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Recommend this book:
The Escape
The Techboys Series
Eve M. Riley
2026 Finalist
310 Pages
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Escape is the sixth book in the Techboys Series by author Eve M. Riley. The story follows Aiden Jargen, a tech CEO who is thoroughly burnt out. Although Aiden is on the brink of securing a massive business deal, he cannot find joy in his work anymore. Disconnected from everyone and everything around him, Aiden tries to find answers by deciding to travel to Bangkok. There, he meets Emma Smythson, a successful New York attorney who is barely surviving in her job and a dying relationship. She decides to take a vacation to Bangkok after years of working hard. Their paths collide in a Bangkok hostel. As sparks fly and the chemistry between them sizzles, the two are pushed into a mystery and misunderstandings. The two quickly form a bond, but that is tested by their past, old secrets, and reality checks they were not expecting.
Author Eve M. Riley delivers a well-crafted romantic mystery that kept me entertained for hours. I loved the narrative style and the character development. I loved how both Emma and Aiden were open with their flaws and weren’t shy about accepting their vulnerabilities. Aiden knew he was disconnecting from the world, and Emma had a hard time forming connections that added value to her life. They struggled with their demons as they worked on the mystery and their relationship. I saw little pieces of myself in both Emma and Aiden. They were relatable and incredibly human in the way they reacted to everything. The plot offers a perfect mix of romance, mystery, relationships, and character development. The Escape was a joy to read, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
The Escape is the sixth book in the Techboys Series by author Eve M. Riley. The story follows Aiden Jargen, a tech CEO who is thoroughly burnt out. Although Aiden is on the brink of securing a massive business deal, he cannot find joy in his work anymore. Disconnected from everyone and everything around him, Aiden tries to find answers by deciding to travel to Bangkok. There, he meets Emma Smythson, a successful New York attorney who is barely surviving in her job and a dying relationship. She decides to take a vacation to Bangkok after years of working hard. Their paths collide in a Bangkok hostel. As sparks fly and the chemistry between them sizzles, the two are pushed into a mystery and misunderstandings. The two quickly form a bond, but that is tested by their past, old secrets, and reality checks they were not expecting.
Author Eve M. Riley delivers a well-crafted romantic mystery that kept me entertained for hours. I loved the narrative style and the character development. I loved how both Emma and Aiden were open with their flaws and weren’t shy about accepting their vulnerabilities. Aiden knew he was disconnecting from the world, and Emma had a hard time forming connections that added value to her life. They struggled with their demons as they worked on the mystery and their relationship. I saw little pieces of myself in both Emma and Aiden. They were relatable and incredibly human in the way they reacted to everything. The plot offers a perfect mix of romance, mystery, relationships, and character development. The Escape was a joy to read, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Recommend this book:
Step by Step
Desperate Hearts Book 2
Twila Mason
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Step by Step is the second book in the Desperate Hearts series by Twila Mason. The story follows Chrissy as she is ready to take control of her life and fight for the future she always wanted. Landing the opportunity to paint a mural for the city of Chicago could make or break her career, and Chrissy is hoping it is the break she desperately needs. She cannot allow anything to distract her, not even her boss, Adam Rochester. Adam oversees the project like a hawk and doesn’t truly believe Chrissy can get the job done. But the more time they spend together, the more Adam understands why Chrissy is the perfect person for the job. As their relationship develops into something neither of them expected, they must first deal with their demons and the past before giving love a chance. But can they?
Author Twila Mason created a surprisingly emotional yet entertaining story that had me hooked from the very beginning. Chrissy is a relatable character whom I immediately connected with. She is a realist and understands her condition. Her newfound sobriety was a challenge that she gladly faced and wanted to make something better for her life. Adam, on the other hand, was not sure about Chrissy. I loved how the connection slowly built into something beautiful that both of them could rely on. Adam had to fight his past, while Chrissy had to find a balance between her ambitions and her feelings. They tried hard to make their relationship work while also addressing their personal challenges. It was a rebirth for both of them, and the author did justice to their individual character arcs. The pace is perfect, the narrative style is nice, and the plot is fantastic. Step by Step is a perfect story for readers who enjoy realistic characters with relatable issues.
