Spotlight: The Real Ones by J. Rose Black

(Chasing Victory)

Publication date: February 12th 2026

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Second chances don’t usually come wrapped in shoulder pads on Valentine’s Day…

Ten months ago, All-American shortstop Briella Reddington fell hard for grumpy, battle-scarred quarterback Maddox “Mick” McBride.

And then he walked away—right when she was finally ready to let him in.

Now Ella’s done being vulnerable, done being blindsided, and definitely done with emotionally unavailable athletes. But losing a bet lands her at a Valentine’s charity flag-football event…face-to-face with the man who broke her heart.

Maddox never stopped wanting Ella—but teammates loyal to her golden-boy ex, a rival gunning for his spot, and a coach who made Ella the price of peace forced his hand. Choosing her once cost him everything. His season tanked, his starting job is on the line, and seeing Ella again is the one hit he isn’t prepared to take.

When a chaotic Valentine’s “cupid” pushes them together, sparks ignite, truths surface, and Maddox realizes he’s been fighting the wrong battles all year.

This time, he’s not walking away.

He’s fighting for the girl who was always worth the risk.

READ THIS IF YOU LIKE…

 Grumpy/protective hero
 Sunshine-with-boundaries heroine
 Second-chance romance
 College sports + rival athletes
 Forced proximity
 Emotional scars & healing arcs
 Charity-event chaos
 A hero who finally fights for his girl

TW: mild hazing, alcohol abuse, domestic abuse; mentions of combat scars.

Excerpt

Greenhouse Guard Duty…

"You're not exactly mister popularity either."

I held back a chuckle as I met her gaze. "I was here for the party." Yeah, right.

She pressed her lips together and out. One eyebrow arched. "No party in here, though. Looks like a guy potting plants on a Saturday night."

I swallowed my grin. "Root emergency."

She stared. "You just made that up."

"Fine, it could've waited. But the sooner…"

She leaned forward and buckled a delicate strap around her ankle. The world might've stopped then, and I really wouldn't have cared less.

Nothing could have waited, ever. I needed to be right there—with her, at that moment. The tops of her breasts barely visible inside her neckline, the strong line of her calf. That unbelievably tiny strap that was its own statement of confidence and…dear God, how long had it been? "The…I was here?"

"'But Why?’ Is the question." She settled back into the chair. "Supposedly here for a party, but no hint that you've been drinking—and so much revelry and debauchery nearby."

"Idiots keep hiding pot out here. Have to check a couple of times a night, every time there's a party," I grumbled. "And there’s always a party."

"Greenhouse guard duty?" Her lips curled and her eyebrows lifted. "So that's it. You dressed up like a wallflower to blend in."

Ha ha. "Cute. But I found someone who needed a friend." I held up the pot of cornflowers. "You were here too."

The smile that bloomed on her face was worth the awkward attempt at a joke. I caught my breath.

"Thought you said you don't talk to them."

"You could, though. No judgment."

"Sounds like a thin attempt to spy on me."

"Advanced recon. Not exactly spying."

She rolled her eyes. "Now you sound like my brother. Air Force tough guy, or so he wants everyone to believe."

"Flyboys are marshmallows."

She took another sip of water. "I'll tell him you said that." She twisted the cap back onto the bottle. Light glimmered on the remnants of her tears. "So which branch were you?" 

"Marine Corps."

"Ah." She shifted in her seat, those long legs moved against each other again. An electric heat surged through my abdomen and stirred interest in…every part of my body.

I mashed dirt around the root ball, drizzling water into the pot.

She stood and moved closer. Hot and cold flashed across every inch of my skin. I wanted her touch… Instead, she placed her hand on the potted plant.

"He cheated, little flowers."

My stomach dropped lower; I sucked in a breath and held it. 

"He's been cheating for a while, I was just too…caught up, I guess." She cupped one of the blooms. "I wanted to believe the lie."

I swallowed against something dry and lumpy in my throat. "I hear they like stories with happy endings."

