Book reviews for books read in February 2026

 

February came and went in the blink of an eye. I read one ARC, and two new-to-me authors. I also mood read a monster romance by the fabulous Caroline Lee/Veronika Kane. I was able to attend the Wild & Windy West book signing in Phoenix where I met both Jade Dollston and Sara L. Hudson. They were both wonderful and I have special edition books on my shelf now to prove it. I was glad I was able to go to the signing. With the way the last 12 months have gone, that was never guaranteed.

All four of these books were true gems and I can't believe I am almost to the end of the first week in March before getting this blog review post finished.

I am very excited about getting back to the three series I started in February, but I will tell you that March and April are stacked with ARCs and I am just trying to keep up.

Check my reviews. Add these books to your TBR. And until next time, happy reading!

It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time 

(Darling Springs #1) by Lauren Blakely

ARC: Release Date- 03/03/2026

#Bodyguard #ForcedProximity #GrumpySunshine #OneBed #SmallTown #ARC

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV, can be read as a standalone, and ends with a HEA.

Ripley is a feisty, intelligent, fun main character. She is good at taking care of everyone around her. She also doesn’t hesitate to let her sassy side show-especially when it comes to Banks. Banks is a big, gruff, bodyguard that adores from the beginning that Ripley challenges him. He never stood a chance at not falling for her when they are placed together constantly.

I loved that Ripley was a twin. It added a fun element. Her dog, Hudson, is a very good boy. I loved that the sisters are close and loving to each other- no evil twin in sight.  Their grandma was a fun and independent character who was able to share wisdom and love with Ripley. The small town of Darling Springs is full of fun and interesting characters, and I look forward to visiting this world again soon.

Bred by the Orc (Stolen Harlots #1) 

by Caroline Lee & Veronika Kane

#Fantasy #Historical #Kidnapping #FatedMates #Monster #Virgin

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

Sorcha is the eldest daughter in medieval Scotland destined to do her duty by forming an alliance by marrying a laird and bearing sons. Things take a turn when she is instead kidnapped through by an orc Chief. Drakolt is a huge green orc determined to fulfill the prophecy of taking his mate and forming an alliance that protects his people.

This was a fun and smutty read where Sorcha is a spunky heroine who know her own body well enough to make sure her needs are met. I loved her sense of adventure and her willingness to make the situation work. Drakolt is a softy under a ton of muscle who falls fast and hard for the Scottish lass. Truly an easy and enjoyable read.

Dauntless Protector (Fierce Protectors #1) 

by Jade Dollston

#GrumpyHero

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

Beau is a grumpy hero who has never entertained having a relationship until he sees Charli and falls head over heels for her. The chemistry between these two leads to an abundance of steamy and explicit scenes. If you don’t like smutty romance, this is not for you. They have some growing pains in their relationship as they build trust, deal with exes, and overcome communication challenges and personal insecurities. I adored the banter between Beau and his sister-and with his team of security experts. I loved how sweet Charli is. I expected a twist on a nanny romance, and I got a whole lot more. Sensitive readers should consider the author’s content warnings as there are a lot of topics that are skimmed in this story.

Space Junk: Houston, We Have a Hottie (Space #1) 

by Sara L Hudson

#OppostitesAttract #RomanticComedy

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. This was my first book by this author. I found it refreshing and fun to read.

I loved Jackie. She is a nerdy, brilliant, sometimes clueless genius who works for NASA and dreams of becoming an astronaut. Flynn is a secretly rich cowboy mechanic who falls hard and fast for the brilliant woman. I loved that Jackie was a little oblivious to her appeal to men. I loved that she was curious and intelligent. I loved that Flynn gave her the confidence to embrace her sensual side. Flynn has some interesting family dynamics. Jackie finds her group of girlfriends that have her back. I honestly really enjoyed this read. I am excited to read more books in this series.

I started this as an audiobook and finished it in eBook.  I loved the audio as the narrators really did a wonderful job bringing the characters and the story to life.