Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

In Another Life by Owen Parr is a captivating story that follows lawyers Ethan Cole and Claire Donovan. When they first meet, they feel an undeniable connection. Their love is beautiful yet forbidden; both are married to other people and have children. If word of their affair spreads, they risk losing everything. Claire has an ailing husband, while Ethan's wife is his high school sweetheart. They attempt to say goodbye to each other multiple times, but fate keeps bringing them back together. However, when Claire’s husband dies, she finds herself accused of his murder, based on an anonymous call suggesting she killed him because of her affair. This accusation brings their worlds to a standstill, putting their lives, careers, and Ethan’s marriage in jeopardy.

In Another Life highlights the complexity and unpredictability of love. Ethan and Claire's relationship is one of soulmates meeting at the wrong time. Although it feels wrong to root for them, their chemistry is extraordinary. The story kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering if they would be discovered. Owen Parr skillfully captures the reader's attention from the very first page, weaving a dramatic narrative filled with engaging elements. For fans of legal dramas, this book offers a compelling dive into courtroom dynamics, covering topics such as jury selection and handling motion hearings. The ending provides a realistic resolution to the situation. The book addresses the sensitive theme of infidelity, which may trigger some readers. Nonetheless, it's a great read with a profound message about sacrifice and taking chances. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates stories about forbidden love.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

A long-awaited love is threatened by a stalker in the exciting romance novel, Bet’s Christmas Gamble (Evanston) by Ann Dunbar. Bet has loved Garrett her whole life, but believes he still sees her as a child. For several years, she has been working remotely for the company owned by Garrett, without his knowledge. However, Garrett hasn’t been so unaffected by Bet as she thinks. In an effort to bring her out of her shell and let her know how he feels about her, Garrett makes attending the company’s Christmas party mandatory. Unfortunately, someone else has other plans for Garrett that don’t include Bet. As the party draws closer, the danger to Bet increases. With a deadly enemy creeping in the shadows, Garrett fights to protect the woman he loves. But is their adversary smarter than they think?

Behind the holiday cheer and developing romantic relationships, Bet’s Christmas Gamble by Ann Dunbar is a thrilling romance novel overflowing with suspense and intrigue. Laced with subterfuge and deception, the story moves at a steady pace in a perfect rhythm of adversity and desire. A few unexpected twists in the plotline add to the mounting tension and apprehension. Complete with action, a little drama, and intimate scenes, the plot threads weave a compelling tale of desire, hope, and love. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion with an enticing small thread dangling that promises more excitement to come. Everyone who loves stories filled with love and strong family ties will not want to miss reading this book.

Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite

Hiding behind her successful career as a novelist, Delaney Sharpe nurses a heart broken by abandonment. Dumped by her actor soulmate on his way to fame and fortune years earlier, she hasn’t recovered from the loss and humiliation of loving him through his alcoholism and then waking up alone. When a well-intentioned trip to Vegas with her best friend brings her face-to-face with her publicly disgraced ex-boyfriend, Del’s agony rises to the surface. But Phoenix seems determined to keep her close while reclaiming her heart, and she is powerless to resist his familiar charms. Del is also older and wiser, and his actions make her suspicious of his intentions, especially when she discovers her latest missing female plot involves a former friend of his. On the Way Down by Jennifer Farwell is an emotional rollercoaster ride.

Jennifer Farwell has produced a stunning contemporary romance in On the Way Down. I got caught up in the swirling emotional connections that she artfully directs, sharing Del’s confusion over Phoenix while at the same time feeling genuinely fearful for her. Even the side characters have the depth of a D.H. Lawrence description, and each has a purpose within the plot’s fascinating threads. The theme of the novel is loyalty, highlighted by Del’s relationship with Ava, which transcends all others, including that of her love interest. But the skillful crisscrossing of loyalties is what I appreciated most. Some will survive the test of time, and others will end in betrayal. This is a brilliantly written second-chance romance, and the background murder mystery is the ultimate cherry on the cake. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite

No Climb Too High by Angela Haas starts with a woman running out of second chances. Roxanne Denning was struck by lightning in the Colorado mountains two years ago. It left her physically intact with some scars as a souvenir, but emotionally fractured. The accident pulls her away from her globe-trotting career at World Explorer and limits her to writing about local hotels. She doesn’t leave the city. She keeps the window shades down on planes. Roxanne is teetering on the edge of everything she’s worked for, until her editor pushes her off. The push comes in the form of an ultimatum, sending her back to the Colorado mountains, to Firebird Ranch, a place that heals broken soldiers. The owner of the ranch, Duke Faraday, is waging his own private war with his nightmares. He does not want a camera crew on his property, and he absolutely doesn’t want to fall in love with the city girl who has no place in his world. Will Roxanne and Duke be able to heal each other and find a way to make their forever story work?

No Climb Too High by Angela Haas is unhurried and deliberately paced. This isn’t a rushed book, and I thought that was entirely the point, because the theme of slow healing demands a slow burn. I could feel the warmth in everything, whether it was the cedar-scented lodge or the coffee always waiting on the porch. Healing and romance are both integrated into the story beautifully without letting one overshadow the other. Duke and Roxanne’s push-pull is earned on every page because Haas takes both seriously. Duke and Roxanne have real wounds and strong emotional walls. It was genuinely enjoyable to watch them chip away at each other’s defenses. The cast of other characters, including Topper, Allie, Leo, the unforgettable bulldog Jameson, and therapy horse Goose, make Firebird Ranch feel lived-in and real. The theme of ‘feel to heal’ quietly runs through every chapter. No Climb Too High is a contemporary romance for anyone who has stood at the base of something that felt impossible and climbed it anyway.

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.