"Do they?" Her fingers curled hair behind her ear. Glossy pink lips caught the light. "Well, luckily, mine has one. Because I have the self-respect to walk away."

The room buzzed in the silence of the moment, electric, waiting. My arms ached to hold her, but I didn't have permission…and the defiant tilt of her chin said she wasn't asking for sympathy. It occurred to me, then, that she was like my cornflowers—bold, vibrant, but trapped inside the wrong pot. 

"I finally told him I just don’t want to be with someone like him." She shrugged one shoulder, but the glassy glint in her eyes gave her away. "Not anymore."

She gave me a small smile as she turned toward the flowers. Her fingers smoothed over the bag of soil, then tipped the smaller pot. She thumbed tiny blue petals as her eyes met mine. "What are they called?"

"Cornflowers."

"They're pretty." She threw me a side-eyed glance that made my heart trip, stumble and fall. "But it does seem like an odd hobby for a Marine."

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

J. Rose Black weaves stories about redemption and the transformational power of love - with a few side-helpings of snark. Now an award-winning and Amazon Top 300 chart-topping author, Rose writes about broody alpha males and plucky, no-nonsense women ready to fight for what they believe in. Her novels have been praised for their realistic mental health representations, with narratives offering a unique balance of romance, humor and tougher, real-world issues. 

When Rose isn’t deeply immersed in her latest manuscript, she’s working in cyber security and thwarting the next generation of internet bad guys. Out of the office, she’s #Shipping with friends over her favorite, swoon-worthy couples, heading to the gym to battle the great evil that is Unmovable Baby Weight, or complaining about her husband’s addiction to 3D printing. Also: nagging her children to eat something other than cheese.

Connect:

https://jroseblack.com/

https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/357198/forms/175458485561984226

https://www.facebook.com/jrose.black.5

https://www.instagram.com/j.roseblack/

https://www.tiktok.com/@jroseblack

https://x.com/j_roseblack

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/34720282.J_Rose_Black

The Real Ones Blitz

Spotlight: Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy

Genre: Romantasy

Publication Date: Feb. 10, 2026

Publisher: Page & Vine

In a ruthless magical academy where she's cursed and powerless, the last Onyx must unravel dark family secrets and navigate dangerous alliances to reclaim her legacy and make those who betrayed her pay.

You don't graduate Nightsbridge Academy—you survive it.

Born into a sorcerer bloodline, cursed, and cut off from my power, I was accustomed to being an outcast. For generations, my bloodline carried the weight of a crime committed by our ancestor. But my mother’s death changed everything. She left a clue that could prove our innocence: an ancient text hidden deep beneath Nightsbridge Academy.

The Academy is a fortress of power, housing the most dangerous incantors and sorcerers, conscripted to keep Horrors and Echoes at bay. And as the last surviving Onyx, I’m owed admission.

My plan is simple—find the book and expose the Imperium as the liars they are.

But I didn’t plan for the whispers that haunt my dreams. Or the complication of feelings I shouldn’t be capable of—stirred by two men bound to the very institution I’ve come to destroy. One sees too much yet says too little. The other is steady, protective, and always in my corner.

I can’t have either.

Yet when I’m in their presence…my curse begins to crack.

If they discover my true purpose, I’m dead.

But some truths are worth dying for.

The Imperium cursed my bloodline. Stripped us of our magic. Branded us as traitors. And now they will pay.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Paperback

About the Author

Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head – in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

Connect:

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15203340.Debbie_Cassidy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authordcassidy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiecassidyauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbiecassidyauthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/debbie-cassidy

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@debbiecassidyauthor

Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1759595307697738/

Website: https://debbiecassidyauthor.com/

Spotlight: The Rescuer by G.K. Brady

Genre: Small-Town Second Chance Romantic Suspense 

She’s moving on. He’s running out of time. One reckless night changes everything.

Reece Hunnicutt has spent his life coming to the rescue—whether it’s pulling climbers off treacherous mountain faces or volunteering to string the town’s Christmas lights. But after walking away from the elite search and rescue squad that gave him purpose, Reece is a man untethered, without a landing pad and dodging questions about his future. The one constant in his life? His quiet dedication to his small mountain town and his brothers who have no idea he’s about to embark on a new future that will take him to the other side of the continent.

