Review for Pull Me Under by J.L. Drake

Pull Me Under by J.L. Drake

Book 2 in Wired To Kill Series

Releasing: January 26, 2027

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Police Romance, Conspiracy Thrillers

Kindle - https://link.amazon/B051B84ul

Available In KU

Audiobook - https://link.amazon/B04Ywrqjd

Paperback- https://link.amazon/B01FeQPXN

The Wired to Kill series continues with a gripping slow-burn romance where two childhood friends get another chance at their first love—if they can outsmart a brilliant killer.

Not long ago, Private Investigator Bree Jaminson and Detective Brad Stone, former childhood friends (and unfulfilled crushes), reunited to solve a string of mysterious murders in their hometown. The case plunged them back into the trauma they tried to leave behind—and the attraction they never could.

But Sheffield isn’t through with them yet. Now a foster family has been killed, and the evidence points to one of its kids, shattering the admired household’s image.

As Bree and Brad dig deeper, the investigation spreads into a web of vulnerable children and disturbing secrets stretching back years. And the clues are starting to suggest a link to the nightmare they survived as teenagers: the elusive Barbed Wire Killer.

Working side by side again feels natural, but suppressing their unruly attraction does not. They’ve tried to be cautious with their second chance, but if they don’t see it through, they might not get another. Because the dark truth they’ve been pursuing has had eyes on them all along.

J.L. Drake throws us back into the shadowy world of small-town crime with Pull Me Under, the second installment in the Wired To Kill Series, and it’s a ride that’s as electrifying as it is emotionally charged. If you're looking for a thriller that keeps you guessing and a romance that simmers with palpable chemistry, this is a book you’ll want to sink your teeth into.

The core of Pull Me Under revolves around Brad and Bree, our favorite crime-solving duo, as they navigate a relentless stream of cases that plague their town. While the immediate crimes demand their attention, an overarching mystery concerning the elusive Barb Wire Killer continues to weave its sinister web in the background, hinting at a master manipulator pulling the strings. Adding to the tension, both Brad and Bree find their pasts resurfacing in the form of returning exes, introducing fresh emotional complexities and a significant amount of drama.

What truly shines in Pull Me Under is Drake’s masterful pacing and knack for intricate plotting. The crime elements are undeniably gripping, with twists and turns that genuinely surprise. You'll find yourself constantly re-evaluating your assumptions about who the culprit might be. Bree, in particular, continues to be a standout character; her sharp intellect and keen observational skills are a delight to witness as she unravels mysteries others miss.

The development of Brad and Bree's relationship is also a significant strength. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the evolution of their partnership, both personally and professionally, feels earned and authentic. The emotional stakes rise as they are forced to confront their pasts, adding a layer of depth that elevates the narrative beyond a simple crime procedural.

While the sheer number of twists is a significant draw, at times, the plot can feel almost too intricate, potentially overwhelming readers who prefer a more straightforward mystery. The introduction of multiple ex-partners, while certainly adding to the drama, occasionally threatens to overshadow the central crime investigation. However, the author handles these personal entanglements with a surprising amount of nuance, particularly Brad's measured responses, which is a welcome touch.

Fans of the first book will be thrilled to see Brad and Bree’s journey continue, and newcomers can jump in, though understanding the underlying plot of the Barb Wire Killer would be enhanced by reading the series chronologically. If you appreciate smart protagonists, heart-pounding suspense, and relationships that feel genuine, this book is for you.

My Takeaway: Pull Me Under is a compelling sequel that successfully balances intense crime-solving with the blossoming, complex relationship between Brad and Bree. J.L. Drake delivers a page-turner filled with shocking revelations and emotional depth, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Barb Wire saga.

Recommendation: Highly recommended for fans of thrilling mysteries and engaging romances.

Book 1: Breath Me In by J.L. Drake

 Series: Wired To Kill Book 1

Kindle - https://link.amazon/B01hboOgc

Available In KU

Audiobook - https://link.amazon/B0cVy2gHt

Paperback- https://link.amazon/B016XeEOb

In this heart-pounding suspense, a private investigator is drawn back to her small town to investigate a series of strange deaths and confront the haunting past she can no longer outrun.

