roksyreads's reviews
433 reviews

Bouquets & Buckles by Elliott Rose

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Syklar’s Christmas surprise for her boyfriend in her home town of Crimson Ridge ends in discovering his betrayal. Stranded with a flat tyre and with a snowstorm approaching, she tries to call her best friend for help, but blinded by heartbreak and haste, she doesn’t realise she’s accidentally called her best friend’s father—her life-long cowboy crush—until it’s too late. A year since Lucas Rhodes drove her home from a New Year’s Eve party alone, they’re about to be snowed in together on his ranch. Skylar doesn’t know how she’ll resist her every teenage fantasy, especially when he’s looking at her like he’s fighting the same desires.

As I’ve delved deeper into my romance era this year, I’ve discovered that I love age gap forbidden romances and Elliot Rose is proving to be a master of these themes/tropes through her Crimson Ridge series (see MMCs Colton Wild and Stôrmand Lane—IYKYK 👀). Bouquets & Buckles is Christmas themed interconnected standalone novella from the series that was first featured in the anthology Saddles & Sweethearts. After enjoying the first Crimson Ridge novel, Chasing the Wild, I was eager for another taste of Rose’s gruff, rugged cowboys, and happily devoured this story featuring FMC Skylar and her best friend’s dad, MMC Lucas. Brimming with tension, angst, mutual pining, breathtaking spice, and the sweetest HEA, this story lived up to all my hopes during my first read and I loved it just as much the second time around. If you’re looking for a spicy, Christmas themed read this December (or you’re a spicy romance fan in general!), this one should absolutely be on your radar.

Silver Foxed by Kayla Grosse

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Elijah Astor is Alex Martin’s dream man. Smart, funny, loyal, and devilishly handsome, she’s eager for a taste of this silver fox who’s accidentally crashed her relaxing weekend at her parent’s lake house. But, of course, there’s a catch. Because Elijah isn’t just an employee of Alex’s dad—he’s also Oliver Martin’s best friend. Unwilling to deny the sparks flying between them, Alex make’s Elijah an offer: a weekend of non-strings-attached fun, where they can play house and indulge the fantasies they share. One weekend to pretend that Oliver Martin wouldn’t freak out about them being together. But living a fantasy so close to what their hearts’ desire is a risk, because when the weekend ends, neither is sure they’ll be able to let go.

I picked this one up after enjoying Axes & O’s, my first encounter with Kayla Grosse. I was keen for a fun, fast read to finish off November on a high, and this ended up being a great fit! Lighthearted and humorous, Silver Foxed is a solid choice for fans of age gap and forbidden romances, two of my absolute favourite things. I really connected with FMC Alex’s spirit and her determination. I loved seeing her bloom into her hot-girl badass-bitch era and the forbidden element in the attraction between her and MMC Elijah—the silver fox😉—made for an utterly delicious novella. 

Axes & O's by Kayla Grosse

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

All Nathan Clark wanted to do was visit his family for Christmas, but after crashing his car in heavy snow, he finds himself stranded at the cabin of Fox and Morgan Malone. Snowed in with the pair of swoon-worthy married loggers Nathan finds himself drawn to both of his hosts: Fox for his rugged, gruff allure and Morgan for her sweet, sultry charm. And more, the couple seem just as interested. As things in the cabin get steamy, Nathan finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew about himself–because what started as a simple offer of hospitality and warmth becomes a proposition that could forever change his life.

Having seen Axes & O's floating around on Instagram and with December just around the corner (now here!) I was keen to dive into this spicy holiday romance. This was my introduction to Kayla Grosse, and what an introduction it proved to be! This epically steamy and emotionally charged novel is captivating from start to finish, exploring themes of self-discovery, BDSM, and courage through a heartfelt poly romance. Featuring the POV of all three MCs–MMCs Nathan and Fox and FMC Morgan–I especially enjoyed the insight into each of their emotional journeys as they navigate their personal demons, past heartbreaks, and their growing attraction to each other. As we approach the holiday season, this one is definitely going to be on my re-read list to get into the festive spirit later in December.

Save The Vampire by Maz Maddox

adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Despite months spent searching for Zane in the void, the vampire’s death lingers like a bad dream for Dallas, weighing him down with grief and despair. Meanwhile, death magic is tearing through the fabric of reality, allowing living nightmares to terrorise the city and leaving wounds that threaten to destroy their home and swallow the world in darkness. Tangled up with hurt and heartache for both his lost vampire and the protective, seductive incubus waiting in the wings and his necromancy powers gone, Dallas feels helpless. Yet Dallas knows that with the city on the verge of chaos, he must somehow keep his world from spiraling out of control. But first, he’ll save his vampire—no matter what it takes. 

