Wednesday, January 28, 2026

READ-2-REVIEW - SINCERELY, MR. BRADEN (The Bradens at Ridgeport) by Melissa Foster

 SINCERELY, MR. BRADEN
The Bradens at Ridgeport



BLURB

Come along for the fun, sexy ride as this business-savvy, pleasure-oriented billionaire gets the shock of his lifetime and finds out his ever-efficient virtual assistant is not the man he thinks he is but a beautiful businesswoman who knows many of his secrets and has some of her own in Sincerely, Mr. Braden.

I run a multibillion-dollar retail conglomerate and pull strings most CEOs can only dream of. Winning is second nature. Chasing more is in my blood. My secret weapon? My virtual assistant of several years, Taylor Mitchell. He keeps my life in perfect order, and I trust him implicitly, which is why I gifted him a lavish weekend at my house on Saint Aurelle Island.

I didn’t plan on dropping by unannounced, but when the chance to finally meet him arises, I jump on it. Imagine my surprise when I find Taylor’s beautiful sister, Eleanor, in his place.

The moment I meet Ellie Mitchell, my world shifts.

What was supposed to be a brief hello with my buddy T turns into an unforgettable weekend with an incredible woman. I’ve spent a lifetime keeping people at arm’s length and walking away unscathed, but Ellie obliterates every wall I’ve ever built.

What I learn next shatters my world.

I don’t know which betrayal cuts deeper: The lie she told me or the truth that I still want her.


The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . SINCERELY, MR. BRADEN (The Bradens at Ridgeport, #2) . . . 💌 Sincerely, Mr. Braden: A Billion-Dollar Betrayal and the Ultimate Reveal!

Good morning! It is always a treat to dive back into the Braden world, especially when it involves a business-savvy billionaire getting the shock of his life. Melissa Foster has crafted a "fun, sexy ride" that proves even the best-laid plans are no match for a Braden in love. 💻 From Virtual Assistant to Reality Seth Braden is used to being in control. He’s spent a lifetime keeping people at arm’s length, relying on his ever-efficient virtual assistant to keep his life running smoothly. When the chance to finally meet the man he’s talked to for years arises, he jumps on it—only to find the beautiful Eleanor "Ellie" Mitchell standing in his place. What was meant to be a brief meeting turns into an unforgettable weekend that obliterates Seth’s walls. However, the magic they make together is threatened by the truth: Ellie has been the one behind the screen all along. For Ellie, those years of conversation only made her fall deeper in love with him, but for Seth, the revelation makes more waves than a hurricane. ❤️ The Allure of a Braden Man Seriously, how do the men Melissa Foster creates keep getting more sexy and desirable? While Treat Braden was your first Braden love, Seth is a powerful contender for the top spot! I loved watching him grapple with the "betrayal" of his own assumptions. The chemistry here is electric, fueled by years of intellectual connection that finally explodes into physical passion. ✨ Why This Story Hits the Sweet Spot: The Big Reveal: The "he is actually a she" trope is handled with so much heat and emotional weight. Deep Connection: Because they spent years communicating virtually, their bond has a "hidden depth" that goes beyond the surface. Vulnerable Alpha: Seeing a billionaire who usually walks away unscathed finally meet his match in Ellie is incredibly satisfying. The Braden Magic: It has all the heart, family loyalty, and steam we expect from this legendary series. My Final Verdict Sincerely, Mr. Braden is a masterful exploration of truth, trust, and the beautiful mess that happens when secrets come to light. It’s sexy, heartfelt, and proves that love doesn't need a formal introduction to be life-changing. If you love a hero who learns that the best things in life can't be scheduled, this is a five-star must-read! 💌🔥✨ Reasons I enjoyed this book: Family Friends Community Romantic Witty Great world building Happily Ever After Page-turner Easy-to-read Wonderful characters Entertaining



