Release Day Blitz: The Lion In the Library by Amy Award

 

The Lion in the Library by Amy Award is now live!

She’s spent her whole career being looked at. He’s spent his whole career being watched. Neither of them had ever truly been seen—until a lost stuffed lion brought them together in a Los Angeles library.

I came to Los Angeles to finish my book and consider a career-changing offer to join their football, umm….I mean soccer team. I am not looking for a woman. Especially not one with two kids, two ex-husbands, and a dialect coach who keeps telling her to sound less like herself.

Then she walks into the library like a golden age movie star, carrying two children and somehow still looking like she owns the place. She doesn’t recognize me. I don’t recognize her. For the first time in fifteen years, I’m just a man. Not The Lion. Not the famous footballer. Just Leo.

Turns out she’s only the most famous telenovela star in all of Mexico.

And I’m only the most famous soccer player in the world.

And we’re both starting over in L.A.

But when the paparazzi come knocking and jealous exes start making trouble, I realize that for the first time in my career, I’m genuinely terrified of losing. Not a match. Not a trophy. Just one woman who licks her ice cream cone like it’s the role of a lifetime and still doesn’t even know my jersey number.

I’m completely done for.

Before Tempest gets her story in The Jackass in Class, meet the grandparents who showed her that real love means being seen for exactly who you are—in this swoony, sexy prequel to the Cocky Kingmans series, featuring a confident plus-size heroine who knows her worth, a hero who can’t believe his luck, and a telenovela love story you’ll wish you could watch on the big screen.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://geni.us/TLITL

Audiobook: https://geni.us/TLITL-Audio

Narrated by: Oscar Reyes & Vanessa Vasquez

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4vxJ1Xt

ARC Review: The Goat In the Bedroom (The Cocky Kingmans #6) by Amy Award

When your love life stinks and you’re clearly the worst at choosing someone who won’t break your heart, why not ask your best friend to find you a date?

Unless of course…you’re in love with her.

I've been friends with Artemis since high school, when we bonded over crushing on the same guy. Six years later, we’re roommates in our shiny new post college lives—she's training for the Olympics while I start my pro football career. We’ve both recently had bad break-ups and she says if she’s going to get back out there, she needs dating lessons. Naturally, she asks me—her completely platonic roommate—to teach her.

We practice eye contact. Hand holding. Cuddling during movies. Because that's what best friends do, right? Practice intimacy? For science?

She thinks I'm being helpful. I think I'm losing my mind.

Meanwhile, I'm out here sabotaging her dates, getting jealous of my own teammates, and having heart-to-hearts with our pet goats about my feelings while she's literally in the next room.

But we're definitely just friends.

The evidence we might be idiots:

• The documentary crew filming my rookie season knows.
• Our pet goats know.
• Everyone knows. EVERYONE.
• The only people who don't know? Us.

This sports romance features two bisexual dating disasters who are Olympic-level idiots for each other —a football player who falls first and pines HARD, and a curvy rugby goddess who's oblivious because she's convinced she's "too much,"— matchmaking goats with excellent taste in humans, that Bridgertons-meets-American-Football family that's about to stage an intervention unless someone snaps and locks them in a closet together first, a documentary crew catching every slip and you've got a love story everyone can see coming … except them.

TItle: The Goat In The Bedroom (The Cocky Kingmans #6)

Author: Amy Award

Publisher:

Expected Publication Date: October 15, 2025

Review:

Thank you to Amy Award and LoveNotes PR for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Well, Amy's done it again. She's endeared me to the Kingman family and everyone who surrounds them. This book was so much fun.

Artie and Gryff were *chef's kiss* with their pining and their experimenting. I loved how they are best friends, such a great basis for a romance. And they know each other so well. They anticipate each other's needs. They take care of one another. And, when the moment was right, they loved hard on one another.

Award chose to incorporate LBQTQ+ into this book and I really loved that she wanted to have this inclusivity. I enjoyed the plot point she had along with it and how it showed what a community of allies can truly do for each other.

And the goats! Who can't love the goats. They are probably my favorite animals so far in this series. And that little extra at the ending from Vincent VanGoat? Perfect! It was so much fun to read.

This book has a little of everything for everyone: best friends to lovers, pining, family, found family, drama, LBGTQ+ rep, spice, and amazing life lessons!

