Review of Code Name: Ember by Sawyer Bennett

CODE NAME: EMBER

Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: June 30 

Meet Sawyer Bennett:

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

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.

Buy Link:

https://geni.us/SB_Ember

Review of Code Name: Ember by Sawyer Bennett

For those who crave their romance with a heavy dose of thrill and tension, Code Name: Ember by Sawyer Bennett delivers exactly that: a potent mix of high-stakes danger, second chances, and a fiercely protective love story. A romantic suspense, it stands out for its seamless weaving of action and emotion, making it impossible to put down. 

The Dynamic Duo: Characters That Spark

What sets this book apart is undoubtedly the chemistry and complexity of Cole and Tessa. Cole, the former Special Forces hero, embodies the alpha archetype without tipping into cliché or control freak territory. His quiet competence and unshakable loyalty offer a refreshing take on the protective hero trope, making his devotion feel both earned and heartfelt. He’s not just muscle; he’s a stabilising force in Tessa’s turbulent world.

Tessa, as an investigative journalist uncovering corruption tied to lethal wildfires, brings both grit and vulnerability. Her tenacity adds realism to the story’s mystery and suspense, though at times, her choices felt a bit reckless—enough to make any cautious reader wish she would lean more on the security detail. Yet, this human flaw doesn’t detract from her strength; instead, it makes her journey and the stakes feel more immediate and relatable.

Plot and Pacing: A Relentless Ride

The novel succeeds in maintaining a fast pace that balances adrenaline-fueled sequences with moments of intimacy and emotional growth. The conspiracy woven through the plot feels timely and credible—melding the environmental threat of wildfires with corporate malfeasance is deftly handled, providing a gripping backdrop to the romance. The forced proximity scenario between Cole and Tessa reignites their past connection with a believable urgency that keeps both the action and emotional arcs intertwined.

 The blend of mystery, romance, and action creates a compelling narrative rhythm that fans of romantic suspense will appreciate.

Sawyer Bennett’s writing is direct and engaging. The plot strikes a tone that is both urgent and tender, allowing moments of passion and introspection to balance the intense external conflicts. The romance never takes a backseat to the investigation; rather, it pulses alongside it, creating a dual narrative that enhances reader investment in both the characters’ safety and their emotional reunion.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Read Code Name: Ember?

Ultimately, Code Name: Ember is a thrilling ride filled with romantic suspense, fast-paced, fierce, and heartfelt. If you enjoy alpha heroes who protect rather than possess, strong heroines with a cause, and stories with danger and desire, this book is a perfect match. Readers seeking a balanced blend of action and romance with believable stakes will find it hard to resist.

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Cover Reveal for Small Town Big Storm by Elise Faber

SMALL TOWN, BIG STORM

Elise Faber

Release Date: August 10

WILL BE AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

I’ve taken pucks to the face…

But nothing hits harder than hearing her call me Dad.

I return to Cedar Hollow for my father’s funeral. Not for forgiveness. Not for Poppy. And definitely not for the daughter I never knew was mine.

Poppy rebuilt her life without me—and she has every reason not to trust the man who left her behind.

But the moment I meet my little girl, everything changes. Walking away isn’t an option anymore.

They can warn her about me all they want. This time, I’m not leaving.

I’ll burn this town to the ground before I lose them again.

This is book 1 in the brand-new small town hockey romance series, Home Ice Heroes, by USA Today Bestselling Author, Elise Faber.

Pre-Order Link:

https://geni.us/SmallTownBigStorm

Meet Elise Faber:

USA Today bestselling author Elise Faber writes romances with swoony, possessive heroes who fall hard and fast—and have just the right amount of heat. When she’s not writing about hockey or cheering on the Sharks, she’s playing it—her favorite date nights happen on the ice with her husband. Off the rink, you’ll usually find her soaking in the bathtub with a book or bingeing reality TV. Elise lives in Northern California with her husband and two teenage boys, and firmly believes happily-ever-afters are non-negotiable. Connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, or at elise@elisefaber.com.

To find out about Elise Faber’s upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here

For more information on Elise Faber and her books visit: https://www.elisefabershop.com/

Connect with Elise Faber:

https://www.elisefabershop.com/pages/contact-us

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Blitz & Giveaway for Wicked Temptation by Patti O’Shea

Wicked Temptation: The Lost Treasure

Patti O’Shea

(The Paladin League, #8)

Publication date: July 1st, 2026

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

He’s always been a protector. She’s strong enough to fight on her own. This time, survival depends on each other.

Special Forces Sgt. Cal “Baggs” Baggnell walked away from Iona Desmond. Carving out his own heart hurt—but watching the woman he loves charge headfirst into danger hurt even more.

