New Audiobook Release Review: Just for the Plot by Meghan Quinn

Just for the Plot

by Meghan Quinn

Release Date: July 28, 2026

TROPES

Baseball Romance
Friends to Lovers
He Falls First
Best Friend’s Sibling/Sibling’s Best Friend
Slow Burn

BLURB

They're just friends.

At least, that's what she thinks. Him? He has other plans.

Bennett Brinkman is San Francisco baseball's golden boy―focused, disciplined, and very bad at ignoring the one woman he shouldn't want. Falling for his sister's best friend was inevitable, even though she's always seen him as safe, familiar, and firmly off-limits.

Bower knows exactly why wanting Bennett is a terrible idea. She's fiercely loyal to her best friend and well aware that crossing this particular line could blow everything up. But when she moves into Bennett's apartment building, that "just friends" boundary begins to blur in the most tempting ways.

The banter comes fast.

The sparks come faster.

And pretending it's "no big deal" is getting ridiculous.

As feelings get messier and attraction turns undeniable, Bennett and Bower must decide if risking their family ties is worth chasing the love that's been in front of them all along.

My review: 5 stars!

This was an absolute hoot! Meghan Quinn is the queen of hilarious antics and banter, and she did not disappoint with Bennett and Bower's story. (And oh gosh- more of the Gladdy Daddys group texts!) I adore friends-to-lovers stories and Bennett's long-time crush on Bower was so charming and sweet and their journey felt effortless and real. The narration was done in duet style by Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor along with a full cast (my favorite!!!!) including Emma Wilder, Connor Crais, J.F. Harding, Jason Clarke and Stella Hunter and was so so so good!

New Release Review: Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke

 

Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Between Now and Forever checked off so many boxes for me- Jay and Gabrielle's grumpy/sunshine, neighbors-to lovers-story was so enjoyable. The characters and dialog felt so authentic and believable. Their slow burn romance felt real and honest and I adored Gabrielle's friends. I listened to the audiobook, and narrators Oliver Clarke and Rachel Vivette were excellent. Both were new to me, and I enjoyed their performances so much that I'll be seeking out more of their work.

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Cover Reveal: The Pucker Next Door by Sara Ney

 

PUCKER NEXT DOOR

Sara Ney

Release Date: April 29

WILL BE FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

When a squirrel chews its way through my bedroom wall, I do the first thing any single girl like me would do: run screaming out of the house to the neighbors, begging for help.

I should mention that the house next door is full of hockey players. And when I lock eyes on rough and rugged Brodie Stockhausen—who happens to be outside brooding on the porch—I’m not exactly impressed.

But I’m desperate, in a bathrobe, and needa bit of rescuing.

Soon I’m begging for his help with more than just squirrel duty and DIY projects. I want his attention and his touch—not just his friendship!

I want what every girl wants: him lying in his bed at night, so desperate for me that he’s willing to scale two stories to sneak into my window. Hey, a girl can dream…

But Brodie has a secret; one that leaves me wanting more every time we’re together but has him pulling away…

Add to your Goodreads TBR:

https://bit.ly/43bNiTW

Meet Sara Ney:

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced latte’s, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British.

To find out about Sara’s upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for Sara’s emails here!

To learn more about Sara Ney & her books, visit here!

Connect with Sara Ney:

https://authorsaraney.com/about/

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New Audiobook Release Review: The New Guy by Sarina Bowen

 

The New Guy by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yay for a new hockey series from one of my favorite authors, Sarina Bowen! The New Guy was just fantastic, and once I started the audiobook, I didn't want to stop. I was excited to see that Teddy Hamilton was one of the narrators, along with new-to-me J.F. Harding, and the performances of both were captivating and added so much to the story. Gavin and Hudson were such a great couple, and I adored Jordyn, Gavin's daughter. She was such a great little hockey fan. Looking forward to reading more hockey romance- Bowen has already announced the next book in the series, I'm Your Guy.

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New Release Review: Love Lessons by Sarina Bowen

 

Love Lessons by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I never tire of Sarina Bowen's world of Brooklyn hockey players- Bruisers, Bombshells, and their friends too. When hockey player Ian and stylist Vera at first glance don't seem suited to each other, just wait! Add in a super romantic getaway with their friends to Italy and we get fantastic witty banter, shopping sprees, and some smokin' hot love lessons for Vera from Ian. I listened to the audiobook and was super excited when I saw Joe Arden was narrating as Ian. I wasn't as familiar with Rose Dioro but am now a fan as she gave a great performance as well. Love Lessons was so enjoyable and fun!