I know Amy is going to give us the rest of the siblings stories, right? Because I cannot be without Izak and Jules's HEA! Let's go!

Author:

Amy Award is a curvy girl who has a thing for football players, fuzzy-butt pets, and spicy romance novels. She believes that all bodies are beautiful and deserve their own love stories with Happy Ever Afters. Find her at https://www.authoramyaward.com

 

Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday October 14, 2025

Here are the books I'm excited to see release this week!

Revolve (Off the Ice #3) by Bal Khabra

I was really anticipating this book. The covers of the books in this series are just so cute. But, while I liked it, I didn't love it. You can see my thoughts HERE.

A Scar In the Bone by Sophie Jordan

I love Sophie Jordan. I've really enjoyed her books in the past. I was excited for this installment of A Fire In The Sky series because I really enjoyed it. So when I got approved for this, I was excited. Unfortunately, I just didn't love it. You can see why HERE.

The Goat in the Bedroom (The Cocky Kingmans #6)

I really enjoy Amy's stories. Are they deep? Not particularly. But they are fun. And she has so much inclusion. I was fortunate to get an early copy of this to review. You can see that review HERE.

Red City by Marie Lu

I love me some Marie Lu. She writes such fabulous stories. I cannot wait to dive into this one and see what she brings next!

What are you excited to see release?

 

Fat Stack Friday October 10, 2025

 

Here's my haul this week! It was a good week with lots of new goodies. Whenever will I read them all?

Kindle:

Mate (Bride #2) by Ali Hazelwood

One of my most anticipated books to publish this year. I know what I'll be doing this weekend!

The Crimson Throne (The Crimson Throne #1) by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis

I enjoy these authors and their compilations are fun. I'm looking forward to a good fae story!

Alchemised by SenLin Yu

I have seen this everywhere. I have seen mixed reviews. I know she wrote Manacled. I have it. I haven't read it yet. I also got the Fariyloot copy of this (which is gorgeous; see below). It's really long. Not sure when I'll get to it.

For No Mortal Creature by Keshe Chow

I'm a sucker for a pretty cover. I've been reading quite a bit of Asian folklore as of late. Some I love, some I cannot get through. Fingers crossed for this one!

Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber

Haven't read anything from this author yet but have heard good things. So I grabbed this one. Hope it's good.

NetGalley/Edelweiss/Publisher-Tour Company:

The Goat in the Bedroom (The Cocky Kingmans #5) by Amy Award

This series is silly but I love the body positivity that it brings. And the animals. This one also delves into LBGTQ+. So far I'm liking it.

The Girl in the Lake by Lauren Oliver

I've long been a fan of Oliver. I haven't read anything by her in a while, though. This one was a read now on NetGalley. I hope I enjoy it.

Bought:

A Forbidden Alchemy (A Forbidden Alchemy #2) by Stacey McEwan

I got to read this one early (see my review HERE). I really like McEwan. And this copy is gorgeous, so I needed it in my life. Still on the search for the first two books in her Glacian series!

In the mail:

Once and Again by Rebecca Serle

I've read almost all of Serle's books early. I enjoy her magical realism. I do have this one on Kindle but this showed up in the mail (I don't even remember requsting it). Looking forward to it.

Never Every After by Sue Lynn Tan

Alchemised by SenLin Yu

Both of these are my monthly Fairyloot subscription books. They are gorgeous and are looking fantastic on my shelves!

Libby/Hoopla:

Every Spiral of Fate (This Woven Kingdom #4) by Tahereh Mafi

I have a Kindle copy by my hold from the library became available and I jumped on it. I'm almost done and I can already tell Mafi is going to wreck me with this one.

Soul Searching (Sweetwater Peak #1) by Lyla Sage

Another one I have on my Kindle but it became available for audio so I jumped on it. I've really liked Sage's books so far so I'm sure I'll enjoy this.

People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young

I hope I like this on audio. I tried this author's other books on audio and much preferred them in print. I do have a Kindle copy of this one if audio doesn't work out!

Little Free Library:

Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I have a bunch of books I want to donate to the local little free libraries. Today I hit up four of them and found two I could take away (and left a few behind). One day I'd like to have my own LFL!

What did you get this week?

