Kindle Book Award with “When Hope Ends”, Freya spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

 

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - FLIRTING WITH TROUBLE (The Silvers of Silver Island, #1) by melissa Foster

FLIRTING WITH TROUBLE
The Silvers at Silver Island
by Melissa Foster
Releasing August 6th 2025
World Literary Press

BLURB

Forgetting playboy Wells Silver was supposed to be easy. If only he didn’t make it impossible. 

Secrets are made on the sandy shores and in the sweet small towns of Silver Island, where friendships run deep, passions run hot, and the sexy Silvers are considered island royalty. Love in Bloom novels are written to stand alone and may also be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right in and devour this fun, steamy romance.

Being born into the Silver empire comes with certain expectations, but charming restaurant owner Wells Silver has always taken pleasure in breaking the rules—in his personal and his professional life.

Victoria Braden never expected to become a widow at thirty-two, much less still be trying to figure out how to move on five years later. She’d planned to drown her sorrows in alcohol on what would have been her anniversary, not flirt with trouble and lose herself in a night of passion with Silver Island royalty, playboy Wells Silver. Forgetting Wells was supposed to be easy. But apparently the pushy player didn’t get the memo.

Tropes: He falls first, age gap, widow heroine, opposites attract

The Silvers at Silver Island

Flirting with Trouble, #1

The Trouble with Flings, #2

More coming soon…

While you’re waiting for more Silver family love stories, get to know the sharp-witted Steeles. They have a penchant for pranks, a passion for loyalty, and a trunk full of secrets.

The Steeles at Silver Island

Tempted by Love (Jock)

My True Love (Jules)

Caught by Love (Archer)

Always Her Love (Levi)

Wild Island Love (Leni)

Enticing Her Love (Sutton)

Other stories set on Silver Island

Maybe We Will (Silver Harbor)

Maybe We Should (Silver Harbor)

Maybe We Won’t (Silver Harbor)

Searching for Love (Bradens & Montgomerys)

Bayside Fantasies (Bayside Summers)

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . FLIRTING WITH TROUBLE (The Silvers of Silver Island, #1) . . . Irresistible Flirtation Meets Unbreakable Walls: The Silvers Arrive!

Melissa Foster launches her new Silvers of Silver Island series with a captivating romance that is pure magic! FLIRTING WITH TROUBLE introduces us to a new family and a hero who is instantly unforgettable.

"The impossible flirt meets the wall of a strong woman and her respect for herself." This pinpoints the delicious tension at the heart of this story. Wells Silver, the charming and seemingly carefree brother, is the life of every party. He's an expert at irresistible flirtation, but he meets his absolute match in Victoria.

Victoria is a woman who deeply values her self-respect and is completely immune to Wells’s famous charm. She’s strong, grounded, and absolutely not looking for trouble—especially not the handsome, silver-tongued kind. Their initial sparks fly with a mix of frustration and undeniable chemistry as Wells works hard to break through the impenetrable defenses Victoria has carefully constructed.

This book is a beautiful blend of steam, emotional depth, and the familiar, warm family bonds that Melissa Foster does so well. Watching Wells finally get serious and put in the work to show Victoria he's more than just a passing fancy is incredibly rewarding. Victoria and Wells Silver have their chance to shine in a story about what happens when you risk your heart for the one person who challenges everything you thought you wanted.

If you love a charismatic hero who is forced to grow up for his strong, no-nonsense heroine, jump right into the beautiful world of Silver Island!

Author Info
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links:  

Website:  http://www.melissafoster.com/ 

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster 

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster 

Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/ 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author 

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - SELFIE (Lessons in Love, #3) by Kay Cove

Don’t settle for a man who tells you he loves you. Choose one who shows you.

Selfie, an all-new forced proximity, age-gap, billionaire romance and the third standalone book in the Lessons in Love Series from bestselling author Kay Cove is now available!

BLURB

When my mom passed, I made her a promise that I’d take care of my little sister.

Then I find out my fiancé tricked me into draining her trust fund. There’s only one thing to do—make it right. At all costs. It’s my job to protect her…and I failed. 

