Review: Sinful King by Natalie Kane
Sinful King
Natalie Kane
Kings of Vegas Series, Book 1
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 8, 2026
From NATALIE KANE, comes an all-new world with Sinful King, an age-gap, obsessed-hero, Mafia romance!
Eloise
I ran away from one organized crime household and found myself tripping right into another one. My father, the head of the Italian Mafia, is a bad man. He wants to marry me off to some creep I don’t know, but rather than succumb to that nightmare, I fled to Vegas, hoping to find a job and blend in. In the first week, I’ve been stolen from and beat up, and I have no money to my name, but I find a job as a bartender at RAPTURE, an upscale—okay, super bougie—adult club just off the Strip. I can’t believe my luck. I love this job, and I’m intrigued by the mysterious tattooed man with ice-blue eyes who always seems to be pinned to me. Things are looking up.
Until my father’s men find me.
Rome
I’m a ruthless, hard, dangerous man who takes care of his men and employees, and I run the city of Vegas with my brothers. That’s all I need. Until a gorgeous, raven-haired beauty comes walking into my club and sets my soul on fire.
I’m obsessed with her. Consumed by her. I need her in a way that I’ve never needed anyone or anything before, aside from the power and control that I’ve worked so hard for. She doesn’t know it, but I own the club that employs her, and I follow her back to the seedy motel she’s living in after her shift to make sure she’s safe. She’s mine.
Suddenly, someone is out to hurt my Firefly, and that means that they’ll meet a painful, bloody end. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. To keep her with me.
Forever.
5 Stars
Rome is a king. Well, one of the four kings that run Las Vegas. He is the true definition of a crime boss. He’s ruthless, dark and sinister. He is not the man you want to cross, betray or even slightly lie to. His moral compass goes every which way, but north. Even the strongest of men fear him. He’s also the owner of an adult club. When an unknown woman randomly walks into his club, looking for a job, his life changes before his eyes. Laying eyes on her via a computer monitor, Rome knew she was his. He will have her, and make her his
Eloise is no stranger to the dark happenings within the mob world. Being the daughter of a Don she has seen more violence than some of them, men of her world. Being the daughter of a high up crime, lord, you would think she would be spoiled. Eloise has not lived the princess life, but yet endured terrible harm both mentally and physically from the one man in the world that should have loved her. She’s been hurt many times, but she’s much tougher than most people give her credit for.
Her world changes when her father summons her to inform her that he is marrying her off and she doesn’t have a choice. She knows her father will give her away without batting his eye, and her only chance of survival is if she leaves right now.
Rome and Eloise are phenomenal. Rome is obsessed with Eloise from the moment he first see. He didn’t even have to be in the same room with her to feel his connection to her. Is as rough and scary as they come. He is definitely one of those touch her and you’re done kind of guys. Eloise was never a pampered princess, but a woman who had to watch out for herself from a very young age enduring mental and physical abuse. She definitely has some PTSD going on and the way Rome protects her and cares for her is so swoony, my heart go pitter patter. Think above and beyond, next level type of caring. I was very fortunate to get an advanced listening, copy and let me tell you I listened from beginning to end, not pausing for anything.
Narrato
rs Teddy Hamilton and Avery Caris truly bring the story to life. It was more than a narration of a story. It was a spectacular performance from beginning to end.
Mafia romance is one of my guilty pleasures. There is something about the dark and twisted worlds that I just gravitate to and fall for all the time. Sinful King gave me all I needed and more. Natalie Kane, the after dark, alter ego of Kristin Proby- out of the gate, the first book of the series is a five star read. Period. I was truly excited for this book and after listening was even more than what I expected it to be. I truly cannot wait to see what we will be getting with future installments of the Kings of Vegas series.
Review: Legacy by Carrie Ann Ryan
Legacy
Carrie Ann Ryan
Ashford Creek Series, Book 1
474 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 6, 2026
With one scowl, I fell just that much harder for Callum Ashford—NFL star turned small town brewer. He’s not only older, but he’s my brother’s best friend. Two very important reasons I should stay away.