Thursday, January 22, 2026

LISTEN-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY NOVELLA - DARING HER LOVE: A Braden Novella by Melissa Foster Narrators Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow

DARING HER LOVE  
A Braden Novella
Love in Bloom: The Bradens, #10
Melissa Foster
Narrators: Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow
4 hrs and 1 min
January 2nd 2026



BLURB

Race-car driver Eric James will stop at nothing to make Kat Martin hisThis fun, sexy standalone novella features Kat Martin, Brianna Heart’s best friend from Hearts at Play (The Bradens at Weston), and race-car driver Eric James, a lifelong friend of the Bradens. You do not need to listen to Brianna’s story, or any other Braden book, to enjoy this one.

Kat Martin knows what she wants in a man—someone stable, adoring, and definitely not the type of guy who treats sex like a pit stop. After all, she’s built her life on making all the right choices. That is, until she meets seductively enticing Eric James, and suddenly wrong has never felt so right.

When it comes to his career, race-car driver Eric James is intense, obsessive, and passionate, and when it comes to sex, there’s only one kind: daring, unbridled, and no strings attached.

One stormy night, a delayed flight and the dangerous allure of the unknown lead Kat to throw caution to the wind, and she indulges in a rendezvous that she vows to immediately forget. But the secret tryst stirs something more in Eric, and he has other plans.

**This book was previously published by 1001 Dark Nights with the same title and a different cover.**


The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . DARING HER LOVE (Love in Bloom: The Bradens, #10) . . .    A High-Octane Braden Masterclass in Chemistry!

It’s great to dive back into the Love in Bloom world with you. Melissa Foster proves once again why the Bradens are romance royalty with this novella.

Originally a part of the 1001 Dark Nights collection, Daring Her Love is a fun, sexy, and incredibly intense addition to the series that would have been a tragedy to keep from the masses!

One Stormy Night and a Dangerous Allure
Kat Martin is a woman of "right choices"—she wants stability, adoration, and a man who takes his time. Then she meets Eric James, a race-car driver who is as intense and obsessive in the bedroom as he is on the track. When a delayed flight strands them together on a stormy night, Kat throws her rulebook out the window for a rendezvous she never intended to remember.

But Eric isn't a man who forgets. What was supposed to be a "no-strings" pit stop turns into something much deeper. Eric is relentless in his pursuit, determined to show Kat that "wrong" has never felt so right.


Audio Perfection: Arndt & Snow
The narration for this novella is a total dream team. Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow bring an "exceptional" energy to Kat and Eric’s connection:

Aiden Snow (Panty Melting): His voice is pure, concentrated heat. Like you said, Aiden Snow could warm you up if you were stranded in an ice storm for hours! He perfectly captures Eric’s daring, unbridled passion.

Andi Arndt (Amazing as always): Andi nails Kat’s transition from a cautious, stable woman to someone who is willing to take a high-speed risk on love.


Why This Story is a Must-Listen:
Instant Intensity: Their first meeting is packed with a "panty-melting" intensity that sets the tone for the entire book.


The Braden Family Connection: It was wonderful to see the "old characters" again, especially Papa Braden. His brand of love and acceptance remains the heart of this entire series.


Standalone Speed: Even though it’s book #10 in the Braden lineup, it works perfectly as a sexy standalone for anyone needing a quick, high-heat fix.


Relentless Romance: Eric’s refusal to let Kat go after their "secret tryst" makes for a romantic and deeply satisfying payoff.


My Final Verdict
Daring Her Love is a super sexy, high-speed journey into the heart of the Braden world. The chemistry is so "amazing" that it’s clearly seen by everyone around them. Between the high-stakes world of racing and the top-tier narration, this is an exceptional five-star listen that you’ll want to put on repeat! 🏎️🔥🏁


Discover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster's writing and see why millions of listeners have fallen in love with the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. Love in Bloom novels are written to stand alone or may be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right in. Checklists and family trees can be downloaded from Melissa’s website.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - LINE CHANGE (Portland Timberwolves, #4) by AJ Alexander

Line Change
Portland Timberwolves, #4
by AJ Alexander
January 21st 2026



A reckless rookie. A PR intern with everything to lose. One team, one secret, and one fake romance that feels way too real.


