Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

Cruise Fling is the story of Andrea, who has been a single parent since losing her husband three years ago. She needs a vacation and books one, but when her family backs out, she decides to go anyway. She’s been stuck in grieving for so long that she’s oblivious to the attention she’s getting from Thomas, a pediatric surgeon fresh off heartbreak. They’re on the same cruise and not unfamiliar with each other, since their siblings are in a relationship. It’s a fun premise, and when Andrea steps up in a big way to help Thomas when he runs into his cheating ex, a fake engagement is born. Between their chemistry, the port adventures, and witty banter, Kathleen Allen writes a fun contemporary romance that hits all the right notes.

Andrea and Thomas have really good chemistry throughout the story, which may be because they already know each other, but it helps push the story along and sell the fake engagement ruse. Kathleen Allen cranks up the steam between these two, heightening the romance growing between them. Cruise Fling is the perfect vacation read, fun, fast-paced, and full of adventure. And if you need extra drama, Thomas’s ex is there to prevent things from going too smoothly. At times, the writing feels a bit clinical, but it didn’t take away from the meat of the story. This is the second book in a series, but I didn’t feel as if I missed anything important by not reading the books in order. Overall, this is an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Terms of Submission by Marina Belle presents a world where power and desire collide in a romance that will grab the attention of fans of dark themes and BDSM. It pushes the boundaries of control and submission, asking the question: Can one find freedom in the act of submitting to another? Sabine is an intern who wants to build a career at Vire Industries. But one evening at a gala puts her in the path of the enigmatic Grayson Vire, a gifted, calculating leader who is best at what he does at work, but who is internally broken, the kind of man who craves control but withdraws from physical touch. Grayson offers Sabine a contract for a relationship built on rules and safety. For someone who has been hurt before and who wants her freedom, she will quickly learn that there is more to submission; it is not weakness. But when secrets start to surface, can they protect the special space they have created for each other?

Marina Belle’s novel surprised me on different levels. The author offers a fresh perspective on BDSM, portraying submission as liberating and empowering. One thing that I enjoyed about this book is the author’s gift for character development. Both Sabine and Grayson are flawed, each carrying the burden of a painful past. It was intriguing how the characters influence each other in this romance, with Sabine learning to surrender while taking control of leading Grayson to a place he has always been afraid to be. The writing in Terms of Submission is gorgeous, and the descriptions capture the characters' psyches and their sensual experiences with unusual clarity. This book is a perfect read for fans of The Professional by Kresley Cole and Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

When Dreams Float is the first book in the Black Love Series by Dorothy Elizabeth Love. When Dr. Winston Knight, a Texas-based medical practitioner, attends a medical conference in Papeete, Tahiti, he meets Melanie McDae, an adventurous travel blogger and writer. From the moment Winston and Melanie set eyes on each other, they feel an instant mutual attraction that neither can deny. Their connection grows further during a cruise trip, as they spend more time together. However, when Winston's ex-girlfriend, Daphne, shows up unannounced, claiming to be pregnant with his child, it drives a wedge between Winston and Melanie. Winston is determined to uncover the truth about Daphne's claims. But do Melanie and Winston have a future together?

When Dreams Float is packed with romance, drama, and humor. Dorothy Elizabeth Love has written an engaging yarn bound to appeal to readers of contemporary romance. The setting is captivating and the characters immensely likable. The exotic locales of Tahiti set the perfect background for this engrossing romantic drama. Melanie and Winston's romance is the beating heart of the story. However, the secondary characters, such as Sandra and Chuck, also have their moments to shine. I found this to be a delightful read, thanks to Love's expert pacing and the uplifting tone that permeates the entire story. Additionally, the dialogue and character interactions are entertaining, filled with wit, humor, and charm. If you're looking for a sizzling romance novel, you're in for a treat. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and you should too.

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

When Kash is offered a security gig by his cousin Steel, the owner of a security company, to be the live-in bodyguard of a rockstar’s father, Kash accepts despite the knowledge that the rockstar is Valon, his ex. The job was the perfect opportunity for Kash to get away from his criminal life in Atlantic City, apart from bringing him close to Ledger, Valon’s father, with whom he had a lot of history. But that’s not all. Kash has had a secret crush on Ledger for years. As he lands in California, he has no idea how things between him and Ledger are going to turn out, or how much the past is going to rub it in his face. Are things going to play out in Kash’s favor? Discover more in Finding Shelter (Steel Security Book 1) by Charity Parkerson.