Only two years ago, after the worst night of my life, he kissed me and I can’t keep him off my mind.
When the only house available to rent in town happens to be the one across the street from him, the close proximity does its work.
We can’t keep our hands off each other. Yet as the heat rises, so do feelings. He might want me, but he wants peace more.
There’s a darkness within him I know he fights. Just as there are secrets his family needs to uncover. But when the danger comes full force, it won’t be from the obvious corner. No, we both have our pasts we chose to hide.
And our fears.
Yet when I break, he catches me.
And I hope I have the strength to do the same.
**Legacy is an age gap, best friend’s little sister, small town romance and the first in the Ashford Creek series featuring Callum and Felicity. Each one can be read as a complete standalone. A HEA is guaranteed!**
4 Stars
I love that Carrie Ann Ryan can always make me feel deep emotions with her books. In Careless(which was absolutely spectacular and an amazing set up, did not prepare me for the emotions that I truly felt while reading Legacy.
Callum is an ex pro football player who returned home after his retirement. His family may have found his town, but secrets and mystery run deep through Ashford Creek. A lot of that surrounds the Ashford family themselves. Callum is a man of mystery and his secrets run very deep. One of those secrets is that he has it bad for his best friends little sister. Believing that he is not good enough for her, Callum pushes her away. Whether it be fate or call it what you will bring in the universe keeps putting them together, and he can only take so much.
Felicity is a sweet and genuinely caring person. She left Ashford Creek to go to college. now she is returning home to work in the bookkeeping office and be closer to her family. Her older brothers Rune and Atlas are an absolute trip. I absolutely love them. They are extremely loving and protective of their sister. Felicity gain some independence while she was away at college and now, she is ready to start the next chapter of her life. There are two issues that she is dealing with. One the housing situation in her small hometown is very very limited. Second, the only house available is across the street from the man that she has been crushing on for years. Her brother ‘s best friend who she does not see as a brotherly figure at all. Shared a very passionate kiss and then he pushed her away. Fate has a funny way of doing things. and it seems that Felicity and Callum keep ending up in the same proximity as one and another.
Legacy checks a lot of the boxes that I love in my romances. We have a small town, a brother’s best friend, insane chemistry, and the amazing sense of family. Whether it be by blood or by choice. Oh, and we have an age gap in there as well. Felicity and Callum are amazing together. They are opposite enough of each other that their differences complement each other in an amazing way. Their chemistry burns hot before they even touch one another. Legacy is one of those stories that will take you through all the emotions. Be prepared to be entertained and maybe even find herself blushing. Callum seems to be a master at dirty talking. I have been reading Carrie Ann Ryan‘s books for well over a decade now. I was at a book conference where she was on a panel where she announced the original Montgomery series. I remember how excited I was. Her work was good back then and fast forward a decade or so and I know that I can expect an emotional read that will hit me in the heart every time. Legacy is a wonderful beginning to the Ashford Creek series.
Review: Careless by Carrie Ann Ryan
Careless
Carrie Ann Ryan
Ashford Creek Series, Book 0.5
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2025
On my 21st birthday, I know there’s only one wish I’m making when I blow out my candles.
A chance with him.
Only I’m his best friend’s little sister, so that means I’m beyond off limits.
And did I mention he’s older?
I’m ready to be seen as my own person and to take the next step.
But I know it can’t be with him.
Yet when I’m backed in a corner, there’s only one person I can call for help.
Him.
Careless is the prequel to the Ashford Creek series. Learn how Callum Ashford and Felicity Carter fall into a careless mistake before their full story in Legacy.
4 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan just delivered an amazing set up for her new Ashford Creek series with Careless.
Felicity is home from college celebrating her 21st birthday. Celebrating with her family and college friends and a bit too much. Alcohol makes for a fun evening but the next night turns very drastically. When what should’ve been a friendly date turns to something very different. The first person she calls is not her brother but his best friend.
Callum is totally the person that you want to have on your side. He’s an amazing big brother who stepped up and took care of his siblings, an extremely loyal friend and protector. When his best friend asked him to check on his little sister after a hard night of drinking, there was no way he could say no. Even though he may have had some alternative reasons for saying yes. When she calls him in a panic asking for help he couldn’t move fast enough to save her. Callum has had a hard life and even though his heart may want more he pushes her away.
