Promoting and reviewing romance novels one book at a time
Author: professorromance
I teach students to write for college. I love to read writers who write romance. Why not review and promote the writing of people who love to write romance? Win-win for me
I have been in love with Shepard Thorne since I was twelve.
He’s my best friend’s hot older brother, and I am the weird redhead who low-key follows him everywhere. He’s soccer’s bad boy, and I am stuck in a dead end job, serving drinks at the local strip club.
Our paths aren’t meant to cross.
Until one day I catch him getting a lap dance at the club and jealousy makes me ruin his fun.
Now he’s made it his mission to make my life hell and no matter what I do, there is no escape.
Everywhere I turn, there he is, waiting for his payback.
He threatens to kiss me one second, and choke me the next.
He promises to bring me to my knees and make me beg.
What started as a little harmless prank turns into a twisted game of blackmail that’s toxic but oh-so-good.
But it has to end.
Because I have a secret…
That ties me to my tormentor in an irrevocable way, and if he ever finds out, it will wreck everything I now crave.
Even his revenge.
Note: This is a STANDALONE set in the world of Bardstown
Dirty dancing leads to a chance at forever in this sizzling single parent, found family, small town romance by Jessica Peterson.
As a recently divorced single mom, I have zero interest in flirting with guys while on a rare girls’ weekend away with my sisters. I just want to have fun, celebrate my new job, and listen to live music at a honky tonk.
But when I literally stumble into the most gorgeous guy ever on the dance floor, those plans go up in smoke. Growing up on the barrel racing circuit, I’m not immune to the charms of a cowboy. But this particular one is hot as hell: Sawyer’s got a mustache, some sexy tattoos, and a very filthy mouth.
Needless to say, we end up naked in his swanky hotel room. It’s the best sex of my life. And the way Sawyer treats me like a queen? Let’s just say a girl could get addicted to that kind of adoration.
Good thing he’ll always be just a one night stand I can look back on with a smile. I’m rebuilding our life from scratch, and I need to focus on my three-year-old daughter and the dream job I just landed.
Imagine my surprise, then, when I move to Hartsville and run into a tattooed cowboy with an endearing daughter of his own. Now Sawyer wants more than the occasional playdates between our girls. But the closer we become, the more determined this sexy single dad is to keep me forever.
As much as I am falling for Sawyer, I’m terrified. I’ve been down this road before with my ex, and I wonder if I can trust this cowboy. Will he rope the moon for me? Or is my heart destined to be trampled all over again?
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Jessica Peterson writes romance with heat, humor, and heart. Heroes with hot accents are her specialty. When she’s not writing, she can be found bellying up to a bar in the south’s best restaurants with her husband Ben, reading books with her adorable daughter Gracie, or snuggling up with her 70-pound lap dog, Martha.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
Tropes: surprise pregnancy; one-night stand; pro football romance; marriage of convenience
For readers seeking a romance that balances emotional depth with sizzling attraction, Tia Louise’s The Way We Collide delivers a compelling story that goes beyond the typical sports romance formula.
What truly makes this novel stand out is Hendrix’s remarkable character arc. We watch as this professional football star evolves from being solely focused on his career to embracing the responsibilities and joys of fatherhood. Louise crafts this transformation with authenticity, allowing readers to witness every step of his journey—the doubts, the mistakes, and ultimately, the beautiful moments of connection that change him forever. His growth feels earned rather than contrived, making his character all the more endearing.
The chemistry between Raven and Hendrix practically leaps off the page. Louise masterfully builds tension as these two fight their obvious attraction, creating delicious moments of “will they or won’t they” that keep readers turning pages well into the night. When they finally surrender to their feelings, the emotional payoff is as satisfying as the steamy scenes themselves. Their connection feels genuine because it’s grounded in mutual respect and understanding, not just physical attraction.
