Tag: contemporary romance

new release, Review

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Reviews: Jewel E. Ann’s A Good Book, book 3 of her Sunday Morning series ✍🏻

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Cover of 'A Good Book' by Jewel E. Ann from the Sunday Morning series, featuring a woman in a floral dress standing with her back to the viewer, looking at a scenic landscape.

Overall Grade: A-/B+

“We experienced the world and the people in it in different ways.”

Jewel E. Ann’s A Good Book delivers substantial emotional depth as the third installment in her Sunday Morning series. Initial concerns about Gabby’s characterization proved unfounded, as Ann transforms what appeared to be a somewhat underdeveloped character in the previous volumes, Sunday Morning and The Apple Tree, into a compelling and multifaceted individual worthy of her own narrative arc.

The central premise of A Good Book revolves around the friends to lovers trope, a narrative device that frequently challenges contemporary romance authors. The inherent difficulty lies in establishing believable motivations for characters who have maintained platonic relationships for extended periods. Ann addresses this challenge through Ben, the male main character, who harbors romantic feelings for Gabby while simultaneously pursuing relationships with other women. His willingness to accept Gabby’s devotion to Matt simply to maintain proximity creates a potentially frustrating dynamic for readers accustomed to more direct romantic progression.

However, Ann demonstrates considerable narrative skill by revealing that Gabby has been aware of Ben’s feelings throughout their friendship, even during her preoccupation with Matt. This revelation transforms what could have been a predictable storyline into something more nuanced and emotionally authentic. The author’s ability to execute such narrative turns distinguishes her work within the romance genre and explains her dedicated readership.

The novel explores Gabby’s journey through complex themes of sexuality and religion, subjects that Ann examines through careful character development. Particularly noteworthy is the evolution of Gabby’s parents, who demonstrate growth in forgiveness and understanding compared to their treatment of Sarah in Sunday Morning and Eve in The Apple Tree. This character development represents one of the strongest elements of the narrative and illustrates Ann’s commitment to realistic family dynamics.

Ben emerges as a particularly well crafted character whose patient suffering creates both sympathy and occasional frustration. His constancy throughout the narrative provides emotional weight and demonstrates Ann’s skill in developing male characters who possess genuine emotional complexity.

Ann’s distinctive voice remains the primary strength of A Good Book. Her approach to contemporary romance differs significantly from genre conventions, as she refuses to provide easy resolutions or straightforward romantic development. Through economical prose, Ann explores fundamental truths about love and grief, themes that consistently appear throughout her contemporary romance catalog. Her willingness to challenge readers rather than simply entertain them elevates her work above typical genre offerings.

The 1980s setting, while accurately detailed and clearly drawn from personal experience, occasionally feels unnecessary to the overall narrative. The cultural references to music, fashion, and the lifestyle of the decade are meticulously researched and authentically presented, yet the temporal placement seems to serve little purpose beyond nostalgic appeal. This represents a minor criticism, as Ann’s decision to write from familiar territory rather than attempting to capture contemporary culture through a Generation X perspective demonstrates artistic integrity.

A Good Book succeeds as both a standalone romance and as part of the larger Sunday Morning series. Ann’s commitment to emotional authenticity, combined with her distinctive narrative voice, creates a reading experience that is both accessible and intellectually engaging. The novel challenges conventional romance expectations while delivering the emotional satisfaction that genre readers expect.

This reviewer awards A Good Book 4.5 stars and recommends it enthusiastically to readers seeking contemporary romance that offers both entertainment and substance. Ann’s work consistently distinguishes itself through its refusal to conform to predictable patterns, making her novels both highly readable and genuinely thought-provoking additions to the romance genre.

In love and romance,

Professor A

new release, Review

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Reviews: Karla Sorensen’s Lessons in Heartbreak ✍🏻

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A shelf filled with various romance novels, prominently featuring the book 'Lessons in Heartbreak' by Karla Sorensen, alongside a playful sign stating 'reading is sexy'.

