Be Mine by M.L. Philpitt [Review]

Be Mine (Twisted Holidays #4) by M.L. Philpitt
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 26, 2026

Twisted Holidays
1. Silent Night
2. Egg Hunt
3. Fright Night
4. Be Mine - Kindle
5. Midnight Kiss
6. Lucky Clover

M.L. Philpitt
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

People assume gifts and flowers are the way into their girl’s heart, but they’re wrong. It’s all about baring your soul and proving your obsession—that it’s not only about owning their heart, but the rest of them too.

My obsession began with my pen pal, whose letters became my entire world while locked behind bars. Then she visited and I was a goner.

She becomes my sweetheart. My newest fixation. My everything.

Until, on Valentine’s Day, she ends our relationship through another letter and forces me to be without her.

One year later, I’m free. Free and ready to prove how I’m the man meant to protect, cherish, and love her.

Sweetheart, I’m back…

Thoughts on Be Mine: When Aspen joins the prison pen pal program, she plans to use it to gather first hand information on isolation for her thesis. What she doesn't expect? To LIKE the inmate she's partnered with. But she does. She likes Cade's letters and the way he looks at her. However, she wonders if he's only looking at her like that because she's a bridge to the outside and the first woman he's interacted with in a while.

What she doesn't realize is that Cade is all in from her first letter. Meeting her put a face to the words, but he was already committed. So when he gets out, he immediately goes looking for the woman who gave him something to focus on during the last year of his incarceration.

While this sounds like it could be a recipe for disaster, Aspen hasn't been able to stop thinking about Cade since she left the pen pal program. The last year has been rough as she's tried to move on. Having him suddenly slide back into her life like he does is shocking and thrilling and she SHOULD maybe be a little worried about how easily he's been able to break into her apartment, but she's not. Well, mostly not. Let's just say she likes the guy and his possessive ways and once they start clearing the air things really start happening between them.

A little stalking (in an ultimately consensual way), more than a few steamy kisses, and a few relationshippy speedbumps these two need to work through (very few, actually. They fit well together). *thumbs up*

The Final Target by Nora Roberts [Review]

The Final Target by Nora Roberts
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 4, 2026

Purchase Links: Hardcover | Kindle

Nora Roberts
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that.

Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake…

An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude—but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility.

Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden's purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?

Thoughts on The Final Target: Achieving her dream of being published comes with a heaping side of terror when Arden is targeted by a man who has decided she's the perfect woman for him. When things take a dangerous turn, Arden fights back and survives a harrowing attack. Then she has to put herself back together a piece at a time because she refuses to let her attacker steal the life she dreamed of.

Fortunately for Arden, she has a strong support system. Between the aunt and uncle who raised her after her parents died and the cousins who welcomed her into their family with open arms, she has good people around her. She's also good at making solid connections with people she meets. Connections that have them stepping in to help her when she needs it most.

When she relocates to Oregon, one of the connections she makes is with Gideon and his grandfather. Gideon who is a former LAPD detective and knows there's something in Arden's past, but doesn't want to pry. Gideon who lights her up in ways no one else does. Soon these two are romancing and smooching in all the best ways.

One delusional, manipulative man, a whole lot of found family, a welcoming town, an ex-detective who will burn down the world for the woman he loves, and a lady who refuses to let one terrible moment break her. GOOD STUFF.

Shock at the Sweetheart Ball by London Lovett [Review]

Shock at the Sweetheart Ball (Firefly Junction #20) by London Lovett
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 28, 2026

Firefly Junction Mystery
1. Death in the Park
2. Killer Bridal Party
3. Murder at the Inn
4. A Humbug Holiday
5. Calamity at the Carnival
6. Double Trouble
7. Havoc at Wildwood Manor
8. Fatal Feud
9. Trick or Trouble
10. A Crafty Killing
11. Death at the Museum
12. Murder at the Pumpkin Patch
13. Founders' Day Fiasco
14. Heat Wave Homicide
15. Terror at Thornbridge Hotel
16. Chocolate Festival Felony
17. Movie Night Madness
18. Figgy Pudding Disaster
19. Apple Cider Assault
20. Shock at the Sweetheart Ball - Paperback | Kindle

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Port Danby
1. Marigolds and Murder

London Lovett
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Firefly Junction residents are abuzz with excitement for the town’s annual Sweetheart Ball. Local reporter Sunni Taylor is both covering the story and looking forward to attending the dance with her own sweetheart, Detective Brady Jackson. Ruby Orson, a member of the city council and a local interior decorator, is in charge of this year’s event, and she’s been gathering a flurry of enemies along the way. When Ruby winds up dead, Sunni switches gears on her story. Instead of covering the event, she needs to find a killer. But Ruby has so many enemies, it’s hard to narrow down the suspect list.

In the meantime, so much is happening in Sunni’s personal life, she hardly knows which way to turn. The murder is important but not nearly as stunning and life-changing as the things happening back at home. It seems Sunni Taylor is about to start a very new chapter in her career and life.

Thoughts on Shock at the Sweetheart Ball: I will admit to having a love/hate relationship with the end of a series. I hate to see a series end when I've enjoyed it as much as I've enjoyed this one, but I do love when all those loose ends get tied up. Not that there were a TON of loose ends here, but we got resolution on THINGS and YESSSS!