Equally compelling is Raven’s personal journey of self-discovery. Her evolution from aspiring storm chaser to finding unexpected passion in a different field feels refreshingly realistic. Louise portrays the uncertainty of changing life directions with sensitivity and insight, reminding readers that our paths are rarely straight and that’s perfectly okay.
The supporting cast enhances the story considerably, particularly Hendrix’s family, who provide both emotional gravitas and welcome moments of humor. Their presence makes the world of the novel feel lived-in and real. Additionally, Raven’s unwavering support of Hendrix’s football dreams adds another layer of depth to their relationship, showing that true love means championing each other’s aspirations.
Louise’s writing style deserves special mention—it’s accessible and flowing, propelling the narrative forward with ease. Readers looking for an engaging story that doesn’t require mental gymnastics to follow will appreciate her straightforward approach.
While the focus on physical attraction is certainly present (and well-executed), there’s enough emotional substance here to satisfy readers who might typically shy away from steamier romances. That said, deeper character development would have elevated this from a good read to a truly outstanding one.
The Way We Collide is a solid four-star romance that offers more than meets the eye. If you’ve been hesitant to try Tia Louise’s work, this character-driven story of love, growth, and finding your path might just be the perfect introduction.
Meeting Bolan Adler, professional baseball catcher and single dad, is a complicated story.
One involving a one-time kiss when I was young and silly. And a two-time tryst as some kind of midlife breakdown moment.
Anyway, in the game of baseball, three strikes mean: you’re out.
I thought my third one might happen when Bolan Adler is the newest client of the sports management agency I work for.
The same business that just promoted me to agent status when I haven’t asked for the position.
Also, the ridiculous company that wrote up a reputation repair report for the newest member of the Chicago Anchors which includes:
Bolan Adler needs a wife.
He’s decided I’m it. Only this isn’t a game of tag.
Hearts are on the line when I meet Bolan’s sweet sixteen-month-old, and my role goes from babysitting the bad boy of baseball to bonus-mom for his precious daughter.
Complicated, like I said.
Add in when my fake husband starts tossing out real emotions about love, marriage, and a baby, and I’m just hoping to stay out of the strike zone. Because the obvious opponent on the field is love.
Will it win or lose at the end of the season?
Meet L.B. Dunbar:
L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Lakeside Cottage and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her monthly newsletter, Love Notes.
Only bad nannies know what it’s like…to kiss the boss.
👨👧 👔👨👧👔 👨👧 LAST ON THE LIST by Amy Daws is getting a new look! Since Amy Daws signed with Canary Street Press, the whole WAIT WITH ME SERIES are being re-covered and re-released over the next couple of years to be on the shelves of bookstores everywhere!
Check out the brand-new deluxe edition of Max & Cozy with custom illustration, sprayed edges plus a print exclusive bonus epilogue.
Only a bad nanny knows what it’s like to kiss the boss.
CEO millionaire, Max Fletcher is a single dad in desperate need of a nanny.
Cozy Barlow is in the middle of her self-appointed “gap year” and doing everything she can to detach from her past.
But when her sister begs her to interview for the nanny position of a high maintenance client, she doesn’t have a good enough reason to say no.
And when Max locks eyes on the twenty-something in a tie-dye sweatsuit who pitches the idea of daydreaming all summer—he prepares to give this bad nanny the boot.
One problem: Max’s little girl thinks this plus-sized in body and spirit nanny might be her new bestie, so she hires her on the spot.
Now Max is stuck with this bizarre woman who hates everything he represents—corporate greed, money, status, power.
But one stormy night when the power goes out, he discovers Cozy doesn’t hate him. In fact, he’s the leading role in her fantasies.
Fantasies, he would very much like to make a reality.
From New York Times, USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn. This steamy, laugh out loud, enemies-to-lovers, fake dating standalone romance is now available in all formats! Check out the excerpt below and one-click your copy today!
About BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE: When a chance at being a bridesmaid turns into a chance at being a bride, how can she possibly refuse? Hudson Hopper is in some trouble. After doing his business partner, Jude, a favor by hiring Jude’s younger sister, Sloane, Hudson very quickly finds out that she is a massive distraction―especially since she’s now his assistant. But when they are confronted with a situation where Sloane is told to fill in as a bridesmaid for one of Hudson’s business partners, she comes up with a trade. She’ll be a part of the regency wedding―corset and all―if Hudson marries her in return. Sloane knows the value of the trade: he needs her, and she needs his wedding ring to get her into a high-society club that will further her career. It’s an instant no from Hudson at first, but when she convinces him that no one will find out, including her brother, and that he will benefit from the marriage, too…well, Hudson might just find himself saying “I do.” down―and her heart along with it.
“Didn’t I fire you yesterday?” “I believe that you did.” She nods as if it’s no big deal. “Okay, so…care to tell me why you’re here, in my office, handing me a green drink with no sugar?” “I chose not to take part in the firing.” “What the hell does that mean?” I ask. And then to my surprise, she plops herself on top of my desk, crosses one leg over the other, and leans back on her hand, the pose incredibly too sexy, especially since the position makes the lapels of her suit jacket pop open, revealing that she’s not wearing a shirt under that blazer. Just a bra. Christ. “It means I chose not to be fired.” “That’s not a thing,” I say. “Oh, it is. You see, I’ve been taught to seize what I want, to take charge, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. Therefore, I’ve decided that I’m not fired.” “You can decide that all you want, but that’s not how things work. I’m the boss, you work for me; therefore, when I say you’re fired, you’re fired. There will be no point in coming into the office because I will not be paying you.” “Says who?” she asks.
I point to my chest. “Says me.” “And would you say that you’re the one that makes all the decisions?” “Uh, yeah. That’s what the term boss entails. The decision-maker.” “And your choice is to fire me?” What kind of fucking circus is this? Is this some sort of social media trend? Refusal to be fired? Am I actually old and I don’t realize it? “Yes, my choice is to fire you; that’s why I did it yesterday: I fired you.” “You did, but a part of me thinks that you might regret that decision.” I stick my hands in my pockets and ask, “What makes you think that?” “Because I have a proposal for you.” She hops off my desk and gestures toward my seating area. “Please, join me.” Skeptical but also intrigued by the fuckery, I follow her and take a seat on the couch as she does, only about a foot of space separating, close enough to catch the lavender scent that clings to her. “What’s going on, Sloane? I have things to do.” “I know; this won’t take too much of your time.” She places her hands on her lap and looks me in the eyes. “I was thinking about yesterday and everything that happened. And I know the right thing to do would be to come in here and tell you I didn’t mean any of the things that I said, but that would be a lie. I meant every single word.” Every single word? Because I remember specifically one thing in particular that she tried to deny saying, but I’m not going to bring that up, not when she’s sitting this close and smells this damn good. “Okay,” I say. “And an apology is not why I’m here. I’m here on business.” “Sloane, I don’t think I can give you your job back.” “Not looking to be your assistant,” she says, and then, to my surprise, she gets down on one knee in front of me, takes my hand in hers, and continues. “I’m looking to be your wife.” My WHAT? “Hudson Mitchell Hopper, will you marry me?” She smiles up at me. Blinks. Fucking winks… She’s kidding right? I look for something, anything, to tell me this is a joke. I glance around the room. Are there hidden cameras in here? Am I on a daytime talk show where someone is going to come out, have a gotcha moment, and say to the audience that I’ve been lusting after my too-young-for-me assistant? I wait a few seconds, and when I realize none of that is happening, I clear my throat. “Excuse me?”
