Posted January 4, 2026 by Marsha in Challenges, Discussion Post / 0 Comments
My ultimate reading goal for 2026 is to whittle down my TBR Leaning Tower of Books to something more… reasonable. (I know that you know what I’m talking about because if you’re a reader, you also have a TBR pile). I’m also a series reader, often collecting titles until a series is mostly, if not totally, complete before indulging in a series-binge-read. Then, life descends, and frequently those intentions go out the window when life gets in the way of the “fun stuff”, like leisurely reading.
I came across the Finishing the Series Challenge 2026 while randomly browsing Challenges that might fit my goal for this year. It serves a dual purpose for me: getting books off my TBR and finally finishing the series taking up space on my Kindle. A two-for-one deal that I couldn’t pass by.
As to my goal: Primetime Series 17+. Yes, it’s a lot, but then I have a lot of series that I really do need to get read. I’ll be posting the series both as a post here at Happily Ever After Romance, as a listing on my Challenge page here, and on my Finishing the Series Challenge 2026 Goodreads Shelf.
I am admittedly not great at challenges. Oh, I can get the reading done, but it’s the link posting that gets me in trouble. I shall do my best to keep on track in 2026. If anyone else is doing Challenges this year… I wish you the best of luck and happy reading experiences.
Posted January 3, 2026 by Marsha in A TBR Read, Challenges, Harlequin, Harlequin Intrigue, Modern Western Romance, Mystery, No Spice Romance, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
Sometimes you can go home again. It’s just not always safe…
Mary Cardwell Savage never meant to send that letter to her ex, Chase Steele.
How could she know her words would bring the gorgeous cowboy back to Big Sky, Montana—with an unstable and dangerous stalker following close behind?
Now Chase wants to prove that their love deserves a second chance.
And this time, nothing will keep him from his heart’s desire…not even a killer.
Titles in the Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy series include: Steel Resolve ~ Iron Will* ~ Ambush Before Sunrise* ~ Double Action Deputy* ~ Trouble in Big Timber* ~ Cold Case at Cardwell Ranch* ~
This is a no-spice romance with either closed doors or fade-to-black scenes. Tension and kisses might be involved 🙂
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Posted January 2, 2026 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments
2026 A time to anticipate a blank sheet of a brand new year, and a time to look forward to discovering new books, new adventures, new-to-me-authors, and revisit with older, favorite authors as well.
I don’t do “New Year’s Resolutions”, I’ve found over time that if I do so… I’m guaranteed to fail, spectacularly. However, I do believe in goals and plans… and I have several of those in mind for the coming year.
My number one priority will always be ARCs, those advanced copies of upcoming titles that publishers and authors have graciously granted me access to. Those are gifts that I will never take lightly, and I’m always grateful for the trust in me to talk about an upcoming book.
However, my main goal for 2026 is to tackle my TBR pile seriously. *sigh* Yes, that leaning tower of books that are sitting in my Kindle or on my shelves just waiting (impatiently) for me actually to read the books I’ve purchased. You, too? I cannot be the only person who picks up a book I cannot wait to dive into, only to discover that I’ve got a review due and… put off reading the new one for just a few days (yeah, right). Time is fleeting, as I’ve realized recently from my own personal health issues (I fell over my cat and broke my tailbone, resulting in a very long time away from family and reading). Tomorrow, as we know it, is not guaranteed, so since I paid good cash for those books, it’s time that I actually read the stories within them. That is my main goal after the ARC reviews.
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Posted December 31, 2025 by Marsha in Closed Doors/ Fade to Black, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Heartwarming, NetGalley, No Spice Romance, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
Not every hero…
Wears a uniform
Brooke Lawson refuses to let her troubled past stop her from making her mark in Flame, Texas. The close-knit community is exactly the fresh start she needs.
Great new job, caring new friends—her only problem is the series of mortifying scrapes she finds herself in.
