Tag: reader

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

✍🏻 Are you looking for a new romantasy from a beloved author? Devney Perry’s Shield of Sparrows is LIVE! ✍🏻

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Close-up of the book cover for 'Shield of Sparrows' by Devney Perry, surrounded by multiple copies of the book showcasing its floral and artistic design.

SHIELD OF SPARROWS is available now!!!

Cover of 'Shield of Sparrows' by Devney Perry, featuring intricate floral design and ornate elements, with the title prominently displayed.

Be sure to snag your deluxe, first edition with sprayed edges while supplies last.

Kindle: https://geni.us/nfnsK

Audible: https://geni.us/6AdU5S2

Hardcover: https://geni.us/shieldofsparrows

Free in Kindle Unlimited (US Only)

Promotional image for the book 'Shield of Sparrows' by Devney Perry, featuring elements like a dark, textured background with floral designs, and highlighted keywords such as 'Romantasy', 'Magic & Myths', and 'Enemies to Lovers'.

Blurb:

The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.

I’ve spent my life kneeling—to their will and to my father’s. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.

Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him—bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not—a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?

And what if—for the first time—I reached for it?

Excerpt/Sneak Peek

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

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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
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
PAPERBACK 
WITH SPRAYED EDGES
Signed & Personalized
EBOOK
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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: Jessica Peterson’s Sawyer, book 3 of the Lucky River Ranch series ✍🏻

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Book cover of 'Sawyer' by Jessica Peterson featuring a man in a cowboy hat, denim shirt, and bandana against a vibrant pink background.

Overall Grade: A

Tropes: single dad MMC; single mom FMC; one night stand to more; small town romance; “who did this to you”

In the third installment of Jessica Peterson’s Lucky River Ranch series, Sawyer presents a refreshingly uncomplicated romance that thrives on genuine connection rather than manufactured conflict. Unlike its predecessors, Cash and Wyatt, this novel offers a narrative where the central strife between characters remains delightfully low, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the authentic development of a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.

The story begins with a chemistry-fueled one-night stand between Ava, a divorcée emerging from a relationship with a man who failed to be a true partner, and Sawyer Rivers, the most responsible of the Rivers siblings. What elevates this narrative beyond the typical romance framework is Peterson’s thoughtful exploration of partnership. The central tension revolves around Ava’s gradual realization that Sawyer represents everything her previous relationship lacked—an active participant who acknowledges and uplifts her without expecting more than he is willing to offer. For Sawyer, the journey involves releasing his grip on traditional relationship labels and allowing someone to care for him after a lifetime of caring for others. Their mutual acceptance of these realizations unfolds with a natural ease that feels both satisfying and earned.

Peterson’s choice to pair a single father with a single mother creates immediate common ground, reinforcing the partnership theme that runs throughout the novel. Their shared understanding of parenthood’s challenges establishes an underlying connection that makes their growing bond all the more believable. This dynamic provides fertile ground for exploring how genuine partnership can heal the wounds left by previous relationships where balance and reciprocity were absent.

Sawyer himself emerges as perhaps the most compelling Rivers brother yet. Through his character, Peterson thoughtfully interrogates the concept of “weaponized incompetence” by presenting its antithesis—a man almost excessively capable who requires another’s perspective to recognize his own need for support. His solidity never translates to tedium, particularly as Peterson skillfully balances his caretaking public persona with his confidently dominant private one. This multidimensional characterization creates a romantic lead who feels both aspirational and authentically human.

The true magic of the Lucky River Ranch series continues to be the rich tapestry of relationships that extend beyond the central romance. The brotherhood among the Rivers men, their connections to their partners, and their integration into the broader Hartsville community create an immersive small-town experience that enhances the romantic narrative. Peterson demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how community shapes individuals and relationships, illustrating the truth behind the adage that “it takes a village” through the warmth and complexity of these interconnected relationships.

Sawyer stands as a testament to Peterson’s ability to craft romances that feel both emotionally satisfying and refreshingly grounded in reality. For readers who appreciate small-town settings, authentic character growth, and relationships built on genuine partnership rather than dramatic conflict, this third installment in the Lucky River Ranch series delivers a compelling and heartwarming reading experience that leaves one eagerly anticipating the remaining stories—particularly Duke’s forthcoming tale.

In love and romance,

Professor A

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

Cover Reveal

✍🏻 I cannot WAIT for Mark, Tristan, and Isolde in Sierra Simone’s Bitter Burn, the final book in Sierra Simone’s Lyonesse Trilogy! Check out these gorgeous covers! ✍🏻

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Book cover of 'Bitter Burn' by Sierra Simone featuring floral artwork and the title prominently displayed.

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!

𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬:
Signed Copies + NSFW art: https://underthecoverkc.com/products/Bitter-Burn-PreOrder-Signed-p722195527

eBook Pre-Order: https://store.thesierrasimone.com/collections/lyonesse/products/pbitter-burn-e-book

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🔪Age gap
🔪Enemies to Lovers to Enemies
🔪Dark romance
🔪Bodyguard hero
🔪Morally gray hero
🔪MMF
🔪Kink club
🔪Tristan & Isolde retelling

Promotional image for 'Bitter Burn' by Sierra Simone, featuring the book cover on the left with floral design, alongside a digital tablet displaying the eBook cover. The text includes the release date 'September 30th' and the tagline 'He never claimed he was a hero...'.

𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐛:
𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴: 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺.

I’d do it again.

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.

𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯…

new release

✍🏻 J. Saman’s next story in her Boston’s Irresistible Billionaires series, Undeniably Enemies. This is, by my estimation, one of her kinkiest stories. You can grab this one TODAY! ✍🏻

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🩺💥❤️‍🔥UNDENIABLY ENEMIES is LIVE ❤️‍🔥💥🩺

Undeniably Enemies is…

👨‍⚕️Grumpy, obsessed doctor

🩺 Sunshine medical student with a tragic past

💥 Enemies to Lovers

🫣 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

❤️‍🔥So Many FEELS

http://geni.us/UndeniablyEnemies

BLURB:

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.

READ FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED: http://geni.us/UndeniablyEnemies

new release, Review

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Reviews: Kandi Steiner’s Save Your Breath, book 4 of her Kings of the Ice series ✍🏻

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Overall Grade: A-

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.

In love and romance,

Professor A