“Look at you, in shock. How cute.” She pats my hand. “Hudson, it’s a simple question. Will you marry me?” “Uh…” I shake my hand out of hers and slide back on the couch, putting space between us. “Not to sound like an obtuse ass, but why the fuck would I marry you, Sloane?” She rolls her eyes. “And here I thought you were a smart businessman.” She gets off the ground and sits back on the couch. She straightens her clothes while I try to comprehend what the hell is happening this morning. This is why I need more coffee in the morning. Forget the green drink, I need a twenty-ounce cup of pure, unfiltered coffee, straight from the goddamn bean. “I’ll lay it out for you: you need a wife, and I’m the one for the job.” “I fail to see how I need a wife.” “Are you really that dense?” she asks. “Uh, are you really this delusional?” I counter. Another roll of the eyes. “Jesus, Hudson. You need to impress Archie’s father-in-law, right? What’s one way to do that? Slip into the Mayfair Club. And what is one of the requirements to get into the club? You must be married.” She holds out her hand and points to her empty ring finger. “All you’ve got to do is put a ring on it.” Wow. Okay. She’s lost it. I think the conversation I need to have with Jude is going to veer in a different direction that I’d thought. More like I think your sister might need some help . “You know, not really in the market for a wife at the moment, but thanks for the offer. Now, I think it’s time that you leave.” She shrugs. “Suit yourself.” She stands and starts heading toward the door. “By the way, your father called this morning. I took a message for you because I thought I might be helpful despite being fired. He said to tell you that he still plans on suing you, but he’s currently working on another investment, so he might be held up at the moment.” And then she heads out of my office, leaving my skin prickling with irritation. What the fuck just happened?
Jason Clarke and Vanessa Edwin narrate this steamy, marriage-of-convenience romcom in duet. BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE is now available on Audible!
ABOUT MEGHAN QUINN: New York Times Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
The Woman Left Behind, an all-new, beautifully-crafted, compelling second-chance, thriller romance and the fourth book in the Misted Pines Series from New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley is live now!
There are two dead bodies in Idaho, and the gun used to kill them has been traced back to a sixteen-year-old robbery in Misted Pines.
Sheriff Harry Moran has a broken heart and a stack of case files on his desk that the corrupt sheriff who came before him might have bungled.
Or he may have framed innocent people.
The first case Harry dives into, the woman left behind lives just a block away from his office.
When Lillian Rainier opens the door to the sheriff, Harry, who’s been a dead man walking since his wife died, comes back to life.
As for Lillian, she’s had a crush on Harry for forever, Harry showing at her door, and how he is when he does only makes her fall deeper.
As Harry and his team dive into these suspicious cases, Harry and Lillian have to figure out what to do with all they feel for each other, how hard it hits them, and how deep it goes.
But as a voice from the past becomes a witness in the present, and Harry and his crew dig deeper, they sense something sinister happened years ago.
As they weave together the threads of a cold case, they realize how messy it is.
Worse, the man behind the mess is desperately cleaning it up …
Oh, Mark. How will we wait for you? Sierra Simone’s Bitter Burn is coming September 30th. Check out these GORGEOUS covers, and preorder your copy of it TODAY!
After my husband died eight years ago, I made vengeance my only purpose, my religion, my destiny. But to get to my enemy, I had to make myself like him. He had a kingdom of secrets? Then I would make an empire. He had blood on his hands? Then I would bathe in it.
But Tristan and Isolde changed everything. I hadn’t counted on wanting them, needing them; I hadn’t counted on how it felt to watch the two of them fall in love. I’d thought I had everything under control—I’d thought I was safe from my own long-dead heart. I’d never imagined that the wronged husband, the jealous king from my childhood fairy tales, would be played by none other than me.
It no longer matters what I used to believe. My enemy is ready to finish the game, and for the first time in eight years, I have pieces on the board I can’t afford to lose. I’ll burn the entire world to keep Tristan and Isolde safe, I’ll scorch the earth—but as any good assassin will tell you, fire will only get a man so far, because there’s always something left in the ashes. And for the three of us, it’s the cold, bitter bones of the truth: their story begins and ends with me.