As teenagers, Bree Jaminson and Brad Stone shared everything: dreams, secrets…and one terrifying brush with death they’ll never forget. After witnessing a murderer disposing of two bodies, Bree fled from her hometown, the boy who knew her best, and the terror of a killer still at large, and never looked back.

Thirteen years later, a new string of mysterious deaths brings Bree back to town to assist with the investigation and face the man she never thought she’d see again. Now a local detective, Brad is wary of working alongside Bree, and her return cracks open everything he’s tried to bury: The memories. The spark. The pull that never really faded.

As new bodies begin to surface and the web of suspects grows, Bree and Brad must navigate the thin line between justice and obsession. But despite the looming danger, this could be the push they needed back to each other—if they live long enough to claim their second chance.

J.L. Drake’s Breathe Me In delivers a compelling cocktail of romantic suspense layered with small-town intrigue and emotional depth. At the heart of the story is Bree Jaminson, a private investigator returning to her childhood town after more than a decade, drawn back by chilling new murders that reopen old wounds. This novel earns a spot on the must-read list for fans of slow-burning mysteries with a strong romantic core, thanks to its complex characters and tightly woven suspense. The characters were fantastic, and some of them came with baggage.

What makes this novel stand out is its skillful balance between mystery and emotional stakes. Drake doesn’t rush the suspense; instead, the plot unfolds with deliberate, tantalizing hints, inviting us readers to piece together clues alongside Bree and Brad Stone, Bree’s childhood best friend and current detective. The tension between them, scarred by a traumatic event they shared yet simmering with unresolved feelings, adds richness to the plot beyond the investigation itself. Their dynamic is palpable, filled with witty banter and vulnerability that feels authentic rather than forced.

The small-town setting serves as more than just a backdrop; it enhances the claustrophobic atmosphere where secrets linger beneath the surface, and everyone has something to hide. Meanwhile, Bree’s family subtly grounds the story, giving a warm counterpoint to the darker plot threads. The plot is engaging, sometimes prioritizing dramatic pacing over police procedural exactness, but ultimately serves the story’s momentum and emotional resonance. Some of those twists within the story were not what we saw coming, and we were thoroughly surprised.

The plot's strengths, especially the complex, believable protagonists and the emotional weight they carry, more than compensate. Breathe Me In feels like the promising start of a series, suggesting more to explore in the lives of Bree and Brad, as well as the secrets of their fractured hometown.

Overall, this book is an addictive read for anyone who enjoys a tense, emotionally charged mystery infused with romance. For me, this story lingered long after the last page, raising questions about the cost of confronting the past and the possibility of second chances.

J.L. Drake’s Breathe Me In invites us to breathe deeply, hold on, and discover those answers alongside its unforgettable characters. We loved it!

P.S. Although the book doesn't actually end on a cliffhanger, it does have a continuing plot.

J. L. Drake

J.L. Drake is a bestselling author whose novels have been published in multiple countries and languages. Best known for her beloved Broken Trilogy, she continues to expand the Broken universe with multiple interconnected series, including the newest, Stonewall.

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, she now lives in Southern California with her husband and two children. When she's not writing emotionally gripping stories, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Despite being dyslexic, J.L.'s lifelong passion for storytelling has inspired readers around the world. Her books explore love, resilience, and hope—even in the darkest moments.

