Monday, February 23, 2026

As the Fire Dies (Metal Embers) by Vanessa Rose


 


 

Blurb:

Abel Sharp has no idea that one letter could change the course of his life forever. Having spent his life fighting for success after almost ruining everything from the start, he is now at the top of his game. His band Louder in Silence has risen to being one of the most popular metalcore groups in the scene, playing sold-out arena shows all over the country. Controversial since his twenties, Abel isn't known as being the easiest to work with. However, when he receives a letter from a woman about her sick mother, something in him says this is more than a cry for attention. Never would he have expected the woman to soak into his very soul and change his life forever.

Alanna Merrick has spent her whole life fighting. A teenage mother forced to work lifeless jobs, Alanna's whole world revolves around making a good life for her daughter. Then, she finally gets to live a sliver of her dreams by performing in a Louder in Silence tribute band. No matter what she had to endure, it's been the highlight of her adult life, and she wouldn't change a thing. However, she was never meant to have nice things, and her clock is quickly running out.

They know it's stupid. They know nothing good can ever come of it, but love will not be denied. Being chased by death only makes them fall faster... harder. A passion that can change the world. A romance that reads like a fairytale. A love that never dies.

Please check the trigger warnings because your mental health matters!

 

My review:

Oh my heart! This book had me ugly crying but it’s a beautifully sad tale of life and death. I couldn’t put it down. This one will stay with me for a long time.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Free Falling (Colburn Brothers #2) by Jill Shalvis


 


 

Blurb:

These rivals are stuck with each other…

Retired hockey player Caleb Colburn needs this new construction project to go smoothly to prove he’s earned his place in the family business. There’s only one problem. The architect liaison assigned to the project is Emma Sumner. As in, the woman who made his life a living hell in college. Now, she’s back in town and already breathing down his neck on the job. Worse? She’s only gotten more beautiful.

Emma’s in love with the beautiful historic building they’re renovating. But her feelings toward project manager Caleb definitely lean more toward hate. Not only is the man making her job harder than it needs to be, he’s the one who took everything from her when she was at her most desperate. Not that she’d ever admit it out loud, but she’s never recovered.

Neither is willing to forgive and forget. But forced proximity and surprising common ground have these enemies starting to wonder just how fine the line between love and hate is. A burning mutual attraction adds complications for them both. Will anything be left standing when their secrets are finally revealed?

 

My review:

Jill Shalvis has done it again. Small town feeling with characters you just have to love. Not perfect but totally relatable. This book will make you laugh and maybe swear a little bit but will leave you with a full heart and a smile.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

Monday, February 9, 2026

Accidental Runaway Groom (Clover Lake #2) by Carrie Ann Ryan


 


 

Blurb:

I picked up a groom on the side of the road on the way to a wedding.

One problem: I wasn’t the bride.

And he didn’t mean to run away.

Sometimes things happen for a reason and six months later, I’m back in Clover Lake and Sharp McBride is single, not-so-heartbroken, and my new best friend.

Only neither one of us wants to be just friends.

I don’t know where his heart belongs, and I don’t want to be the person to break what’s left. Yet I’m only in town for a short time and I’m not sure I’m made for small time life.

And if we’re not careful, this time I might have to be the one who runs away.

**Accidental Runaway Groom is a next generation, grump rancher, friends to lovers, not-what-you-think romance set in the Montgomery World & Clover Lake series featuring Jamie Montgomery & Sharp McBride. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**

 

My review:

Sharp McBride is a cowboy through and through. Jamie Montgomery is a city girl visiting the country. Sharp and Jamie are perfect for each other but they come from two different worlds. Their story had me laughing and grimacing and swooning. Another fun read.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

 

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Warner Robins LitFest 2026

 

Warner Robins LitFest 2026

 

This was my first visit to this event. I was thrilled that it was to be held in my town. I've attended a lot of book signings, conventions and book fairs . The venue was terrific. Lots of room and lots to see and do. This was billed as a "Family Friendly Event". They had a separate section for kids books which was wonderful. The adult side was filled with mostly new authors with one or two books to display. There were a lot of 'Inspirational" authors. Even the PNR author made sure I knew her books were fade to black. There were a lot of terrific vendors. We met representatives from GPB kids and WDEN. There was even a reporter from WMAZ. And although I didn't find a whole lot in my preferred genres I did manage to pick up a couple of books and swag and oh yeah Girl Scout Cookies.