I knew better than to take my best friend’s little sister’s virginity at that Halloween party. But in my defense, I didn’t know how to say no. Or maybe I simply didn’t want to.
She was my Cinderella and I was her masked villain.
Then I ruined everything. Twice.
Years later we’re undeniably enemies, our hate for each other legendary.
Except I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her. Or that night.
Only now she works for me in the hospital where she’s a medical student and I’m an attending physician. Not to mention, without realizing it, I bought the apartment next to hers.
We try to keep things professional but when she learns the truth behind the secrets I’ve been keeping, angry sparks explode into a raging inferno of scorching touches and burning passion.
I know I have to keep my distance. She’s all wrong for me. Too young. Too bratty. Too dangerous to the life I’ve worked tirelessly to rebuild. The one being with her would destroy.
The problem is, I’ve never wanted anyone more. And I don’t know how to stay away for long.
Especially when I discover I’m not the only one keeping secrets.
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers; opposites attract; fake relationship/engagement; forced proximity; pro hockey romance; miscommunication trope; athlete & pop star; slow burn
Two elements elevate romance novels to greatness: a hero who can tenderly braid the heroine’s hair and characters whose painful pasts prevent them from finding happiness until their love interest truly sees them. Kandi Steiner masterfully incorporates both in Save Your Breath, the fourth installment in her Kings of the Ice series, creating an emotional journey that devastated me in the best possible way.
I anticipated that Aleks Suter and Mia Love’s story would pack the most potent emotional punch in this series. While I remain a devoted “Daddy P” fan, Aleks now rivals him as my favorite Steiner book boyfriend. Unlike Daddy P’s brooding grumpiness, Aleks embodies the team’s “bad boy” persona—yet his anger-fueled actions mask the deep wounds of a man abandoned to foster care. Steiner’s character development for Aleks stands as the novel’s greatest achievement. His journey toward self-acceptance through Mia’s unconditional love brought me to tears, and Steiner makes readers work for this payoff through an exquisitely crafted slow-burn romance.
Mia serves as Aleks’s perfect counterbalance. Beyond the “good girl/bad boy” dynamic, Steiner portrays her as someone who complements and challenges Aleks. Through Mia, we witness the struggle to maintain cultural relevance while staying true to artistic integrity. Aleks becomes her biggest supporter, encouraging her to create authentic music even as they navigate their arranged engagement. This mutual admiration adds profound vulnerability to their supposedly fake relationship—they’re each other’s greatest champions, fostering a love that captivates readers.
The Tampa Bay Ospreys’ found family dynamic enhances the emotional resonance. Aleks’s gradual connections with teammates parallel his growing closeness with Mia, creating a powerful emotional compound effect when he finally accepts that he deserves love. While these interactions often inject humor into tense moments, they underscore Aleks’s deep-seated need for acceptance. His relationships with Mia’s parents and his elderly neighbor further highlight his character growth, adding emotional complexity to the story.
My one criticism lies in the miscommunication between the protagonists. While Steiner establishes their ability to see each other fully, their failure to recognize each other’s feelings sometimes lacks credibility. The narrative doesn’t sufficiently explore why these otherwise perceptive characters remain blind to their mutual attraction.
Nevertheless, this flaw doesn’t diminish the overall emotional impact of Save Your Breath. Readers should prepare for a slow burn that demands patience—Steiner doesn’t rush Aleks and Mia’s journey. The beautiful, tear-inducing conclusion justifies the wait. The Kings of the Ice series continues to deliver exceptional hockey romance, and I eagerly anticipate the next two installments.
UNDENIABLY ENEMIES is LIVE 
Grumpy, obsessed doctor
Brother’s Best Friend
He’s her boss
Age gap (10 years)
Neighbors to Lovers
Secret relationship & texts
SUPER STEAMY w/ k!nk and play
Professor Romance 