A burning need to read; to finish just one more chapter. Blogging about books and authors to OBSESS over. Staying up all night because, after all, sleep is a symptom of book deprivation.

June 30, 2026

Release Blitz & Review: Code Name Ember


CODE NAME: EMBER
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: June 30

Blurb:


A whistleblower is dead. A journalist is hunted. And only one man can keep her alive.

After a career in special forces, then as a smokejumper, Cole Mercer is ready for a new challenge. When he hears that the world-renowned covert operations team at Jameson Force Security is opening a facility in Seattle, Cole knows exactly where he belongs. What he doesn’t expect is to come face-to-face with the woman he never stopped loving—the one who walked away before either of them said goodbye.

Investigative journalist Tessa Ward has uncovered proof that a powerful real estate developer is tied to a string of deadly wildfires in the Pacific Northwest. It’s the kind of story that could make her career… or end her life. When her source is murdered in cold blood, Tessa realizes the truth is more dangerous than she ever imagined. With no other options, Tessa knows she has no choice but to turn to the one man she swore she’d never ask for help.

Some fires are set on purpose. Others never stop burning.

Their past ended in heartbreak, but when it’s clear she’s being hunted, Tessa and Cole are forced to set aside their hurt. As they chase a trail of corruption, arson, and murder, every life-or-death decision reignites old passions. But the closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes—and one wrong move could cost them everything, including each other.



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Review

This is the first book of a new series by this author. Fans will recognize the Jameson Security from Las Vegas and Pittsburgh. They have opened an office in Seattle now. Some familiar faces both leading the helm and int he background providing support to this team. Great new setting and interesting team members. 

Tessa and Cole have a history. They didn't part on good terms 5 years ago but Tessa is in trouble and needs Cole to help her out.  Clearly there are unresolved issues with these two.  The question is, have they grown enough to let the worries of the past not define their future? 

Lots of action and intrigue in this story. Both Tessa and Cole can be protective and stubborn.  Causes some issues for them! Loved watching all this unfold. 

Great start tot he series!  Looking forward to getting to know the rest of the team better 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About  the Author



New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer Bennett:



https://geni.us/SawyerBennett

June 23, 2026

Review: The Palace of Steel



Book  Blurb

The coup stole her family. The prison forged her identity. The desert built her army. Now Princess Maeve Moran stands at the edge of her destiny, claiming the Steel Citadel itself.

Haunted by bloodshed and betrayed by the very ones she thought she knew best, Maeve is forced to choose between vengeance and ruin. The truth of her lineage runs darker than she ever imagined, built on centuries of lies, magic, and death. To seize her throne, she must confront not only the tyranny of the usurper king, but the monstrous legacy of the first Moran.

As alliances crumble and the enemy closes in, Maeve's path to the throne demands sacrifices she might not have the strength to make. The hunt for retribution could cost her everything, and everyone.

In a kingdom forged of blood and iron, Maeve must will she become the queen her people need, or the monster they fear most?

Contains mature themes.



Review

This is book 3 in the series. You will have to read them in order. This book had me all over the place. It started out so good. The story picks up right where book two ends. The Leader's group of revolutionaries are still looking for information and ways to bring down the usurper King. But then about half way through I was starting to think I was wrong.
Maeve just got so whiny and defiant. Eoghan was trying so hard to make her happy. He wanted to do everything for her. Maeve honestly got so annoying, I wanted to kick her. Maybe someone should have. Eoghan must have a big heart because although he got mad at her, he continues to give her grace and love her.

We see lots of action in this one. Dragons. Other parts of the kingdom. I suspect some subterfuge by multiple sources. And so the second half of the book, although filled with information and lots of action, was just meh for me because of Maeve. I despised her so much for most of the last half of the book, that I considered a 3.5 for my rating.

But wait! Keep reading! No spoilers! The epilogue knocked me sideways. All kinds of lightbulbs went on. Did not even consider that cliffhanger as a possibility as I was reading. Thinking back to what I read, there were a few seeds maybe that hinted that way. I see where this is going--I think. I could be wrong and this is fine too. I am so much team Eoghan in this saga. He is a good man through and through and I can't wait for him to save the day and Maeve's heart!

Waiting patiently for Book 4! I need all the answers ASAP!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


About  the  Author 


Whitney Welsh Gibbs is a storyteller at heart, with a love for history and a curiosity for discovering new worlds—both real and imagined. She grew up on California’s Central Coast, where the fog-draped mornings and salty sea air helped spark the imagination that fuels her writing today.
She holds a Master’s in Intelligence and Security Studies from the University of Leicester and honed her craft through a blend of academic work and years of creative writing. Whitney has self-published three novels—Lucas Taite and the Mysterious Armor of God, Broken Anchors, and Lucas Taite and the Mountain of ร–rlรถg—each one earning praise and a growing base of loyal readers.

Her latest series, The Steel Citadel, published by Azala Press, brings together her love of layered plots, complex characters, and rich, magical worlds.

When she’s not writing, Whitney can usually be found reading, exploring new places, or catching up with friends—often gathering sparks of inspiration along the way. She currently lives in Burbank, California.

You can find her on Instagram and TikTok, where she shares behind-the-scenes looks at her writing life and upcoming projects.

June 8, 2026

Release Blitz & Review: Kiss Me Forever

 





Blurb:Falling for your enemy is bad. Falling for the man you only call your enemy is worse.

Reece Fox is a decade older than me but I’m his boss. And if the man growls at me one more time, he’s going to learn the true meaning of the Montgomery temper. Yet I can’t stop thinking of him.

After losing my fiancรฉ, I’ve sworn off men, but when Reece does the one thing I never thought he’d do—ask for help—I can’t walk away.

Brooklyn Montgomery is too young for me. She’s not only my boss, but my friend’s family. The definition of forbidden. We both know this. But I can’t keep my hands off of her. When we finally give into the heat between us, there’s no going back.

Only when a little girl shows up at our work, she changes our world completely with one word:
Dad.

Kiss Me Forever is an age gap, workplace, surprise single dad contemporary romance featuring Brooklyn and Reece. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!

BUY NOW! 
All Editions



Review


Readers of this author have been following along in the Montgomery Legacy series. You will love all the family dynamics if you start from the beginning, but you can very easily read this as a stand alone. Tis is Brooklyn Montgomery's story.

I love a good single parent trope and this on comes as a surprise as well! Reece Fox works for the Montgomery construction. Technically, Brooklyn isn't his direct boss but she is owner in the company. Neither of them are looking for a relationship. But when Reece finds our he has a pre-teen daughter, Brooklyn is more than happy to help him out.

Eventually, their long held attraction comes to a head. No one in either family is surprised or concerned. Lots of family antics and banter in this one. The Fox brothers my need their own series coming up....hint....hint.

Great addition to the series. Great to see Brooklyn's brothers again, too. I always look forward to more from this author.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.