Bkspout Jan 7/Shattered Vows: The Dubinin Bratva, # 3 BY AVA GRAY

  Booksprout 

 

I was trained to catch monsters. 

Until I fell into the arms of one. 

Emil Dubinin. 

Bratva assassin. Sin in human form. 

I stalked him through shadows. 

He captured me with a single touch. 

Bound. Stripped. Broken open. 

He made me forget every law I’d sworn to uphold. 

In the jungle, I was his prisoner. 

In his bed, I became his sin. 

He whispered lies in Russian. 

And I begged him for truth between my thighs. 

When he left me, he took more than my heart— 

he took my soul. 

Now I’m carrying his child. 

A secret that could destroy us both. 

The FBI wants my blood. 

The Bratva wants my silence. 

And when he finds out I kept his baby... 

the devil I loved will demand his due. 

Because our vows were never spoken— 

only shattered. 

Author’s Note:
This is a dark, scandalous, enemies-to-lovers mafia romance filled with danger, obsession, and explosive chemistry.
If you love forbidden passion, secret pregnancies, and sinful men who don’t ask for permission— then welcome to Shattered Vows.
No Cliffhanger. HEA Guaranteed.

Mature

Novel

Romance Alpha Male Mafia Romance Bratva secret pregnancy forbidden romance

Hosted by Ava Gray's review team

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Amazon

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------MY 5 STAR REVIEW TITLED: Awesome and Engaging !

Emil Dubinin is doing something at the wedding of Ivan and Raisa when the story opens. He's babysitting; its not his forte ! And he's late !!! Again ! Something that one of the  kids is NOT afraid to call him on ! Hilarious especially since he is this dangerous mob assassin ! Of course, he's also family so the kids aren't afraid of him at all.  I smiled often while reading this story !His father who is this Big Mob boss has a much younger wife named Gabriella, who has softened him somewhat but he's still tough in his own ways. I ended up liking his father and how it bugged his dad when he called Gabriella, "Gabby".  Emil was a character and he was hilarious !!!  Deadly but also hilarious ! Especially when he  made it a game with Sadie Langer, the FBI agent that caught his attention. The first time she followed him to try to catch him, he spotted her right away ! That whole cat and mouse was SO entertaining although she didn't think so. He made her the laughing stock of her FBI unit.  Especially her Supervisor Special Agent Hufford who already HATED her and couldn't wait to humiliate her !

I liked that both of Emil and Sadie  got to share their thoughts. And how Emil called her his, ''Little Agent."  They went toe to toe many times and ended up having each others backs too ! I loved that a lot ! She was one sassy, tough woman and Emil adored the challenge of her.  

I found the whole story amusing, intriguing, dangerous, clever and sexy.  The outcome was also off the charts great ! I would love to be able to read another story about this family. Especially about the one widowed man.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

BK FUNNEL FREE/GRUMPY BAD BOY BODYGUARD BY PAIGE KINGSLEY

  amazon

I hate my alpha bodyguard… but I can’t resist him either.

The last thing I need is a bodyguard—especially not Cody Blake, a wall of muscle with a scowl that could melt steel.

But after threats against me, my uncle insists. Now I’m stuck with a grumpy bad boy who makes my blood boil.

Cody’s a single dad and CEO of a top security firm. The last person I should fall for.

But I can’t help it. I love bad boys.

He’s cold, commanding, and impossible to ignore. His protectiveness drives me crazy, but the fire in his eyes keeps me up at night.

Tensions explode, and I’m not sure if it’s my life or my heart in his hands.

We clash at every turn, but when I’m kidnapped, Cody becomes my only lifeline. Someone wants me gone, and the danger is growing fast.

If Cody can’t save me, I may lose my life—but what happens when the real threat is falling for him ?

 My 3 Star Review TITLED:  I liked it but no real surprises

Brianne William is pissed that her Uncle Henry went behind her back and hired a bodyguard to "babysit" her.  She didn't give him permission to do that and she's tired of her life being controlled.  Her billionaire father was dead and he was horribly strict and now she hadn't expected Henry to be worse ! She's not a child. She's a grown woman and feels like this whole stalker thing has been blown all out of proportion ! Is Cody Blake hot? Oh yeah but still ...!

Cody thinks she's just another spoiled, entitled heiress who is going to be a pain in his tush but he can handle her.  Her uncle had called him in to protect her as a favor and he wasn't going to fail. No matter what.  

 The romance was good but it was also easy for me to figure out who the culprit was.

  Although I liked the story and the main characters, and how quickly the story flowed, it still felt like it lacked some needed depth.  I guess it wasn't too bad though considering the small  number of pages. 

 

ARCJanuary 3rd, 2026bkfunnel / Mafia Don's Hidden Heir" by Vira Black

  

Three years ago I walked away from a Mafia Don—now I’m raising his son in secret.

Miami was a mistake—one reckless night, one dangerous man, one goodbye before sunrise.

Cassian Barone is unforgettable. Billionaire CEO by day. Ruthless Mafia Don by night. And now… my new boss.

He doesn’t recognize me—but I know he’s the man who left me with a son I’ll protect at any cost.

When a power outage traps us together, everything shifts. His mouth brushed my ear, his promise a growl.

And when his hands pinned me against the wall, every vow I made to stay away shattered with my moan.

The way he protects me. The way he softens with my little boy goes against every promise I’ve made myself… I've fallen for him again.

But right when Cassian discovers our son is his… we’re kidnapped by his rivals.

Now I’m a pawn in a bloody war.

And the only thing more terrifying than losing my son is knowing Cassian will tear this city apart to get us back.

--My Review Notes: Titled:  Isla & Cassian & Leo have a fight on their hands !

Isla is at The Palms Resort in Miami "celebrating?" her promised promotion being given to someone else.  She meets this gorgeous, compelling man named, "Antonio'' and has a passionate one night stand. She gave him the fake name of, "Celia"  When she meets in the interview, he's actually Cassian at Barone Industries. 

Cassian is a bit concerned that his cousin, Matteo has been dropping hints about them needing new management, new direction.  Looks like he's trying to line himself up for a takeover !Cassian knows that Matteo bears watching and realizes after the interview that so does Isla !