"Suggested Reading Order"

Broken Trilogy

BROKEN

SHATTERED

MENDED

Blackstone Series (Spin-off of the Broken Trilogy)

HONOR

ESCAPE

Devil's Reach Trilogy

TRIGGER

DEMONS

UNLEASHED

Blackstone Series (Yes, these two are down here)

FREEDOM

OMERTA - Short Story

COURAGE

Darkness Trilogy (Please note this was the very first series I ever wrote)

DARKNESS LURKS

DARKNESS FOLLOWS

DARKNESS FALLS

BEHIND MY WORDS (Standalone)

CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN (Short story Spin-off to Behind My Words)

ALL IN (Standalone)

Quiet Mafia Series

QUIET WEALTH

QUIET SECRETS

QUIET POWER

QUIET EMPIRE

Dark Water Series (MUST read the Broken and Blackstone Series before this series)

SHADOWS

WHISKEY

ALPHA

TANGO

Havoc Of Sins (Heavily laced with Devil's Reach)

GRIM

HAVOC

SINS

Stonewall Trilogy

EXTRACTION

EMBEDDED

BREACHED - October

New World

Wired To Kill Series

BREATHE ME IN

PULL ME UNDER January

Book 3

Book 4

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Review for Lavender Hill by Aurora Rose Reynolds

LAVENDER HILL

Aurora Rose Reynolds

Release Date: October 13, 2026

Genres: Small Town Romance, Suspense, Contemporary Romance

Review: 5 stars from us 

From New York Times bestselling author Aurora Rose Reynolds comes a heartwarming small-town romance about a woman returning to the roots that shaped her—and finding a love that will heal her.

Genevieve Fenwick has her life together—until her fiancé’s betrayal tears their future apart. Now, heartbroken and unsure of what’s next, she looks for comfort where it all began: Gooseberry Ridge, the quaint and still-welcoming hometown she left behind.

Genevieve’s heartache is soon displaced by family drama, eccentric neighbors, and a loveable search and rescue dog. Not to mention scandalous thoughts about deputy sheriff Wyatt Foster. But while Wyatt is ruggedly handsome, loyal, and protective (everything her fiancé wasn’t), Genevieve’s still hurting. No amount of chemistry can change that.

And yet, as her meddling, matchmaking mother and tight-knit Montana home keep pushing her and Wyatt together, Genevieve realizes there’s more than just a spark there. The charge burns brighter with every run-in, every word, every layer exposing the softness beneath his strength.

Wyatt has something Genevieve wants. Something she needs. And though her best-laid plans lie in ruins, he might be the best shot she’s ever taken.

Buy Link:

https://aurorarosereynolds.com/books/lavender-hill/

Available in KU

Genevieve & Wyatt's story was beautifully written, and I loved all the characters, especially Genevieve's mom; she was a hoot! This couple's chemistry was super hot, and we loved them; they were perfect for one another. Wyatt is a swoon-worthy character. This romance has suspense, humor, banter, surprises, love, and beautiful friendships. The ending could not be more perfect for this beautiful couple. I always loved small-town romances, and this one was perfect to snuggle up on a rainy day and spend reading; it was funny, gave you the feels, and we loved how Genevieve basically stole Wyatt's dog from him, but most of all, we love when a character from a small town leaves and comes back and falls in love with their town all over again; that says something special about the town itself. The story made you laugh out loud more times than I can count; both main characters were funny, but Genevieve's quick wit was even more hilarious. This was a nice, cozy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The shenanigans that happened while helping Wyatt run for sheriff, Wyatt's lovable dog, most of all, how this couple who weren't looking for romance at all fell hard and fast; it happened so naturally, and I love when it happens that way.

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Until, Until Him, Until Her, Underground King, Shooting Stars, Fluke My Life and How to Catch an Alpha series.

Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.

Connect with Aurora Rose Reynolds:

https://aurorarosereynolds.com/ 

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Book Blitz for If You Were Mine by A. S. Kelly

If You Were Mine

A.S. Kelly

Publication date: October 14th 2026

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Levi Anderson has never felt more alone. Since saying goodbye to his husband, he has drifted between long shifts at the hospital and quiet, empty hours in his apartment, surrounded by boxes he can’t bring himself to unpack. He refuses to face the pain — or imagine a life without him.

Shay Miller has never been more furious. In one devastating moment, he lost the man he loved, his job, and the home they shared. He’s barely holding himself together. He’s tried to start over, but deep down, he knows he can’t move on until he lets go of the past — and stops hurting himself.