Town veterinarian Neve Embry has been nursing a one-sided love for Reece since childhood. But she’s done waiting for him to see her as more than a kid sister who needs his protection. Between juggling a struggling clinic and starting up an exciting new relationship with a charming billionaire resort owner, Neve is determined to move on. Sparks might not fly with her new beau, but at least her heart isn’t on the line.

Until one impulsive night in Vegas changes everything.

Waking up married to Reece is the last thing Neve expects—or wants. But when her clinic is vandalized and her life upended, Reece insists on sticking around until the culprit is caught. Forced to live under the same roof, their shaky alliance begins to crack under the weight of their undeniable chemistry.

As danger closes in and secrets come to light, Reece and Neve must confront the truth about their desires—and decide whether this love can be rescued.

Excerpt

The urge to giggle had everything to do with nerves and nothing to do with how he looked. No, nothing about his physique was giggle-worthy. If Neve could have crafted the perfect male specimen, he would have looked exactly like Reece. A sculpted torso that started at wide shoulders and tapered to a trim waist, like a V, above a perfectly square butt. Smooth, tan skin.

His back was to her, so she couldn’t assess the man package, but judging by the way it had felt against her in bed, he wasn’t lacking in that department either.

He came to a stop and glanced over his shoulder. “You’re staring.”

She swallowed a yelp.

A slow grin spread over his face—at least the side she could see in profile. “You know what they say. You see mine, I see yours.”

“That’s so childish!” she spluttered. “Besides, you’ve already seen it, and so have I.”

“We were five years old, Neve. I think things have changed since then.”

Details.

She brushed at something tickling her shoulder and looked up. “They have robes in here. His and hers, judging by the sizes.”

“Good because I can’t find a single stitch. Throw one out, would you?”

Hoisting herself to her feet, she slid the smaller robe from its hanger and quickly pulled it on before handing him the other one through the closet door.

“Thanks.” Fabric rustled. “As much fun as it is talking to you through a closet door, I think it’d be much easier if you came out.”

“Are you decent?”

“Always.”

She opened the door and stepped out—and tried not to laugh, especially given the seriousness of their dilemma. The robe hit him at the knees, and the sleeves were halfway up his forearms.

“We need to figure this out,” they both said at the same time.

“Maybe there are some clues in here.” Reece loped toward their adjoining doors, which stood wide open, but before she could follow, he let out a strangled sort of noise from his bedroom.

“What is it?” She hurried through the doorway.

“Found our clothes.”

His bed looked as though a herd of elephants had tap-danced on it. Scattered around said bed were various bits of his and her wedding outfits. Her panties lay in a crumpled heap beside his boxers, and her matching strapless bra hung over a chair that sat cockeyed to the desk. On the nightstand stood two empty champagne bottles, along with a half-dozen martini glasses, also empty.

She gasped and tried not to hurl.

He held up his hands. “Don’t panic.” Traipsing over to the desk, he switched on the lamp and picked up a piece of paper. A groan punched from his lungs.

“What? What is it?”

He locked gazes with her. “You can panic now.”

A mere beat passed, and she was by his side, gawking at what he held in his hands. Her already-unsettled stomach plummeted to her toes. “That’s … that’s …”

“A marriage license. Yeah.”

“It’s got to be a joke. Are those our real names?”

“Looks like.”

He plucked up what looked like a receipt and whipped his head toward her. His eyes dipped to her hand. “Holy Mother of …”

She followed his gaze, and her mouth swung open.

He pointed at her hand. “That is not fake.”

On her left ring finger was a big-ass diamond and a matching band.

Now she darted her eyes to his left hand. “Uh, you seem to be wearing what looks like the man version of mine. These must be fake! Right?”

“Don’t think so.” He held up the receipt.

She covered her mouth to hold back a choked cry. “Is that a six? With four zeros after it?”