I loved the struggles between  Cassian and Isla together; when he finds out about his child. .  Cass wants to be a good father but he also is terrified because he doesn't know how.  And at first shuts Isla out while not forcing custody away from her. She was so afraid of that. But she's in his house with His rules now ! And Leo was such a sweet kid. A sweet kid that gets terrorized.  Cass pulls out all the stops to get him back and there are a lot of people NOT in his corner !

Great end results, Epilogue and hope for their future ! A future that they weren't sure that they would have. 

I read this story as an ARC from the author and loved it ! 

bkfunnel/ The Mafia King's Secret Heir by Lainey Skies

 For any other questions, please contact:
Lainey Skies <info@laineyskiesauthor.com>

I knew kidnapping my brother’s ex was a bad idea— I didn’t expect to want her more than my own freedom. 

Tessa Lin could destroy my empire with what she knows, but she looks at me like I’m the one cornered. Infuriating. Gorgeous. And Nico’s ex—which makes her forbidden.

Then he allies with a rival crew to destroy me. I drag Tessa into the panic room, take the bullets for her—and the real danger becomes what’s between us.

She swears she's not mine. My body—and every reckless choice I make—calls her a liar.

I fall for her brilliance, her beauty, and the heart she tries to hide behind sharp edges. A kingpin shouldn’t have a weakness. But she becomes mine.

If Nico finds out I’ve fallen for her, he won’t just steal everything I’ve built.

He’ll make sure I never draw another breath.

Then I find out she’s carrying my baby.

----My 5 STAR Review- TITLED: A Dagger wrapped in Thorns

Tessa Lin's P.O.V comes first with her wondering who is trying to drive her off the road to kill her? Is it Nico or is it Viktor?  I liked her spunk, courage and fearlessness even when she was terrified !

Then I enjoyed getting Viktor De'Angelo's P.O.V. next. He wasn't quite the villain that his brother, Nico is ! Whew ! And Tessa is a whole lot smarter and dangerous than either brother saw coming ! Nico just wants what Tessa stole and then he wants her dead.  Well, maybe after a little bit of time after he's had his so called fun with her. 

Viktor isn't having it. He's wanted her for a very long time even if he hasn't been very good with the words !

I liked how the story ended with hope for the future and a mystery ! 

ARC/bkfunnel/ Carols of Murder by Cait Byrne

   

 

When Oxford academic Dr. Elinor March is blindsided by betrayal and academic scandal, she retreats to her late grandmother’s cottage in the idyllic Yorkshire village of Thorndale. Intent on licking her wounds in peace, Ellie soon discovers that her grandmother left behind more than heirlooms—she left a trail of clues tied to strange wartime disappearances and missing church artifacts.

Determined to uncover the truth, Ellie dives into decades-old secrets, aided—and sometimes obstructed—by Tom Ashworth, Thorndale’s brooding vicar with a tragic past and a knack for getting under her skin.

As snow blankets the village and the Christmas season takes over, Ellie must navigate nosy neighbors, local politics, and a growing attraction she didn’t ask for. But someone in Thorndale is desperate to keep the past buried—and they’ll do anything to stop her from uncovering it.

----My 4 Star Review TITLED:  Unraveling Thorndale's Secrets 

 Can Ellie learn to Trust again ? 

42 year old Ellie Hartwell  just found out what he nasty, husband Richard has been about. He's a 45 year old man having an affair with equally nasty 22 year old Chloe Morrison !  She's Ellie's grad student and she's suddenly bold about the affair. Richard and Ellie have been married for 8 years and she suddenly realizes it's been all about him. It's been putdowns and verbal abuse really. Heck, she's been working her butt off and supporting him financially too ! The nerve of the man ! Well that ends today. She's off to her deceased grandmother's house. She has no idea what awaits her there !

I liked Vicar Tom Ashworth and how he needled her. He did have sadness in his eyes at times even while taking care of his village.   Ellie encounters a surprise when it came to Lucy. A young girl that I also liked. She was so exuberant and lovely to Ellie !  And I think Ellie fell in love with her too !

There were many twists and turns, with good in depth documents and with some things solved. The community was charming . But there IS a deeper mystery going on so this is just Part 1 of the story.   There is also a romance brewing between Ellie and Tom. 

 I  received an advance review copy and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

ARC/Bksprout Dec 29/ The Mafia Don's Chosen Bride by Sienna Blacke

  Booksprout link

 

I took my rival’s daughter to start a war. Now I’d kill my own men to keep her safe.

I was never meant to touch Isabella Caruso—she’s too young, innocent, and dangerous for the Don of Brooklyn.

When she runs headlong out of her gilded cage and straight into my world, forced under my protection, I tell myself she’s leverage.

A way to smoke out the traitor rotting my empire from the inside.

Then one reckless night destroys every lie I told myself.

Now the woman I meant to use becomes the one I can’t live without.

She challenges me and yet trusts me.

She softens what blood and betrayal have hardened.

Then the truth lands, suddenly there’s no escape left.

She's carrying my child—and she will be my bride, even if her family wants me dead.

If they come for her, they’ll learn exactly how a devil loves. I’ll burn this city to ash before I let them take what’s mine.

Explicit

Novella

Romance Enemies to Lovers He falls first Forbidden Love Opposites Attract Age Gap Surprise pregnancy Mafia Don Silver Fox Billionaire Alpha dominant

Must review on:

Amazon

File(s) available:

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 ----------------------

-----MY 5 STAR REVIEW TITLED:  Sweet Tension between Isabella & Leo

The opening pages find Isabella Caruso running from her father ,Victor at the Caruso Mansion.  Her father has decided that she's going to marry a violent man and he isn't going to take no for an answer. And neither is her cruel "fiance". Yeah, she's heard about him and his nasty ways. Her brother Marco is there as well and seems to be helping her escape.  Marco really is  a questionable kind of mafia man and I wasn't so sure about him.

I absolutely loved her friend CeCe though ! That girl always had Isabella's back no matter how dangerous it got. And it does get dangerous ! 

I also loved Lara. Leonardo Ferraro (Leo) is her father and you want this on your side ! She's smart dangerous and angry. She's angry at her dad for the secrets he's kept but she will fit to the death to protect him !

 Matteo and Nico are in on the snatch of Isabella. They are Leo's goons and are loyal to him. Another one of his men Tony, is questionable though because he's constantly questioning  Leo's decisions; his leadership. Made me think that  he wanted to be in charge. Isabella would definitely be dead then. 

