Midnight Mooring by Samantha Young Review & Release!

 

TITLE: Midnight Mooring (Scottish Isles Series #4)

RELEASE DATE: Oct 29, 2026 in kindle unlimited, paperback and audiobook.

COVER DESIGNS: By Hang Le

COUPLE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: By Wander Aguiar

UNIVERSAL LINK: https://geni.us/midnightmooring

TROPES: BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND, SMALL TOWN, FORCED PROXIMITY, SLOW BURN, SECRET TATTOO, HEROINE AND HERO IN DANGER

 

BLURB:

For years I’ve been secretly in love with my brother’s best friend. Forde Dallas is the most commitment-phobic man I know and when our mutual attraction destroyed our friendship, I left for six months in hopes of putting some distance between us.

 

When I return home to our small Scottish island, Forde has undergone a transformation I’m not ready to believe in. Suddenly he wants to settle down and is determined to win back my love and trust.  

 

However, I’m preoccupied with the suspicion that one of my ex’s might be the man the police are hunting for in relation to horrifying crimes. For weeks I’ve been piecing together the puzzle that leads to him. When Forde stumbles across me in the middle of a dangerous mission to uncover the truth, we’re forced together by a chance of fate.

 

As we’re thrown into the shocking realization I may havesolved a national man hunt, someone lurking in the shadows starts targeting us both.

 

Determined to live my life despite everything I’m facing, the one thing I’m not prepared for is Forde’s persistence. He’s there, supporting me, protecting me, and setting my world on fire with his passion. Even though we share a complicated history, I can’t help but want to explore the searing connection that’s existed between us for years.

 

But just when I think Forde and I have finally found something real together, we’ll have to face our biggest fight yet. Because someone hiding among us doesn’t believe wedeserve our happily ever after…

 

 REVIEW:

What an ending to a fantastic series!!! That second epilogue was… chef’s kiss! It was the perfect way to say goodbye to characters I’ve so loved reading about and feeling like I know!

Speaking of characters I love… enter Cammie and Forde!! I have SO looked forward to their story since book 1 of this series and that anticipation truly only grew and grew as the series carried on. That’s not to say I didn’t absolutely love the other couples in the other books because I DID, I honestly love every single one of them, but you could just feel the tension between Cammie & Forde in the other books and I just could not wait until the day where I really got to dive deep into their own stories to find out more about them!

Dive deep, we did! After learning more about Forde’s background, it makes so much more sense on why he is the way that he is. I’ll tell you one thing though- the man  loves hard and does his best to make sure everyone around him knows they are loved and valued. And Cammie? What a joy her character is. At one point, Forde describes her as “Miss Silver Linings. Miss Rainbow After the Rain. That she looks at the world and sees it and people for what they really are, but it never stops her from believing they can be better. That we can be the best version of ourselves.” If that’s not a character you’re going to root for, who is?? We need more Cammie’s in the fictional world and the real one, too! 

I could go on forever with how much I love these characters but truthfully Samantha Young rarely writes a character I don’t fall head over heels for. Clearly, this book is no different. The world building in this book and this entire series is exceptional. The plot and storyline had me on the edge of my seat. There was something I predicted that did occur but then there were other things that played out differently than I’d imagined, too. Overall, this was quite the page turner for me and I am so sad this series is coming to an end. I’ve truly enjoyed it, but I am also excited about the little Easter eggs that were dropped in this book about the new series coming up and the mysterious Montrose brothers. You know I’ll be ready and waiting to read that one too, Sam!

Carved In The Shadows by AL Jackson Review!

 

Carved in the Shadows by A.L. Jackson Review:

Forbidden love for your best friend’s little sister? Count me in! I knew I would be intrigued in this story when I first met Trevan and Elena in book 1 of this series. There was angst and yearning already then, and that book wasn’t even about them. AL Jackson doesn’t typically write characters who have an easy road to happiness though and this book was no exception. 

Both Trevan and Elena have had their fair share of trials and trauma in their lives. You can’t help but love both of them and want them to be happy, however that looks. Elena seems like this bright light of hope that always sees the good in those around her, even when she’s been so hurt in her last. Trevan is pictured beside fully devoted, loyal guard dog in the dictionary. For a man who was told over and over by his mother that he was worthless, he sure knows how to make sure other people feel loved.

These characters, the entire family this series is about, goes through so much in this book and my interest was definitely piqued. I looked forward to the next chapter constantly and needed to know how it was all going to play out. Part of the ending I suspected, but I will say Elena’s reaction at the end I didn’t really expect! That’s not really true though, I think it’s better to say I can’t imagine responding that way my self after everything, especially in the moment, but again- Elena is full of light and love and hope for everyone, no exclusions, which is pretty rare in this world.

Overall, I enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read about Brody & Rylee in the next book!

Goodreads Link!

Amazon!

The Honor Society by Rachel Van Dyken

THE HONOR SOCIETY

Rachel Van Dyken

Release Date: September 30

 

 

 

Charlie knows three things for certain.