Step by Step is the second book in the Desperate Hearts series by Twila Mason. The story follows Chrissy as she is ready to take control of her life and fight for the future she always wanted. Landing the opportunity to paint a mural for the city of Chicago could make or break her career, and Chrissy is hoping it is the break she desperately needs. She cannot allow anything to distract her, not even her boss, Adam Rochester. Adam oversees the project like a hawk and doesn’t truly believe Chrissy can get the job done. But the more time they spend together, the more Adam understands why Chrissy is the perfect person for the job. As their relationship develops into something neither of them expected, they must first deal with their demons and the past before giving love a chance. But can they?
Author Twila Mason created a surprisingly emotional yet entertaining story that had me hooked from the very beginning. Chrissy is a relatable character whom I immediately connected with. She is a realist and understands her condition. Her newfound sobriety was a challenge that she gladly faced and wanted to make something better for her life. Adam, on the other hand, was not sure about Chrissy. I loved how the connection slowly built into something beautiful that both of them could rely on. Adam had to fight his past, while Chrissy had to find a balance between her ambitions and her feelings. They tried hard to make their relationship work while also addressing their personal challenges. It was a rebirth for both of them, and the author did justice to their individual character arcs. The pace is perfect, the narrative style is nice, and the plot is fantastic. Step by Step is a perfect story for readers who enjoy realistic characters with relatable issues.
Recommend this book:
The Golden Hearts Club
Cinda K. Swalley
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
The Golden Hearts Club by Cinda K. Swalley features two sisters from Ohio and their adventures while traveling across the country. Megan and Katie had been preparing for the trip over the past year. The two girls embark upon their drive and head to Florida. While sitting in their tent, they create The Golden Hearts Club, stating that anyone who showed an act of kindness would become a member. As they travel to Arizona, Katie falls ill and Megan stops at an old inn. A Native American innkeeper allows the girls to stay in a room. Rose helps Megan nurse Katie back to health. Back on the road, the girls enter California. Because of her attraction to horses, Katie convinces Megan to stop and enter a pasture to see some up close. A man approaches when he sees the girls trespassing. Did they run away? What kind of trouble did Katie get them in?
Cinda K. Swalley created a beautiful adventure story. The Golden Hearts Club title fits the overall theme of the book. What I liked the most about the story was the actual idea of sharing kindness with people, expecting nothing in return. During today’s constant turmoil, this idea would resolve many differences. Katie and Megan put into play their idea in every encounter they had with people. While the story changes narratives, the transitions were natural and their emotions were relatable. I could connect to Katie. Her personality and hobbies are the mirror image of mine. The artistic descriptions of the places the sisters traveled to would be perfect for a travel guide. I could envision every moment as though I were traveling with Katie and Megan. The Golden Hearts Club is a book that anyone could fall in love with. It is full of adventure, colorful characters, humor, and promotes the kindness that we all need.
The Golden Hearts Club by Cinda K. Swalley features two sisters from Ohio and their adventures while traveling across the country. Megan and Katie had been preparing for the trip over the past year. The two girls embark upon their drive and head to Florida. While sitting in their tent, they create The Golden Hearts Club, stating that anyone who showed an act of kindness would become a member. As they travel to Arizona, Katie falls ill and Megan stops at an old inn. A Native American innkeeper allows the girls to stay in a room. Rose helps Megan nurse Katie back to health. Back on the road, the girls enter California. Because of her attraction to horses, Katie convinces Megan to stop and enter a pasture to see some up close. A man approaches when he sees the girls trespassing. Did they run away? What kind of trouble did Katie get them in?