Overall Grade: A –

Tropes: pro football player MMC; small town shy librarian FMC; opposites attract; football/sports romance; small town romance;  childhood neighbors; spicy lessons

Karla Sorensen’s Lessons in Heartbreak represents a sophisticated exploration of the enemies-to-lovers romance trope, elevated by the author’s nuanced approach to character development and psychological depth. This novel showcases Sorensen’s ongoing journey as a romance novelist, presenting readers with a deliberately paced narrative that rewards careful attention to its intricate character dynamics.

Unlike Sorensen’s typically fast-paced works, Lessons in Heartbreak adopts a more measured approach that serves its thematic content well. The slower pacing allows for the full development of the acrimonious yet increasingly amorous banter between the main characters, Griffin and Ruby. This stylistic choice transforms what could have been superficial antagonism into a rich tapestry of verbal sparring that reveals deeper character motivations and emotional vulnerabilities.

The novel’s greatest strength lies in its portrayal of Griffin’s character arc. Initially presented as an archetypal “golden retriever” personality, cheerful, uncomplicated, and deliberately surface-level, Griffin undergoes substantial psychological development throughout the narrative. Sorensen employs the effective micro-trope of the MMC lacking self-awareness who gradually develops a deeper understanding through his relationship with the FMC.

Griffin’s superficial jocularity serves as a defense mechanism against deeper emotional pain, a psychological complexity that becomes increasingly apparent as Ruby’s perspective challenges his worldview. This internal growth creates a compelling contrast with his strained relationship with his twin brother, Barrett, highlighting how genuine connection can foster personal development in ways that familial connection cannot.

Sorensen masterfully executes another sophisticated romance trope: the concept of main characters who “see” each other more clearly than anyone else can. This mutual recognition becomes particularly poignant when contrasted with Griffin’s fractured family relationships. The author demonstrates considerable skill in illustrating how true intimacy involves not just attraction but genuine understanding and acceptance of one’s partner’s authentic self.

The novel’s central conflict, Ruby’s struggle to choose love despite a health issue, creates substantial emotional stakes without relying on external dramatic devices. Sorensen constructs this internal conflict with careful attention to psychological realism, avoiding the trap of manufactured drama that often weakens contemporary romance narratives. The “soul-deep” attraction that develops between Griffin and Ruby feels earned rather than convenient, a testament to the author’s careful character building.

The ancillary characters in Lessons in Heartbreak function as more than mere comic relief or plot devices. Ruby’s best friend Lauren, Griffin’s young relatives, and his teammate, Marcus create a supporting ecosystem that enhances rather than distracts from the central romance. These characters provide both humor and emotional depth, contributing to a “found family” dynamic that enriches the journey of Griffin and Ruby.

Sorensen’s small-town setting feels authentic and lived-in, creating an immersive community atmosphere that makes readers feel genuinely connected to the story’s world. This environmental storytelling adds layers of meaning to the character development, as Griffin and Ruby’s relationship evolves within a context of genuine community belonging.

What distinguishes Lessons in Heartbreak within the romance genre is Sorensen’s commitment to emotional authenticity. The love story she constructs between Griffin and Ruby transcends simple wish fulfillment to explore the genuine challenges and rewards of intimate partnership. Her ability to create believable, aspirational romantic relationships consistently across her body of work establishes her as a significant voice in contemporary romance literature.

Griffin’s transformation from self-protective humor to genuine emotional availability represents one of the novel’s finest achievements, illustrating how love can serve as a catalyst for personal growth without requiring one partner to sacrifice their essential self.

Lessons in Heartbreak stands as an impressive work of contemporary romance that successfully balances genre conventions with literary sophistication. Sorensen’s careful attention to character psychology, her skilled deployment of beloved romance tropes, and her creation of an engaging supporting cast combine to produce a novel that satisfies both intellectually and emotionally.

For readers seeking romance fiction that offers both escapist pleasure and genuine emotional depth, Lessons in Heartbreak provides an ideal reading experience. Sorensen has crafted a love story that feels both fantastical and attainable, creating the kind of aspirational relationship dynamic that defines the best of the romance genre. This novel comes highly recommended for both devoted romance readers and those seeking an introduction to the genre’s contemporary sophistication.

