Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry

Calandra’s five kingdoms are on the verge of destruction. The crux migration is coming. And in the wake of a devastating attack, I’ve been separated from the man who owns my heart.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This incredible story was so well put together. All the individual pieces that don’t make sense on their own came together in one spectacular ending. It answered so many questions and set us up for the rest of the adventure.

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Published: April 7, 2026
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Book 2 of Shield of Sparrows

Everything Changes But You by Sarah Bennett

In this heart-lifting story of love and second chances, will Issy and Liam discover that, when everything changes around them, some things were always meant to be?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Issy and Liam actually talked to each other about their issues and worked together to discover how and why they were separated. I loved that. It was clear that they never lost their love for each other and now it had a chance to grow anew, based on who they were at present, and not on remembered feelings from the past. This was a sweet, well-deserved second chance and they made the most of it. The people of the town were all so kind and supportive and added to the overall heart-warming atmosphere of the story.

Sarah Bennett is creating another magical little town and community with this series that is an absolute delight to disappear into for a few hours.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 8, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Book 2 of Halfmoon Quay

My Best Friend’s Earl by Bethany Bennett

A bold bookseller tries to matchbreak her friend’s engagement to an earl… until she finds herself falling for him instead.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Oliver’s slow corruption was delicious and sensual. He was a gem and Althea had hit the jackpot when it came to arranged marriages, if it wasn’t for the fact that she was in love with someone else and Oliver seemed to be obsessed with another woman. And good on Althea for calling him out on not paying attention to her (seeing as they were betrothed). A sweary, calculating Oliver was so delightful, but the overthinking, chaotic Oliver that truly saw Connie and understood her? That was something else. This story was a veritable smorgasbord of miscommunication and misunderstandings that had me smiling.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: Historical Romance
Published: August 12, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Book 2 of Bluestocking Booksellers

No Matter What by Cara Bastone

After a traumatic accident threatens the foundations of their happy marriage, a couple tries to rebuild and find their way back to each other—and themselves—in this tender, slow-burn romance.

⭐⭐⭐ I have mixed feelings about this book, but it definitely left me with a lot of thoughts. Their miscommunication was super frustrating, it’s hard to understand why Vin didn’t address some of Roz’s wrong perceptions sooner. Both of them clearly had a very difficult time dealing with the aftermath of the accident and the resulting trauma. I enjoyed Roz’s drawing friends and their interactions. Roz and Vin learned a lot about themselves and each other during this tumultuous period. I didn’t like the way some of their dialogue were written. I understand the purpose behind it, but it disrupted the flow of reading and took me out of the story somewhat.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 3, 2026
Sensuality Rating: Warm