“No, that’s an eight.” He rubbed his forehead with his free hand. “Damn! I bought these!”

She inspected the ring, which was almost too big for her small finger. “It is beautiful.”

“I have great taste. Did you have a say in it, or did I just … buy it?”

She blinked. “You’re asking me?”

“You were there, weren’t you?”

“Yeah, I was there, but I was as drunk as you, and everything’s a black hole.”

Dear God, what had they done?

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author 

Since childhood, all sorts of stories and characters have lived in G.K. Brady’s imagination, elbowing one another for attention, so she’s finally giving them their voice on the written page.

An award-winning writer of contemporary romance, she loves telling tales of the less-than-perfect hero or heroine who transforms with each turn of a page. She also writes historical fiction under the pen name Griffin Brady.

G.K. is a wife and the proud mom of three grown sons. When she’s not writing, she might be reading, traveling, drinking wine, listening to music, or gardening—sometimes all at once! She currently resides in Colorado with her very patient husband. 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Pinterest * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Enter The Rescuer Giveaway Here

Spotlight: Letters From Lucca by Kim Baccellia

On the heels of Sammi's grandmother’s whispered deathbed wish, a package of letters from Italy arrives at her post box. Reading them makes Sammi recall whispers she heard in childhood of her grandmother’s wartime involvement, a past that Sammi's father and aunt would rather see remain closed. As if things couldn't get any worse, her long-time boyfriend, Hunter, dumps her. However, an opportunity arises that sends her to Italy to defend her grandmother, even if the truth might shatter all she believes. In a helpful twist, Joseph, her best friend’s Italian cousin, offers to help her. Despite the obvious growing attraction between Joseph and her, she tries to suppress it as she embarks on her mission to vindicate the grandmother she loves.

Excerpt

Sunny rays flitted through the partition blinds in Conte D’Alba’s Villa. The festive air and musical background, along with the tantalizing scents of limonada and sweets, competed with the heavy cigar fumes overhead. Many special guests attended the party. Dignities from afar and a few rich aristocrats cluttered the small foyer. Silk, diamonds, and custom-designed outfits with brilliant hues flitted around the more muted clothing of the friends. A few of the adults wrinkled their noses in disdain for Rosa. Rosa hung on the peripheral, waiting for a guest to say more about the battle in Africa, where her pappa fought. Only laughter, whispers, and scowls flew back. Rosa might have only been ten, but nervous energy drove her to tag on Pele’s hand. She had enough of the boring adults. 

“Let’s go,” she urged. 

Pele quickly grabbed a biscotti from the table, shoving it in his mouth. “What about Valerio?”

She shrugged. “He knows where we’ll be.” Though she tried to act indifferent, she snuck a furtive glance over her shoulder. Sure enough, their friend mingled with his father’s important friends. Valerio's slick black hair and serious countenance made him look like a Conte in training, but Rosa knew better. 

War.

The word tasted bitter with the fear-laced anxieties of her beloved Pappa, who fought alongside other courageous Italians. Rosa had hoped to hear more but doubted the vain Conte would reveal the status of her Pappa. Rosa bored of such adult talk.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

ward-winning author Kim Baccellia is the author of five fantasy/paranormal young adult novels, Crossed Out, Crossed Fire, No More Goddesses, Goddesses Can Wait, and Earrings of Ixtumea.

Kim has had many jobs. She was a bilingual teacher; homeschooled her son; served on her local RWA charter board; a Cybil’s panelist; and even read the slush pile for an agency.

In her free time, Kim loves long walks, yoga, watching psychological horror movies, and reading lots of books that she loves to review for YA Books Central.

A member of Women’s Fiction Writer’s organization, Kim is currently putting the finishing touches on a historical set in 1943 Italy. She also is working on a historical with a Utah suffragette loosely based on her own ancestor Lucy Clark. Kim lives in Southern California with her husband, son, and cockatiel Damon.