In love and romance, 

Professor A

new release, Review

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Reviews: Louise Bay’s Love Fast, book 1 of the Colorado Club Billionaires series ✍🏻

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Overall Grade: B

Tropes: runaway bride; small town romance; workplace romance; billionaire MMC; he falls first

Louise Bay’s Love Fast serves as the inaugural novel in her Colorado Club Billionaires series, establishing a narrative foundation that connects to her previous New York City Billionaires collection. This crossover approach allows Bay to introduce readers to Byron, a character previously mentioned in The Hero + Vegas = No Regrets, while simultaneously constructing the framework for her new series.

Bay crafts a four star narrative that explores the relationship between Byron, a privileged billionaire, and Rosey, a woman from modest economic circumstances. The author effectively develops Byron’s backstory, creating a multidimensional character whose privileged existence is complicated by emotional trauma. This character development generates reader sympathy, establishing an emotional investment in his narrative trajectory.

The chemistry between Byron and Rosey manifests primarily through physical attraction, though Bay attempts to deepen their connection through parallel experiences of parental trauma. Both protagonists navigate complicated relationships with a parent, creating a psychological foundation for their mutual attraction beyond physical desire. This shared emotional wound becomes the central catalyst for their developing relationship.

Despite Rosey’s limited worldly experience and financial disadvantage, Bay positions her as instrumental in supporting Byron’s professional ambitions, particularly the development of his Colorado Club resort. Through this dynamic, Bay examines themes of power and privilege, interrogating how socioeconomic disparities influence intimate relationships. The author does not simply acknowledge these disparities but explores how they shape interpersonal dynamics and personal growth.

Beyond the central romance, Bay explores several compelling thematic elements. The narrative considers the nurturing potential of small town communities, illustrating how close knit social structures can support individual development. Additionally, the concept of chosen family emerges as a significant theme, particularly relevant for characters whose biological families prove dysfunctional or absent. Bay further examines how friendship networks can provide emotional sustenance in the absence of healthy parental relationships.

The primary weakness of Love Fast lies in its reliance on the instant attraction trope and the accelerated timeline of emotional development. The rapid progression from initial meeting to profound emotional connection within approximately one week strains credibility. The narrative structure follows a predictable trajectory: protagonists meet, discover physical proximity as neighbors, share innocent moments over hot chocolate, engage in physical intimacy, separate briefly, and reunite weeks later with declarations of love. This compressed emotional timeline limits the opportunity for readers to witness substantial relationship development, sacrificing emotional depth for narrative expedience.

While the instant attraction trope remains standard within the romance genre, its implementation here prioritizes physical connection over emotional evolution. The abbreviated timeline constrains the potential complexity of Byron and Rosey’s relationship, reducing what could be a nuanced exploration of class differences and emotional healing to a somewhat formulaic romantic progression.

Despite these limitations, Love Fast remains an engaging introduction to Bay’s new series. The author’s accessible prose style facilitates reader immersion, and her exploration of emotional trauma provides a counterbalance to the more conventional aspects of the narrative. The novel effectively establishes the world of the Colorado Club billionaires while maintaining connections to Bay’s existing literary universe.

For readers who appreciate romance narratives that combine elements of wealth fantasy with emotional healing, Love Fast offers a satisfying, if somewhat predictable, reading experience. Bay demonstrates particular skill in balancing moments of physical intimacy with instances of emotional vulnerability, creating a narrative that, despite its compressed timeline, delivers the emotional satisfaction characteristic of the contemporary romance genre.

The novel suggests significant potential for the Colorado Club billionaires series, establishing narrative threads and secondary characters that promise engaging future installments. While Love Fast might not transcend genre conventions, it skillfully fulfills reader expectations while laying groundwork for a potentially richer series narrative.

Love Fast represents a solid beginning to Bay’s new series, balancing familiar romance tropes with meaningful thematic exploration. Despite relying on an accelerated emotional timeline that limits character development depth, the novel successfully establishes both individual character arcs and broader series potential.

In love and romance,

Professor A

new release, Review

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Reviews: Rebecca Jenshak’s Spotlight, book 4 of her Holland Brothers series ✍🏻

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An illustration depicting two characters on a baseball field; a young man in a baseball uniform and a young woman holding a baseball bat, both smiling in a playful stance. The background features a stadium with lights and a sunset sky, and the title 'SPOTLIGHT' prominently displayed at the top.