Hockey has always come easy to me. I know how to charm the media, light up the ice, keep the world guessing. But none of that matters when Alycia Torres, the one girl I can’t forget, looks right through me like I’m a stranger.


She doesn’t remember that night in college, when everything between us burned fast and bright. But when we get stuck in an elevator and she offers me fifty bucks to fake being her boyfriend at a family dinner, I take the deal with a wink and a kiss on the cheek.


She figures I’ll vanish after dessert, just another harmless flirt she’ll never have to think about again… until I walk into her office the next morning as the Timberwolves’ newest rookie and her PR department’s biggest complication.


Now we’re pretending to be a couple for her mom, dodging rumors in the media, and trying to keep our hands to ourselves while working side by side. And the more time we spend together, the more the lines start to blur.


But secrets don’t stay secret forever.


And if mine comes out, it won’t just wreck my shot with Alycia, it’ll shatter them.


I didn’t come to Portland for hockey, or even for my brothers. I came for her.


And I’m not sure I’ll survive it if I lose her all over again.


Perfect for fans of:
✔️ Fake dating with way too many real feelings
✔️ Forced proximity, secret pining, and PR disasters
✔️ The reckless rookie who’s more than his swagger
✔️ Brotherly chaos, found family, and messy growth
✔️ Emotional slow burns with swoony payoff
✔️ ALL OF THE YEARNING!!!


Line Change is book 4 in the Portland Timberwolves series. Each book in this small town, professional hockey series can be read as a standalone with a guaranteed happily ever after. For content warnings and bonus material, visit the author's website.


The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . LINE CHANGE (Portland Timberwolves, #4) . . .  🏒 A Rookie with a Reckless Heart!

AJ Alexander hits the ice with another absolute winner! Line Change is a masterclass in the fake-dating trope, blending the high-stakes world of professional hockey with the cozy, messy charm of a small town. If you’re a fan of "all the yearning" and a hero who is far more than his swagger, this Portland Timberwolves installment is going to be your new obsession.


⛸️ Fake Dating and Real PR Disasters

Alycia Torres is a PR intern with everything to lose. When she gets stuck in an elevator with a handsome stranger and offers him fifty bucks to play her boyfriend at a family dinner, she thinks it’s a one-and-done deal. Little does she know, that "stranger" is Caleb, the reckless rookie she once shared a "fast and bright" night with in college—a night she doesn't even remember.

The tension reaches a fever pitch when Caleb walks into her office the next morning as the Timberwolves' newest player. Now, they are forced to maintain the charade for her family while dodging media rumors and working side-by-side. Caleb didn't come to Portland just for hockey or his brothers; he came for her, and watching him pine while they pretend is pure emotional gold.

🌎 Diversity and Real-World Romance

One of the reasons I absolutely love AJ Alexander is her ability to craft romance that reflects the real world. Her stories aren't one-sided; they are a beautiful mix of races, cultures, and economic backgrounds. She shows the world that beauty truly comes in all shades and shapes, and the chemistry she writes is always electric and authentic. This isn't just a hockey book—it’s a celebration of found family and messy, beautiful growth.

✨ Why This Book Earns the GW (Goal Win):

  • All the Yearning: Caleb’s secret pining for Alycia is heart-wrenching in the best possible way.

  • The "Fake" Dynamic: Watching the lines blur between their public act and their private feelings is incredibly swoony.

  • Small Town Meets Pro Sports: It perfectly balances the tight-knit community feel with the glitz of the NHL.

  • The Secret: The looming reveal of Caleb’s true reasons for being in Portland adds a layer of suspense that keeps you turning pages.