Cinda K. Swalley created a beautiful adventure story. The Golden Hearts Club title fits the overall theme of the book. What I liked the most about the story was the actual idea of sharing kindness with people, expecting nothing in return. During today’s constant turmoil, this idea would resolve many differences. Katie and Megan put into play their idea in every encounter they had with people. While the story changes narratives, the transitions were natural and their emotions were relatable. I could connect to Katie. Her personality and hobbies are the mirror image of mine. The artistic descriptions of the places the sisters traveled to would be perfect for a travel guide. I could envision every moment as though I were traveling with Katie and Megan. The Golden Hearts Club is a book that anyone could fall in love with. It is full of adventure, colorful characters, humor, and promotes the kindness that we all need.
Recommend this book:
Wishes on the Waves
A Gull Island Romance
Catherine Michaels
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
Cal Carter moves to Gull Island after his divorce, hoping for a fresh start in his grandparents’ cottage. As a boy, he once spent a summer there, with a quiet crush on a girl with auburn hair and the island in her soul. Annie has never left Gull Island. She married her best friend, but Evan is gone now, leaving her to raise her son alone while running the family shop on the mainland. When a new neighbor arrives, Annie hopes it is someone planning to stay. She and Cal form a hesitant friendship, and soon something unmistakable begins to grow between them. But Cal’s ex brings tension and difficult choices, and matters become even more complicated. Wishes on the Waves by Catherine Michaels is a sweet, clean romance.
Catherine Michaels delivers a gentle summer romance with surprising emotional depth. The novel explores highly relevant themes. The characters face failed marriages, emotional teenagers, and sea turtle conservation. With a smooth style that allows the emotions of each scene to come through naturally, the healing effect of the ocean is highlighted. The motif of the wishing stones is thoughtfully woven into the story and gains meaning through the feelings it evokes. Readers are also given a glimpse into a writer's life, the pressures they face, and how the world around them shapes their work. Grief and loss run quietly through the narrative, whether through death, broken relationships, or the forces of nature itself. As the second book in the Gull Island Romance series, Wishes on the Waves builds on characters introduced earlier, yet the novel works well as a standalone read.
Cal Carter moves to Gull Island after his divorce, hoping for a fresh start in his grandparents’ cottage. As a boy, he once spent a summer there, with a quiet crush on a girl with auburn hair and the island in her soul. Annie has never left Gull Island. She married her best friend, but Evan is gone now, leaving her to raise her son alone while running the family shop on the mainland. When a new neighbor arrives, Annie hopes it is someone planning to stay. She and Cal form a hesitant friendship, and soon something unmistakable begins to grow between them. But Cal’s ex brings tension and difficult choices, and matters become even more complicated. Wishes on the Waves by Catherine Michaels is a sweet, clean romance.
Catherine Michaels delivers a gentle summer romance with surprising emotional depth. The novel explores highly relevant themes. The characters face failed marriages, emotional teenagers, and sea turtle conservation. With a smooth style that allows the emotions of each scene to come through naturally, the healing effect of the ocean is highlighted. The motif of the wishing stones is thoughtfully woven into the story and gains meaning through the feelings it evokes. Readers are also given a glimpse into a writer's life, the pressures they face, and how the world around them shapes their work. Grief and loss run quietly through the narrative, whether through death, broken relationships, or the forces of nature itself. As the second book in the Gull Island Romance series, Wishes on the Waves builds on characters introduced earlier, yet the novel works well as a standalone read.
Recommend this book:
Royal Caleva
Raul
Nancy Herkness
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
Raul Dragón is the Crown Prince of Caleva. He takes his duties so seriously that he overworks himself and sometimes doesn’t eat meals. One day, as he is serving in his role as honorary head of the Calevan militia, he faints, to his great disappointment. The military doctor present tells him he needs rest and hydration. This event causes much concern to his father, who insists that he needs to take a rest from his royal duties. Raul chooses to go hiking in the mountains. Erica, who is a pilot to Duke Gabriel, is also a certified outdoor adventure guide. The queen requests that she be Raul's guide during his hike. Their adventure goes well, and a strong connection forms between them. The trip is cut short, however, when the prince is injured. Erica theorizes that the ditch he had fallen into was a Calevan dragon’s nest. How will things turn out in Royal Caleva: Raul by Nancy Herkness when they go back to the palace?
