Laugh Inducing – Feed The Bookworm

Book Review: A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🫑 /5

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If ever there was a book that felt like a cozy, witchy hug, it’s this one.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a warm, enchanting, and emotionally resonant story about rebuilding from the ashes of failure, rediscovering joy in magic, and finding home in the most unexpected people (and creatures).

At the heart of this delightful novel is Sera Swan, once the rising star of the Guild, now an exile stripped of her magic after breaking the rules to save someone she loved. In a desperate act of forbidden magic, Sera brought her quirky Aunt Jasmine back from the dead—and unintentionally resurrected a zombie rooster named Roo-Roo in the process. With her powers gone and her reputation shattered, Sera retreats to Jasmine’s magical inn in Lancashire, a place where outcasts are welcomed, and the impossible feels ordinary.

The inn quickly becomes a gathering place for some of the most charmingly chaotic characters I’ve ever met. But I think my favorite just might be Roo-Roo – the unintentionally resurrected zombie rooster who steals every scene he’s in. Yes, really. Oh and there’s a talking fox named Clemmie. I picture her as a British fox version of Salem from Sabrina The Teenaged Witch.

Through it all, Sera must navigate the messy, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking process of learning to live a life she never expected, with people she never saw coming. And maybe—just maybe—she’ll rediscover her magic in more ways than one.

Mandanna’s writing is full of charm, wit, and just enough emotional heft to make your heart ache in all the right ways. The story balances found family, redemption arcs, gentle romance, and whimsical worldbuilding with pitch-perfect tone. The village inn setting, nestled in the English countryside, is pure autumnal escapism—exactly the kind of place you’ll want to move into (goats, zombie birds, and all).

It’s the perfect read to usher in fall, purely magical, and full of cozy charm.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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As an older millennial, The Golden Girls was just one of those shows that was always on. You know what I mean—flipping channels after school or on a lazy Sunday, and there they were: Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia, living their pastel-hued, sass-soaked lives in that iconic Miami house. I can’t even count how many times I’ve fallen asleep to their comforting banter—only to wake up to one of those cheesy “Greatest Hits of the ‘70s” CD collection infomercials playing on loop. That was peak background TV, and honestly? It lives rent-free in my heart.

So when I saw Murder by Cheesecake on NetGalley, promising a Golden Girls–themed cozy mystery, I downloaded it faster than Sophia can deliver a one-liner.

Let me tell you—it delivers.

Author Rachel Ekstrom Courage doesn’t just slap some wigs on a generic mystery plot and call it homage. She gets these women. The voices are spot-on—Dorothy’s dry sarcasm, Blanche’s theatrical flirtiness, Rose’s sweet but slightly unhinged St. Olaf stories, and Sophia’s savage little roasts. You can tell this was written by someone who genuinely loves the show and wanted to bring these characters to life in a fun new way.

The plot? Dorothy is accused of murder, there’s a suspicious cheesecake involved (of course), and suddenly our favorite four are knee-deep in a Miami mystery. It’s a whodunit with bingo halls, bad dates, high-stakes wedding drama, and of course, plenty of snacks. The story moves fast, the dialogue is sharp, and the clues are sprinkled in just enough to keep you guessing without feeling too twisty for the cozy genre.

If you love cozy mysteries, crave some comfort reading, or just miss watching reruns with a bowl of cereal at 11 p.m., this book is for you. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite TV aunties—with a steak knife hidden under the pie plate.

I’ll be first in line for book two. Here’s hoping Blanche gets a steamy love triangle, Rose accidentally solves a crime with a duck, and Sophia ends up running the investigation because let’s be real—she’s already the queen.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Thank you to the author Rachel Ekstrom Courage, the publisher Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Picture this: you’re on a book tour through Italy, soaking in the charm of six picturesque cities, indulging in gelato and Aperol spritz, and relishing the company of fellow authors and die-hard fans. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for author Eleanor Wilde, it’s more of a high-stakes nightmare with literary rivals, a con man ex, and, oh yes, death.

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack takes readers on a wildly fun ride, and it’s anything but your typical cozy mystery. With its snarky, witty protagonist, inside jokes about the publishing world, and the thrill of a whodunit, this novel makes for a laugh-out-loud read that fans of twisty mysteries and meta-humor will absolutely devour.

The story kicks off with Eleanor Wilde’s ambitious agenda: complete her latest novel (the tenth in her Vacation Mysteries series), embark on a whirlwind book tour across Italy, and kill off her main character, Connor Smith. Not much to ask, right? Except that Eleanor’s inspiration for Connor, suspects someone is genuinely out to kill him. And if that wasn’t enough, a body soon turns up in their traveling literary group, setting off a domino effect of secrets, suspicions, and betrayals.

Eleanor must balance her book deadlines with real-life detective work, sorting through a colorful cast of authors, agents, and obsessive fans. With each Italian city comes a new twist, and Eleanor’s to-do list grows longer: solve the murder, dodge her ex Oliver (who shows up at the worst possible moments), keep her literary rivals at bay, and figure out who’s really behind the mayhem.

This novel brilliantly breaks the fourth wall, letting Eleanor not only narrate her story but also chat directly with readers (footnotes and all)! It’s like having a lively conversation with a friend who isn’t afraid to let you in on the messy, hilarious parts of her job as a writer. Her cheeky self-awareness, paired with razor-sharp wit, makes for a refreshingly original tone.