She shot Axel.

He survived.

And somehow, he doesn’t remember she was the one who pulled the trigger.

It should be a relief.

Instead, the man she’s secretly loved for years feels different. Colder. More dangerous. Axel still smiles, still flirts, still looks at her like he might remember exactly how good they were together—but there are pieces of him she’s never seen before.

Secrets beneath the jokes.

Blood beneath the charm.

And a darkness he’s very, very good at hiding.

Because Axel remembers everything.

The bullet.

The betrayal.

The woman he still can’t stop wanting.

What Charlie doesn’t know is that Axel has spent years living two lives. In one, he’s the reckless man everyone underestimates.

In the other, he wears a mask.

The Proctor.

Judge. Jury. Executioner.

With the Convocation approaching, four powerful families are preparing to fight for control of the Honor Society, and someone is willing to wipe out entire bloodlines to take it. They need two things to win:

The Ledger.

And the Proctor.

Axel has both.

Now he has eighteen days to discover who is hunting him, keep Charlie alive, and stop a war without revealing the one secret that could destroy them both.

Because Charlie is searching for the Proctor too.

She just doesn’t know she’s already falling for him.

Again.

 

Review:

Since falling in love with The Dean's List, I have been anxiously awaiting The Honor Society! I feel like this story line has a new, interesting twist we haven't seen in college romance recently! I could not help but fall in love with Lilah and Jude in the first book and I knew if there was any chance I could love Axel and Charlie as much in this second installment, I had to read it to find out! Turns out, I very much enjoyed their story, too. I feel like I had some of my questions from the first book answered in this one, but still left a little mystery for me to fill in the blanks as I saw fit as the reader. The first book in this series felt a little rushed to me, but I felt like in this story we really got to take the time we needed to really feel and understand what the characters were experiencing and that made my reading journey through this book all the more enjoyable. I thought Charlie may be a hard person to like, especially after the end of book 1 but by the end of this one I had definitely become a Charlie fan. I think I was an Axel fan from day one, though! Overall, I really enjoyed this story and have really liked this series overall. There's not much RVD writes that I don't fall in love with and this book is just another example of her incredible ability to develop characters you can't help but love. Thank you for another great story, Rachel! 

Grab your copy!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX46GMCM

 

 

 

 

Meet Rachel Van Dyken:

Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over 100 books ranging from new adult romance to mafia romance to paranormal & fantasy romance. With over four million copies sold, she's been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated in more than 15 countries. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience. She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable sons, naked cat, and two dogs.

 

Keep up with Rachel Van Dyken and subscribe to her newsletter: https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/newsletter

 

 

To learn more about Rachel & her books, visit here!

 

Connect with Rachel Van Dyken:

http://www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel's New Rockin Readers https://www.facebook.com/groups/RRRFanClub

 

 

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Twilight Tides by Samantha Young Review & Release Blitz!

Book overview:

When I escaped to a Scottish island, I never expected I’d agree to a marriage of convenience with rugged local businessman and single dad, Murray Shaw.

That was before my dangerous ex started threatening me and my visa. The thought of being kicked out of Scotland, leaving behind my friends and the safety I’ve found here, is unthinkable. I’m determined to solve the problem myself. Everyone knows Murray is battling his ex-wife for control of his company and the only way to stop her is to remarry. So I propose a marriage deal that’ll solve both our issues. The fact that I’ve been attracted to the handsome, gentle giant of a Scot since we met is something I’ll just have to ignore if I want to remain in Scotland.

But marriage to Murray is proving to be complicated. Living under the same roof is a far bigger temptation than I anticipated. Beneath Murray’s reserve is a passionate nature that stokes the fires of my own. Soon we’re fighting a searing attraction and an intense emotional connection that’s as thrilling as it is terrifying. After my last disastrous relationship, I don’t trust myself enough to admit there’s far more than physical desire between us.

Yet when Murray finds himself caught in the grasp of a criminal organization intent on using his business for their own means, just as my ex decides to intensify his harassment, I realize there’s no denying that what I feel for my husband is a life-changing kind of love.

However, just as I begin to trust myself enough to give our marriage a real chance, danger rushes to our shore on rough tides, submerging us in a battle that might tear us apart forever…

Review:

It’s here, it’s here, it’s finally here! I have been looking forward to London’s story since she was first introduced with Tierney! She just seemed like this cool girl who had all the things going for her in life and I had no idea how she wound up in the situation she did. To say I was curious about her overall story is an understatement! However, after reading Twilight Tides and really getting into her back story (which I LOVED), I understand her so much better now and man how I want to root for her to get her true happily ever after! She deserves it. 

Another character who deserves true happiness… enter Murray. That man has been through the wringer in life but still continues to show up for the people he loves, manages to run a successful business and be the best father he could be. How could we not love him?! My heart hurts for the awful childhood he had and the disaster and utter disappointment his first marriage was. The only good that came out of it was his daughter Kelly and she’s his whole world. His devotion and love for her is made clear through every chapter and I love that we can see him trying to find love for himself but also keeping her needs at the forefront of his mind every step of the way.