Although it is the third book in the series, Royal Caleva: Raul by Nancy Herkness can be read as a standalone. This story reminded me that love can come from unexpected places, like we see in the case of Raul, who is a prince experiencing different challenges, and Erica, who is a commoner not expecting to be in Raul’s league. The narrative flowed nicely, leaving no room for confusion and leaving me intrigued and eager to reach the next twist in the plot. Other themes explored, like taking care of extinct species and continually working on oneself, will also resonate with many readers. Nancy also made sure all events and the romantic drama were vividly captured, which left me wanting more. This was an amazing story, and I look forward to reading something else by Nancy Herkness.
Raul Dragón is the Crown Prince of Caleva. He takes his duties so seriously that he overworks himself and sometimes doesn’t eat meals. One day, as he is serving in his role as honorary head of the Calevan militia, he faints, to his great disappointment. The military doctor present tells him he needs rest and hydration. This event causes much concern to his father, who insists that he needs to take a rest from his royal duties. Raul chooses to go hiking in the mountains. Erica, who is a pilot to Duke Gabriel, is also a certified outdoor adventure guide. The queen requests that she be Raul's guide during his hike. Their adventure goes well, and a strong connection forms between them. The trip is cut short, however, when the prince is injured. Erica theorizes that the ditch he had fallen into was a Calevan dragon’s nest. How will things turn out in Royal Caleva: Raul by Nancy Herkness when they go back to the palace?
Although it is the third book in the series, Royal Caleva: Raul by Nancy Herkness can be read as a standalone. This story reminded me that love can come from unexpected places, like we see in the case of Raul, who is a prince experiencing different challenges, and Erica, who is a commoner not expecting to be in Raul’s league. The narrative flowed nicely, leaving no room for confusion and leaving me intrigued and eager to reach the next twist in the plot. Other themes explored, like taking care of extinct species and continually working on oneself, will also resonate with many readers. Nancy also made sure all events and the romantic drama were vividly captured, which left me wanting more. This was an amazing story, and I look forward to reading something else by Nancy Herkness.
Recommend this book:
Secrets in the Snow
Seasons of Hillsdale Book 2
Kiri Patterson
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
To everyone in Hillsdale, Idaho, Faith Lyons was the new second-grade teacher who had moved into the small town about three years ago, and Faith hoped it would remain that way. She was trying to start afresh, away from her family and true identity, Astrid Luxe, the fashion icon and heir to Luxe Fashion, a fashion powerhouse based in New York. She had legally changed her name to Faith Lyons to stay off her controlling mother’s radar and escape the future planned for her. It was also to cut ties with her past, a part of her life she is not proud of. However, when she meets Adam Peters, the school’s basketball coach, a single dad and Hillsdale’s hottest bachelor, her façade threatens to crack. The two fall head over heels for each other, but Faith must reveal her secret to Adam, because not only he, but the whole of Hillsdale will depend on it. Find out in Secrets in the Snow (Seasons of Hillsdale Book 2) by Kiri Patterson.
If you are looking for a contemporary romance novel flavored with drama, a touch of humor, and suspense, Secrets in the Snow by Kiri Patterson is the perfect pick. Faith is a complex character whose journey from New York to Hillsdale is a quest for self-discovery, growth, purpose, and healing. When I was introduced to her at the beginning, I saw an insecure woman grappling with low self-esteem, self-doubt, and guilt, thanks to the influence of her overbearing mother. Her mother’s actions demonstrate the damaging effect of parents foisting their expectations on their children without considering their opinions, needs, and choices. Patterson gives the storyline a profound sentimental edge, making the cast’s emotions palpable. I could feel the strong attraction and passionate love between Faith and Adam. Their love is the kind that leaves you longing to experience it, and their story is a roadmap for navigating its intricacies.
