Reviewed by Sarah Lowry for Readers' Favorite

Hooked by Christine Manzari follows the developing romance between Cat and Huck. Cat is a skater girl and an amazing graphic designer; she loves to share a good time with a man, but love is a fairytale she doesn’t believe in. It would require her to allow herself to be vulnerable and to give up control. Huck is a pretty boy who loves photography, being in control, and is a workaholic. Cat is not his type nor is Huck her type, yet they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another despite their differences. Cat insists that they not share personal information and just have a good time. However, when tragedy strikes in Cat’s life, her inability to get close might just push away the one man she needs the most.

Hooked by Christine Manzari is a romance full of laughs and tears. Cat is an independent, snarky woman that I loved right away. I’m a sucker for a strong female character, and Cat did not disappoint me. Huck is a pretty boy with a good heart, which made him easy to fall in love with. The characters are well written and both grow throughout the story. I loved that the point of view was from both characters because I love to be able to identify with both of the main characters. Hooked had complex characters as well as a complex storyline; there were several layers of obstacles that the characters, particularly Cat, must overcome before they can have their happily ever after. This was a wonderful story, and I highly recommend giving it a read.

Reviewed by Michelle Mollohan for Readers' Favorite

Calen's Captive: A Singular Obsession Book 2 by Lucy Leroux is the second installment in this book series, but it is a complete, stand-alone romance novel. Calen's Captive tells the tale of Calen and Maia. Calen is the son of an Irish mobster who resisted the family business and has launched a successful and legal enterprise. Maia is an entomology student at Harvard, who finds herself in mortal danger when she is chasing an elusive butterfly through the woods and stumbles upon a body dump taking place. Maia is captured and death appears imminent. Calen has been put in the uncomfortable position of taking his father's place during a meeting with the Russians when he catches a glimpse of Maia. During the negotiations, he demands Maia be given to him and refuses to back down until the Russians concede. Maia is taken to Calen's home where she realizes he means her no harm. Maia is quickly immersed in a new lifestyle, with a luxurious wardrobe and gourmet foods, and 24/7 surveillance to ensure the Russians don't try to eliminate her as a witness. Calen is determined to keep her safe, no matter the cost. Maia finds herself drawn to this man who is deeply attracted to her.

Calen's Captive: A Singular Obsession Book 2 by Lucy Leroux is an enjoyable distraction. There is just the right mix of drama, danger and sex to keep the reader riveted until the end. Maia is a refreshing character in that she enjoys most of the changes that occur in her life rather than being petulant and ungrateful. Calen is the typical obsessive Alpha male, with just enough quirks to make him likeable. The other characters in the book give the promise of further tales of romance with just as much intrigue.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Touched by a Phoenix by Sophia Byron is a compelling story that sizzles with passion and romance. Brad Scott, though a playboy, keeps his mind and heart dedicated to his job revolving around military technology. Things change when he meets Alexandria Saunders, daughter of one of the wealthiest men in military technology. She becomes an obsession for him. Alexis, on the other hand, does not trust anyone due to her past experience, and has channeled her thoughts and energy into her profession. In this story of action, romance and passion, readers see themselves going through a gamut of emotions along with Brad and Alexis and the dangers that follow them. Will Brad be able to save the world from the terrorists and the terrors they are going to unleash?

The plot has many layers to it. On one side we see the romantic angle to the story with Brad and Alexis, another side showcases the terrorists who want to harm Brad and Alexis, and yet another side speaks about the military, military surveillance and secrecy. The author does a great job weaving in all the sub-plots to the main plot without losing the fluidity and pace of the story. The characters of Brad and Alexis are electrifying in their passion, personality and success. The story takes readers through many twists and turns, keeping them engrossed in the book until the very end. The romantic angle that runs through the plot tones down the harshness of the terror angle, giving it a softness and gentleness. A romantic story that will hold the attention of readers with its many layers.

Reviewed by Cheryl Schopen for Readers' Favorite

As a follow-up book to Neighbors, A Chance for More by Zanne Sweeney is about the blossoming relationship between Shelby and Clay. New Jersey girl, Shelby, visits her mom at her new home in Wyoming for Christmas. That is where she meets Clay, the son of her mom’s neighbor. They are instantly attracted to each other, but Shelby is guarded and cautious because she is aware of Clay’s reputation as being quite the ladies’ man. Clay is not one to take relationships seriously, so his feelings for Shelby surprise him. They may have differences and come from opposite sides of the country, but their intense chemistry is undeniable. Certain circumstances and people seem to get in the way, but will they be able to overcome them and make their relationship work?