Being frequently rescued by Michael Barnes, the small town’s handsomest firefighter, does have its upside. His warmth and humor set him apart from every man she’s ever met.
But when his large, ready-made family starts interfering, will she be the one to rescue him? And will their special spark continue to shine?
Titles in the Flame, Texas series include: Rescuing Her Firefighter ~ Her Texas Plus-One (June 2026) ~
This is a no-spice romance with either closed doors or fade-to-black scenes. Tension and kisses might be involved 🙂
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Posted December 31, 2025 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Medical Romance, NetGalley, Standalone / 0 Comments
The hottest mistake of her life?
Obstetrician Monica Hamilton loves her job, yet with every tiny baby she delivers, she longs for her own even more.
When she’s poised to explore single motherhood, it’s terrible timing to notice sexy Argentinean paramedic Luke Arias.
All he can promise is no strings and scorching hot nights. He’s already had to bring up his orphaned siblings—children are 100 percent off his agenda.
Usually cautious Monica is powerless to resist Luke’s charisma…but will their temporary fling break her heart or unlock everything she’s ever wanted?
~Standalone~
This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.
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Posted December 31, 2025 by Marsha in Closed Doors/ Fade to Black, Contemporary Romance, Debut Title, Harlequin, Harlequin Romance, No Spice Romance, Standalone / 0 Comments
They’re crossing a billion-dollar boundary…
Heiress Eleanor Ainsworth’s secret to survival? Never fall in love.
Only one person ever challenged that: billionaire Nic Kosmas, the childhood best friend she once dated for six sizzling months. So, when she returns to London to help launch a foundation honouring Nic’s late father, temptation follows…
And after a stolen clinch lands them in the tabloids, the only solution to protect Nic’s family legacy is a fake relationship! Yet, as the line between façade and feelings blurs, Ellie’s in danger of breaking her golden rule…
~Standalone~
This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.
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Posted December 30, 2025 by Marsha in Booksprout ARC, Christmas Romance, Closed Doors/ Fade to Black, Connection to another series, Holiday Romance, No Spice Romance, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
This Christmas, she learns that sometimes you really can’t go home again…
Assistant editor Felicity Wright believes bad things happen in threes. So, after losing both her boyfriend and her apartment, she is certain the crushing blow of losing her position at a distinguished publishing house must be the end of her bad luck. However, when she returns to Kringle Falls, she finds those things were just a precursor to what awaits her.
Mechanic Justin Bishop has a secret desire—being an author. He hasn’t told anyone about his dream because his wounded pride refuses to take another public blow if he fails to get a publishing contract. After all, he’s already been stood up at the altar.
But this Christmas, when he stumbles across the one woman he could never forget, he’s determined not to repeat past mistakes and let her get too close. However, a pair of well-meaning matchmakers hatch a plan to bring Justin and Felicity together to foster a rescue puppy. Will the holiday magic and one ornery puppy give them a second chance at love?
Titles in the Kringle Falls, Vermont series include: Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses ~ Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses ~ Puppy Smooches & Peppermint Kisses ~ Puppy Hugs & Mistletoe Kisses ~
This is a clean, sweet romance with either closed doors/fade to black, or only kissing.
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Posted December 30, 2025 by Marsha in Booksprout ARC, Contemporary Romance, Kindle Unlimited, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
She’s the town’s quiet bookworm. He’s the tattooed rebel her brother warned her about. Too bad her heart didn’t listen.
Jana Bailey keeps to herself. Running her cozy bookstore. Avoiding drama. But all bets are off the moment Felton struts in—leather jacket, rough hands, and eyes that burn.
He’s trouble. Her brother’s old crew. A single guardian to his kid sister. The kind of man who doesn’t do gentle. But when someone threatens Jana, Felton steps in with fists, fire… and something fierce in his eyes.
The tension sizzles. The kisses? Forbidden and addictive. But Lushhaven doesn’t forget, and neither do the ghosts from his past.
Can a good girl survive a rebel’s world? Or will love like theirs go up in smoke?
