Not Guilty of Books

  ETHAN Hockey Bros - Book One by Beth Bolden Release Date: August 12, 2026 Review It’s a really good bisexual awakening, with two really likeable men who are both trying to make it into the NHL, while also discovering feelings for one another and trying to figure out how they could possibly be together. Ethan is the youngest Barnes sibling, with two brothers already in the NHL and a sister coaching a hockey team. So the pressure is on, especially as he’s being courted by the same team as the middle brother Charlie. As Hank gets called up to the team, and then back to the AHL, frustration mounting, they also develop deep feelings for each other.  It’s a lot to deal with. But they find their way. I will say, I am of the belief that there can be to much sport in a sport romance. LOL. I generally find it unnecessary.  There was also a lot of time spent on Charlie and Max which felt distracting and repetitive 9rather than setting up for the next book. But in all, it was a rea...

  THE BANKER AND THE BLUE COLLAR MAN Snowcreek Ranch - Book Six by Jackie North Release Date: August 12, 2026 Review An incredible story. Absolutely touching and heartfelt. Jake, ah, that boy. His life that led him to the ranch, losing the man who showed him fatherly care and stability, and still sticking by the ranch and the new owner, even though it threw him off-kilter. He’s just an incredibly loyal and trustworthy guy. And I loved Dalton with him.  I also loved Jake for Dalton. Dalton is a city boy, with a corporate job, and a soul sucking family.  But he still believes he’s happy (happyish) with his life.  Until his friend cajoles him to come to the Ranch for a few days. Then a few more days, and a few more… There was just so much thoughtful care and understanding from both of them that really made me melt. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis Love can be found in unexpected places As a ranch hand on a sprawling ranch in Colorado, Jake finds comfort in r...

  SELKIE AU Because Canon Sucks AU by Arlo August Release Date: August 12, 2026 Review A fun premise for this incarnation of Ronan and Milo. I love that Ronan found his person and a life that he’s excited for. He deserves to find happiness and excitement.  He’s a sweet guy, although definitely insular and resigned. There are some wild times and a huge learning curve for this human/selkie couple. I didn’t adore Milo, he felt way too much like a toddler, but he definitely made things interesting! Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis On a stormy night, fisherman Rowan takes his boat out to sea, intending for it to become his coffin, instead it becomes a life raft for a beautiful stranger with inhuman features. Captivated and intrigued, Rowan sees no other option and takes the injured stranger back home, only when he wakes, Milo decides he doesn’t want to leave. Rowan has no purpose, and Milo is burdened with a purpose that feels too great for him. But Milo believes the bu...

  THE STORM Us - Book Two by Briar Prescott Release Date: August 10, 2026 Review I did NOT see that coming!!! What an emotional rollercoaster! Briar slayed this epic, thoughtful romance that spans 10 years, with a lot of ups and downs, emotional blows, snark, and definitely tenderness that gets them through. Thrown together through loss and resentment, brought together by a storm.  Indigo and Nicholas felt real. Painfully real. And their story covered so many emotions, life challenges, and growth. Teen years are already tough enough without all they go through. But they came out stronger in the end. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis I was fifteen when Nicholas Hayes walked into my life. I was seventeen and he hated me. I was nineteen when I fell for him. Hopelessly. …and then we broke each other to pieces. Six years later, I’m back on the east coast, doing my sister a favor. He’s not supposed to be here, so running into him is an unwelcome surprise. What’s worse, so...

  REAL CHANCE Piedras Island Novella by Elle Keaton Release Date: July 16, 2026 Review A lot of fun, and I always enjoy getting more glimpses of Piedras Island and West Coast Forensics. And I’m tickled thinking about what kind of revenge Ethan will get on Ryder. Ethan definitely absolutely does not want to go away for a murder weekend. And he’s feeling pretty murderous himself when he discovers his ex is there too. Ethan is a grumpy fella, but he’s also hiding behind it. But Jordan is feeling determined. It’s a short story, but it was a good time, and the fact that it was a second chance reunion, you didn’t feel like it was rushed. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis Ethan Moore said yes when he should’ve said no. Now he’s committed to a weekend at a remote luxury hotel--a murder weekend, if you will. The only person on Ethan’s murder-list is his coworker who caught him unawares with this over-the-top shenanigan. Oh, and the man who broke his heart years ago, who just so h...

  SILK AND HONEY Foggy Basin Season Three by Kota Quinn Release Date: August 6, 2026 Review This is a feel-good story with an ex-bodyguard turned beekeeper and a fashion designer getting started. They meet in the small town of Foggy Basin (read the prequel novella) where Gideon lives. Months later, they are still thinking about their time together. But now Avery is here to stay. And they are still drawn to each other.  Not to mention that Gideon is just so thoughtful, kind, and caring. And they both share the passion they have for their crafts. I love how they work together. And this found family of townfolks, designers, & musicians is particularly delightful. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis Avery One night with a handsome ex-bodyguard was all it took. Five months later, and I’m still burning for him. Moving to a small town to chase my dream of becoming a designer was supposed to be strictly professional, but the moment I lock eyes with Gideon again, my career...