When fate brings Levi and Shay together, they immediately see how different they are and can’t imagine ever being drawn to one another. Levi is still learning how to live again, while Shay is learning how to forgive.

Yet, with this stranger who’s appeared out of nowhere, Levi slowly begins to open up and trust again. And with this man, terrified of letting himself go, Shay starts to long for someone he can protect and love.

For the first time, the future feels possible for both of them. But Levi doesn’t know Shay has lied about who he is — or that he’s hiding a secret capable of destroying everything, leaving Levi to hate the man he loves for the rest of his life.

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EXCERPT:

After about half an hour, I’m standing outside the cafeteria, peering through the window to make sure he’s really inside, waiting for me. But when I see him, sitting at one of the tables, intent on reading the newspaper, the urge to turn around and run away almost gets the better of the strange, inexplicable desire to sit at that table with him.

He lifts his head from the newspaper and scans the room. Then his eyes land on me, watching him from the other side of the glass, as if he suddenly realises someone is there.

I wave at him like an idiot, take a deep breath, walk to the cafeteria door, pluck up courage, and push it open. I cross the space between us with his eyes still on me, and join him at the table. He folds the newspaper and sets it aside the moment my hand touches the back of the chair in front of him.

“You didn’t get anything.”

“I was waiting for you.”

I grip the back of the chair without thinking.

“Do you want to…?” He points to the same chair.

I’d like to, yes. To sit here with you. To talk, maybe even smile at you, to understand who you are and why you keep appearing in my life when I least expect anything to happen. And I wish I didn’t feel guilty towards those who are no longer here, just for thinking and wanting all these things.

“Everything okay?” he asks, after realising I’ve been standing in front of him, just staring.

“I don’t know,” I say honestly.

“And do you maybe want to find out?”

“I don’t know that either.”

He nods slowly, as if turning my words over in his mind.

“All I know is that I want to sit down.”

He sketches a half smile.

“With you.” I don’t know if I’m still breathing as I say it. “I want to sit here with you.”

Author Bio:

A. S. Kelly was born in Italy and now lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her husband, two children, two cats, and many plants.

She worked as a literary translator for several years before she began writing full-time. Today, her books are available in English, Italian, and Spanish.

A. S. Kelly writes emotional, heartfelt romantic fiction. Her most popular series are The O'Connor Brothers and From Connemara with Love.

She enjoys yoga, running, and swimming. She also loves gardening, photography, and reading mystery and crime novels.

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If You Were Mine Blitz

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New Release for FALLING FOR HER by Natasha Madison

 

FALLING FOR HER

Natasha Madison

Release Date: October 13, 2026 

Meet Natasha Madison:

When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…

Connect with Natasha Madison:

https://linktr.ee/natashamauthor 

Blurb:

A divorced detective who is all about order gets more than he bargained for when his new nanny sends his life—and his heart—spinning out of control in the latest spicy romance by USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Natasha Madison.

Finley Westbook’s life just blew up. Now, the only thing she wants is for her husband to sign their divorce papers. Just one problem: He wants half of her, and her family’s, fortune. When her best friend tells her a man in her hometown needs a short-term, live-in nanny for his eight-year-old son, it sounds like the perfect escape from the mess her life has become. Sure, Finley has never had a job, but how hard can it be to take care of an adorable kid?

Single dad and small-town detective Lincoln Burke doesn’t have time for chaos. But just as his ex-wife is about to leave for her honeymoon, a major case hits his desk. He’s desperate to find a nanny, and it seems Finley is his only option. She’s a walking disaster in his kitchen, can never follow a schedule—and is a dangerous temptation in his home.

The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore, but Lincoln won’t risk his heart again—especially not with his employee. Yet, the more Finley pushes his buttons, the harder she is to resist. When danger closes in, what started as a temporary arrangement may cost them far more than they ever expected.

Buy Link:

https://www.natashamadisonauthor.com/falling-for-her

Available in KU

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