Reviewed by Golder Hazelton for Readers' Favorite

Dancing With Panthers by Patrick C. Notchtree offers an enthralling account of the roller-coaster life and adventures of young, handsome, keenly intelligent, and sexually insatiable Mark Martin over four years in his tumultuous life. From closeted and curious schoolboy to boy-for-hire to fugitive from justice engaged in illicit maritime trade, Mark is constantly barraged by challenging circumstances and knife-edged pivots in an escalating fight to survive in a harsh and judgmental society where he cannot possibly hope to find acceptance. Notchtree’s narrative is expertly crafted, historically significant, and impeccably researched. With a keen historian’s eye and a born storyteller’s artistry, he offers readers glimpses into dark corners of time and place to which they might never otherwise have had access, and the details are fascinating and compelling.

Dancing With Panthers is far more than just a boy meets boy story – it is a valuable and cogent cautionary tale about the dangers of a closed-minded society that drives those with different sensibilities to desperate and clandestine acts. As its title (adapted from a letter written by Oscar Wilde to his lover and friend Bosie) implies, Notchtree has built danger and suspense into every chapter, the result being that Mark Martin’s adventures, once begun, are extremely hard to put down. Readers will be charmed and entertained by his escapades, deftly woven into a narrative rich with history and weighty social commentary. Readers with an affinity for a well-played romance, with important historical and social context as a bonus, will no doubt be abundantly rewarded by Patrick C. Notchtree’s Dancing With Panthers.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Immerse yourself in yet another tale of the Two Hearts' Wounded Warrior Romance series with Tamara Ferguson's Two Hearts' Subterfuge. At the age of sixteen, Aylin Broussard has already demonstrated an eye for fashion design. Aylin's brother Rafe is getting married to Camille, and Aylin is helping with the wedding dresses. Meanwhile, the Broussard family is still reeling from the betrayals of Aylin's half-brothers, Ash and Beau, who chose to walk in their terrorist father's footsteps. When Ash and his paternal uncle try to abduct Aylin, it's eighteen-year-old Ben Loughlin who comes to her rescue. Ten years later, Aylin is now a successful fashion designer and model with her own clothing line. Sparks fly when she runs into Ben again. But now, an old enemy is back in town, plotting revenge.

For contemporary romance lovers, there is nothing like a Two Hearts' Wounded Warrior Romance series novel. Author Tamara Ferguson is once again at peak form in Two Hearts' Subterfuge, combining romance and intrigue with a dash of suspense to keep you thrilled and engrossed all the way through. Ferguson has built a truly immersive world with this series. All the characters are so intricately linked with each other. Characters from previous books come and go while the primary focus is always on a new couple whose romance takes center stage in the narrative. Aylin and Ben are the main protagonists in this book. I wholeheartedly enjoyed their story arcs alongside the secondary characters from the Broussard and Loughlin families. If you're a voracious romance reader, this series is a must-have for your shelf.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

In These Hands: A Love Story, Darcy Daniel introduces nuanced characters and a tale that grips readers from the first page. Meet Lucas, a young boy with a unique—and burdensome—ability to heal. Rather than being a blessing, this power is a life sentence of isolation, robbing him of the companionship he craves. As a child, Lucas can’t resist reaching out to Kelsey, the new girl next door, despite his overprotective mother’s warnings. Kelsey eventually takes a liking to him after discovering his secret. Their friendship blossoms through shared moments. When Kelsey is hurt, she unwittingly becomes a victim of Lucas’s power gone wrong, leaving her with life-altering scars on her face. Fearing that Lucas’s secret will be revealed, his mother whisks him off to start a new life. The only trouble is that Kelsey moves to the rural town where he has successfully hidden for decades, and everything changes.

These Hands is deftly plotted with themes of romance and fate. The story answers the question: Can you escape yourself and your fate? Lucas is an elaborately written character who instantly caught my attention. I didn’t find it hard to sympathize with him. He is forced to live a reclusive life because of his gift. That fear, especially mirrored through his mother's actions, who takes him away and changes their identity, is cleverly captured in the early chapters. The connection between Kelsey and Lucas reflects the innocence of children and the longing for a genuine connection, and author Darcy Daniel explores this with insight. The emotional strength of this story kept me turning the pages. The exquisite writing is sprinkled with strong imagery and well-crafted dialogue. This story is delightful with excellent prose, intriguing characters, and suspense.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Patricia Leavy brings readers yet another enthralling romance drama with Shooting Stars Above. When Tess Lee meets Jack Miller on a chance encounter in a bar, neither can deny the intense attraction to each other. Soon, a blossoming romance turns into love, and the two fall head over heels for each other. Jack is an FBI agent with a background in Special Forces in the military. He has battle scars that show a man embroiled in violence in the past. Additionally, he lost his daughter a few months ago. Jack learns that Tess is a renowned author and a billionaire with a penchant for charity. But she is haunted by her past which is mired in childhood trauma and abuse. A blast from the past almost makes Tess lose herself again. Can she and Jack find their happily ever after?

