New Audiobook Release Review: Show Me by Adriana Locke

 

Show Me by Adriana Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was hooked right from the meet-cute (meet-surprise?) and really enjoyed this bad boy/good girl small town romance. Audrey and Brooks had great chemistry from the start, and I really liked how Brooks brought shy Audrey out of her shell and helped her find confidence. The audiobook was narrated by Shiloh James and Connor Brown, who were both new to me, but both gave great performances. I have loved this series and am looking forward to the next book!

View all my reviews

Cover Reveal: Falter by Aly Martinez

 

Cover Reveal and Two Freebies

Falter by Aly Martinez is coming April 24th. 

This will be a live release so there will be no pre-order. 

BLURB:

I learned the hard way to never blur the lines between personal and professional. Jaded and disgraced, I used my attitude as armor and my tongue as a weapon.

Until I got assigned to protect Lofton Beck.

Hollywood’s golden girl had a stalker on her tail—and two dead bodyguards.

She was a nightmare from the start. Didn’t follow orders. Had no concept of boundaries. And worst of all, she was so damn gorgeous I couldn’t build my walls strong enough to keep her from slipping through the cracks.

As the threats escalated, we were forced into hiding at her family’s farm. It was impossible to keep my distance when she was sleeping in the room next door.

Somewhere between the long nights and the quiet moments, I began to falter. It became clear her stalker wasn’t the most dangerous part of the assignment.

There was nothing I wouldn’t do to keep her safe.

Even if I was the one who ended up destroyed.

In preparation for Falther, Books one and two in the Guardian Protection series are FREE!!!

Download Thrive Here: https://mybook.to/AlyMThrive

Download Singe Here: https://mybook.to/AlyMSinge

Cover Reveal: Just Playing for Keeps by Lauren Blakely

 

When she’s fake dating the hockey star, but he was never faking it…

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the next standalone hockey romance in her brand new Hockey Ever After series, JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS! This spicy, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, only one bed in a room, opposites attract hockey romance releases June 3rd in all formats, and will be free to read in Kindle Unlimited. Check out the cover and blurb below and pre-order your copy today!

Cover Illustration and Design: Qamber Designs & Media

About JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS (Coming 6/3/2026):

Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?

Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when Lake Axelrod, the team’s broody, tattooed right winger, swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.

Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey star insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding.

It’s the perfect plan. His family stops pressuring him to settle down, and I’ll get the ultimate revenge, since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.

We need rules though.

1. To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple.

2. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.

3. When it ends, we walk away.

But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room.

Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.

If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustPlayingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ Sign up for an alert! Sign up for an alert!
https://www.subscribepage.com/LaurenAudio 

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com 

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks 

New Release Review: Ryder by Jessica Peterson

 Ryder by Jessica Peterson is now live on audio!

Narrated by: Lila Winters & Stephen Dexter

One hard fall in the rodeo ring.
One maddeningly gorgeous cowboy.
One chance at love she swore she’d never take.

Billie Wallace has spent her whole life trying to prove she’s more than the Wallace Ranch’s “wild” only daughter. All she wants is a shot at barrel racing—and a purpose beyond crunching numbers in her daddy’s office. But when her very first run ends in disaster, Billie lands flat on her back with Ryder Rivers—her childhood crush, her brother’s best friend, and the town’s notorious heartbreaker—hovering over her.

In all the years she's known him, Ryder has never entertained Billie's shameless flirting. But after her fall, he's suddenly everywhere—showing up to help her when she’s hurt, staring at her across the honky-tonk when she’s trying to move on with a bronc rider, and encouraging her to explore her dream career.

Before either can really register what’s happening, their partnership sparks into much more than just dust and arguments.
Late nights turn into stolen kisses. Stolen kisses turn into something that feels dangerously like forever. Ryder swears he’s not the staying kind, but the way he looks at Billie like she’s the only woman in the world makes everyone start to wonder if he’s ready to stop running…

My review: 5 stars!

What an excellent end to a fantastic series! I loved Billie and Ryder's story- their chemistry was so apparent and so perfect. I loved seeing all the couples (and kids!) from the prior Lucky River Ranch books and having them all be such a big part of the story. The audiobook was such a joy to listen to- Stephen Dexter and Lila Winters gave top-notch performances.

