Not Guilty of Books

  SIDE BY SIDE Games We Play - Book One by Jordan Clayden-Lewis Release Date: May 26, 2026 Review This is a cute co-worker rivalry turned romance, between Kallen and Dan. Trying to make it in a competitive industry of media and content writing. Working for a company that doesn’t much care for their workers and forbids relationships because, for no better reason than the boss doesn’t like it. As Kallen and Dan feel the pressure at worker, they are feeling something else when they end up sharing a bed on assignment. Now they are sorting out their feelings, worrying about their jobs, living, and life, but when they start working on those things together, they find themselves a pretty sweet life. I enjoyed the writing, but I felt they could have used a bit more time on the page to better establish their connection. But I’ll definitely be back for more. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis Love wasn't in the job description. Kallen Jeffries has reached a few milestones before t...

  THE FIGHT FOR DRAGON ISLE by David Gray Release Date: January 1, 2026 Review Really creative and interesting take on a dragon and magical romance. I really enjoyed both Blaze and Omar. These almost teenage lovers, driven apart years ago, are reunited on a critical mission to save an island of dragons against their mutual school foe. It’s creative, and I really enjoyed that aspect that Blaze, the human and his dragon were two different but connected people.  It’s not uncommon for their shifter side to be ‘other’ but here they are individuals, and it’s fun to listen to their inner monologues! The ‘case’ they were on was also really interesting. I would love to see more from them and the others in the world.  Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis Escape into a world of unlikely heroes and evil villains, of brave dragons and fairytale kisses. Blaze is a dragon shifter, using his talents to find isolated dragons and introduce them to the world-spanning collective of s...

  AARON’S UNLIKELY LOVE Cardinal Falls - Book Four by EJ Stoll Release Date: February 26, 2026 Review A gentle and lovely slow burn. Aaron has been told numerous times he’s not a very good boyfriend. So no matter how much being with Oliver feels right and good, he’s reluctant to take them to the boyfriend level. But you can’t fight something that works and makes you feel loved.  It takes them a bit of time, but ultimately Aaron and Oliver know they have good thing and fight to make it last. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis All my past lovers have said the same thing: I'm a terrible boyfriend. It’s true. I’m dedicated to my friends, work, and running, in that order. Between shift work, a strict training schedule, and little free time, I leave myself with little energy for dating. Which is perfectly fine until I meet Oliver. He’s gorgeous and easy to talk to, but he’s also on a date with my best friend’s crush. Not the best circumstances to start a relationship. I kn...

  WONDER, WONDER Ashland - Book Two by Christina Nolte Release Date: November 25, 2025 Review Christina’s writing style really draws you in. I find myself lulled into the story unable to stop with how it flows and intrigues. And I enjoy this couple because they are real. The story surrounding them may feel like fiction, but the people, their imperfections, the work it takes every day to choose to be better, to love one another - it’s beautiful. Tension looms with Silver Rock’s fingers getting into everything, and Arrick’s ex and father both hovering on the periphery. Not to mention the school they both work for is falling apart, held together by sheer determination and duct tape, and the promise of money from Silver Rock. And when life seems to be settling between them, Arrick becomes guardian to a baby brother he’s never met. Doing what’s right doesn’t mean it’s easy, and they’ll need to lean on each other even more to make it all work. But damn, seeing two people fight for love m...

  MIRROR, MIRROR Ashland - Book One by Christina Nolte Release Date: February 11, 2025 Review This was a really great novel, that is character-driven has some external angst and tension and solid HFN. The writing is detailed and thoughtful. British transplant Arrick finds himself in a small struggling American town having given up his dream job and taken up a career teaching in a high school that could definitely use some TLC, though it’s not lacking in caring, supportive teachers. And that is where he meets the outgoing and nosy (!) vice-principal Evan. There is immediate interest between the two, but Arrick has walls miles high, and they are boss/employee.  It’s a slow burn as they get to know each other, and Arrick settles into his new life. And though their relationship may be new, it’s a good start to something solid. It also has kittens!! Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis After a life-shattering clash with his father and the end of a toxic relationship, musica...

  RELUCTANT ROCKSTAR Reluctant Rockstar - Book One by Frances Fox Release Date: August 1, 2023 Review Love blooms in the gardens of this rockstar. Martin is tired of the rockstar life.  He’s most happy when he’s home with his garden and hanging with his gardener.  So it’s a surprise to find Simon, the very attractive grandson in his place when he returns home. As they spend time together, tending to the vegetables, the spark they first felt starts to take shape into something grander. Their time together also helps them both figure out what they want for their futures. This was a lovely novella. It’s soft and kind, and a great quick read between longer, angstier stories. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis A tired rock star and a judgemental gardener…what could possibly go wrong? The Purple Lizards are a rock world phenomenon, but lead singer Martin’s tired of his rock-and-roll persona. He’d rather be at home with his garden. When he gets home from tour he finds ...