Cover Reveal: The Goat in the Bedroom (Cocky Kingmans #6) by Amy Award

 I'm so excited to be taking part in this cover reveal. I just adore this series. It's fun and quirky and features body positive heroines and their significant others. Check out how cute this cover is!

When your love life stinks and you’re clearly the worst at choosing someone who won’t break your heart, why not ask your best friend to find you a date?

Unless of course…you’re in love with her.

 

TGITB is being released October 14th and the cover is here!!

 

Here's what to expect:

 Rugby Player FMC x Football Player MMC

 Friends To Lovers

 Plus Size Heroine

 Bi for Bi

 Roommates

 Sex Lessons

 Found Family

ARC Review: The Jackass In Class (The Cocky Kingsmans #5) by Amy Award

 

He’s the campus king with a no girlfriends rule.
But he’s about to break it for the most irritating, sassy-mouthed woman he’s ever met.

Flynn Kingman’s senior year plan is simple: class, getting drafted in the first round, and no romantic complications. Until he chases a rogue baby donkey across campus and meets Tempest Navarro—the one woman immune to his charm.

Tempest Navarro is hiding her bestselling romance novels, anxiety, and a baby donkey in her sorority house. Nope, nothing to see here. Especially not for a jock that’s too hot for his own good. Why does he have to be in her Shakespeare class, saying smart things, and driving her insane?

When they’re forced together by a university tutoring program, verbal sparring turns to undeniable attraction. Especially when Tempest’s emotional support donkey, her meddling sisters, and a whole lot of Kingman siblings are all conspiring to push them together at every turn.

This steamy sports romance features a protective football player with hidden depths, a curvy heroine owning her talents and learning to take up space, an emotional support donkey with perfect timing, and that Bridgertons-meets-American-Football family that’ll make you wish you were a Kingman.

Title: The Jackass In Class (The Cocky Kingsmans #5)

Author: Amy Award

Publisher: Coffee Break Publishing

Expected Publication Date: June 17, 2025

Review:

Thank you to Amy Award and LoveNotes for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I am loving this entire series. There is so much inclusion and just cozy love. Every book gets better. Every couple steals my heart a little more. And I'm going to be so sad when it's all over!
I was excited to get a glimpse at some of the younger Kingman brothers and what better way to start than with Flynn? I expected him to be cocky and annoying but boy was I wrong. He was so much more than the surface that has been scratched in previous books. He's loving and protective and just all together surprising. There's so much beauty to how he falls for Tempest. It's slow spurts and realizations. He grows so much from someone who thinks they don't deserve love because it will inevitably hurt them, to someone who realizes love can enhance your life so much more than you ever expected.
And Tempest? I got to read her grandparent's story prior to this book and I loved that glimpse into how her life has been shaped by the past experienced by her family, especially her grandmother. Tempest hides part of herself for fear of others not being accepting. Is it worth it? In the end, no, because she has to deal with the fall out. But she learns so much about who she is and why she should be her authentic self. And Flynn helps her see that. He honors her and lifts her up. He shows her she is worth everyone knowing who she is.
And all the Shakespear! I loved that part so much. I was an English major so Shakespear was a big part of my schooling. I loved all the references. And what I really loved was the how much Flynn knew. Give me a smart jock and I will swoon every single time.
It was fun seeing all the previous characters I've met and also meeting some new characters. Dare I say we may see some of their stories in the future? Because that would be so much fun seeing as Tempest has 4 sisters!
I love how Award ties family into her books. She always shows how important family is. How they shape who we are but can also help us be our true selves. Her books are so positive. Add to that the humor and then the ANIMALS! It would not be a Cocky Kingman book without some kind of animal and this one has more than one!
My only complaint? I would have liked to see a bit more romance and sexy times to help with that connection. But what Award did include was really fun.
If you haven't started this series, get to it. I do recommend reading them in order as you get introduced to the couples as you read each book and get to know a bit of their background. I can't wait to read more in this world!

Author:

Amy Award is a curvy girl who has a thing for football players, fuzzy-butt pets, and spicy romance novels. She believes that all bodies are beautiful and deserve their own love stories with Happy Ever Afters. Find her at https://www.authoramyaward.com

Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday June 17, 2025

Check out these books I'm super excited for this week!