There are plenty of surprises in the story. One of them being the tenderness that Leo shows towards Isabella and that there is NOT instant fall into a bed ! I enjoyed that ! And I really got to love Leo''s character and their love story ! They fight hard !

There is also some stunning twists towards the end that I didn't see coming as well as a really good Epilogue !

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Bkfunnel/ ARC Sept/ Off Limits Biker By Carmella Knight

   Amazon

fiction@carmellaknightauthor.com

 

Page-turning plots packed with delicious drama, unforgettable chemistry, and steamy scenes that leave you breathless.

My books are made for readers who crave powerful men, passionate connections, and happily ever afters that come with a little fight—and a lot of fire

 I took in a runaway to keep her alive—then I fell for her, and now everyone wants us dead.

They call me Titan.
Biker. Millionaire. Enforcer with a kill switch.

I built my empire on control and silence.
No attachments. No weakness.

Then Ella crashes into my world—barefoot, terrified, and too damn beautiful to ignore.
She’s running from something dark… and dragging it straight to me.

I should’ve turned her away.
Instead, I lock her in my penthouse and make her safety my mission.

She’s soft where I’m brutal.
Sunshine in a world I’ve kept ice-cold.

And when her lips crash into mine? I forget why I ever kept people out.
Three nights in, and I’m already hers—body, soul, and every bullet I’ve got.

But danger’s closing in. Three nights in, and I’m already hers—body, soul, and every bullet I’ve got.
And Ella’s keeping one more secret. One  that could burn everything down.
Because this isn’t just about her anymore.

Now I’m protecting something I never expected…
And I’ll go to war to keep it mine.

----My Review Notes titled: Ella Rivera brings real trouble to Titan.

The story starts out in Florida and the action starts right off the bat !  It's well written, was fast moving with a slow romance. All of which I liked.

Ella runs from the evil Santos cartel, carrying some very dangerous information against them. She ducks into a biker bar, The Crankshaft. Turns out it belongs to Titan and he doesn't like when he sees her hunted by some men.  She's not sure that she can trust Titan. And he's not really sure he can trust her either. But he wants to. Trust is slow to come. Things get WAY more dangerous from there. Zoe is a woman with a past with Titan but now it's JUST a past. But she shows up when he needs her ! And she's lethal !  Titan also has a couple of men that he trust, Rex and Jace. But a split in the ranks is starting. Is there a mole in their group? 

About 60 % into reading in my kindle there are some MAJOR surprises !!! I never saw them coming and I liked that ! Very satisfying end too !

I  got this book as an ARC and really enjoyed it 

kindle bought/ Rook to King by Carina Taylor

  amazon

 Book 2 of 5: Love and Treasure 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BGT6FM4Y

368 pages

Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 13, 2023

He's a reformed con man. I'm an antique dealer. The problem? We're after the same chess set, and I can't decide which I want more: the treasure or him.

When Bodie King strolls into my antique shop, with a smile that could charm anyone, I know two things:

1. He's trouble.
2. I'm going to have to keep my guard up because I like trouble.

He's searching for a priceless chess set—the same one I'm looking for. When he finds out he can't charm the location out of me, he resorts to some mild break-ins and kidnapping. All in a day's work for him.

But when someone sets my antique store on fire, it puts my life on the line.

Imagine my surprise when Bodie appoints himself as my reluctant protector… which is way more dangerous. Because the real risk isn't losing the chess set—it's losing my heart.

Bodie's made it clear that he wants me. And if there's one thing I know about Bodie King, it's that he never plays fair.

Note: Rook to King is a closed door romantic comedy adventure featuring morally gray characters. There is some mild language and a meddling grandma. Read at your own risk.

---My 5 star review titled: She's Rude and Hilarious ! 

I loved it- Hilarious. Gracen Whithrop what's a smart gal. And she had me laughing all the time. especially when she was so rude to Bodie King!! Bodie is in over his head with Gracen from day 1. She tended to be five steps ahead of him most of the time! His male assistant kept telling him that he needed to come clean and tell her who you really was. I enjoyed this book so much that I will be rereading it again!

AMAZON BOUGHT/Seduced by the Wrong Scot:Scottish BodyGuard Romance Romance (Tartan Trails of Love #3) by Juliana Wight

 

 Book 3 of 3: Tartan Trails of Love    

AMAZON  

Goodreads  

“We are nae on the road anymore, Morgana. Ye cannae be alone in a room with a man that is nae yer blood.”

Morgana McGregor has one wish: to stay far away from her family’s handpicked suitor. But when she’s forced to attend the grand ball as one of his potential brides, leaping off a cliff—despite not knowing how to swim—seems like the better choice.

She meant to fall.

She didn’t mean to fall for him—her brother’s best friend, and the one man she shouldn’t desire.

Craig Ainsley is drowning in secrets: a hidden bloodline, a dangerous mission, and a growing craving for his laird’s sister. Saving Morgana from the sea was instinct. Escorting her to the ball is a duty. Keeping her there—pure torture.

Stealing her away? That’s a temptation he can’t resist.

Keeping their hands off each other would be the wise thing. But some disasters… are worth the fall.

He swore loyalty to her brother—until she took his heart.

*If you like brawny Highland warriors with a soft heart, and romantic stories depicting the majestic and mysterious Scottish Highlands, then this is DEFINITELY for you.

--My review Notes 4 Stars Titled: Evil Pursues many of them

  Morgana is one spunky, beautiful woman who knows her own mind and it's a definite "NO",  to marrying Laird Aberdeen, He makes her skin craw !  But the creep is everywhere. He's  sure she's already his.  Her brother Edward is a good man caught in a dangerous  situation, trying to negotiate trade with Aberdeen.  His wife, Evelyn has come along with him. Her other brother James is a good man too and ends up wishing to his sister when it came to her distaste about marrying Laird Aberdeen !

Craig's friend Brodie is with the group and is a good, trusted man. He's now in charge of her escape with 3 other trusted men.

This was a good swashbuckler story with great main characters, romance,  great battles, justice being served and a Happily ever after ending ! 