Luckily, I come across a job opening as an executive assistant in a new state. Between the generous salary and a place to stay, it’s a no-brainer. Time to start over.

The only problem is that my new boss is a nightmare. The job description left out the part about working for Las Vegas’s biggest billionaire bosshole. And the worst part? He’s trying to get rid of me.

But Nathan Hatcher is dead wrong if he thinks his permanent scowl and impossible tasks are enough to make me quit. I only need to survive one year to secure the salary advance. Besides, what’s far scarier than my boss is the idea of letting my mom and sister down. 

But it’s not long before I realize that there’s a fine line between hate and lust. A tragic secret lies behind Nathan’s broody stare, and the man I loathe may want me more than he hates me.

Even worse? With the way my heart races every time he enters a room…I seem to want him too.

 

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AYqFsB

Add Selfie to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/skcgr

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . ELFIE (Lessons in Love, #3) by Kay Cove. . . Billionaire Bosshole Meets His Match: A Scorching, Redemptive Romance!

"Don’t settle for a man who tells you he loves you. Choose one who shows you." This defining statement perfectly encapsulates the emotional depth and ultimate payoff of SELFIE, which absolutely hooked me as my first read by Kay Cove!

This is an all-consuming, age-gap, forced-proximity billionaire romance that pits two fiercely broken people against each other. Our heroine, Spencer, is a woman who been through a lot at an early age and became a better, independent woman for her trials in life. Now, driven by a promise to her late mother and a devastating betrayal, she takes a job as an executive assistant with a plan: survive for one year, secure the salary advance, and protect her sister.

The only thing standing in her way is Nathan Hatcher, Las Vegas's biggest "bosshole." Nathan is broody, perpetually scowling, and actively trying to make her quit. The forced proximity of them working and living together ignites an intense, thrilling dynamic as Spencer refuses to back down. What starts as a clash of wills soon reveals a fine line between hate and lust.

I was captivated by the mystery behind Nathan's walls. We learn that a tragic secret lies behind his cold stare, proving that the man who seems to hate her actually wants her more. This story is a beautiful blend of steam and sacrifice, proving that even a powerful billionaire must learn to show his love rather than just command it. If you crave intense chemistry and deep character redemption, do not skip this compelling tale of love and longing!

Start the Lessons in Love Series today: https://amzn.to/4jZQHNi 

For more information about Kay Cove and her books, visit her website: 

https://www.kaycove.com

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - CHEAP SHOT (Portland Timberwolves, #2) by AJ Alexander

 Coach has one rule: don’t touch his daughter

Cheap Shot, an all-new brother’s best friend, single mom, small town, hockey romance from USA Today bestselling author AJ Alexander is now available!

BLURB

After a heartbreaking loss in the Western Conference Championship, I’m stuck with an ultimatum: play for the Timberwolves or kiss my professional hockey career goodbye. Left with no other option, I move back to my small town, determined to prove I can make my own way—free from the shadow of my older brother’s success. Then I literally run into Michele Mercer.

Sparks ignite between us the moment I lay eyes on her—frustration and attraction blending into something I can’t ignore. Michele is headstrong, independent, and refuses to take crap from anyone, especially me. But when she’s assigned as my physiotherapist, I think I’ve found my chance—until I discover she’s the coach’s daughter and completely off-limits.

I should focus on making it into the starting line up. I should remember that the only person I can count on is myself. But the closer I get to Michele, the more I forget everything but her.

Coach has one rule: don’t touch his daughter or you’re off the team. My problem? I can’t stop thinking about her, and the last thing I’m going to do is let her go. 

𝐀 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐩 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟐 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬. 𝐄𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞.