Overall Grade: B

Tropes: single mom; pro baseball MMC; close proximity; he falls first; found family; bookish FMC

Rebecca Jenshak’s Spotlight, the fourth installment in her Holland Brothers series, presents readers with an emotionally engaging contemporary romance that balances predictable genre elements with meaningful character development. As an examination of second chances and the complexities of balancing personal dreams with familial responsibilities, the novel succeeds in delivering an accessible yet thoughtful narrative.

The plot centers on Olivia, a single mother who has resigned herself to a life without romantic partnership after numerous disappointments mainly attributed to her parental status. During a weekend getaway in New York, she encounters Flynn Holland, occupying the adjacent hotel room. Their connection is immediate and profound, culminating in a night of intimate conversation rather than physical passion. This approach offers a refreshing deviation from genre conventions wherein the MMC and FMC mix “business with pleasure.” The following morning, Olivia awakens alone and assumes abandonment, unaware that Flynn was urgently called away by his agent regarding negotiations with a major league baseball team. Upon his return, he discovers Olivia has departed, seemingly ending their brief encounter.

Months later, fate intervenes when they discover their social circles are interconnected. Olivia is the best friend of Flynn’s brother Archer’s fiancée. Flynn, having recently joined the struggling local MLB team, the Mustangs, as their rising star, pursues Olivia with determination. The narrative tension centers not on miscommunication or contrived obstacles, but on a genuine career dilemma: when Flynn receives an offer from his dream team, he must choose between professional aspiration and the newfound family connection he has established with Olivia and her daughter.

Jenshak demonstrates particular skill in character development through supporting figures. The presence of Olivia’s family, Gigi, Grandpa Earl, and Ruby, provides emotional scaffolding for her character while Earl simultaneously serves as a mentor figure for Flynn. This dual functionality in secondary characters reveals Jenshak’s narrative efficiency. Similarly, the inclusion of Flynn’s brothers from previous novels creates a sense of continuity within the series while enhancing the protagonist’s characterization.

The novel’s most compelling emotional sequence involves Flynn’s confrontation with his estranged father. Here, Jenshak elevates the narrative beyond typical romance conventions, integrating themes of generational trauma and the courage required to establish healthy boundaries. This scene exemplifies the author’s ability to weave multiple tonal elements into a cohesive whole.

Stylistically, Spotlight is accessible without sacrificing substance. Jenshak’s prose is direct and unpretentious, prioritizing narrative momentum over linguistic ornamentation. The novel never attempts to transcend its genre. Instead, it excels within established parameters, offering readers exactly what the contemporary romance format promises: emotional satisfaction, relatable conflicts, and an assured resolution.

While Spotlight does not revolutionize the romance genre, its straightforward approach to storytelling, combined with thoughtful character development and thematic exploration of family dynamics, results in a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its authenticity, both in its portrayal of single motherhood and in its examination of how 

Spotlight represents a solid addition to Jenshak’s bibliography, demonstrating her consistent ability to craft emotionally resonant contemporary romance. Though it adheres closely to genre conventions without significant innovation, the novel’s well-developed characters and meaningful exploration of family relationships elevate it above many similar offerings in the contemporary romance landscape.

In love and romance,

Professor A

new release, Review

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Reviews: Kennedy Ryan’s Can’t Get Enough, the final book of her Skyland series – a top read for 2025 ✍🏻

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Book cover of 'Can't Get Enough' by Kennedy Ryan featuring a close-up of a woman with curly hair, surrounded by floral designs and promotional text praising the author.

Overall Grade: A

Recently, on social media, there have been readers who have spoken ‘from their chests’ that books shouldn’t be political. However, if you dive into a Kennedy Ryan story, you can’t help but understand the importance of highlighting social issues so that readers can learn and understand diverse cultures. To read a Kennedy Ryan book is a political act, and I am here only to amplify her voice and experience so more people can understand the challenges for people of color, ones that are universal as well as unique. Can’t Get Enough is a reminder that Kennedy Ryan is a tour de force in the romance book community and should be required reading in any college classroom.