P.S. What a great, attractive eBook cover. Yum.  

dec 26, bkfunnel ARC/ The Don's Secret Heir BY Nina Costa

  

 I thought I buried my past the day I ran from Matteo DeLuca. Then I found him in handcuffs, smirking like he still owns my body, my heartbeat… and the secret he has no idea exists.

I swear I’m over Matteo, but the second our eyes lock across that interrogation table, every lie I’ve rehearsed collapses.

He’s danger in a tailored suit—power, violence, temptation.
The last man I should want. The only man my heart still aches for.
And the one person who can never know the truth about my son.

Then everything spirals—
A gunshot in the night, an intruder in my home, a threat aimed at the child I’d die to protect—
And suddenly, Matteo is everywhere. My shadow. My shield. My undoing.

Being pulled back into his world turns sparks into wildfire.
One reckless kiss cracks my entire life open.
And the man I swore off becomes impossible to resist.

But loving him is a danger in its purest form.
A rival family wants revenge.
My hidden child is their leverage.

If Matteo discovers the truth at the wrong moment…

I won’t just lose my career.

 I’ll lose the only family I have

---My Review Notes 5 STARS TITLED: Great Story, a Keeper

Matteo DeLuca comes face to face with the ADA Sofia Napoli. And it's not a good greet and meet ! He's chained to an interrogation desk awaiting his fate ! He wants to see her and be freed from prison and live his life free again ! He has plans !

Detective Shaw is a pain in Sofia's side; a constant leering, smirking thorn.  He's a pain to just about everyone but Sofia is definitely his target ! Turns out he's not the only one that she shouldn't trust ! She believes in law and order but some people in her office haven't got good motives like she does.  She does struggle with her attraction to Matteo and others start to want to remove her..permanently !

Matteo soon finds that he's got some people around him with impure motives as well. I liked Matteo though. Hes learned to be patient . He's learned that in prison, where he had to learn to curb his hot temper more than ever.And he's doing a good job although people are trying to get him to lose it ! He's going to need a lot of patience when it comes to showing Sofia that he really is a changed and still a changing man, He fights to make a new beginning to the DeLuca family so that it isn't one of chaos anymore.   His men don't follow him because they fear him but because they are loyal to him and fight along side him to make sure things can begin to change to the new vision. 

The Valenti family, the men are relentless and violent  in their pursuit to destroy Matteo, Sofia and their child Luca who is terrified when he gets stolen and held several times.  But in the midst of it Matteo and Sofia come together to fight for their son and she learns how to stand stronger than ever before !

I liked the twists and turns and SURPRISES towards the end and how the whole story ends in the Epilogue.

I got an ARC from the author and was glad that I did ! 

 

 

bkfunnel / The Don's Captive By Jasmin Song

 For any other questions, please contact:
Jasmin Song <jasmin@redspinelbooks.com>

I had a one-night stand with a kingpin. Now we’re fake dating and I’m wanted dead.

I met Adrian Levine in Vegas. Twice my age. One hot night before I was to go back to being a perfect daughter.

Then I saw something I shouldn’t have. A gun. A corpse. His men.  

Instead of eliminating me, he tells them I’m his woman. 

Now I’m trapped in a mob mansion, playing the Don’s lover for an audience that wants me dead.

I shouldn’t fall for him. But, his protection turns to possession and need. My rage turns to heat . . . and then something softer.  

When his traitor kidnaps and sells me to Adrian’s rivals, everything is put to the test.

Either he will risk everything for the second time or let me die as I should have the first.

--MY 5 Star review TITLED:  Dark Dangerous Romance

This story does mention that it has Trigger Warning and I didn't see that at first but as I read the story I began to see why. However it had so many good moments and was so well written that I still had to give it a high rating. 

Mei-Lin is found in the opening is a LA VIP room on a stripped pole; known as Layla there. It's where the movers and shakers come. She thinks of her one night stand Adrian as she dances. Later she sees a murder and now she's in the cross hairs of some VERY dangerous men. He ends up saving her against the advice of Victor Rogan and others. 

Mei-Lin is the smart but rebellious daughter of a very wealthy man and wife. They love her but she just can't fit into their idea of what she should be. Her brother was good at rebellion when they were kids and they pulled off a lot of intelligent pranks. Now, he works for the company in smart ways and when she gets into trouble he's afraid for her. 

I really liked the Don, Adrian Levine and felt bad for the things that he had to go through to keep control over the organization. But he was also so tender with Mei-Lin and trying to keep her alive. And it's going to cost him a lot.  Adrian has an unusual right hand man who manages everything in his life. But surprise ,it's a woman named Marina and she's really interesting. She's quick to wan Mei NOT to hurt Adrian. A man who trusts very few people. 

The Ostrov gang is one HUGE problem for not only Mei but also Adrian and his organization. And they are ruthless and smart.

Explosive ending with a great Epilogue.  I would read it again !

bkfunnel/ Syla Steals Christmas by B A GILLIES

  hello@bagillies.com

Syla has never known an easy life.   An orphan rescued from a brutal medieval world and taken to safety on Earth, she still carries quiet memories of hunger, fear, and loss. On her first real Christmas at Oxford Base, Syla wants only one thing: A friend.   When she awakens a newborn artificial intelligence hidden deep inside the complex, that simple wish sets off a breathtaking adventure; one that carries a young girl and a newly awakened AI beyond Earth, into the cold silence of space… and straight into danger.   Together, they explore the stars, chase wonder, and stumble into a crisis that threatens both their lives.   As time runs out and hope fades, Eve is faced with a choice no machine was ever meant to make.   To protect one child…
Or to help thousands.   In the darkness of space, Syla and Eve must discover what Christmas truly means.   Not presents.
Not magic.
But kindness, courage, and choosing to make the world better for others.   Syla Steals Christmas is a warm, hopeful science-fiction Christmas story about friendship, second chances, and how a small act of kindness can change far more than one life.     From multi-award-winning author BA Gillies

--MY 4 STAR REVIEW- TITLED:  A Sweet Christmas Story

The eBook cover caught my attention because it was so sweet and cheery.  In the opening of the book, Syla's confusion over what is Christmas, really made me think about that! Made me think about what a child who had never seen Christmas, what would they think?  Her thoughts about Santa Clause made me smile and think, I could see that. 

