Not Guilty of Books

  UNDER WATER Storm Season - Book Two by EM Lindsey Release Date: October 26, 2026 Review Despite some of the serious topics in this story, and the grumpy annoyance they start with, there’s a lightness to it, or maybe hope.  It’s a great combination. Easton and Rune seem to be oil and water in the beginning, but that’s mostly due to Rune’s mile-high walls (for good reason). A near tragedy forces them to interact and spend some time together.  It helps too that Easton both overcame some trauma to help Rune’s son Elio, but also treats Elio like he’s ‘normal’. Easton is an amazing man with tender soft spots, but also full of joy and fun, which is an especially great counterpoint to Rune’s bruised heart. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis That’s it. My co-worker has to die. There’s no other way around it. If I have to spend one more day cleaning up his mess—no matter how good he makes the mess look—I’m going to lose it. My life is complicated enough with a soon-to-b...

  HIGH ALERT by Becca Seymour Release Date: October 25, 2026 Review This is lovable goodness. Ross and Dan are really good guys, the kind you don’t hesitate to root for. After years apart these two are back in each other’s lives building their friendship and each pretending they don’t have feelings for the other. We also get some excitement thanks to nature and her destruction. It was exciting (and a good reminder of the damage of global warming).  Great story. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis It’s a tale as old as time. I’ve crushed on my brother’s best friend since I sprouted hairs on the unmentionables. Once upon a time, he was straight, until he wasn’t… and talk about bad timing. And when we’re finally at a place for me to make my move, sexy rural firefighter Dan clams up and acts weird and I’m left with pants that are too tight and my heart feeling bruised… but he’s a good friend and I’m grateful he’s in my life. Because of course Dan is a good guy. Though him...

  MAN ADVANTAGE Lakeshore Stags - Book Two by Quinn Ward Release Date: October 24, 2026 Review Ford and Cole feel natural and inevitable.They are bloody adorable. Especially while they try and pretend they don’t have a think for each other. They’re roommates, but they are basically playing house, caring for each other, and Ford’s daughter. My heart hurts for Ford, on the older side of a hockey player and dealing with injury. The struggle of trying to hold on, to keep playing, not wanting to go out by force. Watching your replacement out there when you can’t play. And Cole was so amazing out it. Supporting him through it all, while also trying to find his way in his career. It’s a really nice story, with good guys, and easy relationship, and little emotional angst for Ford’s career and health. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis A veteran goalie. A traded defenseman. And a spare room that was only supposed to be temporary. Ford Callahan is used to holding everything togethe...

  CHARLIE Hockey Bros - Book Two by Beth Bolden Release Date: October 22, 2026 Review Satisfying. So satisfying.  Watching Charlie come into his own. Fight for himself. And of course, loving Max openly. Charlie has been silently carrying the weight of his fathers expectations, the weight of protecting his siblings for similar expectations, and the weight of loving someone he doesn’t believe he can have. And Max…just a pure, wonderful guy.  He takes chances, exudes strength and calm, taking is role as Captain seriously and earning the respect of everyone because of it. There’s some emotional strife to them getting together, but also feels like the easiest thing ever. Which makes sweet AF. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis There’s nothing Charlie Barnes has wanted more than to play hockey with his brothers. Avery, Charlie and Ethan have been dreaming about uniting the Barnes brothers on one team since they were barely old enough to hold a hockey stick. When Avery...

  THE LOCKDOWN MANN Necessary Roughness - Book Two by Riley Hart Release Date: October 22, 2026 Review Their relationship never got off the ground all those years ago. Now, years later, they are back in each other's orbits, and it’s a little awkward. Instead of talking they barb. Oakley is keeping secrets. So many secrets. Some unnecessarily. And though they start growing close again.  Realizing that their chemistry and easy friendship is still there. And Des understands the secrets, but secrets have burned him before. Despite that description, it really is pretty light and happy and cute. Plenty of teasing, a pretty awesome daughter, and some wonderful teams. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis Desmond I was sixteen years old when I met Oakley Manning during a family beach vacation. He was funny, gorgeous, as obsessed with football as I was, and hurting after his mom abandoned him. For two weeks, we were inseparable. Oakley made me feel complete, settling something i...