Universal Challenges Through a Distinct Lens
Kennedy Ryan writes characters whose experiences might be distinctly different, but Ryan shows through the experiences of her main characters, Hendrix and Maverick, that life challenges don’t care about differences. Ryan has written the challenges of living with a relative with Alzheimer’s with extraordinary sensitivity and authenticity. The portrayal creates an emotional resonance that transcends any demographic boundaries, serving as a mirror to anyone who shares this difficult lived experience.

One of the most viscerally emotional moments in the book happens in Chapter 52, as Ryan treats us to the profundity of her writing, writing that acts as a reminder of her exceptional talent. Consider yourself forewarned: have a tissue box within arm’s reach for that chapter (and the one after it).

Hendrix has been one of my favorite characters throughout this series because I see aspects of myself reflected in her: strong, independent, and emotionally solid. Characters like Hendrix showcase the complexities of cultivating genuine intimacy, particularly when that requires a level of trust with individuals who have, historically, been disappointing. In the first two books of this series, Hendrix stands as the stalwart woman, dispensing wisdom to her best friends as they navigate their emotional labyrinths.

Yet Ryan brilliantly illuminates how life weighs heavily on the shoulders of those who serve as pillars for others. While maintaining a nuanced portrayal of Hendrix’s experience as a woman of color—bearing burdens unique to that identity—Ryan also develops Maverick into a partner truly deserving of Hendrix’s formidable strength. Their partnership emerges as one of the book’s most compelling elements, demonstrating Ryan’s gift for creating relationships that feel both aspirational and authentic.

The Politics of Representation
This novel possesses remarkable depth and substance. Kennedy Ryan confronts us with the shared experiences of people of color, gently but firmly compelling readers to consider the challenges faced by marginalized communities. She infuses her narrative with representations of Black excellence through the achievements and ambitions of Hendrix, Maverick, and other characters.

Here lies the critical juncture where readers from different backgrounds have the opportunity to “listen,” learn, and ultimately advocate for people of color. This is precisely where incorporating social issues becomes not merely appropriate but necessary—a political action essential for meaningful change. In this space, Kennedy Ryan truly shines, distinguishing herself from contemporaries in the romance genre through her willingness to engage with difficult realities while still delivering the emotional satisfaction readers seek.

Prose That Transcends
Another element that sets Kennedy Ryan apart is her extraordinary facility with language. I found myself highlighting passages on nearly every page, captivated by her ability to weave words and phrases into sentences of remarkable beauty and power. Within these exquisitely crafted sentences reside a spectrum of emotions and insights designed to challenge our intellects and evoke profound emotional responses.

Ryan’s passion for writing manifests itself on every page, creating the ultimate connection with her readers. Her prose doesn’t merely tell a story—it creates an experience that lingers long after the final page.

A Fitting Conclusion
Can’t Get Enough brings Kennedy Ryan’s Skyland series to a beautiful conclusion. This series serves as a poignant reminder of the work still to be done in our society, while simultaneously celebrating the beauty of cultures that might differ from our own. Kennedy Ryan continues to challenge us intellectually and emotionally, all while showcasing her remarkable literary talents.

For readers seeking romance with substance, depth, and purpose—romance that entertains while also expanding our understanding of experiences beyond our own—Can’t Get Enough stands as an essential text, further cementing Kennedy Ryan’s place as one of the genre’s most important and gifted voices.

In love and romance,

Professor A

new release

✍🏻 Vi Keeland’s Jilted is LIVE! Today is the day for a cute contemporary romance! ✍🏻

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Title: Jilted
Author: Vi Keeland
Publisher: Bramble/Macmillan
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Wedding Meet Cute/Pro Athlete Hero
He Falls First/Cocky Hero
Release Date: May 6, 2025
BLURB
Weddings. I spend every working minute talking and writing about them, when just the thought of one makes me want to scream. After my fiancé abandoned me at the altar last year, my dream job at Bride magazine has turned into a reoccurring nightmare.
To add insult to injury, the bridezilla at my latest assignment, somehow roped me into filling in for a missing bridesmaid. Of course, I had to get paired with the most gorgeous groomsman. Wilder Hayes is perfect—except when he opens his mouth and we end up bickering all evening. That is, until the coat closet incident.
At least I’ll never have to see him again. Or so I think… Until I walk into work on Monday and find out Wilder isn’t just a jerk, he’s also my boss’s son. And I’ll be spending the rest of the season working with him at every single wedding I cover this year.
Can the jilted bride and the man who is afraid of love find a way to heal each other?
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PAPERBACK 
WITH SPRAYED EDGES
Note: Paperbacks have gorgeous
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AUTHOR BIO
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, Israel, 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.
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Excerpt/Sneak Peek