Her older sister, Kya has a friend and Syla doesn't.   They have both been rescued and now Kya's friend is an interesting drone, called Dancer One.  Ewan gave Syla a special bracelet that gave here access to just about everywhere on the base.   That's when things really take off and I enjoyed the adventure that "Syla's new found friend that she named "Eve" begins. There is some danger involved for the two of them but it ends just as sweetly afterwards.  

 It is a shorter story but it just flowed. 

bkfunnel/ The Billionaire's Secret Heir by Amy Thorne

  For any other questions, please contact:
Amy Thorne <hello@amythornebooks.com>

Ryder wakes up in the hospital—no memories, no past. Just me… and the baby he doesn’t know is his.

So I lie.

I pretend to be his fiancée.

Not because I want to. Because I have to.
To protect our daughter. To protect myself.

He’s my father’s best friend. The one I was warned to stay away from. The one I swore I’d never see again after that night.

But fate had other plans.

Now I’m back in his arms, faking a love that never really ended.
He doesn’t remember what we were.
But his body does.

But once Ryder learns the truth, he’ll stop at nothing to claim what’s his. 

The question is, will it be custody of our daughter or my heart?

--MY 4 S TAR REVIEW TITLED: I flew right through it

Elise has a baby named Ava. Ryder struggles to remember anything at all ! 

 It was a good story. Short. Sweet. Romance.

ARC/ My Grumpy Firefighter Hero BY Nelly Adler

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Pre-order My Grumpy Firefighter Hero  

GET THE WHOLE WILDFIRE PACT SERIES HERE 

I was supposed to save her. Not fall for her. Pulling Jules from that wreck wasn’t easy. It dragged me right back to the loss that changed everything. She’s chaos wrapped in sunshine—loud, stubborn, impossible to ignore. And thanks to her overprotective friends, I got voluntold to stay with her while she recovers. One roof. One bed. One very bad idea. She doesn’t know how close I came to walking away. One mistake on my watch already cost lives— And if the department finds out I’m breaking protocol to take care of her, I could lose the only thing I have left. But she laughs. She trusts me. And every time she looks at me, I forget the rules I swore to live by. And for the first time in years, I want something just for myself. I just never meant for it to be her. Because if I’m not careful, Loving her might be the one fire I don’t survive. -----my review-   --Kept me involved and smiling Jules is told by Harper (one of the Wildpack girls) that Lucas Cole is one of the "good ones" so say yes, to his help ! And as it turns out, he really is !!! Lucas was attracted to her from the start. I really liked both Jules and Cole and the whole Wildpack Girls Team. Those girls had made a pack 10 years ago to always say Yes to the scary things ! What a great bunch of women and how supportive they were of both Cole and Jules. Especially Jules ! They didn't just talk about showing up when she needed help. They actually did !! And they were hilarious and wild and LOUD ! They ALL really showed up as a team, men included ! And Jules daughter Carley Rose was darling ! Great story, romance and ending !

FREE KINDLE/My Grumpy Billionaire Protector (MY GRUMPY BILLIONAIRES) by Nelly Adler

 

 AMAZON   Part of: MY GRUMPY BILLIONAIRES (4 books)  

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FB8K57FL

Publisher ‏ : ‎ hello@nellyadlerauthor.org

PAGES 180

Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 9, 2025

 My ex left me at the altar.
His best man left me breathless.

As a YouTube creator, the whole world watched my groom run off with my bridesmaid.

So, I took my daughter and ran to a remote hot springs resort to heal my broken heart.

Imagine my shock when the grumpy CEO from my almost-wedding shows up.
Liam, who stood by and watched as my world crumbled, is now my neighbor at the resort.
At first, he keeps his distance. Gruff. Guarded.

Escaping the world he built—and everything it cost him.
But soon, we’re sharing touches that linger too long, walks under the stars with stolen kisses, and late nights tangled in the sheets. I don’t just fall—I swan-dive into love with him.

Now, he brings me coffee and makes my daughter princess pancakes.

But when my ex comes crashing back to reclaim what he left behind, Liam shows a protective side that makes it clear my ex’s time is over. 

And i’ll be damned if I will ever let him go.

MY 5 REVIEW NOTES TITLED: Kept me involved and smiling

Jules is told by Harper (one of the Wildpack girls) that Lucas Cole is one of the "good ones" so say yes, to his help ! And as it turns out, he really is !!! Lucas was attracted to her from the start.  I really liked both Jules and Cole and the whole Wildpack Girls Team. Those girls had made a pack 10 years ago to always say Yes to the scary things ! What a great bunch of women and how supportive they were of both Cole and Jules. Especially Jules ! They didn't just talk about showing up when she needed help. They actually did !! And they were hilarious and wild and LOUD ! They ALL really showed up as a team, men included ! And Jules daughter Carley Rose was darling !

Great story,  romance and ending ! 

ARC/Kindle/A Bride for the Tormented Duke: A Steamy Marriage of Convenience Regency Romance Novel (Marriage by Midnight Book 3) by Claire Devon

  amazon

 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G6XJNXFC

418 Pages

Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 14, 2025

Book 3 of 3: Marriage by Midnight 

 

“Are you trying to tempt me into madness, little mouse?”

Miss Aurelia is desperate. Disgraced, dismissed, and nearly ruined, she has no prospects—until a strange old man makes a shocking proposal: marry the infamous, reclusive Duke Sebastian...

Duke Sebastian lives in isolation by a windswept lighthouse, haunted by tragedy and branded a murderer. No woman dares approach him—until Aurelia appears, desperate enough to accept his cold-blooded terms: marriage until she gives him an heir. Then, they part...

He doesn’t believe in love—he buried that with his past. But his new wife is far from diplomatic as each stolen kiss breaks a new rule. And soon, the broken Duke must choose: let her go... or risk everything to keep her.

Each book in the Marriage by Midnight series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free with Kindle Unlimited.

---  MY 4 STAR REVIEW TITLED: This "mouse" has found her voice

Aurelia Dufort has been so overworked and so unappreciated as the companion in a rich household.  The Duchess of Fenwick is rude, a social climbing, gossip who has always been relentless towards Aurelia who she considers worthless. 

Her nephew, Lord Redwood  tried to seduce Aurelia and was lied about and the Duchess told her to leave immediately. She found herself out on the street where Mr. Arnold finds her with an unusual letter requesting marriage.  