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New Release Review: Ignite by Melanie Harlow

Ignite

by Melanie Harlow

Release Date: November 22, 2021

My new neighbor is a firefighter--and a scorching hot single dad--but I swear I didn’t set off that smoke alarm on purpose.

(And I was beyond mortified when he rushed in and saw me naked.)

Nothing happened, of course--because I, Winnie MacAllister, romance junkie and owner of a constantly broken heart, have sworn off men for one solid year.

Even protective men with chiseled jaws, bulging biceps, and deep brown eyes that make my breath come faster. Even former SEALs with broad chests and strong hands that make my skin sizzle. Even gorgeous, grumpy guys who have their hands full raising two adorable little girls and claim they don’t believe in love.

Until Dex kisses me one night, and I drop all my defenses.

(Also my underwear.)

He says he’s not gentle, and he’s right. He says I should take the dream job I’m offered in another state, and he’s right. He says he’s too old for me and could never be the man I deserve.

He’s wrong.

Dex and I might be twelve years apart, but the fire between us is the kind that will never burn out.

How can I convince him to give happily-ever-after with me a chance?

My review: 5 stars

Ignite was PERFECTION. I'm always here for the grumpy/sunshine trope and oh did Dex and Winnie fill those shoes well! It must be said, however, that Dex was absolutely a fantastic dad and that just made me swoon. I'm not typically an age gap fan, but in this case it was a smaller age gap so I wasn't bothered at all. I loved how quickly Dex's daughters took to Winnie and since I'm a nail polish fanatic, I thought it was so cute they bonded over pedis. It is such a treat that author Harlow is giving us the next generation of Cloverleigh Farms romance, but this would also be a great place to start even if you haven't read books 1-5. What a fantastic HEA for the ogre and the princess!

 

New Release Review: The Guy on the Left by Kate Stewart

The Guy on the Left by Kate Stewart is LIVE! This is a standalone contemporary romance packed with all the feels! One-click yours NOW!

Contemporary Romance/Romantic Dramedy

Stand Alone

Designer: Q Design

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2WsCGhh

AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2PmwlRs
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/38j4dHh
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/351VsPQ
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2YpMhXf

Blurb:

It started with a lie. A night of blurred lines between a teacher and a student.

I wasn’t her student, yet it was the single most defining night of my life.

I’ve never been the man she thinks I am.

Most people have no idea about the life I’ve lived or the words that ring true when it comes to me—still waters run deep.

But you’d be hard-pressed to find a coed on the TGU campus who knows otherwise…because I’ve never corrected them.

The clock is ticking down, it’s Fourth and Inches with the ball inside the one-yard line and the focus is on me, The Guy on the Left. I’ve never felt like a football god, inside I’m…just Troy.

It’s time to set the record straight.

For my son, I‘ll find the strength.

In her eyes, I’m determined to gain redemption.

I will have them both, even if I have to take my eye off the ball.

*The Guy on the Left is a stand alone novel in the Underdogs Series. This is Troy's story.

My review: 5 stars!
I was so very curious about Troy and his connection to the neighbor and her son after reading The Guy on the Right, and when Kate Stewart told us we'd get Troy's story in The Guy on the Left, I could not wait. And I loved Left just as much as I did Right, even though it was such a different story. Troy and Dante were parenting GOALS! I hope my kids can look back and say we have that great of a relationship. Troy as a dad what was made me swoon and swoon some more. He was a different guy than who we thought wet met in TGOTR and it was fantastic to see the other side of him and feel his pain and see his determination. Troy and Clarissa's chemistry was undeniable and I loved reading their story.

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author and Texas native, Kate Stewart, lives in North Carolina with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. She pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate's title Drive was named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards for best contemporary romance of 2017. Her works have been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, and translated in five languages.

Kate is a lover of all things '80s and '90s, especially John Hughes films and rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.

Contact Kate- Email-authorkatestewart@gmail.com

Website Facebook Group Facebook Author Page Newsletter signup Twitter Instagram

via WordSmith Publicity

New Release Review: The Virgin Gift by Lauren Blakely

 

THE VIRGIN GIFT 

by Lauren Blakely 

Release Date: December 2nd

 

THE VIRGIN GIFT, the second book in The Gift Series, a series of sexy love stories by #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely, is a red hot neighbors to lovers, lesson in seduction romance and it’s AVAILABLE NOW in Kindle Unlimited and audio!! Ebook will be 99¢ on release day only!

 

“Another winner! You won't want to put Nina and Adam's story down. And just wait until you see what number eleven is on Nina's list…” --Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author of Moonlighter

 

Add to Goodreads: http://blkly.pub/GRVirginGift

   

Find out what happens when sexy, charming Adam discovers the girl next door’s naughty to-do list 

AVAILABLE NOW!! 