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . CHEAP SHOT (Portland Timberwolves, #2) . . . Forbidden Ice: The Coach's Daughter is a Cheap Shot of Undeniable Heat! "There was just something about the coach's daughter that he could not resist or obey a direct order," and this book is a steamy penalty box of forbidden desire! As a fan of hockey romances and AJ Alexander's incredible storytelling, this one delivers on all counts. I especially appreciate how this is another authentic and heartfelt interracial romance. Our hero, a hockey player facing an ultimatum after a heartbreaking loss, moves back to his small town to play for the Timberwolves. He's determined to prove himself, but then he literally runs into Michele Mercer. The spark between them is instant—a blend of frustration and scorching attraction that he can't ignore. Michele is everything the hero needs: headstrong, independent, and unwilling to take crap from anyone. But when she's assigned as his physiotherapist, the stakes get dangerously high. He quickly learns she's the coach's daughter and completely off-limits—with the strict rule: don't touch his daughter or you're off the team. The heat is deliciously palpable as the hero fights his attraction. He should focus on the starting lineup; he should keep his distance. But the closer he gets to Michele, the more he forgets everything but her. The desperate struggle to maintain distance while their passion ignites is absolutely intense. He can't stop thinking about her, and the last thing he's going to do is let her go. This is a must-read, sexy, brother's best friend, single mom romance that proves some rules are meant to be broken.

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://geni.us/cheapshot

Add Cheap Shot to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/cheapshotgr  

For more information about AJ Alexander and her books, visit her website: 

https://www.authorajalexander.com

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE - HIGH VELOCITY (High Mountain Trackers: HMT 2G, #4) by Freya Barker

High Velocity

High Mountain Trackers HMT 2G, #4
by Freya Barker 
Release Date: May 13th 2025
Cover Designer: Freya Barker Images: Jean Woodfin - JW Photography 
Model: Brandon Thyfault 
Genre: Romantic Suspense 

When the FBI sidelines Special Agent Stephanie Kramer over health concerns, she sees her hard-won dream career go down the drain. Suddenly adrift and without purpose, she jumps at the chance when a friend offers for her to stay in their trailer by a quiet, secluded creek near Libby, Montana. As much as she tries to enjoy the tranquil settings, it’s not long before local wildlife—and the man chasing it—invade her sanctuary. When it appears the job she’s trying to leave behind is following her to Libby, the illusion of her solitary retreat is shattered.

After that last special ops assignment cost Jackson Hart his leg, he’s had a hell of a time getting back on his proverbial feet. Being hired as a member of the High Mountain Trackers team went a long way to reclaiming his sense of identity. He’s back in the saddle and adapting to a pared-down, mostly solitary existence. So the sudden jolt to his gut, when he encounters the blond federal agent he remembers well, is a harsh reminder of what is missing from his life.

Still, as much as they try to avoid the other, they seem destined to cross paths. Whether it is the intimidation of a local predator, or the threat of a former nemesis, it becomes clear they stand stronger together.

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The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . HIGH VELOCITY  (High Mountain Trackers: HMT 2G, #4) . . . Shattered Careers and Second Chances: An Explosive Finale!

"I am not ready for this series to end. I have loved both High Mountain Trackers (original and HMT 2G)," and this latest installment delivers a fantastic blend of emotional depth and thrilling suspense!

HIGH VELOCITY brings together two fiercely competent people struggling to reclaim their identities. Special Agent Stephanie Kramer is sidelined by the FBI over health concerns, watching her hard-won dream career go down the drain. She retreats to Libby, Montana, seeking a quiet sanctuary, only to find her life is about to be invaded—both by danger and by a protective hero.

That hero is Jackson Hart, a member of the High Mountain Trackers team who is fighting his own battle to reclaim his sense of self after a special ops assignment cost him his leg. Being back in the saddle as a Tracker helps, but his solitary existence is suddenly jolted by a harsh reminder of what is missing from his life when he encounters the blonde federal agent he remembers well.

The attraction is undeniable, and the stakes are real! As you mentioned, Jackson and Stephanie find themselves working together, with the chance to have more than just a working relationship. And as per usual, Freya Barker makes this a romance with suspense tapping on the doors at almost every turn. They may not be able to do their job in their chosen professions anymore, but protection is their specialty. Whether it's the threat of a former nemesis or an intimidation of a local predator, they stand stronger together and will absolutely get the job done.

If this is indeed the end of the line for HMT 2G, it’s a high-impact conclusion that beautifully wraps up the themes of sacrifice, healing, and finding a new purpose in love. 

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

With forty-plus books already published, she continues to create characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, and Finalist for the 2020 Kindle Book Award with “When Hope Ends”, Freya spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

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