Listen today!

Audible: https://bit.ly/47fLIUu

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4bWoEwE

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4boXVZz

Audio Pre-Order: Love Overboard by Kandi Steiner

 

Love Overboard by Kandi Steiner is now available for pre-order on audio! Narrated by Hannah Chiclana & Walker Williams Releasing on April 21, 2026 From USA Today, #1 Amazon, and BookTok bestselling author Kandi Steiner comes a sizzling, second-chance romance set on the high seas—perfect for fans of Below Deck and readers who crave angsty, high-stakes love stories. Ember Reed is finally living her dream: chief stew on a Mediterranean superyacht, sun-kissed days at sea, and the star of Close Quarters, the hottest new reality TV show. But just as she finds her stride, the producers throw her a curveball—by hiring the one man who nearly sank her. Finn Pearson was the one that got away. The boy who kissed her like they had forever, then left without a word. But now he’s the chef in her new crew, and the cameras are watching their every move, innocent, or not. Even on a superyacht, there's nowhere to hide from the past. Every stolen glance, every whispered argument, every lingering memory threatens to ignite what never fully burned out. And as the tension spills into their day jobs, even the dinner service is spiralling into disaster. They’ve crashed before… but could eight weeks at sea be their second chance to get it right? Or will it be the storm that finally sinks them for good? Pre-order today! Audible: https://bit.ly/417lWyo Amazon: https://bit.ly/4djpR2g Apple: https://bit.ly/4dhZGsN Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3OeTDek Kobo: https://bit.ly/4uYYzEF Audiobooks.com: https://bit.ly/4bKo3y6 Chirp: https://bit.ly/3PBas3E Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/47zSJj4

New Audiobook Release Review: Crooked by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

 

Title: Crooked

Authors: Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Bodyguard, Close Proximity

Mafia Daughter, Forbidden

Release Date: March 29, 2026

BLURB

A new, sexy standalone novel from New York Times Bestsellers, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward…

 

The last thing I needed was a live-in bodyguard. And I definitely didn’t want him. Six foot two, with broad shoulders that were impossible to ignore and a talent for getting in my way, Wes Callahan was a walking bad decision.

 

But when you’re the daughter of a notorious mob boss, apparently your opinions stop mattering the moment your father ignites another war. I’d spent my entire life trying to escape that crooked world—new name, new city, newfound freedom. At least until I was suddenly shacked up with my new bodyguard. 

 

Wes knew exactly how to push my buttons. He was also infuriatingly protective. And smart. And funny. And thoughtful when he thought I wasn’t paying attention.  Little by little, the walls I’d built started to crack, and falling for the bodyguard became the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done. Because if my father found out, Wes wouldn’t just lose his job. He’d lose his life. 

 

Getting involved with him was reckless, yet I couldn’t find a way to stop it, no matter how hard I tried.  But while I was busy losing my heart, the man who took it was hiding a secret. 

And it turned out, the most dangerous man in my life wasn’t my father after all—it was the one who threatened to break my heart.

GOODREADS

BOOKBUB

My review: 5 stars!

There's really no one other than the writing duo of Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward that I'd add a "mafia" shelf for. Since they are at the top of my favorite writers list, I figured why not give it a try? I was sure it wasn't going to be a typical dark mafia romance, and I was glad to see their trademark blend of humor and heat was the star of the show. I listened to duet-style audiobook and enjoyed every minute! Screenwriter Juliette and bodyguard Wes clashed from the very beginning, but their chemistry was hard to deny and their story was so good. Maybe I'll add some more books to my mafia shelf!