✍🏻 Vi Keeland’s Jilted is coming May 6th! Check out this sneak peek, and preorder your copy of it TODAY! ✍🏻

professorromance
Title: Jilted
Author: Vi Keeland
Publisher: Bramble/Macmillan
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Wedding Meet Cute/Pro Athlete Hero
He Falls First/Cocky Hero
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Take a sneak peek at JILTED.
You know you want to…
“And this is Wilder. Your partner for the ceremony.” She wagged a finger at him. “Be nice.”
He smirked. “I’m always nice, love.”
Ooh . . . Those eyes come with a British accent.
The groomsman, whose name was apparently Wilder, gave me the once-over. His eyes dropped down to take in my dress, then raised to the top of my head, where the fascinator that looked more like mangled horns sat protruding from my skull.
“You had on a different dress earlier. So the accident must’ve happened recently then?”
“Accident?”
He smirked and motioned to the fascinator. “I’m assuming there’s a giant wound under there, since you thought it was a good idea to put that dress on instead.”
“Are you joking?” My hands flew to my hips. “Who insults someone they just met like that?”
“Actually I was.” He grinned. “Joking, I mean.”
“Well, it wasn’t very funny. Do you think I want to be wearing this . . . this . . .” My arms flailed around. “Costume?”
The maître d’ walked over. His eyes flashed down the hall and back. I suspected he was looking for the bride. “Is everything alright over here?” he whispered.
“Fine.”
He gestured to the door. “People are waiting for the ceremony to start. The walls are thin.”
I took a deep breath and nodded. “Of course. Sorry.”
My eyes slanted to the guy standing next to me, my partner, it seemed. He still wore a shit-eating grin and looked pretty proud of himself. But while I continued to scowl, I took a moment to check out the rest of his face, since I hadn’t been able to move past his eyes earlier. Square jaw, defined cheekbones, flawless tanned skin—I wasn’t sure if Bridezilla made the men get spray tans too, but his coloring was too golden bronze to have come from anything other than genetics. Not to mention, he was tall—a weakness of mine—with broad shoulders and . . . I inhaled. Damn, the fucker smells good, too.
I’d been so busy checking him out, I hadn’t realized he’d watched me do it. When my eyes met his again, he raised a brow. “Like what you see?”
Ugh. Cocky and rude. I plastered on a fake smile. “Yes, what a shame something so pleasant doesn’t come with a matching personality.”
★★★ 
Excited? We are too!
RELEASING
MAY 6th!
PRE-ORDER NOW
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AUTHOR BIO
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, Israel, 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.
AUTHOR LINKS
new release, Review

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Reviews: L.B. Dunbar’s Catch the Kiss, book 2 of the Chicago Anchors series ✍🏻

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Cover art for 'Catch the Kiss' by L.B. Dunbar, featuring a professional baseball player kneeling with a rose, proposing to a woman in a red dress, set against an elegant background.

Overall Grade: B

Tropes: second chance romance; marriage of convenience; pro baseball MMC; single dad; forced proximity; insta-attraction

In the second installment of L.B. Dunbar’s Chicago Anchors series, Catch the Kiss delivers a compelling second-chance romance between Ruthie and professional baseball player Bolan. Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s vibrant sports scene, their story unfolds a decade after their initial meeting, offering readers a satisfying exploration of growth, redemption, and unexpected love.

The novel opens with an ingenious meet-cute that immediately captivates, despite its questionable premise as a legitimate psychological study. This creative introduction establishes the foundation for Dunbar’s narrative with remarkable efficiency, setting up the characters’ initial connection in a way that feels both unique and memorable. When their paths cross again years later, the groundwork for their second chance is already firmly established in readers’ minds.