Titles in the Lustful Small Town Nights series include: Lustful Town Second Chance ~ Lustful Town Childhood Crush ~ Lustful Town Secret Baby ~ Lustful Town Grumpy Man ~ Lustful Town Flirty CEO ~ Lustful Town Ex Convict ~ Lustful Town Rival Heat ~ Lustful Town Old Hottie ~ Lustful Town Rebel Love ~ Lustful Town Instant Love ~
This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.
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Posted December 30, 2025 by Marsha in Booksprout ARC, Marietta Montana, Modern Western Romance, Montana (Tule), Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance, Tule Publishing / 0 Comments
In theory, opposites attract. What happens when they combust?
Former Special Forces soldier Ryder Lea is ready to leave combat behind and return to his cowboy roots as a rodeo stock contractor. But before he can hit the open road, he owes a debt of honor in Marietta, Montana—one last promise to his fallen commanding officer. Community service at a local clinic should be simple…until he meets the sharp-tongued therapist who wants nothing to do with him.
Edison Martin doesn’t have time for charming cowboys with “aw-shucks” smiles. Her clinic is understaffed, her patients deserve real help, and Ryder reminds her of everything she’s lost. She needs competence, not temptation.
But Ryder tackles every task with humor and heart, making it harder for Edi to keep her walls up. As sparks fly and old wounds resurface, they’ll have to decide if love is worth the risk—or if some scars run too deep.
First published as The Cowboy Charm
Titles in the Cowboys of Honor series include: The Montana Cowboy’s Code of Honor ~ The Montana Cowboy’s Duty ~ The Montana Cowboy’s Christmas Homecoming ~ The Montana Cowboy’s Call to Serve ~ The Montana Cowboy’s Last Mission ~
This story may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult 18+ audience.
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Posted December 30, 2025 by Marsha in Booksprout ARC, Christmas Romance, Closed Doors/ Fade to Black, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, No Spice Romance, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
All I want this Christmas is to start new traditions with my daughter in our new place—in peace. But when Captain Logan Riley shows up at my doorstep with a letter from Melly’s late father, the quiet holiday season instantly turns to chaos.
I’ve never told anyone who her father is—not my family, my friends, nor the father himself. I’ve certainly never told the handsome soldier who claims to be his best friend. The same man I should definitely not be falling for. It doesn’t matter that he’s made a promise to stick around until I read that letter. He’s not staying beyond a few days, and even if he was, this is all too complicated.
Maybe someone should reiterate that to Ed, though. The local moose, notorious for his matchmaking skills, is currently stalking me. I’ve lived in Sunset Ridge long enough to know what happens when this moose singles you out. But that doesn’t matter. Because I’m absolutely not looking for love this Christmas.
Even if love seems determined to find me.
Titles in the Finding Love in Alaska series include: Moose Be Love ~ My Favorite Moosetake ~ Anonymoosely Yours ~ Love & Moosechief ~ Under the Mooseltoe ~ Moosely Over You ~ Absomoosely in Love ~ Perfectly Moosematched ~ Chrismoose Kisses ~
This is a no-spice romance with either closed doors or fade-to-black scenes. Tension and kisses might be involved 🙂
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Posted December 29, 2025 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Presents, NetGalley, Sexual Content, Standalone / 0 Comments
Is she his ruin…
Or his redemption?
Jovi D’Amato doesn’t show mercy. He is ice-cold, ruthless, and relentless. He is the deadly weapon of the Il Serpente crime syndicate, forged in the brutal aftermath of his family’s murder. Then he’s sent to kidnap Ruxandra Ardelean. In a single heartbeat, she detonates his entire existence…
Salvation isn’t something Rux thought possible until Jovi takes her prisoner. The dangerous Sicilian should terrify her. Instead, he thrills her. She comes alive under his shamelessly sinful touch. Though for Jovi to make her his, he’ll have to burn his whole world down…
~Standalone~
This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.