This story is full of feelings, suspense, steam and hope. I found myself not wanting to put the book down and frequently needing just one more chapter. It was a fast paced read for me and one I thoroughly enjoyed. It was also so good to continue to see all the other characters we’ve fallen in love with in earlier books progress in their lives. I am loving what I am reading for them! Overall, this was another incredible installment in the Scottish Isles series and I will be on pins and needles waiting for Cammie and (BETTER BE) Ford’s story!!! 

Amazon

Goodreads

Drifting Dawn by Samantha Young Review & Release Blitz!

 

Book overview:

After eighteen years, I’ve come home to the Scottish island of my childhood. It’s the place I vowed I wouldn’t return to so I never again had to see the man who broke my heart into a million pieces.

Yet family has inevitably brought me back, and avoiding my ex, Quinn McQuarrie, is proving impossible when he insists on digging up the past every time we meet.

Quinn is now a single dad, the local contractor, and the person the entire town is rooting for to get his happily ever after. The problem is, he wants me to be his HEA, and I just want to move on. When Quinn sees my plans to save the town’s volunteer lifeboat service as an opportunity to work together, I’m stuck with him. And, unfortunately, I soon realize there’s no denying that the chemistry we share has only grown more intense with the passing of time.

I know Quinn wants more than just a physical relationship, but it’s all I can promise with so much hurt and distrust between us.

However, when strange disturbances escalate to harassment, our lives are turned upside down, and Quinn proves he will do anything in his power to protect me. Even if it means losing each other before we ever get our second chance…

Review:

You know what? I always look forward to the newest Samantha Young book because I know it is going to be a story I can completely get sucked in to starring characters I can’t help but to fall in love with. Drifting Dawn lived up to exactly what I had hoped and dreamed it would be. I fell in love with this little small town island vibe during the first book of this series, Half-Light Harbor starring Tierney and Ramsay but I knew, I KNEW Quinn was going to give me more to love. He did not disappoint. Ugh, I felt the disappointment and devastation of making stupid mistakes when you’re a kid who doesn’t know any better. I felt the yearning of wanting what you’d always hoped your life would end up being. I felt the tight knit community and family feel of this little island. I felt it all and loved it all. I loved Quinn & Taran’s story. I loved getting to stay connected to Tierney & Ramsay. I love the little moments setting us up for London and Murray (can that happen tomorrow, please?!) I just loved it all. Thank you Samantha for another wonderful story set in your beautiful country with the best fictional characters. I cannot wait to read anything and everything that comes next. 

Isle of Wrath by Claire Contreras Review & Release Blitz!

 

Synopsis:

A forgotten prophecy.

A 300-year-old curse.

And two people bound by a goddess to break it… if the bond doesn’t break them first.

In Lunaris, everyone trades their memories for asylum. No one remembers their past, their homeland, or the curse that trapped them behind a wall of darkness called the Shroud. But they don’t dare break the rules set upon them.

Ada Acevedo has spent years hiding her healing gift and keeping her head down.

But when her twin brother is struck by a poisoned arrow, she breaks the most dangerous rule of all. She bargains with the goddess of death to save his life.

She didn’t expect the goddess to send Malachi Bain—an infuriating warrior—to collect. Much less to be soul-bound to him until she repays what she owes. Now Ada has no choice but to help him do the impossible: lift the Shroud and break the curse that’s kept Lunaris hidden from the rest of the realm for three hundred years.

As she’s pulled deeper into a world of forbidden prophecies and buried secrets, Ada discovers a devastating truth. Lunaris isn’t the paradise she always thought it was. It’s a cage. And on the other side, a monster is lurking—waiting for the Shroud to fall.

Waiting for her.

Review:

I totally should’ve expected that cliffhanger but I did not and now I’m going to need fall to hurry up and arrive so I can read book 2! 

Overall, I really enjoyed this story!! This was a new path for Claire Contreras, but I’m here for it! I’ve always loved her contemporary romance stories and was thrilled to hear she was writing a romantasy. I feel like the story was very well done and it is the same amazing level of character development I’ve come to expect in every CV story. I know that I will always be attached, always feel strongly about whatever characters she creates, and this book was no different!! I do feel like the world building and large amount of different characters (gods, goddesses, sages, council, differing kingdoms, etc) was a little confusing and maybe a little overwhelming but I still feel like I got and remembered the majority of it as I was reading! I felt like the storyline in general though was exciting, I loved the main characters, and could easily imagine sitting with them all at Siren’s Call. Ada sounds like a fierce fighter for those she loves and she is perfectly matched with her bonded mate. I cannot wait to see what becomes of the two of them but I am hoping they can get through whatever hoops they have to to have a good life together! Also, Kage’s one liners might be my favorite part of this book and him baiting Malachi made me laugh out loud. Anyway, highly recommend you take the chance on this book and learn all there is to find out about this incredible story!