Shooting Stars Above is a contemporary romance drama that touches upon some heavy topics such as PTSD, child abuse, and sexual assault. At its heart, this is a story about human resilience and love helping two people overcome their past scars. Keeping a nice pace to the plot, Patricia Leavy crafts a riveting narrative that shows the healing power of love and how it helps wounded souls become whole once again. Most of the book features Jack and Tess together on the page. The two main characters match each other in charisma and heart and have amazing chemistry. Even the secondary characters like Omar and Joe are compelling to read. I found the ending very satisfying and, overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. For readers of contemporary romance and drama, this book will sate all your appetites.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

I Loved You First by Cate Beauman is an exciting contemporary romance infused with realism and humanity. It is a tale of youthful love, heartbreak, and the enduring quest for connection. At twenty-seven, Fiona Willis has a great life, supportive friends, a dream job as a senior events planner in a reputable firm, and a condo. But she can’t forget the man who once broke her heart. Cameron Bennet is a single dad and head construction manager at Bennet & Sons. As a single dad, he must juggle his time between doing his duties as a father and managing his hectic schedule, but he has never forgotten Fiona. When they explore love again, are they ready for it this time? Set against the backdrop of scenic Maple Ridge, Vermont, the novel revolves around the relationship between Fiona and Cameron as it unfolds with layers of character depth and evolving dynamics. The drama heightens with the revelation of Cam’s involvement with another woman, resulting in a child—a devastating blow to their once inseparable bond.

Cate Beauman creates believable characters that are elaborately explored. Fiona is a determined and ambitious woman whose dreams and aspirations clash with her unexpected return to a past she thought she had left behind. The internal conflict is ingeniously written and features Fiona grappling with her feelings of betrayal and her desire for independence while attempting to navigate her new reality. Cam emerges as a multifaceted character. He is a loving father, a dedicated builder, and a man struggling with past mistakes. His journey of redemption and the desire to provide a stable home for his son, Brady, enhances the story’s complexity. The conflict between his longing for Fiona and his obligations as a father paints a vivid portrait of a man learning to balance love and responsibility. The dialogue is intimate and cleverly crafted, capturing the nuances of mature relationships. The setting enhances the narrative—a homely yet vibrant Maple Ridge symbolizes both comfort and the burdens of the past. This juxtaposition emphasizes the dual nature of the characters’ lives—they embrace their present while wrestling with their histories. I Loved You First is a skillfully delivered contemporary romance with moments that are resonant and real.

Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite

In her novella Life After Love, Lorraine Cover looks at themes of second chances, healing from lost loves, and self-discovery. The story revolves around aspiring author Kate Covington, who wants to write about passion but lacks it in her life after her husband’s death. Although she has G Amici and Claudia as friends who help her fulfill her social needs, they cannot fill the emotional void left by her husband. In a quest to find this missing element, Kate and her friend Claudia book themselves on a cruise. Along the way, their paths cross with Luca Bell’Angelo who opens Kate to new experiences and helps her look at love and relationships in a different light. Will the end of the cruise mean the end of this budding relationship?

Life After Love is a contemporary romance novel that makes readers contemplate love, loss, and the transformative power of unexpected connections. Lorraine Cover has breathed life into her characters and made them more relatable. Kate’s vulnerability to find new love while still trying to process the loss of her husband Peter and Luca’s enigmatic charm create a chemistry that sizzles off the pages. This, along with their dance moves, made me want to experience the magic they found between the moves. The main part of the story unfolds during a cruise, a setting that could symbolize both physical and emotional journeys. The story is narrated at an engaging pace, allowing me as a reader to understand Kate’s emotional state, her need for change, and how new experiences help transform her into the person she wants to be. Life After Love is a wonderful read on letting go and finding yourself amid waves of change.

Reviewed by Garmon Eugene for Readers' Favorite

Cold As Ice: Playing for Keeps by Nichole Rose tells the story of Kristján Jónsson (Kris), the captain of the hockey team in the NHL, and Kelsey, the publicist for the team. Kris had been in love with Kelsey ever since she started working for the team two years ago and had been chasing for them to be together, but Kelsey was unyielding. She was sick with leukemia, and while it wasn't terminal, she felt being with Kris would only tie him down and prevent him from having a successful career as a hockey player, so she kept it from him. Kris just couldn't understand what Kelsey was hiding, which made her keep running away from him. This is a story of love, challenges, and happy endings.

