Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

It’s supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma’s toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they’re suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected, including catching real feelings for each other.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ At first glance, this sounds like a light summer read, but it’s so much more. Emma and Justin each were confronted with extremely challenging situations and some very difficult personal choices. Every time the author mentioned that Emma gets small, I felt that with all my soul. Maddy was an angel and Emma would’ve been a very different person if it wasn’t for her support and understanding. Justin threw himself wholeheartedly into this relationship with Emma and I loved the way he paid attention to what Maddy was saying and to what Emma wasn’t saying. This book was so emotional and left me wrung out, but also happy for Emma and Justin.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 2, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Part of Your World

The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen

Ariel receives a heart-stopping text from Drew. Her gut says it can’t be real. But the text upends everything she thought she knew about the day he left her. The more questions she asks, the more sinister the answers get. Only two things are clear: everything she was told five years ago is wrong, and someone is still lying to her. The truth has to be out there somewhere. To safeguard herself, and her son, she’ll have to find it before it finds her. And with it, the answer to what became of Drew.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ The belated text message that Ariel should’ve received five years ago started us off on a twisty path of abuse of power and betrayal. The dual time lines put different pieces of information together that painted the whole picture slowly and methodically. And as these two time lines came closer to revealing everything, the pace and general feel of the story also became more frantic. I was more invested in solving the mystery than the romance between Drew and Ariel. Although, their separation, interspersed with Drew’s account from the past, was very emotional and heart-breaking. The reveal of the true culprit was done very well. I made some good guesses, but not about everything, and even though I had an inkling of the truth, it was still shocking and impactful. I really enjoyed Sarina Bowen’s first attempt at a thriller and can recommend it if you like romantic suspense.

Genre: Suspense, Romance
Published: May 7, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Subtle

A Stranger in Town by Kelley Armstrong

When an injured hiker stumbles from the woods, the sole survivor of a hostile attack, it’s all hands on deck. Even a member of the elusive Rockton council comes in to help. This council member also comes bearing news: Rockton is being shut down due to the hostile situation. Casey and Eric must now race to save the town that has allowed residents to have a fresh start, away from the mistakes of their past, while also getting to the bottom of this latest attack.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Every new book in this series brings more information about Rockton, its founders, the settlements, the hostiles, and the environment. And every new detail reveals horror and disbelief, and understanding and acceptance in equal measure. As usual, nothing is as it seems, and Casey and Eric, with their close allies in Rockton, are put through the wringer to untangle it all. I’ve come to rely on Casey and Eric and their close bond, and they do not disappoint.

Genre: Suspense
Published: February 2, 2021
Sensuality Rating: Subtle
Series: Rockton/Casey Duncan

The Summer Proposal by Vi Keeland

He was everything I needed at the time, fun, sexy, up for anything, and only around for a few months since he’d signed with a new team three-thousand miles away. Max proposed we spend the summer helping me forget my ex. It sounded like a good plan. Things couldn’t get too serious when we had an expiration date. Right?
Though, you know what they say about the best-laid plans.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Georgia’s situation with her ex was complex, interesting, and different. I loved how Max and Georgia met and Max’s energy throughout the book was irresistibly endearing. This was a quick and fun steamy romance read.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 10, 2022
Sensuality Rating: Hot