Ripe For Reader: 2025

Monday, May 19, 2025

Release Blitz & Review - FAKING ROMANCE by S.E. Rose

FAKING ROMANCE

SE Rose

Release Date: May 19

Roxy Benedict’s dream of opening a romance bookstore is coming true. Finally, things are going her way, until her new neighbor starts complaining that she’s too loud.

Grayson Porter loves his quiet building. But when a noisy tenant moves in, he’s left wondering if he can finish composing a soundtrack for a film. As a musician, this could be his big break. If he doesn’t get some peace and quiet soon, he’s going to lose his mind.

But Grayson has another, potentially bigger problem. He might have lied to the film producer that he had a girlfriend. When their landlord decides to set them up on a blind date for a party with the film’s cast and crew, the two are shocked and about to call off their date, until the film’s producer takes a liking to Roxy. Roxy sees her chance to win over her grumpy neighbor and Grayson sees a chance to impress a potential client. The question is: How long can this truce last?

And then, there is their apartment building. A mystery over a missing neighbor has Roxy and Grayson spending even more time together. These two neighbors are faking romance for their own benefit, but will the playing pretend turn into something more?

Grab your copy!

https://books2read.com/u/3JkNzB

4 Stars

This book was a fun start to a new series full of interesting characters. A fun group to be around, witty banter, strong friendships and so much more we haven't even touched the surface of yet.

Roxy moves into the commercial space at the bottom of the building with a small apartment at the back of the store. She is finally doing something for her and opening a romance book store.

Grayson is enjoying the quiet while he works on this current project and trying to start his music career. But when the lady moves in downstairs and starts make all kinds of noise while he works, they have a bit of a clashing at their first meet.

When the neighbors get themselves involved. One thing leads to another and they find themselves fake dating for appearances for Gray's work. Could this be the beginning of something more?

Grab your copy and enjoy the adventure at Hearts Lane.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

USA Today & International Bestselling romance author, S.E. Rose lives near Washington D.C. with her family.

When she's not wrangling her cats or keeping up with her kids, she's plotting her next story.

She loves all things wine, coffee, and cats.

In her non-existent free time, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, binging on her favorite shows, and reading, especially if it's a good mystery or comedy.

Keep up with SE Rose and subscribe to her newsletter: https://bookhip.com/LSMKWL

To learn more about SE Rose & her books, visit here!

Connect with SE Rose:

https://linktr.ee/seroseauthor

Hosted By:

Friday, May 16, 2025

Cover Reveal - DEFENDING LOVE by Aleatha Romig

DEFENDING LOVE

Aleatha Romig

Release Date: June 23

I’m Elijah Rhodes top-tier Guardian Security agent. We protect the world’s power players: heads of state, royalty, A-listers. The elite.

I didn’t grow up with much, and nothing came easy. My time in Special Ops hardened me, gave me purpose, and left me with a black heart. I took the missions no one else would. Still do.

My rules are simple:

No long-term assignments.

No repeats.

No attachments.

Keep it professional. Keep it distant.

It’s how I’ve survived. Until her.

Dr. Danielle Sinclair is brilliant, beautiful, off-limits. I protected her, then did what I always do. I walked away.

Now, a year later, tragedy strikes. Dani’s life is in danger, and every instinct in me demands I break my own rules to keep her safe.

Some lines shouldn’t be crossed.

Some rules were made to be broken.

I’ll protect Dani with my life, but I can’t give her a heart I don’t have.

Have you been Aleatha’d?

DEFENDING LOVE is a steamy, high-stakes, standalone romantic suspense with bodyguard vibes, second chances, and all the feels—set in the same world as the Sinclair Duet.

PRETTY CRUEL LOVE

Whitney G.

Release Date: May 29

WILL BE AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

From New York Times bestselling author Whitney G. comes an intense and intoxicating thriller with a sensual twist.

Sadie Pretty has spent the last several years of her life behind bars, wrongfully convicted of first-degree murder. Upon being considered for parole, she's sent to an experimental program with esteemed Doctor Ethan Weiss.

Two weeks in a secluded cabin is all he needs to determine if she's a risk to society, but every minute spent with her makes him question his own morals, and before he knows it, he's crossing the line in more ways than one...

Release Blitz & Review - HIGH VELOCITY by Freya Barker

Title: High Velocity (High Mountain Trackers HMT 2G, #4)
Author: Freya Barker
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: May 12, 2025
Cover Designer: Freya Barker
Images: Jean Woodfin - JW Photography
Model: Brandon Thyfault
Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

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.

AMAZON | APPLE BOOKS | NOOK | KOBO

They say it becomes second nature at some point, but the fact is about fifteen percent of the body I was born with is missing, which isn’t that easy to adjust to. Every time I catch a glimpse of myself coming out of the shower, I’m still startled at my own reflection. This mental image I have of my former intact body persists, and I’m shocked each time to find part of it gone. Even in my dreams, I still have my right leg.

5 Stars

I have followed the High Mountain Trackers from the original series into the 2G. With each book I feel like I am coming home for a visit with old friends, while make a new one or two. This making the end of a series so much harder as you feel like you are saying goodbye. It was an emotional read for me and I might have messaged the author to let her know more than once I couldn't see the words on the page due to tears.