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE

ALTERNATIVE COVER PAPERBACK

AUDIOBOOK

VI KEELAND

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

FACEBOOK

PROFILE / PAGE / GROUP

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

TIKTOK

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GOODREADS

PENELOPE WARD

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

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GOODREADS

Cover Reveal: Mistletoe All the Way by Lauren Blakely

 

Turning a grumpy cowboy vet into Mr. Holiday? Challenge accepted.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes a spicy, standalone holiday romance, MISTLETOE ALL THE WAY! This steamy, small town, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, opposites attract holiday romance features a grinchy cowboy vet and the jolliest publicist as they tackle the town's latest Christmas competition together! Releasing October 6th in all formats, including this stunning paperback with beautiful mistletoe and holly sprayed edges. Check out the cover and pre-order your copy today!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/MATWAMZPB
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/MATWAudible
✦ Barnes and Noble ➜ https://blkly.pub/MATWBarnesandNoble

About MISTLETOE ALL THE WAY (Coming 10/6/2026):

She wants to make him Mr. Holiday. He wants to stay a certified Grinch. From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely comes a small-town spicy holiday romance about a guarded cowboy veterinarian and a Christmas-loving optimist who team up for a town holiday competition.

Dr. Noah Lennox lives by three holiday rules—avoid his hometown, cheerful people, and Christmas itself.

But when his beloved grandfather announces he’s retiring and handing the cherished sleigh-ride farm to either Noah or his slick cousin Stephen, the first rule goes out the window. Back home in Evergreen Falls, the veterinarian vows to fight for the farm that means everything to him. The problem is, the town doesn’t exactly welcome its resident Scrooge with open arms.

Except for one very charming holiday enthusiast. Eloise Langston, a sunny tourism bureau hopeful, needs a win to land her dream job—and to pay the rent. Her holly jolly plan? Turn the broody, broad-shouldered grump into a festive front-runner to help the town’s Mr. Holiday Competition draw record crowds.

Transforming a camera-shy cowboy vet into a small-town sweetheart isn’t exactly in her job description—but neither is falling for him.

Soon, Noah and Eloise find themselves tangled in twinkle lights, fake kisses, and one very real attraction. But with the farm’s future at stake, Stephen’s scheming, and Eloise’s career on the line, there’s a blizzard of reasons to put their feelings on ice.

Or will they fight to turn their holiday fling into forever under the mistletoe?

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/MATWAMZPB
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/MATWAudible
✦ Barnes and Noble ➜ https://blkly.pub/MATWBarnesandNoble

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com 

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks 

Cover Reveal: I've Got a Crush on You by Lauren Blakely

 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the second standalone small town rom com in her upcoming Darling Springs series, I’VE GOT A CRUSH ON YOU! This spicy, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, workplace, forbidden small town romantic comedy will be releasing August 4^th in all formats, including the deluxe edition paperback featuring stunning salmon-colored sprayed edges, and free to read in Kindle Unlimited. Check out the cover and blurb and pre-order your copy today!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/IGACOYAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/IGACOYAudible
✦ Other Retailers ➜ https://laurenblakely.com/book/ive-got-a-crush-on-you/

 

Want to read a sneak peek? Check out the excerpt on Cosmopolitan.com
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/books/a70822299/lauren-blakely-ive-got-a-crush-on-you-cover-reveal-excerpt-cosmo-reads/

About I’VE GOT A CRUSH ON YOU (Coming 8/4/2026):

My secret workplace romance starts innocently enough…at a birthday party.

But when a rowdy partier knocks me into a lake and a sexy stranger comes to my rescue – my night becomes one to remember.

A night so steamy I almost forget why I've sworn off men after a failed office romance.

But I’m focusing on my shiny new future—my dog-training business is suddenly the hottest thing in town, thanks to a new actress client.

Trouble is, the brand new doggy daycare in Darling Springs that I’ve contracted with… is owned by none other than my sexy stranger. Thanks, fate.

Sawyer turns out to be a total grump in a tailored suit, no matter how sunshine-y I am. Even when he squeezes that hard body past me as I bring donuts to work. Or when he pretends he’s not roaming his dark eyes over me as I teach Fido to sit, stay and come.

But when I need a dance partner for the town fundraiser that my client’s roped me into, I sense an opportunity. And, it turns out Mr. Serious Boss is up for dance lessons.

Then the entire Dirty Dancing experience.

Giving into our chemistry once won’t hurt. Two might be pushing it. By the seventh, it’s undeniable--I’ve got a crush on him too.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/IGACOYAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/IGACOYAudible
✦ Other Retailers ➜ https://laurenblakely.com/book/ive-got-a-crush-on-you/

 

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks