Book reviews for books read March 19th-31st

 

In the last week or so of March I felt like the old me and got some reading done. I read two ARCs, backtracked to catch up on a couple of TBR books I hadn't read yet, and read a novella by Hannah McBride that I somehow missed before. Needless to say, despite busy life stuff, this made my month.

I'm sure my reading pace is going to vary as life happens, but I was very happy to feel like me again.

Check the reviews. Add the books to your TBR. Thank an author today for pulling you into a fantasy world that lets you escape your reality- even for a little while.

Happy reading!

Ryder (Lucky Rivers Ranch #5) by Jessica Peterson

ARC: Release Date- 04/07/2026

#BrothersBestFriend #Cowboy #FriendsToLovers #FamilySeries #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 and ends with a HEA. This is the final book in the Lucky River Ranch series. Though it can be read as a standalone (Ryder and Billie’s story is fully contained within) readers may get the most enjoyment from knowing the whole family and reading the series in the order of release.

Ryder (27) is the last of his brothers to open his heart. Billie (24) is the only girl with five brothers, one of whom is Ryder’s best friend. I loved Billie. She is in some ways completely fearless while in others she constrains herself pleasing her family and the people around her to her own detriment. I related to her on so many levels. I love how she is comfortable being completely real with Ryder and he develops that same comfort with her. When they are together, they each feel like they can breathe. I adore how they support each other in allowing feelings, even the messy ones, to exist and be. I really appreciated the growth of both characters. Ryder learns to feel his feelings and recognize his emotions while Billie gains confidence in herself and her ability to pursue a dream that may not please her family at first. I love how Ryder’s walls crumble in the face of Billie’s support and encouragement.

Like all this author’s books, there are plenty of hot steamy times. Ryder was a surprise in this area. My mom always said to watch out for the quiet ones: ooh boy, was she right. These two are dynamite together. There is also plenty of southern food in the mix that is sure to make your mouth water. I am excited about the next series as I am sure we will see these Rivers cowboys again along the way. I can’t wait.

Captivation Creek (Haven Brothers #5) by Claire Kingsley

ARC: Release Date- 04/07/2026

#FriendsToLovers #FamilySeries #ForcedProximity #SmallTown #RomanticSuspense #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, can be read as a standalone, and ends with a HEA.

Theo: former pro football player, high school football coach, teacher, best friend to Penelope.

Penelope: slightly nerdy high school art teacher with a deep attachment to her grandmother and the little town of Tilikum, best friend to Theo.

I loved this story. Best friends to lovers is always my favorite. When they are work besties with a tendency to find some trouble that makes it even better. I loved that they got to know each other on a deeper level once they became roommates. I love that they both have inquisitive minds and supportive families. I appreciated that there was a mystery that unfolded with a little drama and a big HEA. There is some humor, some wit, and some hot times along the way. I adored this couple.

Tequila and Cowboys (Pinecrest, Montana #0.5) 

by Emily Silver

#BestFriendsBrother #FriendsToLovers #Prequel #SmallTown 

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this prequel sets up a brand-new series in Montana. Chase is a good guy that Rylee has crushed on for a long time. When she decides to go for it, sparks fly immediately.

This was a fast, steamy read to set up the series and introduce new characters. I loved Rylee and Chase and how much they shared even before they got together. Rylee is sassy and fun. Chase is solid and loving. A great start to the series.

Duke (Lucky River Ranch #4) by Jessica Peterson

#Cowboy #CinnamonRollHero #SurprisePregnancy #FamilySeries #SmallTown

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

Duke is the sweetest, most all-in cowboy. He falls for Wheeler fast enough that he knows she will always be more than their physical chemistry. Wheeler takes a little longer to get on that same page. She has some self-doubts created from her family drama that she has to overcome first. 

I love an accidental pregnancy trope and this one was fantastic. I loved that the author took the time for the characters to sort through their conflicting emotions related to the event, and that it wasn’t a simple process. I loved how they each came to the same conclusion about what they wanted and supported each other.

I really didn’t want to put this fantastic book down. Now to wait for the next book in the series.

Reckless Love (Wife for Hire Agency) by Hannah McBride

#Billionaire #MailOrderBride #ArrangedMarriage #Virgin #Novella

Written in first person from Sia’s POV, this standalone ends with a HEA.

Sia (23) has lost everything when she must marry to gain access to her trust fund. Warwick is the billionaire who chooses her through Wife for Hire. But he is also more than that. This was an interesting read with some steamy times, a romantic kind of st@lkerish subplot and a man who has to have the girl. Sia is a lovely character, and I appreciated that she has delt with extreme anxiety due to the trauma in her past. This was a quick, steamy read by one of my favorite authors. Now I want to read more books in this collective series by the other authors too.

 My Favorite Hero (My Favorite #3) by Melanie Moreland

#Firefighter #FirstResponder #ForcedProximity #GrumpyHero #STEM #SmallTown

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

Jesse (35) is grumpy firefighter. Underneath the grump is a decent guy who has been hurt. He was a little much to start with but it doesn’t take Casey long to crack his shell, melt his heart, and find the fun guy underneath the gruff exterior.

Casey (27ish) is an IT programmer and freelance tech specialist. The girl is smart with a capital S. She is also stubborn with a capital S underlined. I loved how she thinks her way through problems and sometimes finds solutions that land her in trouble.

I loved the banter, the steamy times, and the romantic moments Jesse doesn’t even realize he is creating. This was a fun read with a 6’3” hero and a 5’3” heroine. The author is able to capitalize on their size difference for some gold comedic moments. This author never disappoints and I loved this book.

Wed to the Dark Elf (Arranged Monster Mates) 

by Eden Ember

#FatedMates #Fantasy #SciFi #Virgin #Novella

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this is a standalone that ends with a HEA.

Iris (22) is a human from the orphan colony that matches the Dark Elf Lord from the North, Vamen through the temple. I loved her strength and determination. Vamen, for all his foreboding mask, is gentle, kind, and quite taken with his new wife. Though not as spicy as some books in this series, the major plot revolves around what it takes for their union to form a truce between the dark elves and the human despite treacherous mutinies underway.

Though I liked the overall idea of this book, there were several inconsistencies that bugged me. Iris’ hair is blonde, then auburn, then blonde, then auburn again. Sigh. There are only twelve chapters and simple inconsistencies like this should have been caught. Then she is walking with Vamen in a hall, but when they reach the door, she is in a room and surprised to see him up. SMH! One of the advisors is Vex, then he is Vix for a couple chapters, then Vex again. Do they matter in the overall scope of things? I don’t know. I just know it pulled me out of the story every time. I liked it but it could have been better.