Packed with adventure, humour, angst, and a slow-burn heartfelt romance, the final book of the Wilde Contracts series, Save the Vampire, is an excellent end to a fantastic trilogy that was positively wild (heh) from start to finish! I treasured each of the three MMCs—Dallas, Zane, and Sias—and their growth as individuals and lovers. Dallas’ emotional journey was especially poignant, as he learned to open up and accept the love of those around him. Seeing Dallas’ friendship with Barnaby strengthen and flourish alongside the romance between Dallas, Zane, and Sias was an utterly enriching experience. Whilst Dallas—my tornado of vibrant chaos–is especially dear to me, these three men have all nestled into my heart alongside other characters who have guided me to and helped me heal parts of myself in unexpected ways. 

Pucking Sweet by Emily Rath

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Poppy St. James has landed her dream job. As the Director of Public Relations for the Jacksonville Rays, the NHL’s hottest new team, she’s got twelve months to prove she’s worth keeping. The PR part is easy, but the players themselves are proving to be a handful. Brash, bossy partyboy Lukas Novikov is a PR nightmare who seems to find new and creative ways to drag his teammates—including fellow defenseman Colton Morrow—into trouble that Poppy has to get them out of. But the moniker of PR Barbie doesn’t stop Poppy—poised, powerful, and always professional—from doing her job. Until one phone call from her family knocks Poppy’s carefully balanced life off-kilter. One night—one mistake—leads to a web of tangled feelings, and now she’s staring down at a plus sign with no strategy and no idea what’s next. All she knows is that nothing will ever be the same. 

Diving back into the world of the Jacksonville Rays NHL ice hockey team, Pucking Sweet is a funny, emotional, and engaging story from start to finish. The plot and subplots create a great balance of humour and tension, with some truly epic banter and utterly heartfelt moments. That I wasn’t put off by a plot point that’s a major nope for me

(accidental pregnancy)

speaks to the quality and depth of Rath’s writing, especially the love she inspires for her characters. Featuring a diverse and fascinating cast, I loved seeing my favourite characters again and getting alternative views of events from the previous novels, as well as getting to know FMC Poppy and MMCs Lukas and Colton better. I especially enjoyed Poppy’s character arc. Strong and empowered in her career, it was rewarding to see her further develop her confidence and translate those strengths to face challenges within her personal life and her family dynamics. Lucas’ and Colton’s arcs were equally rewarding to experience as they navigated personal challenges, the complexities of their romance with Poppy and growing feelings for each other, and their NHL careers. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Outing, and Gaslighting

Minor: Homophobia and Misogyny

The Demon's Queen by Katee Robert

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Eve’s life isn’t perfect—but with money, freedom, and a client list she’s carefully curated over years, it’s hers. After a stressful day, she’s more than ready to have dinner and a long, pleasurable night with one of her favourites—until Azazel asks her to roleplay with him by signing a contract and she discovers she’s let things get too serious. Bragainer demon Azazel has loved Eve in secret, knowing his place as a client. But when an enemy realises the true depth of his feelings, he protects her in the only way he knows how: by binding her to him. Angered and hurt by his betrayal, Eve is determined to make Azazel pay for every second she’s trapped in the demon realm. Yet no matter how hard Eve tries to guard her heart, she can’t help but see that beneath the monstrous nature of Azazel’s true form is the man who already found a way inside. 

Having had glimpses of the story through the previous novels in the Deal With A Demon series, I’ve been looking forward to The Demon’s Queen. MMC Azazel, leader of the Bargainer Demons, was the driving force behind the overarching series plot which saw the leader of each of the realm’s kingdoms—dragons, krakens, gargoyles, and succubi/incubi—find their human match. In those previous novels, there were tantalising glimpses at his complicated romance with FMC Eve. It was great to experience their full story, although the story didn't have the narrative depth I've enjoyed in the previous novels. I appreciated the little romantic twist in the HEA and found the ending satisfying, if a bit fast. Overall, this was an enjoyable, quick novella with a pleasant dose of angst and spice.

Crossing Blades by Hayden Hall

emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Determined to get drafted by the end of the season, Riley has one last chance to lead Northwood U’s Arctic Titans to the cup. Building upon three years of razor-sharp focus and hard-won respect, Riley wants the year to run perfectly. But when his former lover—the best friend who broke his heart and abandoned him to go to college across the country—joins the team, everything is thrown off balance. Fighting at every turn, Riley and Cameron are nemeses trapped on the same team, but Cameron’s aggressive, dominant, and possessive nature is a lure Riley can’t resist, and one locker room encounter is all it takes to destroy their resolve. They both know there’s no future for them—their ambitions to reach the NHL have left only ruin and heartbreak in their wake. Yet neither Riley nor Cameron can resist the other’s pull, and every private moment they share makes them wonder what they’re truly fighting for: their careers or each other.

