July 15, 2026 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Sparring Partners By Erin Rose

Gloves off. And hands on…

When things get hard, some choose “flight…”

It’s been a year since Lily Parker fled to Chicago, hoping to lose herself among millions of people. Becoming the new content creator for a South Side MMA gym isn’t just a fresh start or a new job—it’s a chance to save the gym and help women protect themselves. But while the gorgeous, scarred and tatted-up MMA coach has marked Lily as an enemy, there’s definitely something spicy between them…

He chooses “fight.”

Kieran Sullivan only knows how to use his fists. His body is a testament to survival and protecting those he loves—and that does not include the gym’s newest employee. But when a video goes viral, Kieran and Lily must play nice in front of the cameras to keep the gym’s fans happy. Now the internet is obsessed with their scorching, will-they-or-won’t-they chemistry.

Sometimes, the only thing that separates love from hate is knowing exactly who your opponent really is.

About The Author

My Review

This book is about Lily, a woman escaping an abusive past, and Kieran, a fighter burdened by his own trauma, who collide at a Chicago MMA gym and slowly learn to heal through connection, resilience, and love.

This book delivers a spicy, fast-paced romance packed with emotional depth and adrenaline. Lily’s journey of reclaiming her identity is both raw and empowering, while Kieran’s protective instincts and struggle to care for his troubled younger brother add layers to his character. Their dynamic—“flight” versus “fight”—creates compelling tension that fuels both the romance and personal growth.

The MMA setting adds grit and authenticity, enhancing the story’s intensity without overshadowing its emotional core. The supporting cast is equally engaging, bringing warmth, humor, and a sense of found family that enriches the narrative.

Erin Rose balances steamy chemistry with meaningful exploration of trauma and healing, making the relationship feel earned and sincere. The emotional payoff is powerful—the ending is both heartbreaking and satisfying, leaving space for hope and imagination.

Overall, this is an addictive, heartfelt romance that blends action, passion, and healing into a deeply memorable story.

Link To Purchase

Link To Purchase

Happy Publication Day – 15 July 2026

Bargaining By Sasha Lace

I promised not to fall. He’s making it impossible.

When Cole Thorner walks into my father’s funeral, I can barely breathe.

He’s the boy who shattered my heart a decade ago—now a ruthless billionaire CEO who shouldn’t be here. But Cole hasn’t come to pay respects. He’s come with a proposal: honor the pact we made as teenagers and marry him for one year. In exchange? Five million pounds and the chance to save my family home from ruin.

It’s meant to be a business arrangement—nothing more. Cole needs to soften his icy reputation, and I’m the perfect candidate: the lovely, charming girl-next-door. He’s made it clear he has zero interest in being a real husband, and I’m determined to protect what’s left of my heart.

But then he takes me to Rome.

The city I’ve dreamed of becomes our honeymoon backdrop, and suddenly the boundaries I’ve drawn start to blur. The chemistry between us is undeniable.

So why does falling for Cole Thorner again feel like the most dangerous bargain I’ve ever made?

Fall For Me By Camilla Isley

Running from a wedding… into a fake fall romance!

Fleeing her wedding and a toxic relationship in her white gown, Peyton jumps on the first bus out of town—and straight into billionaire Liam Rockwood. Literally. Distracted by her search for a place to stay, she steps into the street and sends the town’s most eligible bachelor crashing off his bike!

Liam is furious. His suit is ruined, he’s late for an event at his hotel, and now the runaway bride responsible is trying to check in. Worse, the small-town rumor mill quickly decides Peyton must be his secret new wife.

When Liam’s father arrives ready to celebrate the “happy couple,” Liam makes Peyton an offer: a temporary marriage of convenience. She gets protection against her vindictive ex, a home, and a fresh start. He gets the wife his family expects.

As crisp fall days turn into cozy nights, they carve pumpkins, steal kisses in the corn maze, and share secrets in the dark. Suddenly, their fake marriage starts feeling dangerously real. But falling was never part of the plan…

Review Card & Book Review – Love Comes In Small Packages By Lori Foster & Maisey Yates

THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE * LORI FOSTER
Compared to her smart, responsible twin, Laylee has always been labeled the party girl sister. Now she’s really screwed up by finding herself possibly accidentally pregnant, and definitely not in love. With her sister away on her honeymoon, Laylee’s only confidant is her guy friend Knox. There’s mutual attraction there, yet they’ve been tiptoeing around it. But telling Knox everything may change . . . well, everything. Especially amid a comedy of pregnancy test errors, a robbery, a cat rescue mission—and the realization that Knox sees her as so much more than a pretty face . . . .

THE RANCHER’S UNEXPECTED FAMILY * MAISEY YATES
Ellie Parks helplessly watched her beloved sister, Melanie, spiral into addiction in high school, thanks to her toxic relationship with Ty Porter. Ellie, now a teacher, hasn’t seen Melanie in over a year when she gets a call from Child Protective Services that Melanie has a baby—and she’s surrendered her parental rights. Ellie races to the hospital, but someone’s beat her to it: rodeo champion Clark Porter, the baby’s uncle. Clark’s a good man and he’ll be damned if his niece grows up without him. Until they find a custody solution, Ellie will just have to move into his ranch house. Temporarily. Obviously. Except that they’re attracted to each other. Risking the unconventional family they’re creating is the last thing they need. Then again, if what they feel is deeper than attraction, it may be what they need most . . .

About The Author

My Review

This book is about two heartfelt romances where unexpected circumstances bring people together, forcing them to confront long-hidden feelings and redefine what family means.

In That Someone Special by Lori Foster, Laylee and Knox’s friends-to-lovers journey is filled with humor and charm. Their chemistry shines through amusing mishaps—especially a chaotic pregnancy test situation—while their supportive friend group adds heart and levity.

In The Rancher’s Unexpected Family by Maisey Yates, the tone shifts to something more tender and emotional. Ellie and Clark must overcome a complicated past when they suddenly become guardians to a newborn. The dual perspectives deepen the story, revealing layers of hurt, growth, and healing. Yates handles themes like family dysfunction and addiction with empathy and nuance, especially in her portrayal of the birth parents.

Together, these stories balance humor and heartfelt emotion beautifully, offering satisfying romances centered on love, second chances, and the creation of unconventional families.

Friends to Lovers

Unexpected Parenthood

Second Chance at Love

Found Family

My Rating