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston

I like Poston and was excited for this one. I had requested it and didn't think I would get it and suddenly last week the publisher approved. So I rushed to read it. My review will be up soon!

Seven year Itch (Mountain Men Matchmaker #2) by Amy Daws

I enjoyed Nine Month Contract so I was excited for this one. I liked this so much more. I got a copy from the publisher and you can read my review HERE.

The Blood Phoenix (Fall of the Dragon #2) by Amber Chen

I really loved the first book in this series and was excited for this one. Then the publisher emailed and asked if I wanted to read it! Of course I did. I loved it even more than the first one. See my thoughts HERE.

The Jackass in Class (The Cocky Kingmans #4) by Amy Award

Have you started this series? It's so cute. I love all the great representation. I was excited when I was selected to read and review this one. Check out my review for it tomorrow here on the blog!

What are you excited to see releasing this week?

 

ARC Review: The Lion in the Library by Amy Award

Title: The Lion in the Library

Author: Amy Award

Expected Publication Date: June 10, 2025

Review:

Thank you to LoveNotes for providing me with a copy of The Lion in the Library by Amy Award to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

It's always hard to provide a reader with a full story in a short but Amy does a great job. I loved this sneak peek into Tempest's grandparents Leo and Estrella. Their love story is sweet and timeless. I love that they meet in a library. What bookie doesn't love a library meet up. And it's a slower burn, even though the story is short. I also love that Leo is not afraid to take on a single mom with two kids. The relationship these two build shows people in love can tackle anything and overcome anything. I could absolutely see this story being a full novel with a deep dive into Estrella and Leo's pasts. 

And that snippet at the end with Tempest! I cannot wait to read her story with Flynn. It's going to be so much fun.

If you like:

🥰 Plus Size Heroine

🧡 Big Life Changes

👩 Single Mom

✨ Celebrity Romance

⚽️ Sports Romance

🤭 He Falls First

📚 Library Meet Cute

Dive into this short.

Plus the anthology helps with raising funds for charity towards the victims of the LA fires!

Amy Award is a curvy girl who has a thing for football players, fuzzy-butt pets, and spicy romance novels. She believes that all bodies are beautiful and deserve their own love stories with Happy Ever Afters. Find her at https://www.authoramyaward.com

 

Fat Stack Friday June 6, 2025

 

Check out my goodies this week! It was a crazy good week with lots of new goodies, especially for my Kindle!

Kindle:

Let's Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan

This just looks too cute!

The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill

I love any book that has "bookstore" in the title.

On Fire Island by Jane L. Rosen

This series looks interesting.

Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen

Part of the series above.

Songs of Summer by Jane L. Rosen

And this one was part of the series so I had to get it, as well.

Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley

Nothing like a Scot!

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Looks cute and an older woman.

Story of My Life by Lucy Score

Love me some Lucy!

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark

I saw people posting in my NetGalley group about this book and how great it is. So now that it's out, I got a copy.

All's Fair in Love and Pickleball by Kate Spencer

I had this on my potential request list for NetGalley but I never requested because my June list for review is so long. Now I have a copy!

The Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw

Another one I wanted to possibly request but just didn't have the time.

Libby/Hoopla:

Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle

Needed a new audio. This looked cute. So far I like it. I love the FMC narrator but the MMC narrator not so much.

This Spells Love by Kate Robb

I've seen this one around and I needed my next audio so let's see how this one goes.

NetGalley/Edelweiss/Book Funnel:

The Last Vampire by Romina Garber

Love me some vampire books!

Love In Plane Sight by Lauren Connolly

One of my most anticipated books for this year. I'm so excited to have been approved for it!

A Witch's Guide To Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

I love this author's first book in this "series" (not really a series). I can't wait to read this one!

The Jackass in Class (The Cocky Kingsmans #5) by Amy Award

Have you started this series yet? It is so cute! I love all the full figured FMCs and their cocky sports guys. I can't wait to read this one!

Fake Skating by Lynn Painter

I absolutely love Lynn Painter. I'm so excited to read this most recent YA!

In The Mail:

The Floating World by Axie Oh

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gilling

These are my monthly FairyLoot subscription goodies. I'm super excited about the Gillig book because I loved her other duology. I hadn't heard of the Oh title but it looks really good!

What did you get this week?