To everyone in Hillsdale, Idaho, Faith Lyons was the new second-grade teacher who had moved into the small town about three years ago, and Faith hoped it would remain that way. She was trying to start afresh, away from her family and true identity, Astrid Luxe, the fashion icon and heir to Luxe Fashion, a fashion powerhouse based in New York. She had legally changed her name to Faith Lyons to stay off her controlling mother’s radar and escape the future planned for her. It was also to cut ties with her past, a part of her life she is not proud of. However, when she meets Adam Peters, the school’s basketball coach, a single dad and Hillsdale’s hottest bachelor, her façade threatens to crack. The two fall head over heels for each other, but Faith must reveal her secret to Adam, because not only he, but the whole of Hillsdale will depend on it. Find out in Secrets in the Snow (Seasons of Hillsdale Book 2) by Kiri Patterson.
If you are looking for a contemporary romance novel flavored with drama, a touch of humor, and suspense, Secrets in the Snow by Kiri Patterson is the perfect pick. Faith is a complex character whose journey from New York to Hillsdale is a quest for self-discovery, growth, purpose, and healing. When I was introduced to her at the beginning, I saw an insecure woman grappling with low self-esteem, self-doubt, and guilt, thanks to the influence of her overbearing mother. Her mother’s actions demonstrate the damaging effect of parents foisting their expectations on their children without considering their opinions, needs, and choices. Patterson gives the storyline a profound sentimental edge, making the cast’s emotions palpable. I could feel the strong attraction and passionate love between Faith and Adam. Their love is the kind that leaves you longing to experience it, and their story is a roadmap for navigating its intricacies.
Recommend this book:
Between the Lines
Great Missenden Ever After Book 1
Tracey Magruder
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In Tracey Magruder’s Between the Lines, Sadie Reed accepts a temporary editing assignment in Great Missenden after leaving Nate, her controlling ex-fiancé, in New York. Her job is to help Corbyn Pearce, a reclusive British mystery author, finish Echoes of Ash before his publisher cancels. Corbyn distrusts editors after a manuscript leak exposed his unfinished work, so Sadie must earn access to his pages, his home, and his careful routine. As she edits the detective novel, Corbyn begins to trust her judgment, while Sadie receives Nate’s continued messages from across the Atlantic. Pearce House becomes the center of a deadline that tests Corbyn’s fear of being seen, Sadie’s return to her own writing, plus a connection linked to a blue-eyed stranger she met years earlier on a London train.
Tracey Magruder’s Between the Lines is a finely rendered romance about a New York editor sent to Buckinghamshire to fix a stalled mystery novel. The author gives the romance superb push and pull when Sadie finds Corbyn shirtless near the pool, then later when he tracks her to the hillside overlook to apologize. Sadie is easy to admire because she protects her voice after Nate, her ex-fiancé, belittles her writing, then proves her editorial skill by helping Corbyn reshape his work. Corbyn works beautifully as the male lead because his guarded manner softens organically. The settings are finely described through lived space, especially Pearce House and Great Missenden’s rain-soaked hillside trail. This romance suits adult readers who enjoy love stories with slow trust-building.
In Tracey Magruder’s Between the Lines, Sadie Reed accepts a temporary editing assignment in Great Missenden after leaving Nate, her controlling ex-fiancé, in New York. Her job is to help Corbyn Pearce, a reclusive British mystery author, finish Echoes of Ash before his publisher cancels. Corbyn distrusts editors after a manuscript leak exposed his unfinished work, so Sadie must earn access to his pages, his home, and his careful routine. As she edits the detective novel, Corbyn begins to trust her judgment, while Sadie receives Nate’s continued messages from across the Atlantic. Pearce House becomes the center of a deadline that tests Corbyn’s fear of being seen, Sadie’s return to her own writing, plus a connection linked to a blue-eyed stranger she met years earlier on a London train.
Tracey Magruder’s Between the Lines is a finely rendered romance about a New York editor sent to Buckinghamshire to fix a stalled mystery novel. The author gives the romance superb push and pull when Sadie finds Corbyn shirtless near the pool, then later when he tracks her to the hillside overlook to apologize. Sadie is easy to admire because she protects her voice after Nate, her ex-fiancé, belittles her writing, then proves her editorial skill by helping Corbyn reshape his work. Corbyn works beautifully as the male lead because his guarded manner softens organically. The settings are finely described through lived space, especially Pearce House and Great Missenden’s rain-soaked hillside trail. This romance suits adult readers who enjoy love stories with slow trust-building.