What I liked about Cold As Ice by Nichole Rose was how unrelenting Kris was in fighting for Kelsey. Despite her numerous refusals, for no apparent reason, and brushing him off many times, he didn't give up. He was also sensitive in noticing that there was a reason why she was holding back. When he found out what it was, he didn't leave her side and was even willing to leave hockey just to be at her side. I also liked how the other team members were so protective of Kelsey and were willing to do all they could to help her when they found out about her illness. I recommend the book to all fans of romance novels; however, patients and people with serious illnesses might find some parts of this book triggering.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

The Location Shoot, by award-winning author Patricia Leavy, takes us on a captivating journey through the lives of a group of filmmakers shooting a movie in Sweden. The story follows the controversial filmmaker, Jean Mercier, and his cast, which includes the legendary Hollywood movie star Finn Forrester, and the American philosopher Ella Sinclair. As the film shoot progresses, the characters reflect on their lives and experiences, leading to unexpected relationships and self-discovery. Finn and Ella's love story is a central theme, as Ella struggles with committing to a serious relationship. After filming, the characters' views on life and love have been irrevocably changed, and their reunion at the Cannes Film Festival promises to be unforgettable.

Patricia Leavy's The Location Shoot is hard to put down. Leavy's literary style is engaging and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the Swedish location and the characters' emotions. It explores themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery in thought-provoking ways, encouraging us to reflect on our path in life. The characters grapple with questions many of us face, making the story relatable and enjoyable. Leavy is a master storyteller, skillfully weaving together a narrative that keeps us engaged from start to finish. The pacing is well-balanced, ensuring the story moves forward while allowing for meaningful reflection on the characters' experiences. Ultimately, it's a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of love, relationships, and self-discovery. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Two Hearts’ Rendezvous (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 20) by Tamara Ferguson is her latest iteration of this wonderfully sweet and romantic series. Zane, Lex, and little six-year-old Caleb have been on the run since they escaped from the sex traffickers who kidnapped them years earlier. Raiding a wine-storage facility on the vineyard of Gabe Giordano and his family, the trio is spotted by twelve-year-old Izzy Giordano. With a brother and younger sister who were also trafficked as part of the family, Izzy knows what the trio is going through and introduces them to her father and Jake Loughlin, both semi-retired FBI agents. Zane and Izzy’s instant connection and friendship will be rekindled later in life as friendship turns to romance but given Zane’s horrific past can he truly open up and let Izzy into every part of his life?

Two Hearts’ Rendezvous is a typically soulful and romantic tale that we have come to expect from this author. I have been an immense fan of author Tamara Ferguson for some years now and her latest offering is as enjoyable as her previous ones. What I particularly like so much about her work is that many of the characters are flawed in some way, either emotionally, spiritually, or physically. Using the idea of ex-military personnel who have been wounded in combat provides readers with insight into the difficulties many combat veterans find fitting back into the society they have been so bravely protecting. The trauma experienced by those children who are taken and trafficked for sex is deeply ingrained and, like Zane and Lex, many will struggle to open up to the ones they love for fear of rejection. This is adult romance. Although there are loving sexual scenes, these are always written beautifully and sensually without crossing the line. Because of her conversational, flowing writing style plus engaging characters, it is easy to read this book in one satisfying session, as I did. I am fascinated by Lex and his history so I was excited to read that he will be the principal character in the next work. Ferguson is truly a master in this genre and I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Meat Cute: A Post-Apocalyptic Slice-Of-Life Romance Story by Brandon McCormick is a survival novelette that follows a young woman named Ellie and her counterpart, Desmond, as they navigate the end of the world, as we know it. Bunkered down alone in a nondescript cabin, Ellie follows a routine established in the aftermath of a power-grid-style failure that killed modern conveniences and any shred of moral compass that humanity had left. She is a sharpshooter, a gamer, and pretty darn sexy. Caught in her trap, literally, Ellie meets and treats Desmond, and the pair learns to survive with one another. Ellie learns to trust and share. Desmond learns to live a new life where his foot is replaced with a bathtub adornment and where truffle pigs are not valued for what they dig up. When their world is upended once again, settling down with each other somehow feels less comfortable than settling down with others.

Meat Cute is wonderfully witty and guarantees a smile from a reader the entire way through. Brandon McCormick writes with a strong blend of intelligent humor and a believable survivalist plot that packs a bigger punch than one would expect from a story this moderate in size. I liked Ellie but liked Desmond more. Ellie views the world through the scope of a gun and I totally get that as a young woman on her own in a place where people really only fall into the categories of desperate and/or dangerous, the half-full cup prospect doesn't come easily. She's pragmatic and has a shoot first, figure it out later approach. Desmond is fortunate to have been found when Ellie was displaying a rare flicker of caring. I like that Desmond is more open but equally dorky. Overall this is a fantastic story with an excellent message: The couple that raids together, stays together. Or something like that. Very highly recommended.