Turns out Duke Sebastian isn't much better ! There are RULES that she must abide by. To leave him alone until he needs his heir   His butler, Fellows and his housekeeper look down their nose at her. And Fellows is SO rude, that he should be the sacked ! They need to start with a new staff but it also seems that regular staff don't stay very long. Rumors, rumors, rumors. The whole village wants nothing to do with him or her. They are afraid of the Duke. 

Aurelia finally makes a friend. Lady Mary and her father Lord Ware are delightful ! The only other person in the house that was truly on her side was her maid, Jane who had accompanied her to her new "house" and husband.

 Sebastian has "plans" about Aurelia but we'll see how long he can really stand against her. He's already starting to lose ground about that !

The story is emotional and has a great ending ! I thought it was cute that several people called her "little mouse." That is until they found out she could Roar !

I read this book from the author as an ARC.  

---

dec 24- bkfunnel/ Sold to the Bratva Pakhan by Melissa Reid

   amazon   alessia@authoralessiareid.com

I bought her as my virgin bride. She became my obsession.

I am the Pakhan of the most feared Bratva family in San Francisco. I deal in blood and bullets. I don't do mercy. I don't do weakness.

Then I saw her photograph.

Red hair like flames. Green eyes that looked right through me. A smile that held both hope and sadness.

Kira was collateral for her father's gambling debts—a transaction, nothing more. I told myself I was taking her for leverage. For strategy. For the empire.

I was lying.

From the moment I locked her in my estate, she consumed me. This fierce, stubborn woman who writes romance novels about dark men finding redemption—she has no idea she's writing our story. She fights me at every turn, challenges me with those sharp words and sharper eyes.

She calls me a monster.

She doesn't know I'm worse than that.

But when my enemies discover what she really is—a secret that could ignite a war between our families—I realize the truth I've been denying:

I don't just want to possess her.

I need to protect her. Worship her. Burn the entire world down to keep her and the baby she's carrying safe.

She thinks she's my prisoner.

She doesn't understand yet.

She's my everything.

----------------- 

My 5 Star Review Titled:  Tender Mafia Romance

Innocent Kira Sloan gets trapped in Chapter one.  Her father, Robert is one nasty piece of work is there and part of the hand off.  He's such a weak, reedy, no guts kind of man. He's only out for himself and doesn't care who he has to step over in order to get what he wants.  He really can't be trusted. By anyone !

I really liked Kira a lot and her only friend, Elena who is a barista at Cafe Verve. 

There really is no escape at all from Dmitri Kashkin.  Yes, he is a businessman but also a very powerful Pakhan.  He has a younger bother, Misha in the Bratva business. And Misha thinks Dmitri is going soft because of Kira.   He's worried that others will think so as well and will try to take over their businesses. They definitely have one group in particular that hate them and have started making moves on them. 

Dmitri's sister Anna adds a lot to the story. So does Alexi and Oleg, two of Dmitri's most trusted men.  

This story had great, action, romance, tensions, and huge surprises. Big twists came towards the end along with a great ending. 

Pub Date Feb 03 2026 /NETGALLEY/READ NOW/ Little One- A Novel by Olivia Muenter

  Netgalley catalog link

Little, Brown and Company

General Fiction (Adult) 

 "Olivia Muenter’s stand-out Little One is a taut and unflinching examination of being the obligatory good girl, and what happens when hunger threatens the control we hold so tightly….A dark, deeply engaging and emotionally charged ride from start to finish."―Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push

A searing new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Such a Bad Influence, about a young woman whose life is upended when a journalist uncovers her hidden past as the daughter of an insidious cult leader.

From the outside, Catharine West’s childhood sounds idyllic—balmy days spent running barefoot through the gardens, plucking ripe tomatoes straight from the vine as sunlight warmed her skin. Her parents built a life that was simple and community-focused, an ethos that soon attracted others in need of a change. For a time, Catharine’s magnetic father was enough to keep the farm thriving, and temptation outside its gates. But as she grew older, the farm and family she was raised to love faded into something darker, forcing Catharine to evolve with it.

​It’s now been a decade since Catharine abandoned the farm and has done her best to reinvent her life, until an email from a charismatic journalist interrupts her peace. Her first instinct is to ignore the stranger’s prying questions—whether she knew about a mysterious “cult” in central Florida, whether she is the same “Catharine-with-an-A” who lived there for a time. But when she realizes the journalist knows far more than he’s letting on, she reconsiders. If Catharine can stay one step ahead of him, she may be able to find the one thing she never wanted to leave behind—her sister, Linna—and make sure her own secrets remain buried too.

Sharp-eyed and sweltering, Little One masterfully captures the dread of facing your deepest desires, when the hunger to become your best self threatens to drown out everything else. An achingly astute look at modern womanhood and wellness culture, it tackles the enduring question: How far would you go to be good?

---

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9780316594561
PRICE	$29.00 (USD)
PAGES	320

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Reader (EPUB)

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)

Send to Kindle (EPUB)

Send to Kobo (EPUB)

Download (EPUB) 

 

MY REVIEW NOTES (5 Stars) Titled: Great, emotional, odd story

 

Catharine 's father was one honest believer in what he was doing. Well, at least in the beginning! Her mother,  I wasn't so sure about.  The 'family" seemed to be more like a indentured prison. All of which Catharine was totally blind to as a child.  Her father, had brainwashed her and she loved him so. She also loved the green, life of the farm and didn't want to leave. Ever.  She also loved her adopted into the family sister, Linna.  Those two together was so great to read about even when as Linna got older she began to question the b.s. of their father and his rules.  A VERY dangerous thing indeed. 

Libraries became her first best friend after she escaped "The Farm".  They taught her how to live AND how to be alone.  An interesting thought ! Her first human friend was a woman named Stella, who had no idea who her friend really was.  

 This story was SO well written and easy to slip right into the plot and the people. I liked how the author handled the, Then (farm life) and the Now.

Then Reese, the charming, handsome reporter explodes into her life. She no longer trusts men, and she doesn't trust him. He's picking at some of her very painful past and just won't let go. To be honest, I wasn't sure of his motives either. She reads him pretty well even though a few times he catches her off balance.  All she wants to know is "Where is Linna?" I want to see Linna again ! Surprise after surprise happens!