Recommend this book:
And They Had A Great Fall
Shelby Saville
2025 Finalist
280 Pages
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite
Shelby Saville gives us fierce contemporary romance in And They Had a Great Fall. Jake Laurent is filming in Copenhagen for a project that could boost his career, working with a brilliant director. However, Jake struggles to connect with his character and keeps messing up. After months of silence, he calls Kat Green. Kat works in tech, is a single mother to a beautiful daughter, and works fourteen-hour days. Kat is in the running for the new COO of the company. When Jake begs Kat to come to Copenhagen, her initial response is to say no. Kat has too much at stake with the new launch. When work sends her to Denmark, Jake and Kat reconnect and work hard to keep things a secret.
Author Shelby Saville sets the stage perfectly with two main characters leading completely opposite lives. The Copenhagen setting in Denmark is a delight to the senses. The character descriptions are superb, and their energy leaps off the pages. This vibrancy keeps the pace lively, making it easy to enjoy the plot as well. I relished getting to know these characters and observing their interactions with the world and with one another. There is genuine depth and meaning when everything comes together, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives. Due to some explicit language and sexual scenes, this book is only suitable for adult readers. And They Had a Great Fall is a story of love and understanding, and I believe we all could use a little more of that in our daily lives.
Shelby Saville gives us fierce contemporary romance in And They Had a Great Fall. Jake Laurent is filming in Copenhagen for a project that could boost his career, working with a brilliant director. However, Jake struggles to connect with his character and keeps messing up. After months of silence, he calls Kat Green. Kat works in tech, is a single mother to a beautiful daughter, and works fourteen-hour days. Kat is in the running for the new COO of the company. When Jake begs Kat to come to Copenhagen, her initial response is to say no. Kat has too much at stake with the new launch. When work sends her to Denmark, Jake and Kat reconnect and work hard to keep things a secret.
Author Shelby Saville sets the stage perfectly with two main characters leading completely opposite lives. The Copenhagen setting in Denmark is a delight to the senses. The character descriptions are superb, and their energy leaps off the pages. This vibrancy keeps the pace lively, making it easy to enjoy the plot as well. I relished getting to know these characters and observing their interactions with the world and with one another. There is genuine depth and meaning when everything comes together, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives. Due to some explicit language and sexual scenes, this book is only suitable for adult readers. And They Had a Great Fall is a story of love and understanding, and I believe we all could use a little more of that in our daily lives.
Recommend this book:
The Game
The Techboys Series Book 5
Eve M. Riley
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
The Game by Eve M. Riley is the fifth book in The Techboys Series. You can read this installment as a standalone romance. The story introduces Anna Talanova, a talented Russian tennis star at the peak of her career, experiencing personal betrayals and the persistent media scrutiny following her breakup with a manipulative Olympian, Arty Maroz. She makes tough choices after finding out that her boyfriend has been cheating on her. Then she meets Adam Miller, a dedicated but struggling electronics startup founder, who finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the limelight when Janus, his humorous and resourceful friend, urges him to attend a prestigious awards event as Anna’s escort. Anna and Adam form a tentative friendship rooted in mutual understanding and shared troubles, both struggling with external threats—Arty’s manipulations and the press’s invasive attention—and doubts about love, success, and trust. Can Anna's new relationship withstand the resurgence of her past?
Eve M. Riley’s storytelling captivated me, starting with the intriguing premise. Anna's reaction to Arty's cheating initially appears to be a well-planned retaliation, but as she becomes more comfortable with Adam, she gradually begins to develop feelings for him. The author balances clever characterization with unexpected plot twists, and I loved the characters; each one is complex. This story effectively explores the demands of Anna's profession and the impact of the press on her life. The detailed setting captures the glamour of red-carpet events, the intensity of competitive sports, and the authenticity of tech startups. I recommend The Game for its gorgeous writing, the well-explored characters, and the clever plotting.