Bolan’s character arc stands as one of the novel’s greatest strengths. His transformation from playboy athlete to devoted husband unfolds with a charm that makes him increasingly endearing as the story progresses. What proves particularly compelling is that Bolan falls first, dedicating himself completely to making their marriage of convenience succeed. His commitment to Ruthie and his daughter showcases a depth of character that transcends the typical sports romance hero.

Equally engaging is Ruthie’s journey, which mirrors the familiar struggles many women face after early marriage failures—the challenge of reclaiming one’s identity and purpose. Through Bolan’s genuine interest and eventual love, she discovers her own space as a mother to his daughter, finding both her voice against manipulative in-laws and her path to profound happiness. Her evolution feels authentic and emotionally resonant, offering readers a protagonist whose growth is as satisfying as the romance itself.

While Dunbar’s storytelling shines in character development and emotional depth, her reliance on an obvious baseball metaphor throughout the narrative occasionally feels heavy-handed and unnecessary. This running motif, while thematically relevant, sometimes detracts from the natural power of Ruthie and Bolan’s story. This tendency toward overly explicit metaphorical frameworks appears to be a recurring element in Dunbar’s writing style.

Despite this minor critique, Catch the Kiss succeeds in creating engaging, relatable characters whose second-chance journey proves both heartwarming and satisfying. Dunbar’s Chicago Anchors series continues to demonstrate her talent for crafting contemporary romances with emotional substance and authentic character growth. Readers will undoubtedly look forward to future installments featuring the compelling personalities introduced in this Chicago-based world.

In love and romance, 

Professor A

Audio Release

✍🏻 Looking for something spicy? Fiona Cole’s Aspen is available in audio!!! ✍🏻

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A promotional image for the audiobook 'Aspen' by Fiona Cole, featuring a shirtless man lounging on a couch with a mobile phone displaying the audiobook interface and the text 'Crawl to me.' in a stylish font.
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Aspen by Fiona Cole is now live in audio!

Narrated by: Ryan Hudson and Kingsley Rose

A hate-to-love novel that will leave you craving the romance and the fight!

He’s arrogant, ruthless, and irresistible–the last man I should ever trust.
And he wants me to be his wife.

Lucian Daire wants my family’s company.
I want to watch him burn for it.

He thinks I’m nothing more than a spoiled princess and I think he’s a heartless bastard.
But no matter how much we push, we keep pulling back together.

When I discover he needs a wife and he realizes my determination to save my family’s legacy, a deal is struck–lines are drawn.

But the more we fight, the more those lines blur.

Because hatred is just passion turned inside out.
And when it finally explodes, it threatens to destroy us both.

And we might just be desperate enough to let it.

Listen today!

Audible: https://bit.ly/42EAIxO 

Amazon: https://bit.ly/43MVDjw

Apple: https://bit.ly/3SbL3LK 

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3FvKxoO 

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Meet Fiona

A woman with shoulder-length hair and a warm smile, sitting at a table in a casual event setting, wearing a black sleeveless top and a necklace.

Fiona Cole is a military wife and a stay at home mom with degrees in biology and chemistry. As much as she loved science, she decided to postpone her career to stay at home with her two little girls, and immersed herself in the world of books until finally deciding to write her own.

Connect with Fiona

Website: www.authorfionacole.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14212528.Fiona_Cole

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/2sys7gg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorfionacole

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/254919681647995/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorfionacole

Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorfionacole

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/fiona-cole

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/authorfionacole

new release

✍🏻 Jessica Peterson’s Sawyer is here. If you love a book boyfriend who is ‘all in’ with his FMC, THIS is the book for you. ✍🏻

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The logo for a book release blitz featuring the text 'Release Blitz hosted by' in black and a pink background.
Cover of the book 'Sawyer' by Jessica Peterson featuring a cowboy in a hat and bandana, with a gradient background.

Sawyer by Jessica Peterson is now live! 

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?

  Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3CEd62e

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/SawyerJP

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3XbADin

Meet Jessica

A woman with long hair wearing a blue dress sits comfortably on a wicker sofa, resting her head on her hand and smiling warmly.

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.

Connect with Jessica

Website: https://www.jessicapeterson.com/

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/JessicaPetersonGR

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KoS0sb

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PetersonsPupils/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaPAuthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-peterson