Jackson has carried so much over the years. From trying to be the man of the house early after the loss if his father, protecting his mother as she found her second love, fighting for our country and being a master at his craft to coming home and learning to live his new life, with value and strength. He just needed to find the one woman who brought him the final peace.

Stephanie has losses no little girl should encounter. The daughter of a accomplished FBI agent, she followed in his footsteps hoping for some love and recognition. She didn't get it but she was an excellent agent who put work before life. When she finds herself on a pause from work, she doesn't know what that might mean for her now. Her soul searching leads her back to Libby and right into the cross hairs of Jackson's scope.

Jackson and Stephanie are the balm to each others soul. Talking comes easy once the guards begin to fall. Understanding always comes easy. It's beautiful to watch the relationship form.

The twists and turns of the suspenseful story line will keep you turning pages, trying to help solve the mystery right along with the characters. And the final words bringing smiles as I read. A wondrous conclusion.

Though sad for a series to end, I am also excited to see what new world we will get next? What new characters will will come to love next?

** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

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!

GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

AMAZON | APPLE | NOOK | KOBO

JOIN OUR HOST LIST

Friday, May 9, 2025

Release Blitz & Review - STOLEN DREAMS by Natasha Madison

Now Live

STOLEN DREAMS by Natasha Madison

Lilah

I was left for dead when I was eighteen.

Coming to Mustang Creek Ranch gave me something to live for.

My boss is grumpy and reclusive.

But I'm secretly in love with him, even though he's made it known he'll never settle down.

Even though he's made it clear, he'll never be mine-or anyone's.

Emmett

I've kept my distance from Lilah for years. No matter how much I want her, she's off-limits.

The only family I will ever have are the ones I fought beside in battle-the family I chose.

Until the phone rang and I found out I had an eight-year-old daughter.

Watching Lilah with my daughter makes me wonder what it would be like to do the thing I swore I never would: have a family and fall in love.

When I move her into my house to keep her safe from the dangers of her past, all bets are off.

https://books2read.com/KUStolenDreamsNM

Available in KU

5 Stars

Oh man, this Dream series is so emotional that it will rip your heart out for these characters, but Ms Madison always mends you back up by the time you get to the end. This world will draw you into the characters, make you feel like you are visiting old friends and pull at every emotion while you are there.

Emmett and Lilah both have enough past baggage to have an honest to good person running for the hills. Will they be able to dig through and find their way to something to live for? Could little Lucy be the things that steps them over the line?

Will these two be able to move past the defenses that have been building for so long and see the beautiful life they could have?

Cuddle up and get cozy as you aren't going to want to put it down once you start.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…

https://linktr.ee/natashamauthor

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Cover Reveal - CHASING FOREVER by Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne has revealed the covers for Chasing Forever!

Releasing: August 26, 2025

Cover Design: Hang Le

Photographer: Wander Aguiar

Blurb Coming soon!

When We Break by Kristen Proby is now live!

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes When We Break, a small-town, cowboy, heroine in danger romance, set in Bitterroot Valley!

Beckett

I’ve seen the gorgeous redhead with the big black dog that never leaves her side around town. She’s impossible to miss with that lush red hair and perfect green eyes. But it’s when she opens her plump lips and the sound of Ireland comes out of her kissable mouth that I know I’m a goner. I know she’s the one for me and I’ll do whatever it takes to make Skyla Gallagher mine. I can be a patient man and all I want in the world is to worship every bit of her, inside and out.

Skyla

I moved to the lovely town of Bitterroot Valley, Montana because I needed a safe place. I left my life in New York as a prima ballerina after an injury that I never fully healed from, and to escape the obsession of a madman. I adore this new community, but I must admit that Beckett Blackwell is the very best part. I love his kindness, his patience, and his thoughtfulness. But most of all, I can’t get enough of the way he worships my body, and then does everything he can to pamper me afterwards. Beckett is a drug that I’ve become addicted to. But will my stalker find me in Montana, ruining everything we’ve started together, before we have had our chance at forever?

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://bit.ly/40kfvXJ

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/WhenWeBreak

Audible: https://bit.ly/43kGLbE

Narrated by: Connor Crais & Stephanie Németh-Parker

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4an41Ya

5 Stars

We are back with more Blackwell's in Bitterroot Montana and I feel at home. This world has drawn me incompletely, I am ready to pack my bags and go join the fun. This is Beckett and Skyla's story and it is not an easy one emotionally but swoon worthy.

Skyla has up and moved her life to Montana from New York, took a right turn in this thing call life in order to survive. She is loving the life she has built here and the new friends she has found. She loves teaching the little her skills and sharing her knowledge. But, she is still keeping one part of herself closed away, not looking for a relationship because she is afraid to try again.

Beckett saw the beauty from a distance and then didn't see her again for a a while. He is so busy with the ranch and rental property that he doesn't really have time to spare anyway. But when he meets Skyla in the flesh, all bets are off. He needs to get to know this woman. But he senses her reluctance and knows he needs to tread lightly, or at least try.

When the past comes charging back into her future, will this push Beckett away or will he stand strong and do everything possible to protect his girl and her pup?

Grab your copy and enjoy. This book can be read as standalone but I strongly suggest starting the series at book one and getting all the good stuff.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.

When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.