December 2025 – Romance to keep you warm in the winter. Works better than hot cocoa.
The Long Game by Rachel Reid Long Game is the continuation of Shane & Ilya’s story. I’m reading this series out of order per the suggestions of other bookstagrammers and TikTokers. And because I couldn’t wait to get the ending of Shane and Ilya’s story.
Silver Fox’s Secret by Ovni Michaels First time reading a book by this author. The author possesses an exceptional talent for words. I plan to read many more by this author.
Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong Romance author and hockey player – great start. Knew each other since kindergarten, but kissed in high school, which went sideways.
Gifting Me To His Best Friend by Katee Robert Ummm. Yes! Title says it all. What a wonderful Christmas gift.
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine Book recommendation by many in my book club. Goofy and light. It was a nice break from all the seriousness.
The Naughty List by Jade West Okay. Whoa. Stop the train. Pure Erotica.
Before We Came by Sloane St. James
Love Unwritten by Lauren Asher
Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher
Deviant Hearts by Jagger Cole
??? Have you hopped on the Heated Riverly train? If not, what are you reading?
photo taken September 6, 5:44 am PT The Northern Lights reflected off of the water in the retention pond
Definitely Kinky by Annabel Joseph I read this one because a reviewer had compared my writing style to this author. Yes, both of us bring the heat. I loved this story, allbeit a short tale about a string quartet that plays at a very kinky wedding that leads to two members of the quartet getting it on later. I can’t help thinking: One time, at band camp… I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
The Butcher by Penelope Sky The MC kills people for a living, well only men who hurt women. Why should the FMC question that? He says what he says and means what he says. No questions. He yells without raising his voice. She’s his woman. Bottom line. Other than the fact that I despise cliffhangers, I really liked this book.
God of War by Rina Kent – Great Series! God of War was the final book and the best story (in my opinion) Although my heart is still beating for Nikolai. Thank you to Hannah for recommending this series!
Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert Once again, I accidentally started a series in the middle. Oops! This is a fractured retelling of Aphrodite and Hephaestus (and Pandora and Adonis) in a spicy tale. All the references to the gods were a bit much for my taste, but the heated scenes were worth the time investment.
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid This hockey romance is between a Canadian (who realizes he’s gay) and a Russian (bisexual) on different teams. I loved the banter and how they teased each other about hockey as each vied to be the best in the NHL. Even in the stilted English of the Russian he was humorous, and came off gruff until the HEA. It made the HEA that much more worthwhile. It started weird as the story drops bits over 7 years, but totally worth reading until the end!
Kate, Fake, & Vault by Tate James – each part of the Madison Kate Series. I love Tate James! These are reverse harem set in a brutal gang vibe. Tough FMC and tattooed MCs are a delicious combination.
Shoot Your Shot by Lexi LaFleur Brown – Have you read this author? She’s married to a man in the NHL. She also played hockey. This has all the best elements of a hockey romance, plus some added real facts.
How My Neightbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn – Is it too early to read xmas book? I’m actually really late to this party. This has been on my TBR since last year. Despite a quirky setting and a silly story, the romance ticked all the boxes. I absolutely loved the Christmas tale narrator who mocks the MC. If you haven’t read this one, add it to your holiday book list.
Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter by Laurell K. Hamilton
I can’t wait for the release of The Black Dagger Brotherhood on Passionflix (Amazon Prime) on June 5
“Ellyn’s strength lies in her ability to create charged, intimate scenes that vividly portray the deep desire and emotional connection between the characters.” – Literary Titan
Overruling Judgment MFM Loving two men, she risks devastating three hearts…unless she commits to both.
Willful Parties MMF Sustaining their epic MMF romance demands more than luck.
This fast-paced horror novella was a fantastic surprise! I picked it up for Spooktober, even though I typically stick to romance, and it did not disappoint.
What I appreciated most was how quickly the author dove into the action. There was no unnecessary fluff or overly flowery prose—just enough detail to get you emotionally hooked on the characters and immersed in the eerie atmosphere. She struck the perfect balance, creating suspense and tension without dragging things out.
This story even kept me calm during some stomach-churning turbulence on a recent flight—so, thank you for that!
If you’re looking for an entertaining read, this is one to grab. And it’s not just for Halloween—this novella will keep you on edge any time of year!
Indulge in Life's Guilty Pleasures 