The Game by Eve M. Riley is the fifth book in The Techboys Series. You can read this installment as a standalone romance. The story introduces Anna Talanova, a talented Russian tennis star at the peak of her career, experiencing personal betrayals and the persistent media scrutiny following her breakup with a manipulative Olympian, Arty Maroz. She makes tough choices after finding out that her boyfriend has been cheating on her. Then she meets Adam Miller, a dedicated but struggling electronics startup founder, who finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the limelight when Janus, his humorous and resourceful friend, urges him to attend a prestigious awards event as Anna’s escort. Anna and Adam form a tentative friendship rooted in mutual understanding and shared troubles, both struggling with external threats—Arty’s manipulations and the press’s invasive attention—and doubts about love, success, and trust. Can Anna's new relationship withstand the resurgence of her past?
Eve M. Riley’s storytelling captivated me, starting with the intriguing premise. Anna's reaction to Arty's cheating initially appears to be a well-planned retaliation, but as she becomes more comfortable with Adam, she gradually begins to develop feelings for him. The author balances clever characterization with unexpected plot twists, and I loved the characters; each one is complex. This story effectively explores the demands of Anna's profession and the impact of the press on her life. The detailed setting captures the glamour of red-carpet events, the intensity of competitive sports, and the authenticity of tech startups. I recommend The Game for its gorgeous writing, the well-explored characters, and the clever plotting.
Recommend this book:
For You I'd Break
Peace Falls Series, Book 1
Hannah Jordan
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Jennifer Reinoehl for Readers' Favorite
Hannah Jordan’s spicy romance, For You I’d Break, is a fun, well-developed read. Written in the first-person point-of-view, Rowan returns to the small town where she was raised after finding her husband cheating on her. Unfortunately, the stress of the moment caused her to be in an accident that gave her a severe back injury, and she must seek out physical therapy. Her high-school crush, Cal, is the playboy next door and the town’s best physical therapist. However, his last relationship wanted to take it to the next level and began trolling his online ratings when he called it off. Will Rowan’s love help Cal overcome his past trauma so they can have a forever relationship, or will Rowan have to take her heart back to Washington to stop becoming too attached to him?
Hannah Jordan’s For You I’d Break has fascinating characters with well-developed backstories. The tragic past that unites the males promises to produce engaging books to complete the series. The sexual tension between Cal and Rowan ignites as soon as their paths cross. Rowan pushes through her pain instead of becoming trapped in a victim cycle. Her strength as a character is in her constant desire to move forward with her dreams, no matter what others think and no matter the pain it causes her. Even Cal’s dog, Skye, contributes to the story by being both a comfort to others and allowing humans to give comfort back. The theme of breaking down barriers with love and understanding is evident throughout.
Hannah Jordan’s spicy romance, For You I’d Break, is a fun, well-developed read. Written in the first-person point-of-view, Rowan returns to the small town where she was raised after finding her husband cheating on her. Unfortunately, the stress of the moment caused her to be in an accident that gave her a severe back injury, and she must seek out physical therapy. Her high-school crush, Cal, is the playboy next door and the town’s best physical therapist. However, his last relationship wanted to take it to the next level and began trolling his online ratings when he called it off. Will Rowan’s love help Cal overcome his past trauma so they can have a forever relationship, or will Rowan have to take her heart back to Washington to stop becoming too attached to him?
Hannah Jordan’s For You I’d Break has fascinating characters with well-developed backstories. The tragic past that unites the males promises to produce engaging books to complete the series. The sexual tension between Cal and Rowan ignites as soon as their paths cross. Rowan pushes through her pain instead of becoming trapped in a victim cycle. Her strength as a character is in her constant desire to move forward with her dreams, no matter what others think and no matter the pain it causes her. Even Cal’s dog, Skye, contributes to the story by being both a comfort to others and allowing humans to give comfort back. The theme of breaking down barriers with love and understanding is evident throughout.
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