First off, Sunni is doing her thing and helping investigate an unexpected death. To be fair, the death might not have been THAT unexpected since the person who met their untimely end was kind of horrible. In every way. Which means there were a fair amount of suspects. While Jax is doing his official investigating, he and Sunni are comparing notes and sliding potential clues at one another for follow-up. Which is cute. Because the couple who sleuths together and all that.

That said, Sunni and Jax did hit a bit of a bump in their relationship. Of the "are things going to move forward" variety. Jax has some hang ups about Edward's presence. Sunni is a little miffed that the thought of them taking the next step seems to spook Jax. It's something they both have to deal with and they do. Eventually.

A little mysticism, a long-awaited meeting, some relationship shenanigans, and a really sweet ending. Like I said, I'm sad to say goodbye, but I'm happy with how everything turned out.

RtP's Week in Review (05/24/26)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez [Review] - A Valentine's mix-up!
• Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne [Review] - Galentine's shenanigans!
• Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory [Review] - A Valentine's earthquake!
• With Any Luck by Ashley Poston [Review] - Bachelorette party shenanigans!
• Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson [Review] - Royal shenanigans!
• Maid for the Goblin King by H.C. Summer [Review] - Goblin love!

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• None!
• Currently reading
• White Hot by Ilona Andrews

Maid for the Goblin King by H.C. Summer [Review]

Maid for the Goblin King by H.C. Summer
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 26, 2026

Purchase Links: Kindle

H.C. Summer
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

I ran to escape a husband I didn't choose, taking up work among goblins. But I certainly never expected to fall to my knees for a monster.

King Rhazin is massive and merciless, his voice commanding obedience while his eyes promise ruin. The second they find me, I know he doesn't just want my service, but my surrender too.
I should run.
I should beg for mercy.
But when his claws find me and lay claim to me with wicked promises, I don't know how much longer I can resist.

Thoughts on Maid for the Goblin King: I'm not going to lie, I picked this one up for the cover because I have a weakness for muscley monsters. It was pretty much exactly what I was expecting in that is had a muscled goblin king tangling the sheets (although possibly no sheets were actually tangled. The bathroom tile was shown a good time, though) with a sweet human lady.

Rhazin is commanding, doesn't mind PDAs, and enjoys making Judith speechless. Judith is trying to keep her head down and do a good job in the goblin stronghold so she doesn't get sent away where she might end up back with her parents who are trying to marry her off to someone she is NOT interested in. As it turns out, the type she is interested in is a growly king who is very much a giver.

Short, nicely naughty, and with a whole lot of muscles on display.

Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson [Review]

Royal Valentine (The Improbable Meet-Cute #6) by Sariah Wilson
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 26, 2026

The Improbable Meet-Cute
1. The Exception to the Rule
2. Worst Wingman Ever
3. Rosie and the Dreamboat
4. Drop, Cover, and Hold On
5. With Any Luck
6. Royal Valentine - Kindle

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances
1. Accidentally Yours

Sariah Wilson
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Princess Ilaria has had it up to her tiara with the paparazzi, her own wild reputation, and the public eye. Trading places with her assistant, Ilaria wants just one blissfully ordinary weekend. Then a handsome photographer with a sexy Scottish burr offers to be her guide. Sparks fly, but how long can they last? Ilaria’s secret has to come out—and it could ruin a perfectly serendipitous romance.

Thoughts on Royal Valentine: Wanting to spend a few days doing all the normal touristy things a tourist might do, Ilaria convinces her assistant to swap places with her. Accidentally drugging herself and passing out wasn't on Ilaria's bingo card, but then neither was getting rescued (although she doesn't remember that part) by a sexy Scottish photographer.

As it turns out, spending time as a tourist is incredibly fun when you have a hunky tour guide and nobody knows you're a princess. Sure, Ilaria might be holding onto a bit of a secret, but sexy Callum might have a secret or two of his own. So it's all fair, RIGHT?

Fun, quick, and I really like the callback to book 1. *thumbs up*

With Any Luck by Ashley Poston [Review]

With Any Luck (The Improbable Meet-Cute #5) by Ashley Poston
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 26, 2026

The Improbable Meet-Cute
1. The Exception to the Rule
2. Worst Wingman Ever
3. Rosie and the Dreamboat
4. Drop, Cover, and Hold On
5. With Any Luck - Kindle
6. Royal Valentine

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances
1. Accidentally Yours

Ashley Poston
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Audrey Love is cursed to be the person before you find your soulmate, the girl you dump for your true love. So when her best friend disappears hours before his Valentine’s Day wedding, Audrey fears that she did the unthinkable and kissed him at last night’s bachelor party. With help from the best man, she retraces her steps to find the missing groom and, with any luck, a true love of her own.

Thoughts on With Any Luck: The entire Love family is great at helping others find their true love (with the help of a kiss), but not so great at find solid relationships for themselves. So when Audrey's BFF goes missing the day of his wedding, Audrey thinks the worst. She kissed him and he left his fiancée at the altar.

Seeing at parts of the bachelor party are a bit of a blur and she can't *exactly* remember everything that happened, her fears might be founded.

Enter the bride's maid of honor. Who happens to be a guy that Audrey doesn't quite get along with. As they search for the missing groom, Audrey comes to see that maybe she and Theo aren't as different as she thought. And mayyyybe she needs to step outside her a comfort zone a little while also holding onto the superstition that her kiss helps others find their true love.