It has a stunning Epilogue, that I didn't see coming

.

 

Tuesday, December 23rdARC/ To Love a Beastly Duke BY Elizabeth Everly

   For any other questions, please contact:
Elizabeth Everly <elizabeth@elizabetheverly.com>

“Look elsewhere, Miss Ailsworth. Beauty does not belong beside me.”

“And yet your soul is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”

Miss Cordelia Ailsworth has spent years hiding her brilliant mind behind polite smiles and meaningless conversation. In secret, she publishes groundbreaking botanical research, never guessing her anonymous work has captured the admiration of England’s most feared duke.

Sebastian Trollope was once a celebrated scholar… until war left him scarred and withdrawn from society. Now known as the Beastly Duke, he lives in isolation, until he meets a young woman whose gentle courage sees past every wound he has tried to hide.

But Cordelia’s secret life is more dangerous than she realizes. And when her identity threatens to come to light, she must decide whether to protect her reputation… or trust the only man who has ever understood her heart.

--MY 4 STARS- REVIEW NOTES TITLED:  Sweet Love Challenges

Sebastian was such a good man who has suffered so much and now has isolated himself for years because of his facial burns.  His charming, but cold cousin Thomas is working to make Sebastian irrelevant.  He has charmed the ton into believing he was the best of men when in reality he is devious, evil and cruel. Cordelia is a great observer and sees through his charm pretty quickly ! It made me want to see him taken down a peg or two or even something worse ! His grandmother Eleanor was NOT easily fooled and she was in Sebastian's corner 100 %.  She didn't want to see him climbed over by Thomas and is quick to give Sebastian the verbal boot often to try to get him out of his funk.  It's hard work but she refuses to give up. She's one tough but loving woman and I liked her a lot !

I also really liked Sebastian's' best friend, Mr James Henderson. He was the best of men and a really good friend to Sebastian. He also wasn't shy about the verbal encouragements either !

Priscilla is Cordelia's cousin and even closer, a friend that cheered for her even without knowing the secret that Cordelia was hiding. James and Priscilla were made to be a couple and I was rooting for them. Unfortunately,  her mother and father, Margaret and Geoffrey Barlow were in neither her daughter or niece's corner. They were repressive bullies with Margaret being the worst ! Making matches with RICH, influential men was their only goal. Forget about the women being happy in their marriages. Although both of the couples are longing for love !

Disaster looms erupting at the worst possible time for Cordelia.  

It comes to a smashing good end and a really great Epilogue.

On a final note I like how the Latin words "Veritas Vincit" was included in the story as well as the translation that "Truth Conquers." 

I  received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest thoughts on this book. 

dec 17/hoopla / Disturbing His Peace by Tessa Bailey

 

She's got probable cause to make her move . . .
Danika Silva can't stand Lt. Greer Burns. Her roommate's older brother may be sexy as hell, but he's also a cold, unfeeling robot. She just wants to graduate the police academy and forget about her scowling superior. But when a dangerous mistake lands Danika on probation-under Greer's watch-she's forced to interact with the big, hulking jerk. Call him daily to check in? Done. Ride shotgun in his cruiser every night? Done. Try not to climb into his giant, muscular lap and kiss him? Umm…
Greer doesn't let anything-or anyone-distract him from the job. Except lately, all he can think about is Danika. He's wanted the beautiful, cocky recruit since the moment he saw her. But she's reckless and unpredictable, and Greer is painfully aware of what can happen when an officer doesn't follow the rules. Probation seemed like a good idea, but now Danika's scent is in his car and he's replayed her voicemails twenty times. Christ, he's a goner.
Danika's melting Greer's stone-cold exterior one ride-along at a time. Being together could have serious consequences… but breaking a few rules never hurt anybody, right?

 

My 5 STAR REVIEW TITLED:  Who is control now?

I totally loved this story ! Danika is one strong woman. She was adorable when it came to protecting and helping others. Especially family and friends ! She never asks for help because she has "responsibilities even when they overwhelm her. She just keeps going ! Which really makes Greer angry when she takes dangerous risks.  Some she just wasn't ready for.  Most of the recruits are terrified of Greer and at times so is she although she refuses to back down. Greer wants her so bad and they go hot and cold when they go toe to toe. Greer doesn't know how to show love or affection. He'd never had a good example from his father, a career officer. His father was all about the job.  His brother is one of the recruits as well but he's easy to like and show affection. They aren't close although his brother wants to be. Greer was such a great, interesting character. Danika has two other roommates who are protective of her, without trying to be over the top about it.  I liked having them in this story because I read the other book they were in and just had to read this book.

It was emotional, and insightful and I enjoyed every minute of it and how it all ended. 

I'm glad that I had a chance to read it through my Hoopla Library app and highly recommend it ! 

Prime Kindle/ My Dark Fairy Tale (My Dark Mafia Romance) by Giana Darling

  amazon

 Part of: My Dark Mafia Romance (2 books) 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DD7YVMKK

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Montlake

313 Pages

Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 8, 2025

When a mysterious man rescues her from near death, a young woman finds herself in the throes of a dark and dangerous storybook romance, where pleasure reigns but happy endings are no guarantee.

Guinevere

For all my life, Italy has called to me just as strongly as my father forbade me to go. But now I’m making my own way, spending a summer in his homeland before I accept the life my parents have planned for me.

All those plans come to a screeching halt the moment I meet him. Raffaele Romano.

Raffaele

Everyone knows me as the capo dei capi of the Camorra, a notorious mafioso in Northern Italy, but she makes me remember who I used to be before I became this monster. For her, I could be so much more, but she can never know the truth about who I am.

She’s falling in love with me, but if she discovered the truth about what that monster is capable of, about the things I’ve done…she’d never believe in happily-ever-after again.

--- 

 My Review Notes:  5 STARS TITLED: Dangerous enemies and friends

 Raffaele is 11 years older than Guinevere. Her deceased sister Gemma always used to call her Jinx. And she's beginning to wonder if maybe it really is true. 
This story is intense of course with people being revealed as who they really are. I liked Raffaele and his closest  trusted men and a woman soldiers. . Ludo,Renzo, Martina and Carmine were tough killers all right but they had their own moral code. A moral compass that said no harming women or children or stealing from the old. I really loved these quirky people !
His best friend Leo I wasn't so sure of. But he had been there at the time when his father, Aldo Romano dragged him out of bed as a kid and made him kill a man. Aldo is still as dangerous as usual and wants Guinevere dead.  Roffa, as he is called in part of the story, isn't on board with that !
Surprise ending...for now
The story does continue in "My Dark Ever After".  I will be reading that one too !

