Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Book Review for Down and Dirty by Mari Carr



Down and Dirty, the first all-new standalone romance in the steamy Italian Stallion Series from New York Times bestselling author Mari Carr is available now!


Confirmed bachelors Tony Moretti and Dr. Reece Beaumont share the same motto—work hard, play harder. But when fate drops a homeless waitress and her young son on their doorstep, their wild and free lifestyle takes a sharp turn. Their desire to help her is only surpassed by their desire to claim her, share her, make her theirs.


Jess has one goal in life—protect her son. But when an overcrowded shelter puts her and Jasper out on the street in the dead of winter, she fears she's going to fail that mission. Help comes in the form of not one, but two sexy saviors.


Tony and Reece offer Jess a place to stay and security, and there's no denying the chemistry between the three of them. However, Jess's past is lined with people who've hurt her and she's not looking to add anyone else to that list. No matter how persuasive, how determined, how deliciously possessive her new roommates are.


Fall in love with Tony and Reece!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3i8G1i2

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DownandDirty

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3BPY0BL

Nook: https://bit.ly/3lbmwqL

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3j3xMD0

Google Play: https://bit.ly/34Utz10


Add Down and Dirty to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3AhDdX9


This compelling novel by an engaging new author for us delivers a rich emotional experience that lingers long after the last page. Blending elements of romance and personal growth, the story centers on Jess, a resilient single mother, and the unlikely yet transformative relationships she forms with Tony and Rhy, two men whose lives are forever changed by her and her son Jasper.

What stands out immediately are the vividly drawn characters who feel authentic and deeply relatable. Jess’s bravery and determination in the face of hardship evoke genuine empathy—her strength is quietly heroic, balancing kindness, pride, and an unwavering love for her son. Jasper, with his sweetness and innocence, adds a touching dimension that makes the family unit feel warm and real. Tony and Rhy, initially portrayed as confirmed bachelors, undergo a remarkable emotional evolution, illustrating the power of connection and the unexpected ways life can shift when you open your heart.

The plot deftly navigates themes of love, acceptance, and the creation of family beyond traditional boundaries. Despite the emotional weight of the story, it never feels overwhelming; rather, it uplifts through the characters’ growth and the warmth of their evolving bonds. The chemistry between the trio is electric yet nuanced, making their intimate moments feel meaningful and more than fleeting passion. Supporting figures, like Tony’s affectionate and nurturing aunt, enrich the narrative with heartfelt touches that underscore the importance of chosen family and community.

Ultimately, this novel is a celebration of second chances and the unexpected joys that arise from embracing life’s uncertainties. It’s a story about how generosity and love can grant new beginnings and deepen connections in ways that transcend circumstance. Readers who appreciate character-driven romances with emotional depth and a focus on unconventional families will find much to admire here.

This is a beautifully crafted tale that delivers both heart and heat, with characters who stay with you and a message that resonates about the true meaning of family. It invites reflection on the courage it takes to pursue love and the richness that comes from opening one’s life to others in transformative ways.


About Mari Carr


Virginia native Mari Carr is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance novels. With over one million copies of her books sold, Mari was the winner of the Romance Writers of America’s Passionate Plume award for her novella, Erotic Research. She has over a hundred published works, including her popular Wild Irish and Compass books, along with the Trinity Masters series she writes with Lila Dubois.



Connect with Mari

 

Facebook: https://bit.ly/37bo2jC 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/33f2pwG 

Instagram: https://bit.ly/2A2XAgl 

BookBub: https://bit.ly/3h7lloa

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2MGhiRm

Stay up-to-date with Mari, sign up for her newsletter:

 

RELEASE Boost for Tracking Wolfe by Lucy Lennox



Title: Tracking Wolfe
Series: Made Marian Legacy #4
Author: Lucy Lennox
Genre: Gay Romance
Tropes: Father's Best Friend, Forbidden Love
Protective Hero, Secret Identity, Age Gap
Release Date: September 1, 2026

BLURB

I’ve been in love with Trace Bishop half my life…
And I’ve been hiding it just as long.

He’s my father’s best friend.
The man who tracked me down and kept me safe my entire childhood…

The man who looked me in the eyes six years ago and said we were impossible.

So I poured my longing into love songs.
Songs no one knows are about Trace.
I shared them with the world under a secret identity and won a Grammy.
Just another thing to hide.

Then one stupid kiss changes everything.

Trace can’t want me back.
It would cost him his friends, his family, and the life he’s built.
And I’m tired of wanting the impossible.
So I run…

Straight into the crosshairs of someone who knows all my secrets and doesn’t care who gets hurt.