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Posted December 29, 2025 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Romantic Suspense, NetGalley, Romantic Suspense, Series, Sexual Content, Small Town Romance, Thriller / 0 Comments
She’s used to fighting alone.
But now she needs him to survive.
Former socialite Sylvia Harrington can’t wait to flee her hometown of Fairfield—forever. But when her felon father’s cartel sets out to dismantle her life bit by bit, her only hope is to fight back.
Who knew that battle would lead her straight to firefighter Ryan Pierce? After Sylvia brutally shattered his heart long ago, wrong-side-of-the-tracks Ryan never forgave her—but he never forgot her, either.
Rekindling their feelings is more than Ryan ever imagined—and so is walking straight into the crosshairs of a ruthless enemy…
Titles in the Fairfield First Responders series include: Legacy of Secrets ~ Legacy of Redemption ~
This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.
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Posted December 29, 2025 by Marsha in Connection to another series, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Intrigue, Mystery, NetGalley, Romantic Suspense, Series, Sexual Content / 0 Comments
A deadly global threat
Locks two women in a race against time
When Iris Knowles is recruited to restore a hacked computer system, she’s afraid the traumatic brain injury that compromised her vision will keep her from completing the job she was trained to do. But the cybersecurity expert’s first sight of scientist Rebecca Roth instantly quells her fears, and sparks fly between the two of them.
Iris and Bec both share a similar feeling of not belonging anywhere, and must now work together on a life-and-death mission. Can the two women help each other overcome their fears and stop a deadly virus from destroying humankind?
Titles in the Secure Watch series include: Dark Web Investigation ~ Tracing Her Stolen Identity ~ Deadly Security Breach ~
This series is a spin-off of the Secure One series. Expect to see some familiar faces, and although it’s not “necessary” to have read the earlier series to enjoy this one, I’d highly recommend both series as they are simply amazing in story, delivery, and intensity.
This is an adult 18+ story that contains language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.
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Posted December 29, 2025 by Marsha in Closed Doors/ Fade to Black, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Special Edition, NetGalley, No Spice Romance, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
A fake romance will solve all their problems
…And stir up a bunch of new ones!
Veterinary student Saira Rawal definitely believes in love. It’s just…not for her. Not when getting through her days without panic attacks is a struggle enough.
But at least she has Tyler Hart—her brother’s best friend, who has always been her safe space. He even takes her in when she and her disaster of a therapy puppy need somewhere to stay!
So when she can return the favor, helping him save face with his brother by pretending they’re together, she steps right up. With a pretend relationship, it’s not like there’s any chance of someone really getting hurt…right?
Titles in the Once Upon a Wedding series include: The Five-Day Reunion ~ Matched by Masala ~ No Rings Attached ~ The Business Between Them ~ Their Accidental Honeymoon ~ If You Can’t Stand the Heat ~ The Dating Game ~
This is a no-spice romance with either closed doors or fade-to-black scenes. Tension and kisses might be involved 🙂
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Posted December 29, 2025 by Marsha in Closed Doors/ Fade to Black, Harlequin, Love Inspired Suspense (Harlequin), Modern Western Romance, NetGalley, No Spice Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series, Small Town Romance / 0 Comments
A witness in danger…
and a protector standing guard.
Pregnant widow Holly Myers just wants a fresh start for her and her unborn child, but when she witnesses a double murder, her quiet life is shattered.
On the run, she finds refuge with former Deputy Sheriff Clive Cantrell, who is determined to keep her safe. But with killers on their trail who’ll stop at nothing to silence Holly, staying alive might just be impossible.
Especially when clues link the murders to a drug trafficking operation hidden on Clive’s family’s ranch. And stopping the criminals could prove lethal for them both.
Titles in the Thunder Ridge Justice series include: Shielded by the Cowboy ~
This is a no-spice romance with either closed doors or fade-to-black scenes. Tension and kisses might be involved 🙂
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