 

free kindle/ Switched at Marriage Episodes 1 & 2 by Gina Robinson

  amazon

 Book 1 of 4: Switched at Marriage Episodes 

 

Served divorce papers by a billionaire?

I’m not even married!

I can't believe I’m being divorced by a man I never married. That's some new kind of low.

And certainly not by Justin Green, Seattle's youngest billionaire. Jus had a crush on me in college, but someone has to be pranking me.

I’m ready to play along with the joke until I walk into a meeting with Justin and his supposed divorce lawyer. Justin is all grown up. And much hotter than I remember.

--MY 4 Star REVIEW NOTES SO FAR titled:  Hilarious opposites

Kayla Luca has no luck at all and now is someone playing a practical joke?  She spent 6 years with her college boyfriend Eric Monday and he just dumped her for another woman ! Life's just not fair to her way of thinking but she's just for a good joke so she shows up to the meeting at the lawyers office and gets a big surprise ! And offer !

Kayla makes a big difference him Justin's life.  She calls him, "Jus"and doesn't like how sloppy her new man looks. He is still hot for her although he's trying to be cool about it. His secretary/assistant hates Kayla for taking Justin. The assistant is the least cool person in the company. She dresses like an old lady and  " helps" Justin dress the same way. Yuck.

I loved both Kayla and sweet, clueless billionaire Justin.   The humor is off the charts. And I liked the attractive cover. 

I was surprised that the story didn't end in episode 2. I thought it would and was disappointed that it didn't! I see at least 6 Episodes that I would need to read to finish their story. Well, Unless, that's not the end either.   I wanted to give it 5 Stars but I just couldn't because of the addition books. 

ARC 1st of January 2026/Mafia Don's Carnal Vows - ARC" by Piper Raven

  

 Your Exclusive Copy is Ready

Thanks again for joining my ARC Team - please remember to leave your review on Amazon on Thursday the 1st of January 2026. NOTE: The manuscript you receive may contain unedited sections.

My sister is murdered on her wedding day.

One moment, I’m her photographer—fixing her veil, adjusting the light.
The next, I’m standing over her body, blood on marble, screams echoing too late.

And when the men arrive?

They look at me like I pulled the trigger.

Frank Rizzo is the first one through the door.
Cold. Dangerous. Ruthless.
The brother of the groom.
The man who decides my fate with one look.

I’m given a choice.

Marry him… Or disappear.

Now I’m locked inside his world—his estate, his bed, his rules.
He’s thirteen years older. Powerful. Built to destroy.
He doesn’t trust me. Doesn’t forgive me.
And when he touches me, it’s possession, not mercy.

But the deeper I fall into his arms, the more the truth starts to surface.

My sister didn’t die by chance. I wasn’t framed by accident.
And the people I loved most wanted me erased.

Then my body betrays me. I’m pregnant. With his twins.

Now I’m bound to the most dangerous man in Boston—and the only one who can keep me alive. Because in this world, innocence doesn’t matter.

Only power does.

And Frank Rizzo? He doesn’t just own an empire. He owns me.

5  STAR REVIEW TITLED: Treacherous Families

Aria was there to photograph her sister  Gianna's wedding to scary Vince Rizzo. She finds the body of the sister she loves, who she called, "G".  G was the one who protected her when they were younger. Now Aria is caught between brutal forces and doesn't know if there is anyone that she can trust.  Even her father, The Don doesn't look innocent.

Frank Rizzo is a handsome, dangerous man who explains nothing when he grabs her and whisks her out of the death house.  That doesn't mean she is safe though! When she meets his tough but smart mother, I ended up liking her a lot. She was brilliant when it came to strategies to try to keep them  alive. 

There is some hot, seduction scenes between Aria and Frank. I liked the two of them together and how they finally find ways to stay alive ! At least for awhile because his older brother Vince is a snake. 

The story is intense and engaging with plenty of action and romance mafia style.

I read this story as an ARC and really enjoyed it.  

 

ARC Dec 16-22/ Flickers of Deceit By Tessa Silver

   Bookbub  Amazon  Goodreads

 Book 10 of 10: Quillhaven Magical Cozy Mysteries

Serena Rosewood’s enchanted candles are famous for their soothing light and heartfelt spells—until they suddenly start misbehaving. Calming candles are bringing chaos, love charms are sparking quarrels, and dreams are being twisted into nightmares.

Someone is meddling with Serena’s magic, and the cozy town of Quillhaven is buzzing with whispers.

Determined to clear her name, Serena teams up with a charming science teacher who believes in chemistry and enchantment, plus two talking Siamese cats with opinions as sharp as their whiskers.

Together, they’ll follow the scent of sabotage through moonlit markets, spellbound shops, and flickering clues that refuse to stay hidden.

In Quillhaven, where secrets burn bright and friendship glows warmer than any flame, truth has a way of revealing itself . . . one flicker at a time.

--M Y 5  star Review TITLED: Wax Magic

Serena Rosewood worries about being as good as her 3 generations of women magic candle makers.  Leo  and Luna once again show up in the story as the town's beloved magical Siamese feline detective cats. And they did a good job of sniffing some things out.  They had been sensing that something wasn't right at Serena's Wicks & Wishes candle shop.

Ryan Bedford shows up with a concerned complaint about her candle that he bought for his pregnant sister. It didn't work right. But he was so nice and she liked the handsome chemistry teacher at "Q" High School.   Ryan is the first to see the pattern that was developing. I liked that Serena began to be attracted to Ryan and his kindness. There definitely began to be a spark between the two of them.

 Is Andy Price, her former business partner a part of what's happening to Serena's business?  Soon, several people became suspects.

 I liked how the mystery got solved and the story ended.

I received an ARC of this story and was glad that I did.  

"Flickers of Deceit" Sleuths:

 

   

 Leo & Luna                             Serena Rosewood                Ryan Bedford