Iona loves Cal with her whole being, but she couldn’t change the core of who she is to fit his protective nature. He knew exactly who she was when they met—the need for adventure is in her DNA.

Now, their paths collide in Puerto Jardin, where Iona has talked her way into Cal’s op. And he’s been assigned to work with her.

Their bait: the Lost Treasure of Trujillo. Their target: arms dealer Jorge Torres. Their problem: Torres isn’t the only predator closing in.

With ruthless drug lords, rival treasure hunters, and a powerful Russian mob lieutenant obsessed with finding the billion-dollar fortune, Cal and Iona must put their past aside. The deeper they dig, the deadlier the game becomes.

As betrayals mount and enemies tighten their grip, survival depends on one thing: Trust. If they fail, they won’t just lose their second chance—they’ll lose everything.

Wicked Temptation is a stand-alone romance with a HEA. There are references to events that happened in earlier books, but it’s not necessary to read them to enjoy this story.

Indulge in a protective Special Forces hero and a heroine who works undercover for the Paladin League as a photojournalist. This story features a second-chance romance, identical twins, and a kick-butt heroine.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

“Baggs,” BD said somewhere behind them, “how do you know our guest?”

Cal inhaled sharply and his muscles tensed.

“Io is my wife.”

The words hit her like a jolt. Of course he’d say it like that—direct, unvarnished, a fact dropped into the room like a grenade. Her stomach twisted. She kept her eyes closed for one more heartbeat, wishing she could stay in the place where she felt safe and not the place where reality waited. She hated that part of her still wanted the title he’d walked away from.

Silence sharpened around them.

Io stepped back.

Cal’s arms tightened for a split second, and then he released her. The loss of his warmth was immediate, a cold draft across her skin despite the humidity of Trujillo. She forced herself not to reach for him again. Forced herself to remember why she shouldn’t. She’d already learned what happened when she let herself believe she belonged with him.

She turned to her sister.

Exactly what she’d expected. Hurt, anger, tears. “Ayla—”

“You got married?”

Oz moved to Ayla’s side. Io felt a flicker of gratitude and irritation. It had always been her job to protect Ayla. To absorb the hard things so her sister didn’t have to.

She shot Cal a look. “We eloped. We went to Las Vegas while Cal had leave.”

“Vegas? Did you get married by an Elvis impersonator?”

Oz tugged Ayla closer.

Io felt her temper climb. “Sure, showgirls and all. What else would you get at a Vegas wedding? Certainly not a real chapel with a real minister.”

“I didn’t mean—”

“Yes, you did. I’m sorry I hurt you, but you don’t get to take free shots at my wedding.” Cal and Oz stayed wisely silent.

“When did you get married?”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

Hell. “January.”

“It’s July.” Ayla threw that out like a gauntlet. “You had months to tell me.”

“And the marriage isn’t in your personnel file,” BD added to Cal. “I would have seen that.”

Cal rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah.”

BD waited. When Cal stayed quiet, he said, “Notification protocols, benefits, next-of-kin—”

“Io has her own health coverage. She’s not dependent on me.”

She wasn’t dependent on anyone. Not now. Not ever.

“And if you were injured or killed?” BD pressed. “I never would have known to contact Ms. Desmond.”

Io flinched. She didn’t want to think about Cal dying, but his job came with risks. Serious ones.

Ayla’s gaze was sharp, wounded. “That’s why I didn’t see you in February, isn’t it? You were with him!” She pointed at Cal as if she were a noir detective.

Sighing, Io said, “Cal was stationed in Germany. The commute to California was a little tough.”

“That doesn’t explain why you didn’t call. Or text.”

“It wasn’t a vacation.”

“It was a honeymoon.”

That hit hard. Io was too tired for this. Cal stood behind her, close enough she could feel him, and she wished, just for a second, that she could lean into him the way Ayla leaned into Oz. But she was the strong one. The one who held everyone else up. She didn’t get to lean.

“Ay, I’m not going to argue. I’m sorry I hurt you. It was never about hurting you. If you want to keep ripping at me, we can do it later. In private.”

“I don’t want to rip at you, I just want to know why you shut me out.”

Io eyed the table. She could reach it, hold on, stay on her feet. Her energy was gone and Ayla’s questions were the hard stuff.

They’d both been shaped by their parents, but in opposite ways.

Her vision blurred. The room tilted. She swayed.

Cal moved before she even registered she was unsteady enough to fall. It was pure instinct, nothing more. Certainly not love. She knew that. But his arms locked around her waist and pulled her back against his chest. Solid. Unyielding. Familiar in a way that made something inside her crack.

“I got you, Io,” he murmured, voice low against her ear. “I told you that earlier.”

She let her hands drift to his, trying to remember how to stay upright. Her muscles trembled with the effort.