Website: http://kim-baccellia.com/

Blog: kimbacceliasweblogfantasy.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kbaccellia

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/ixtumea.bsky.social

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/baccellia

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ixtumea

Enter to win a $20 Amazon/BN gift card.

Excerpt Reveal: It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely comes IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA, the first standalone small town romance in her upcoming Darling Springs rom com series! This sexy, mistaken identity, forced proximity, forbidden small town rom com answers the question: what happens when a lavender farmer gets a bodyguard who just happens to be the sexy grump from her one-night-stand who got away! Releasing March 3rd in all formats, and free to read in Kindle Unlimited, check out the sneak peek below and pre-order your copy today!

Excerpt

He rubs his chin against my exposed breast, the stubble from his short beard whisking across my skin. He’s sandpaper to my softness, and the contrast makes me squirm. Makes me want him. I reach for his chest, my fingers playing with the wiry hair on his pecs.

A grunt falls from his lips. He looks up, and in a flash he’s on the bed, straddling me, pinning my wrists down. “You trying to touch me?” he asks, but it’s not aggressive. It’s curious. Playful. Like he always is with me.

“I am,” I admit.

He lifts his chin. “You can touch me when I f*&k you.”

I shiver. From ribbons to words. “Now you’re really teasing me.”

He smirks. “I know.”

About IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA (Coming 3/3/2026):

He ghosted me once, now he’s supposed to protect me?

I don’t need a bodyguard—I run a small-town lavender farm, for bee’s sake. But when my identical twin sister lands the movie role of a lifetime that’s being shot in my hometown I get one anyway.

And guess which broody, tattooed protector the studio sends to keep the paparazzi off my porch?

Last month’s almost one-night stand.

The guy with the wicked mouth and heated eyes who slipped out before the fun even started. But turns out the sexy jerk is excellent at rescuing me from sneaky photographers at the market. Then the coffee shop. I’m trying hard to stay mad after the third time my new bodyguard saves me.

To top it all off, he’s staying in the cottage at my farm. With me. And there’s only one bed.

Maybe if we finally give in and finish what we started, it’ll relieve the tension? But one night quickly turns into another. Then into late-night secrets and soft confessions we shouldn’t say out loud. Especially since he’s leaving and I’m staying, and there’s no way we can be more than a summer romance that ends far too soon.

Escape into a spicy and hilarious forbidden small town rom com from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely!

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Lauren Blakely

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com 

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks

Spotlight: Sweet Poison by Rachel Van Dyken

Release Date: February 11

AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦.

𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳.

𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭…

His breath hit my neck, lips brushing skin.

"𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺, 𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘪𝘵?”

All it took was one phrase—“𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘢 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦?”—and I was already losing.

To the enemy.

To a Tinder date gone violently wrong.

To the Syndicate’s most dangerous heir.

It was supposed to be my last middle finger to the establishment before they sacrificed me on the family altar of arranged marriage. So I took control. I made the rules. I chose the husband.

Louis De Lange.

The twin who should’ve died.

The traitor.

The man who lost my sister—his so-called true love.

 He said he had nothing left. So I made him my weapon.

But the problem with controlling a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

You never see the fangs until they’re already at your throat.

The plan was simple. The timeline set. Sixty days to infiltrate, manipulate, and survive.

But I wasn’t banking on Louis being more than broken—I wasn’t ready for how dangerous he could be when he finally decides he’s done bleeding for everyone else but himself.

I was playing to win.

He was playing to lose.

And we were both about to learn…

The sweeter the poison the more bitter the fight. 

To the end. Love. Hell. Or destruction. Let the games begin.

Buy on Amazon

Meet Rachel Van Dyken

Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over 100 books ranging from new adult romance to mafia romance to paranormal & fantasy romance. With over four million copies sold, she's been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated in more than 15 countries. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience. She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable sons, naked cat, and two dogs.

Keep up with Rachel Van Dyken and subscribe to her newsletter: https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/newsletter

To learn more about Rachel & her books, visit here!

Connect with Rachel Van Dyken:

http://www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel's New Rockin Readers https://www.facebook.com/groups/RRRFanClub