Despite covering some deeply emotional themes of trauma and abandonment and the angst-heavy tone especially in the first half, Crossing Blades finds a solid balance between the weight of the heavier aspects and more positive themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and personal growth. MMCs Riley’s and Cameron’s steamy, tense romance is complemented by strong character development and an engaging cast of supporting characters that bring a light-heartedness to their story and the setting. A great introduction to the broader Northwood U series, I’m excited to continue the journey with Northwood U’s players in book two, Scoring the Keeper. 

Christmas at Fox Ridge by Bailey Hannah

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

For Eira Davies, sketching a handsome man on a bar napkin seems like harmless fun—right up until he catches her in the act and she learns that he’s none other than Lucas McKinney, her best friend’s brother. After sharing one steamy night, Eira and Lucas go their separate ways with nothing but memories. Six months later, as Lucas works desperately to save his struggling ranch, he agrees to his sister’s suggestion to rent out the cute spare cabin on the property, having no idea that the guest his sister lined up is none other than Eira—the woman branded in his thoughts. Trusting in fate’s mysterious ways, it seems the universe has delivered Eira to his doorstep just days before Christmas like a gift. Together, they’ll have to work out if their holiday surprise reunion is just an opportunity for a festive fling or the real deal. 

Despite Australia creeping ever closer to summer at this time of the year, I found myself immersed in the snowy wonderland of Christmas at Fox Ridge. Cosier than a mug of hot chocolate by a roaring fire, this adorable Christmas novella is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with Bailey Hannah breathing life and atmosphere into the story with every word. FMC Eira’s and MMC Lucas’ chemistry crackled from their first meeting, and I loved the playfulness they brought out in each other. One minute, I’d be chuckling at their banter, only to have to cool my Kindle down a few pages later before it could burst into flames with the utter heat between them. As I’ve settled into my romance era, a common pet-peeve is MMCs that lose their individual voices during dirty talk, but I never got that feeling when Lucas as he uttered the sweetest, most delectable filth to Eira. He was always present, and it made the chemistry and romance that much more powerful. I’ll absolutely be revisiting this story later in the year to get me in the mood for the festive season, and suspect it’ll become a favourite comfort read over time.



I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide an honest review as an ARC reader.

Braving the Storm by Elliott Rose

emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Tired of being her father’s pawn, a chess piece to be shuffled between empires without care, Briar Lane takes the only thing that people value her for—her last name—and flees to the one place she’s certain they won’t look for her: Crimson Ridge. Arriving at the cabin she inherited in the harsh, snowy mountains, she discovers it’s not abandoned like it should be. Inside, consuming the space she hoped to claim, is ex-pro bull rider Stôrmand Lane, her father’s adopted brother, estranged from the family for a decade. With both Briar and Storm seeking refuge in the cabin, trying to outrun their pasts, it takes only one misunderstanding—one line almost crossed—-to change everything. Neither Briar nor Storm are supposed to know the other’s touch so intimately, but now that the match is lit, neither can put the fire of temptation out, even though succumbing could spell ruin for them both.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel of this series, Chasing the Wild, and was absolutely thrilled when Braving the Storm was announced.  Featuring a forbidden age gap romance between strong-willed FMC Briar and her adopted and estranged uncle, the rugged, broody cowboy MMC Stôrmand, this intense, captivating romance sizzles with tension, chemistry, emotion, and breathtaking spice. With strong character development arcs for both Briar and Storm, a heartfelt romance, well-written plot twists, and a great supporting cast and setting, this story had everything I could have wanted and more. Having been fortunate enough to get my hot little hands on an ARC copy, I’m looking forward to enjoying this wild ride again when my pre-ordered copy arrives on the 15th of November—because I’m sure Storm still has a few more lessons for me. 

Revenge Era by Brittanée Nicole

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Tired of being the girl everyone talks about and every man leaves, pop star Lake Paige decides there’s no better way to take control of her life than by breaking a few rules. Having caught her boyfriend of two years cheating with her tour manager, she seeks revenge by capturing the attention of none other than her ex’s father. Ford Hall is handsome and off limits, but one kiss on New Year’s Eve is all it takes to break down his resistance—and now Ford is ready to claim the girl he missed his chance on for himself.

Revenge Era is a fun, fast romance novella with a hefty dose of spice and some cosy holiday vibes. It’s lighthearted, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and does have some positive messages about self-reflection, setting boundaries, and following your heart. However, it is also overtly Taylor Swift fan fiction with a daddy kink, and certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Do with that description what you will.