Lovers of LGBTQ contemporary sizzle-romance novels blended with suspense and a splash of drama will find Finding Shelter by Charity Parkerson an enthralling read. Parkerson brings the cast to life on the pages with deliberate prose and vivid imagery. From the tense outdoor interactions between Kash and people from his past to the erotic escapades he engages in indoors, nothing is left to the imagination. The character-driven conversations and introspective commentary gave me insight into the characters’ emotions, traits, and conflicts. Valon highlights the dark side of fame and its impact on people. Through Kash and Ledger, we see how painful it is to watch your loved one waste away and not be able to help them. Kash’s complex personality also displays the effects of childhood trauma and living a tough life.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In Empire of Ache & Ruin, book one in the Empire of Ruin series by Diana A. Hicks, Tristan “Archer” Sallows returns to New York after years of exile, bent on bringing down the man who destroyed his family. Maurice Davis, the powerful senator who killed Archer's father, has lived a life of lies, assuming a new identity and manipulating those around him. In his pursuit of vengeance, Archer's path crosses with Davis’s daughter, Paloma. Raised in seclusion and sheltered from her father's crimes, Paloma is unaware of the darkness surrounding her family. When she offers herself in an auction to save her father, Archer purchases her, intending to use her as part of his revenge. But as he grows closer to her, Archer begins to question his motives, torn between his need for retribution and his feelings for Paloma. “The white swan, Odette, is cursed. The black swan, Odíle, is controlled by her father, the evil sorcerer."

Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks is a darkly seductive, emotional firebrand of a novel that grabs readers and never lets go. Hicks jumps straight into the deep end with writing that's razor-sharp, juxtaposed against raw vulnerability through polished prose. The sizzle is expertly done. It is intense, immersive, and never gratuitous, peeling back something deeper with each scene. I like that Paloma isn't deflowered from the word go, and the simmering of revenge and moral decay pulse beneath the surface. Hicks uses haunting metaphors and symbolism in the story that elevate it beyond genre expectations, especially the use of ballet as a metaphor for control and duality. Archer is, of course, the smoldering alpha we expect but Hicks doesn’t shy away from amplifying his difficult emotional terrain, and her portrayal of shifting power dynamics kept me questioning Archer’s true, and shifting, intent. This is romance with teeth: bold, elegant, and unafraid to ache before it heals. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti is a modern romance with a significant twist. Cousins Marcus and Barrington Laurier come from wealth and power. Storm Canales, their childhood best friend, is the daughter of immigrants. Although the trio had been inseparable buddies all their teenage years, as they grew into adulthood this friendship developed into something far deeper. Both Barrington and Marcus were deeply in love with Storm, which should have been a problem but not for them. They envisaged a future where they shared Storm, living together as a happy trio. A mean-spirited remark to Storm at a Laurier party, where cousin Roddy refers to Storm as just a commoner and a gold-digger is the catalyst that sends Storm running from the boys, ready to begin her chosen career as an agent for the DEA. After a bungled operation in the South American jungle where Storm is captured, raped, and tortured, she is finally rested and sent home to recuperate. When Marcus and Barrington learn Storm is back, they are determined to win her heart again and claim her as their very own.

Irresistible Bond is not my usual reading fare but I’m glad I took a chance on something a little different for a change. Author Victoria Saccenti has created an unusual and intriguing plot line that allows readers to delve into the world of BDSM, Dominants, and Submissives. This story is very definitely adults only and naturally explicit with much of the story revolving around the details of the trio’s love and physical relationship but the narrative is erotic and hot, as opposed to tacky and tawdry. The concept of a permanent three-way relationship is explored with sensitivity and understanding and this gives the story some real authority. What I truly appreciated was that although the relationship and its physical aspects are a major part of the plot, there is a solid, underlying story. I admit to being intrigued by many aspects of the dominant, submissive lifestyle and the author does a wonderful job of making it all seem like a normal and acceptable lifestyle choice in today’s world. This is fast-moving and intensely erotic, so if you are looking for a change of pace in your reading material, you couldn’t go far wrong with this book. I highly recommend this read.

Reviewed by Keana Sackett-Moomey for Readers' Favorite

Stripped Bounty by Dorothy F. Shaw depicts the enticing love tango between Rosie Santini and her alpha, Badger Baxter. After Rosie's ne'er-do-well husband steals money from a drug lord, he ends up getting killed in the process. When the same drug lord begins to search for Rosie and his missing cash, she leaves Connecticut, heads to Phoenix, and gets a job as a stripper in a club. Badger is a bouncer (and part-time bounty hunter) who works at the club where Rosie is stationed. Their attraction for each other is almost immediate. But Badger has a taste for submissive women, and aside from being a stripper, Rosie is far from submissive. Nonetheless, Badger senses there is something different about her, and he's intrigued. When Rosie's past eventually catches up to her in the club, Badger can't help but protect her. Can he save Rosie and earn her love in the end?