Zanne Sweeney has done it again. I had the pleasure of reading Neighbors a few months ago, so I jumped at the chance to read A Chance for More as soon as I saw it. While Neighbors is about Shelby’s mom and Clay’s dad’s budding romance, A Chance for More focuses on their children. Even though the first part of the book occurred during Neighbors, it was not repetitive at all. It told a completely different story as it offered many more details from the perspectives of Shelby and Clay. In fact, this could definitely read as a stand-alone book. I am a sucker for a good romance, and this one did not disappoint. I absolutely loved it, and I could not put it down. Their instant chemistry, attempts to stay away from each other, hot and steamy encounters, and unquestionable growing love for each other made for an entertaining, intense, and heartwarming story. This is certainly a must-read. I hope Sweeney continues to provide the world with her amazing stories. I’ll be the first in line to read them.

Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

Destined For Love tells us the story of Rex Braden and Jade Johnson who grew up practically next door to one another. Unfortunately, the elder Mr. Braden and Mr. Johnson have been feuding for decades, making Rex and Jade’s newly rediscovered attraction very inconvenient for all involved. Rex is the Braden who did the so-called right thing by staying at home to help his dad run the ranch. The ranch was his life, leaving little time for anything personal other than scratching the occasional itch. Jade has recently returned to town after an ex couldn’t take ‘break up’ for an answer. Melissa Foster has a knack for creating characters with depth. There are many layers to not just Rex and Jade, but Hal, Earl, Jane and even Adriana. The slightly supernatural element to this story was truly touching and kind of heartfelt.

I will say that for most of the story I wanted to strangle Rex and Jade. I mean, really, a family feud keeping you apart! It just felt like both Jade and Rex were a little too willing to play the role of martyr over some silly decades-old fight between two ornery old men. I totally get why Hal was upset with his former friend, but there has to be a limit. Just as his mom and dad, Rex and Jade were Destined For Love despite what their parents think of it. Adriana would be so proud of Max and Hal for finally making things right. I have really come to love Melissa Foster as a writer. The family support, character development and the steamy but loving sex scenes all come together beautifully for truly engaging stories. I got to catch up with my favorite couple so far, Max and Treat, without taking the spotlight off the couple du jour.

Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

Riley Banks has finally gotten her big break and it comes thanks to her long-time crush and fashion designer extraordinaire Josh Braden. Fresh off the plane in the fashion capital, Riley is equal parts excited and nervous about flexing her design muscle for big city fashionistas and Josh. In Friendship on Fire, Riley and Josh have succumbed to the feelings that have consumed them since childhood, but there are obstacles in the form of a scheming co-worker and the professional relationship between Josh and Riley. I love how Melissa Foster captures the real struggle Riley has between shouting her feelings from the tallest skyscraper in New York and being seen as the cliché girl sleeping with the boss. It is a real issue and she handled it beautifully.

Friendship on Fire is a great story that follows two secretly in love people, Riley and Josh, who have their own reasons for never acting on their attraction. A chance meeting changes Riley’s personal and professional life forever. This story has just the right amount of drama and second-guessing to make it enjoyable. Sure, Claudia is awful, but she is believably awful instead of a cartoon villain. She is just as one would expect an overly ambitious woman in the fashion industry to be; perfectly beautiful and easy to hate. Melissa Foster creates wonderfully loving and witty scenes between Josh and Riley, as well as Josh and the Braden clan that had a big goofy grin on my face for most of this story. It was nice to see the story of Riley and Josh unfold and to spend a few more hours with the Bradens.

Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

In Hearts at Play, it is time to get acquainted with Grand Prix racer Hugh Braden and single mom Brianna Heart. Hugh is used to living his life fast, both on and off the track. Beautiful women, glamorous parties and overzealous fan girls are the norm in his life, so when his crew chief, Art, suggests a blind date with a woman deemed “perfect” for him, Hugh is prepared for the worst. What he did not expect was the beautiful bartender not giving him a second thought. Brianna can spot a player a mile away and she pegs Hugh from the start, refusing to indulge in his flirtations or acknowledge his McDreamy-like appearance. Through Melissa Foster’s incredible words we see just how determined Brianna is to make a good life for her and six-year-old cutie, Layla. She’s sworn off men until her daughter is 18, but when her life gets thrown for a loop, it’s Hugh who steps up to give her a helping hand.

Melissa Foster has given us yet another amazing Braden tale. Hugh has lived his life the way he wants without regard to how a revolving door of long-legged beauties may affect his future. In Hearts at Play, that future becomes mighty present and Hugh comes through with flying colors. What made this story so impressive and sweet and swoon-worthy is that Hugh is great, even with his flaws and very public predilection for beautiful women. Bree is tough but tender, and is willing to judge Hugh on his own deeds rather than on Layla’s father’s bad deeds. It can be tricky to write a romance with a single mom without making her overbearing or too ready to settle down with a supposed ‘good guy’. Melissa Foster struck the perfect balance, making the story real and lovely.