Talk about a set up. Carrie Ann Ryan hits hard and fast with this prequel to what I’m sure will be an emotionally charged story. Careless is the perfect set up for what’s to come.
Cover Reveal: Blood King by Natalie Kane
♦️♦️ Blood King Cover Reveal ♦️♦️
Blood King, book two in the Kings of Vegas series, releases on April 2, 2026.
Photographer: Michelle Lancaster
Cover Design: Hang Le
Narrators: TBA
Blurb & Tropes will be announced at a later date.
Review: You Can Scream by Rebecca Zanetti
You Can Scream
Rebecca Zanetti
Laurel Snow Series, Book 5
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2025
Mountains of Washington State in New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti’s heart-pounding series about an FBI profiler and her equally brilliant sister on the wrong side of the law.
Laurel’s family was never simple—but her half-sister, Abigail, a brilliant, unpredictable psychopath, just made it lethal. Accused of murdering their father, a man she always called a monster, Abigail claims self-defense. As the trial unfolds and long-buried family secrets explode into headlines across Washington State, Laurel’s hard-won privacy is shattered. And the nightmare is just beginning.
Even as Abigail’s trial consumes public attention, new dangers close in as the murder of a prominent scientist and the illegal poaching of a rare Pacific plant point to something insidious. Laurel turns to Washington Fish and Wildlife captain Huck Rivers, her partner in work and life, for help. But the deeper they dig, the more the case seems to echo the chaos unraveling Laurel’s world.
With danger tightening around her, Laurel faces an impossible choice: trust Abigail in one crucial, treacherous alliance, or risk losing everything. Her career, her relationships, even her life hang in the balance. The clock is ticking—and if the threat breaks loose, nothing will be fast enough to stop it.
4.5 Stars
Rebecca Zanetti kept me on the edge of my seat with the fifth installment of the Laurel Snow series You Can Scream.
Laurel Snow has earned the reputation of an excellent FBI profiler. She is an extremely intelligent woman who can peace things together, unlike anyone else. With You Can Scream things are hitting very close to home for Laurel. She and fish & wildlife detective Huck River, or navigating through some personal devastation, Laurel’s half sister is accused of murdering their father and her FBI partner becomes a suspect. Laurel’s got a lot on her mind and in her hands. The twist and turns come from every direction and just when they think they have it figured out something else happens to twist it once again.
You Can Scream is a psychological suspense story with a romantic element. Rebecca Zanetti keeps the reader on their toes throughout the entire book. I have personally found this series quite addicting. Ms. Zanetti keeps the series fresh and going with every book. Life would not have gotten in the way I could have very easily read this book in one sitting. And when I wasn’t reading it, I was definitely thinking about it.
Review: Where You Belong by Kristen Proby
Where You Belong
Kristen Proby
The Blackwells of Montana Series, Book 5
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 11, 2025
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the final installment of the Blackwells of Montana series, Where You Belong, a small-town, second-chance romance set in Bitterroot Valley!
Brooks
Fifteen years ago, I’d planned a romantic proposal, but that was the day Juliet walked out of my life and never looked back. I never wanted to see her again and decided that love wasn’t for me. But now, Juliet has returned to Bitterroot Valley and opened a restaurant. Catching glimpses of her around town makes my heart ache. I want to hate her. I wish she’d do what she does best and go away.
Instead, I find myself wanting to be near her. Helping her. Touching her perfect skin. I don’t want to love her. I don’t want to need her.
Juliet
Coming home to Bitterroot Valley might have been a mistake. Just because I grew up here doesn’t mean I belong here. Honestly, I’ve never felt like I belong anywhere. But once I was finally free from the man who lied and controlled me, I knew I needed to be in Montana. My new restaurant, Sage & Citrus, is a big hit, and I’m making friends. But more importantly, Brooks is here.