Trace does what he always does–he finds me.
But this time, he’s not tracking his best friend’s son.
He’s tracking the man whose kiss he can’t forget.
The man he’ll burn his life down to keep.

Because if Trace and I want a chance at forever, hiding is no longer an option.



PURCHASE LINKS


Read in Kindle Unlimited


ALSO AVAILABLE



Read in Kindle Unlimited



Read in Kindle Unlimited



Read in Kindle Unlimited


AUTHOR BIO

Lucy Lennox is a USA Today bestselling author and winner of the A.C. Katt Gay Debut Novel Award.

After enjoying creative writing as a child, Lucy didn’t write her first novel until she was over 40 years old. Her debut novel, Borrowing Blue, was published in the autumn of 2016. Lucy has an English Literature degree from Vanderbilt University, but that doesn’t hold a candle to the years and years of staying up all night reading tantalizing novels on her own. She has three children, plays tennis, and hates folding laundry. While her husband is no shmoopy romance hero, he is very good at math, cooks a mean lasagne, has gorgeous eyes, looks hot in his business clothes, and makes her laugh every single day. She writes gay romance with heart, humor, and heat!

AUTHOR LINKS



Book Review & New Release for Well Aware by Lani Lynn Vale



Title: Well Aware
Series: Don't Date Him #9
Author: Lani Lynn Vale
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Tropes: One Night Stand, Sports Romance
Workplace Romance, Boss/Employee
Release Date: September 8, 2026

BLURB

A one-night stand, agreed on by both parties, was supposed to be just that. One night.

The next day, when Magnolia Baker walked in to the first practice for her last season of professional soccer with the Cowgirls, she expected it to go pretty smoothly. She was a veteran player, nothing surprised her anymore.

At least, until her one night stand walks through the door.

Her new boss, Beaufort Vanderbilt.

The man that set her blood on fire, and made words stutter from her mouth.

For eight months, they fight the connection, acting like they don’t feel a thing for each other.

Then tragedy hits Beau’s life, and she forgets that she’s supposed to remain professional. She forgets that she’s supposed to be the player and him the owner.

Lines are crossed, and soon, they can’t hide a thing from the people around them.

But Beau’s only partial owner of the team she desperately needs to play to remain hidden from her previous life. The other half-owner is dead set on tearing them apart, and making an example out of her. An example that will be a bright, shining warning flag to all future players to never follow in her footsteps.

Not if they want to ever play professional soccer again.


PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Review of the Heartfelt Romance Between Beaufort Vanderbilt and Magnolia Baker

Beaufort Vanderbilt and Magnolia Baker’s love story, nestled within a beloved series, offers us a compelling mix of romance, mystery, and emotional depth. This book shines not only because of its tender exploration of love but also due to the intricate layers of suspense and family drama woven throughout. As a fan of the series, this installment stands out, warranting a thoughtful review for its memorable characters and unexpected twists.

At the heart of the plot is Beaufort Vanderbilt, a character who embodies kindness and protectiveness, making him an undeniably swoon-worthy leading man. His evolving relationship with Magnolia, a renowned soccer player whose external grace matches her inner strength, is beautifully rendered with genuine warmth. Their connection, sparked by chance and deepened gradually under complex circumstances, captures the bittersweet essence of love tested by loyalty, secrets, and personal sacrifice. The chemistry between them is palpable and enriches the story’s emotional core.

Adding depth and charm is Iris, a small but pivotal character who steals many scenes. Her presence truly completes the makeshift family dynamic and lends heart to the story’s more tender moments. The author handles these relationships with care, ensuring that each character’s growth feels earned and authentic.

Beyond the romance, the plot engages with weighty themes such as domestic abuse, family rivalry, and sacrifice, all while threading a suspenseful mystery that culminates in a surprise twist. This twist not only heightens the stakes but also enhances the plot's complexity, preventing the story from settling into predictability. The supporting cast—including Apollo and Beau’s club teammates—rounds out a mixture of loyalty and camaraderie, further grounding the drama in a believable social circle.

The straightforward storytelling with evocative moments that pull the reader in without overwhelming. While romance is central, the tension and stakes add necessary texture, making it more than just a love story. 

 This story is an emotionally rich, well-crafted romance that will appeal to fans of character-driven plots layered with suspense and heartfelt moments. If you appreciate swoon-worthy heroes, strong heroines, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this book is a rewarding read. It reminds us that love often involves sacrifice and that family, whether by blood or choice, is essential for enduring life’s challenges. Beaufort, Magnolia, and Iris’s journey leaves you reflecting on the unpredictable nature of love and the courage it takes to protect it.





ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE
DON'T DATE HIM SERIES

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

COMING SOON


Releasing October 6

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


AUTHOR BIO

Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.

AUTHOR LINKS

FACEBOOK