Book reviews for books read January 10th-31st

 

In the last 21 days of the longest month in existence, I read four ARCs. Two were hockey romances. Two were single dad. All were fantastic. The hubby and I took a week off in California to spend some time with family. Though it impacted my reading, I wouldn't trade those memories for anything.

There are a lot more good books that were released in January and I hope to read them soon. Till next time, happy reading.

On Borrowed Time (Blossom Peak #2) by Harlow James

ARC: Release Date- 01/16/2026

#GrumpySunshine #Nanny #SingleDad #SmallTown #ARC

 I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. This is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and ends with a HEA. Though this story can be read as a standalone, readers will want to read book one of the series first to avoid spoilers if that bothers them.

Henley is such a delightfully broken grump of a man. At 32, he had a traumatic childhood that left him feeling unworthy and incapable of love. I loved that he got a surprise baby dropped on him, but more than that, I adore how he steps up to be a good dad. His commitment to little Remy from the very beginning melted me. His meet-cute with Elodie was perfection (and such a metaphor for their relationship) when they literally crash into each other. Elodie (25) is at a crossroads when they meet. She is trying to decide if she wants to continue with the dream she has pursued or alter it. Henley and Remy help clarify what she wants out of her life and what she is willing to sacrifice to get it.

I adored the friendship they formed. I loved the sparks and attraction between them. I loved that Henley recognized that Elodie was different from the women of his past and acted accordingly. There is nothing better than a man who falls first, and Henley falls hard. Their friendship heals both of them. The love they gain is sweet and the spice is just right. This was an excellent addition to the series. This author keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Just Breaking the Rules (Hockey Ever After #1) 

by Lauren Blakely

ARC: Release Date-01/21/2026

#BrothersBestFriend #SingleDad #Sports #Workplace #ARC

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

Corbin won me over from the start by stepping in to take care of Mabel when she needed help. As her brother’s best friend, he spent years denying his attraction to her. Once they start spending more time together, it becomes impossible for him to avoid it. Mabel is a little scattered in the beginning, but she is a determined soul. She is pursuing her dream of opening her own bakery. An inheritance and Corbin’s partnership make it possible for both their dreams to come true and their relationship blossoms into a beautiful friendship that sets the foundation for more. This was a sweet and spicy story with a heart-melting hero, lots of baked goods, an incredibly organized 12-year-old daughter, and letters from the last century. It’s a wonderful start to a new series in the continuing world of this author’s books.

Move Me (Cherry Blossom Lake #6) by Tawna Fenske

ARC: Release Date- 01/30/2026

#ExCon #OppositesAttract #SurprisePregnancy #ARC

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this last book in series gives Hazel and Luke a HEA. It can be read as a standalone, and longtime readers will recognize Luke as Amy’s brother from the Juniper Ridge series.

Luke is working construction for Spencer Holdings when he and his boss lady Hazel have a fling resulting in a big surprise. Hazel has intrigued me from the beginning of this series. She is so serious, organized, in control, and dressed to perfection. It was a lot of fun to see her give in to her attraction to Luke and get a little messy. There were hot times and laugh-out-loud moments in this read. A couple of conversations where misunderstandings take the lead had me rolling. I loved Luke and his sincere and earnest desire to take care of his family. Hazel, with her insecurities under her outward perfection, was a complex character that was fun to unravel. This book also sets up the next series and I cannot wait.

Best of You (Colorado Black Diamonds #5)  

by Emily Silver

ARC: Release Date- 01/30/2026

#FriendsToLovers #AccidentalMarriage #MoC #Sports #ARC

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It was wonderful to return to the Black Diamonds, and it capped the series perfectly.

Declan and Alice have a friendship that formed after a gross meet-cute early in college. They have survived years and distance apart as best friends. They never dreamed they might wake up married to each other. Their reactions set the tone for the book as they go from never-to maybe- to what if? – to yes. I adored their commitment and care for each other. I loved that Alice is strong enough to pursue her dreams and embrace her found family when her blood family fails. I adored Declan and his big mushy heart. All that and smoking hot times too. This was an entertaining and engaging read.