If you're a die-hard romance fan, Stripped Bounty will keep you mesmerized from start to finish. It is action-packed, sizzling, and emotionally charged in all the right ways and all the right places. This novel has everything that a romance lover could ever ask for—a sexy alpha, a resilient female protagonist, and several tantalizing sex scenes between them. The overall storyline and romantic buildup are well-written and perfectly developed. The plot is fast-paced but maintains its momentum throughout the novel. It had me flipping through the pages like there was no tomorrow. The chemistry between Rosie and Badger is intense on every page. Since the moment they lock eyes, you know they are meant for each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this spicy adventure—and so will you! This is the first book I have read by Dorothy F. Shaw, but it certainly won't be my last.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Bound by Her by MZ Rylan is a dark, sizzling, and powerfully subversive romance that flips the script on dominance, desire, and control. Adria Fedorov, who is the heiress to a violent secret society, is a woman who doesn’t kneel, but only commands. But when three dangerous men are dropped into her orbit as part of a deadly legacy deal, she must train them or break them, or maybe both. With acute tension, steamy psychological play, and a heroine who refuses to surrender anything she hasn’t taken by force, Bound by Her is a bold and unforgettable read.

Author MZ Rylan knows how to grip readers by the throat from the very first page and ensure that they’ll be glued to the story throughout this dark, daring, and utterly addictive read. Adria is certainly the focal point of this character-driven tale, and the story more than lives up to its title with a powerhouse heroine in a world where dominance is everything, doing all she can to assert her total control over the situation. Her journey is fair from easy despite her obvious power, however, and the intimate narrative portrayals offer readers a complex, compelling read that’s as steamy as it is smart, penned by an author who knows a lot about the dynamics of this community in the real world. Overall, Bound by Her is a well-paced slow burn with sharp edges, and I’d certainly recommend it to readers seeking a romance with real bite.

Reviewed by Keana Sackett-Moomey for Readers' Favorite

In Healing Hearts by C. R. Alam, Gene Rowland is a doctor suffering from burnout. He returns to his small hometown in Gainesville, Georgia, hoping for a fresh start. Unexpectedly, while heading home, Gene witnesses a car accident. The driver of the car is Amanda Garner, the beautiful local baker. She swerved off the road to avoid hitting a young girl. When the girl is nowhere to be found, the paramedics, police, and Gene are a little dubious of Amanda's story. Nonetheless, Gene decides to watch over Amanda that night since she refuses medical assistance. Gradually, Gene finds himself drawn to her compassion for others. He becomes determined to assist her in any way, including helping her locate the mysterious girl from the accident. Gene and Amanda's shared chemistry is undeniable and intense. Will they find the young girl and eventually give their love a chance?

Healing Hearts is the fifth romantic novella in the enthralling Echo Series. C.R. Alam takes readers on Gene and Amanda's captivating journey as they navigate the vicissitudes of rediscovering each other and opening their hearts to love again. Their deep romantic connection is entwined with cathartic events and sizzling moments, vividly illustrating the heartfelt burgeoning of their relationship. The author skillfully weaves themes of charity, deep inner healing, the importance of demonstrating empathy, and the power of human connection through the well-developed and emotive storyline. Each chapter embodies warmth, cheerfulness, and positive energy, leaving a lingering imprint on readers long after they have finished reading. With its positive messages, irresistible characters, and compelling narrative, Healing Hearts is a certified must-read! I recommend it to romance lovers everywhere.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

In All the Rest by Christina Berry, Sheryl has a huge personality, which makes it difficult to have a boyfriend. She has been perpetually single, and she is already thirty-five years old without kids. All her friends have kids, and she is starting to feel jealous. One day at the dinner table, she gets a weird idea and decides to implement it against the advice of her friend, Ari. The quest to find someone to just impregnate her begins immediately, but it is not without ups and downs. One time she gets involved with some bikers, which puts her in a difficult spot with Manic. She has known Manic from the bar for many years and considers him her friend. Manic had flatly refused to impregnate her when she had initially asked. How will things turn out between them as they continue to spend more time together?

Despite All the Rest by Christina Berry being the fourth book in the Lost in Austin series, it can easily be read as a standalone. With highly engaging dialogue, there was never a dull moment, and I was hooked from the first chapter to the last. The vivid descriptions helped me to create mental pictures and also left me yearning for more. Christina also ensured the plot flowed seamlessly, which meant no room for confusion for the reader. The reader will also appreciate other things covered, such as mental health issues, which got me thinking about the diagnosis and management of such issues. The characters were well-developed, and the excellent narration added to the overall beauty of this work. This was an amazing read, and I look forward to reading something else by Christina.