“You want to know why I didn’t tell you?” Io forced her gaze to meet her twin’s. Her throat burned. “Because we got married in January and it was over in March. That’s why. Happy now, Ayla?”

Author Bio:

Patti O'Shea's passions are writing, airplanes and traveling. Fortunately, she's been able to enjoy all three. After receiving a degree in advertising copywriting, she took a job with a major U.S. airline and now works in 757 Engineering. Besides teaching her about the planes she loves, it's given her an opportunity to travel to places like Australia, Papua New Guinea and Canada's Yukon Territory.

Writing, though, remains her primary love. Patti created her first romance when she was in junior high school and has been hooked ever since. She should have figured out she was a writer years earlier, however, since her dolls had such involved lives, complete with goals, motivation and conflict.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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Release Blitz for One Last Frog by Deanndra Hall

Title: One Last Frog (Small Town Southern Boys)

Author: Deanndra Hall 

Genre: Romantic Suspense/Small Town Romance

Release Date: June 30, 2026

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC. 

Farming eats up his time, but Kentucky widower and single dad Kyle Miller thinks he’s finally ready for dating. He signs up on a dating site designed for the rural lifestyle and expects to have to kiss some frogs, but he soon finds there aren’t many princesses!

With her abusive ex-husband finally in prison, Gina Pritchard can concentrate on running her family’s farm store and taking care of her kids. When a handsome farmer comes into the store claiming he talked to her on a dating site she’s never heard of, she knows who’s to blame. But she chases him down anyway and asks him to have a cup of coffee.

In no time, they’re thrilled to be headed straight into a happily ever after. But someone from Gina’s past is determined to keep that from happening, and they’ll use a bullet if necessary. Gina’s willing to let go just to keep them all safe. For Kyle, that’s a no. He’ll fight to keep their love, even if it’s to the death.

The Small Town Southern Boys series is a collection of independent novels, each set in a different southern state with its own flavor and designed so you can jump in anywhere. Discover a world of hunky home-town sexiness that just won’t quit and see for yourself why the temperature’s always hellahot when there’s a drawl coming from between those lips with a slow, charming smile.

AMAZON

A bell jingled on the door to announce his entrance, and from somewhere in the back he heard a voice say, “Be right with you.” Everything was neat and tidy. There were plenty of garden chemicals, brightly-colored ceramic pots, and bags of different kinds of soils and soil additives. Stepping around the end of an aisle, he found himself right at the counter and there, behind it, was Gina. “Hey! You’re Gina, right?” She gave him the side-eye. “Yes.” “I’m Kyle!” He held out his hand, but she just stood there. “Kyle. You know, Kyle. I said I’d be here today.” “Okay. Did you have an order to pick up or …” “No. Kyle. You know, from the site? I’m a farmer? I have a daughter?” Holy shit, did she do this so much that she had him confused with somebody else? “I’m sorry. I don’t understand. You know my name but—” “Here. Lunch. Let me go get the drinks and …” The woman who’d just bustled into the space behind the counter looked up and her eyebrows flew upward. “Kyle!” What the hell is going on here? he wanted to scream. “Yes. I’m Kyle. Do I know you?” “My name is, uh, I’m Sabrina, and this is my sister, Gina.” “We’ve met,” the first woman said gruffly. “Yes. But there seems to be some confusion,” Kyle said. Sabrina glanced from Kyle to Gina and back to Kyle. “I’m sorry. I thought you’d get here later. I probably should’ve—” Gina wheeled on her sister. “You didn’t.” “Look, you really need to—” Gina’s face was bloodred. “I can’t believe you’ve done this! How dare you! You had no right to—” “You need to get out and meet people, Gina! Please don’t be mad! I just—” “You just what? Hijacked my life? What did you do? Put a profile up on one of those dating websites?” Uh-oh. Fuck me. I need to find a way to get out of this. Kyle couldn’t believe it. How unfuckingbelievably awkward. “I should just—” Sabrina whined, “No! Please, stay? She’s really not—” “Not really what? Mad? Sabrina, I swear to god, I should—” “Um, I think I’ll just be going,” Kyle said in barely more than a whisper as he started backing toward the entrance. “Gina, don’t do this! He’s a nice guy! You should—” “I should have a sister who stays out of my business! That’s what I should do! I can’t believe you …” Kyle didn’t hear the rest. He took off out the door as fast as he could go. I’m done with this. Never again, he told himself as he neared the truck. Just as he opened the door, he heard someone yell, “Kyle!” I’m going to chew this bitch out for setting me up this way, he told himself as he turned, but he got a big surprise. It wasn’t Sabrina; it was Gina. “Kyle, please. Hold up.”

About Deanndra:

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

AMAZON

 

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