My Final Verdict

Line Change is an emotional slow burn with a massive payoff. AJ Alexander continues to be a standout author for her inclusive, heartfelt, and steamy storytelling. Whether you’re here for the "brotherly chaos" or the "forced proximity," Caleb and Alycia will win your heart. It’s a five-star play all the way! 🏒🔥⛸️


Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Small town romance Romance Entertaining Great world building Easy-to-read Wonderful characters Realistic


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Friday, January 9, 2026

READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - THE ROSE AND THE CROWN (Good Girls, Bad Boys, #1) by Evelyn Sola

The Rose and the Crown
Good Girls, Bad Boys #1
Evelyn Sola
January 9th 2026


BLURB
In the small, quiet town of Shadow Cove, appearances hide dark secrets — and new beginnings can spark deadly games.


Eden Rose, a dedicated physical therapist and the sheriff’s daughter, never expected to cross paths with a reckless motorcycle biker with a criminal past. When Ripley King saves her from being drugged at his nightclub, a dangerous obsession ignites. His tattoos and leather-clad danger draw her in, but his involvement in illegal activities threatens to destroy everything she loves.


As Ripley's need to claim her grows, Eden fears her carefully crafted world, her family's reputation, and her sense of safety will come apart. She aches to believe in their love, but the darker truths of Shadow Cove—her father's world and Ripley's secrets—push her to the edge. Can their passion withstand the chaos, or will the weight of her fears bury them both before they even have a chance?


The Rose and the Crown is the first installment in the Good Girls, Bad Boys series — a pull-no-punches tale of desire, danger, and the fight to trust in a small town where everyone’s hiding something.



The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . THE ROSE AND THE CROWN (Good Girls, Bad Boys, #1) . . .  🌹 The Rose and the Crown: Where Danger Meets Irresistible Desire!

If you’re looking for a romance that shatters boundaries and proves love has no limits, Evelyn Sola’s The Rose and the Crown is an absolute must-read. As the first installment in the Good Girls, Bad Boys series, Sola brings Shadow Cove to life—a small town where the secrets are dark, the stakes are deadly, and the chemistry is off the charts.

Eden Rose is the "Good Girl" personified—a dedicated physical therapist and the sheriff’s daughter. But her carefully constructed world is turned upside down when she crosses paths with Ripley "Rip" King. He’s everything her father warns her about: a tattooed, leather-clad biker with a criminal past.

Their story doesn't just start; it ignites. When Rip saves Eden from a dangerous situation at his nightclub, a dangerous obsession begins. Sola masterfully explores the "Good Girl/Bad Boy" trope, allowing the lines between right and wrong to blur until they disappear entirely.

What makes this IRR (BWWM) story stand out is how Evelyn Sola handles the connection between Rip and Eden. It isn't just a simple coming together; it’s a collision of two different worlds.

The Conflict: Can a sheriff’s daughter truly trust a man whose life is built on illegal activities?

The Depth: Sola doesn't shy away from the "darker truths" of Shadow Cove. She allows her characters to cross lines and face the consequences of their passion.

The Hero: Rip is a "Bad Boy" with a protective streak that will make your heart race. His need to claim Eden is fierce, raw, and utterly captivating.

Blurred Lines: It’s a pull-no-punches tale where the "good" girl finds herself drawn to the "bad" side.

Small Town Intrigue: Shadow Cove is a character in its own right, filled with secrets that threaten to bury our leads.

Fearless Writing: Sola’s writing is refreshing because it focuses on the soul of the characters, proving that passion is the ultimate universal language.

My Final Verdict: The Rose and the Crown is an intense emotional rollercoaster. It’s a story of desire, danger, and the fight to trust when the whole world is watching. If you want a romance that is as gritty as it is sexy, Rip and Eden’s story is waiting for you!


For more information about Evelyn Sola and her books, visit her website: 
https://evelynsola.com/


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