I know he doesn’t want me, but having him nearby is a balm to my jagged heart. The more I see him, the more I’m reminded that Brooks Blackwell is my soulmate. But has too much time passed? Or will we finally get our happily ever after?
5 Stars
Where You Belong is the wonderful conclusion to the Blackwells of Montana series. This is one of those bittersweet stories. Bitter because our time in Bitterroot Valley is coming to an end but yet it’s the story that I personally have been waiting for. Kristen Proby did absolutely amazing with Juliet and Brooks’s story.
Brooks is that gruff and brooding guy. 15 years ago, his world was shaking upside down. He thought he had it all figured out. He had the love of his life, a plan and a lot of dreams. Unfortunately, all of that came to an abrupt stop when the woman he thought he was going to share his life with decided to help a friend instead of staying. Present day, Brooks owns a garage. He has an amazing soft spot for his niece and nephew, and his an extremely loyal brother. The person who has haunted his dreams for over a decade has returned to town. Once again, Brooks has had his world shaken. Living in a small town is impossible for them to avoid one another, which has emotions all over the place. Brooks being the man that he is can only take so much and once he opened the door there was no turning back.
Juliet made a decision that changed her life 15 years ago. She walked away from the man she loved to go and help a friend who was on the edge. Little did she know that that decision would truly change her world. Over the course of 15 years, Juliet got married, was lied to and manipulated and had to deal with the fallout of her husband dying. Her ex uses trauma from her past as manipulation that he knew would hold her in place. She decided to start over at home. Returning to Bitterroot Valley was not an easy decision. Knowing what she walked away from all those years ago, the feelings that still lingered and it being a small town there is no avoiding the man that she loved. Still loves. Brooks made it very clear that he wanted nothing to do with her, yeah, begins to make subtle changes that maybe he doesn’t hate her quite so much.
Where You Belong is five star plus fantastic. I absolutely devoured this story. Kristen Proby gives us an emotional, passionate, and oh my goodness grab a fan hotter than hot story. That is a fantastic conclusion to the Blackwells of Montana series. I love the fact that Brooks and Juliet never stopped, loving each other. Brooks, swoon! The things this man does and has done, would have any woman melting into a puddle. He had every right to be hurt, but in the end, he knew she was the one for him. I love how Jules’ heart would pound whenever focus was around. The two never fell out of love with one another. It took time. There were challenges and a whole family of people rooting for the two of them. Kristen Proby created something extremely special with the Blackwells of Montana series. I absolutely loved living in this small town for a while.
Review: We Are Yours by M. Robinson
We Are Yours
M. Robinson
We Are Yours Book 1
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2025
From Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author M. Robinson comes an angsty, forced proximity love triangle where secrets test brotherly bonds and music brings them together, only to have destiny threaten to tear them apart.
I’ve loved two men in all my life.
Two extremely different men.
Where Julius and I blossomed from a loving friendship, Kraven and I stemmed from nothing
but hatred. A very thin line exists between love and hate, and I crossed it with both.
I fell in love with each of them at different times, in different ways, and with different words
and actions. Cause and effect has always been our problem.
This isn’t just a love triangle between the two men I love.
It’s worse.
Because misery is the only certainty when you”re in love with two brothers.
And now I’m faced with the impossible choice. Though nothing could’ve prepared me for the devastation when they both declared, “We are yours.”
Then, all in one breath, they begged…
“Now… say you’re mine.”
4 Stars
Looking for an angsty, love triangle? Well, my reading friends look no further. Author M. Robinson delivers just that with the raw and emotional We Are Yours.
I’m gonna try to do this without giving away any of the story, considering this is the first book of a duet. I know that sometimes it is easier said than done, but I’m gonna try and focus on my feelings towards the book as opposed to what’s happening in the book.
First of all, we definitely get all the fields. If you do not like angst in your romances, this one might not be for you. However, if you do, grab your box of tissues, get a drink and settle in. This is a story of three people who have already been dealt a pretty bad hand. Each carrying emotional baggage that affects them. A story of when no one else was there for them. They had music. Music as an escape. There is a fine line between love and hate, and the Author very much puts us right in the center of it.