Amazon US ➜ https://amzn.to/2R9udif

Amazon UK ➜ https://amzn.to/2RbL6J7

Amazon CA ➜ https://amzn.to/2P5R4IR

Amazon AU ➜ https://amzn.to/2DOsG9L

--

✦Paperback ➜ https://blkly.pub/PBVirginGift 

✦Audio ➜ https://adbl.co/2D9Pf8t 

Performed by Elena Wolfe & Teddy Hamilton with special appearances by Joe Arden & Maxine Mitchell

More about this series of red-hot standalone romances: 

https://laurenblakely.com/thegiftseries/

My review: 5 explosive stars!

The Virgin Gift is the second book in The Gift Series, Lauren Blakely's after dark series. I loved the friendship between Nina and Adam and how it so easily developed into more. I was like their nosy neighbor, Miss Sheridan- I saw their chemistry before they did! Although Adam and Nina agree to stay friends as he helps her check items off her sexual to-do list, it was so easy to see the relationship quickly develop into something more. I adore Blakely's writing style and have not yet met one of her storylines that didn't draw me in right from the first chapter. The Virgin Gift was fantastic- full of heart and and a real story about friendship and trust.

   

Blurb: 

I might still carry my V-card, but I know exactly what I want in a man. Smart, charming and oh-so-skilled. Too bad I haven't found him yet.

But maybe he's found me.

Because when my charming, laid-back, next-door neighbor discovers a secret list I keep, he volunteers to work through every single item on it.

Including the last one -- at the end, we walk away and stay friends.

I say yes to his offer, and that's when I discover another side to him.

A side I adore. A side I crave. He's commanding, intense, and everything I've ever wanted.

But as we check things off one by one, I find myself breaking the most important rule of all. And I have no idea what it will do to my heart.

 

  

About the Author: 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 sweet, sexy and witty. She also writes red-hot love stories for her Lauren Blakely After Dark line.

She'd love to give you a free book today! Check out her web site to grab your free read: https://laurenblakely.com/one-free-book/

Connect w/Lauren:

Website: http://www.laurenblakely.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurenBlakely3

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lauren-blakely

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YzfGNv

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860216.Lauren_Blakelyy

New Release Review: Only Love by Melanie Harlow

“Heartfelt, beautiful and sexy!"

- Lauren Blakely, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Only Love, an all-new sexy standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow, is available now!

Only Love

Series: One and Only #3

By Melanie Harlow

Release Date: November 26, 2018

A gorgeous former Marine with a tortured soul.

The beautiful, compassionate therapist living next door.

A meddlesome grandma determined to get them together.

I was expecting a proposal on my birthday, and I got dumped instead.

How could I have been so clueless?

Grams knew exactly how to distract me.

The “cute boy next door” who’s been helping her with yard work clearly needs a little therapy. Who better to call than her newly single therapist granddaughter?

She even fakes dementia to get me to visit, and now that I’m here she’s doing everything in her power to throw us together.

Not that I’m complaining. Ryan is the sexiest man I’ve ever met--I mean the full package, from the chiseled jaw to the massive shoulders to the rippling abs. (And yes, his package is full, and he knows exactly how to deliver it.) He makes me want to get out of my head and follow my heart. He makes me want to take chances I never thought I’d take.

He also makes me want to take my clothes off. A lot.

But he’s moody and challenging--one minute he’s an open book, and the next he’s completely closed off. He holds me like he’ll never let go, but insists he wants to be alone.

Some wounds are so deep, only love can heal them.

How can I convince him to let me try?

My review: 5 stars!

I am cracking up that I just tagged Only Love with the label "meddlesome grandma"! Gram was such a great character- and when I hit that first chapter from her POV mixed in with Ryan and Stella's I literally laughed out loud! So fun! What a great combo these two characters were- broody Ryan and intuitive Stella had such great chemistry. I have loved all three books in the series, but I think Only You is my favorite- and that epilogue! Such a pretty HEA bow for everyone!

Download your copy today!

AppleBooks: http://bit.ly/OnlyLoveMH

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QqGImr

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/OnlyLove

Nook: http://bit.ly/2FbQ7Nz

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2yWa9Gu

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2Dacxwd

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2y4EVve

About Melanie Harlow

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak. Melanie is the author of the AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

Connect with Melanie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieHarlow/?fref=ts

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NPkYKs

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melanie-harlow

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/melanieharlow2/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanie_harlow/

Website: http://www.melanieharlow.com

Stay up to date with Melanie by joining her mailing list: http://www.melanieharlow.com/subscribe/