I felt, I cried. The betrayal and the passion bleed through the pages that you can’t help but feeling everything the story has to offer. I have to say this is a very intense story and we do have debt cliffhanger at the end, but it is well worth it. And I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Review: When We Breathe by Kristen Proby
When We Breathe
Kristen Proby
The Blackwells of Montana Series, Book 4.5
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
Hotter than a heat wave and sexy as sin. Break out those fans ladies, this one sets the pages on fire.
One night of fun that became so much more. Adam and Gabe are in a loving, fun and committed relationship. You can tell these two men completely adore one another. Adam is in finance and Gabe is a mechanic and you would think that each hung the moon for the other one.
Alex is a journalist and carries a good bit of baggage. She had the worst kind of father a person could ever have, but through the love of her brother and sisters. She has become a resilient, strong and independent woman.
There are so many things about When We Breathe that I just love. For a short story, this one packs such an amazing tale of love. Alex has her issues. She knows what her issues are. She owns them and she still holds her head high and does her best to make it through every day. She has commitment issues, but with her past, we can understand. Adam and Gabe are a force. Everything good that you would want in a man is embedded in these two men. The chemistry between the three of them together off the charts. This may be a very emotional story, but yet the heat and spice are off the charts. Kristen Proby has once again given us another story for us to get lost in.
Review: If You Were Mine by Carrie Ann Ryan
If You Were Mine
Carrie Ann Ryan
The Cage Family Series, Book 3
376 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2025
The last words I said to my best friend were “I trust you”. Then the world went dark, and I nearly lost everything.
While my best friend’s little sister lost even more.
I promised him that I’d take care of her—but if he knew my current thoughts when it came to Harper, he’d have never trusted me.
She’s too young for me. Too bright to my shadows. And too tempting.
Now I’m stuck in our small town, and I can’t escape her. I’d rather hide in my cabin, restoring what was one lost. Only Harper won’t let me.
I’ve already held onto more secrets than my family knows. I don’t know if I can keep what I feel about her secret too.
She sees beyond my scars and anger, and I know she hides her own just as tightly.
When one kiss changes everything, there’s no going back—even if it shatters everything in our wake.
**If You Were Mine is an age gap, best friend’s little sister, tortured hero, small town romance featuring Dorian and Harper. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
4 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan draws you in with emotion, drama, and love in If You Were Mine.
Dorian‘s life changed in a blink of an eye. After a tragic accident took the life of his best friend and left him with life-changing wounds and scars both physically and emotionally. After a year he returns to. Cage Lake to heal in peace and quiet.
Harper has been going through the day-to-day motions since she lost her brother. With the last of her family gone Harper struggles. Just getting through the day is sometimes hard. A year later Dorian, her brother‘s best friend returns to town. Which brings up mixed emotions.
Harper has had a crush on Dorian for as long as she can remember. Dorian thoughts of Harper are not the purist. He promised her brother that he would take care of her, but would he want him to if he knew the thoughts that we’re going through his head.
They both struggle to get through the days, but what a single kiss brings things to light. It begins to change everything. It’s a test to themselves and what they feel as they both tried to navigate the emotions in chemistry that they are feeling. Carrie Ann Ryan hits another one out of the park with If You Were Mine. Be prepared to feel all the emotions.
Like is short, buy the book! Or the bookish goodies.
I treated myself to a special addition book box bundle that had some adorable things in it, and I just wanted to share. As we say life is short by the book or the cute stuff to go with the book.
About a year ago on Facebook, I was scrolling and came across a reel of an author packing mystery book boxes. I thought to myself this is an awesome way to be able to gain new readers and to introduce them to several of your works.
That Author was Willow Winters. I quickly purchased one of her mystery boxes and I was not disappointed. I have purchased several of them and have a nice collection of not only her books, but useful and cute bookish items. I always say I am a sucker for pretty package and Willow definitely has a pretty package on her brand.
Pictured above is the latest box I have received. I love that they even wrap the books, even though I know what was included. It’s all the makings for a cozy night of reading. Willow and her team do an amazing job with all these boxes.
Coffee Books Life 