If you’re a fan of snappy dialogue and unconventional characters, Eleanor’s one to remember. She’s a little chaotic, brutally honest, and endlessly opinionated, which adds a fun edge to the story. Her dynamic with her ex Oliver adds extra spice, and her deep reliance on her younger sister Harper (who, though a little overshadowed, plays the grounded assistant to Eleanor’s whirlwind) rounds out the cast in a quirky way.

While the book’s ensemble of suspects can get a bit overwhelming, each one brings something fresh to the story, and even the more aggravating personalities contribute to the chaotic fun. Though it’s hard to get attached to any of them (perhaps intentionally), this motley crew of characters, annoying quirks and all—adds to the atmosphere.

The audiobook narration by Elizabeth Evans deserves special praise. Evans captures Eleanor’s voice to perfection, bringing out her snark, frustration, and subtle vulnerability in a way that enhances the reading experience. If you’re an audiobook fan, this is one to add to your list.

So grab a gelato, settle in, and prepare to laugh, gasp, and cheer as Eleanor brings the mystery to life—one Italian city at a time. On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

This Girl’s A Killer by Emma C. Wells

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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I’ve had the pleasure of reading a lot of good books this year. So far, I’ve been surprised and impressed more often than not, and this last read was no exception.

When I received an invitation from Poisoned Pen Press to read This Girl’s a Killer, I was a little apprehensive, as I don’t usually read horror or “scary” books. But I loved Finlay Donovan, so I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did because I was absolutely blown away. This is why I love new authors; you never know what you’re going to find.

Cordelia Black isn’t crazy. She’s organized. She’s punctual. She has a killer wardrobe. She loves her best friend and goddaughter. She isn’t crazy. She’s just… Karma.

Everything is going just fine until it isn’t. Watching Cordelia’s perfect world fall apart actually gave me anxiety while making me laugh. It was an interesting paradox. This book is dark, twisty, and funny.

I cannot wait to see what Emma Wells comes up with next.

Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley and the publisher Poisoned Pen Press for giving me this opportunity to read an ARC copy.

This Girl’s a Killer is out now and you can grab your copy here.

Zero Stars Do Not Recommend

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Where to start, where to start…

So, initially, I grabbed this book because the cover led me to believe it was a rom-com. Wrong! Insert buzzer sound here.

You could call it a modern-day Lord of the Flies, and you wouldn’t be far off, but there’s so much more to this book. It’s got a mix of romance, mystery, sci-fi, thriller, and satire. Like Lord of the Flies, it forces us to consider what would happen if the worst-case scenario became reality. What would society look like if our systems of law and order collapsed and we were left to fend for ourselves?

Who among us, male or female, hasn’t felt like Dan at some point in our lives? That kid in school who was told they could be anything they wanted but ended up only achieving mediocrity? And who doesn’t wrestle with the question of what it means to be a man or a woman and the stereotypes that go along with that? Mara is amazing in this story, loving Dan for who he is rather than who she could mold him into. She’s a total badass.

The writing is sharp; it’s funny while tackling some terrifying ideas and notions. The one-liners are hysterical, and the relationship between Dan and Mara is delightful to read. And who would ever expect a Bible-thumping preacher’s wife, who also happens to be an MLM creator, to be the one who stages a coup and steals all the food and power? But, as with all stories, not everything is as it seems, and there’s more going on at the resort than meets the eye.

I’d describe this as a “soft” thriller, not because it’s overly scary, but because it still gives you that anxious, “OMG, what’s going to happen next?” feeling that thrillers do. If you’re a fan of the Finlay Donovan or Riley Thorn books, I think you’ll really enjoy Zero Stars Do Not Recommend. As always, read it yourself and see what you think. I went in expecting a rom-com, but it turned out to be so much better!

Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley and the publisher Sourcebooks for giving me this opportunity to read an ARC copy.

Zero Stars Do Not Reccommend is out now and you can grab your copy here.

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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GUP is back and he’s abroad! Patrick, Maisie, and Grant are bouncing around Europe as their dad prepares to remarry.

Set five years after the events of The Guncle, Patrick is trying to teach the kids about love as they struggle to accept their dad’s new soon-to-be wife.

The Guncle Abroad is chock-full of everything that I loved about the first book and more. The Guncle Rules are back, along with Guncle Love Languages.

Once again, I laughed, I teared up, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

The Guncle Abroad captures the essence of what it means to be a family, with all its imperfections and beauty.

Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley and the publisher Putnam Books for giving me this opportunity to read an ARC copy, especially because I loved The Guncle so much.

The Guncle is out now and you can grab your copy here.

It Happened One Summer By: Tessa Bailey

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

I received an ARC copy of the next book in this series, so I figured that I should probably read the first one before diving into the second. I really enjoyed Window Shopping (my first Tessa Bailey book) so I had high hopes for It Happened One Summer. When I read the summary I was expecting Paris Hilton The Simple Life vibes. That was a big womp womp. There are really only a couple of silly heiress moments in this book. Other than that, it was instalove and humping. Lots and lots of humping. Notice the 4 pepper rating.

Don’t get me wrong. I liked the story. It was cute, sexy and a fun read. But I wanted MORE. More of Piper almost burning the house down. More of Brandon helping her navigate her new reality. More bonding with Opal. Her getting an actual job and getting her first paycheck. Learning to really work for a living. The whole premise of the story is that Piper is being punished for taking her party girl ways one step too far. In an effort to teach her a lesson, her step father ships her off to her father’s hometown. Her sister, Hannah, comes along since she bailed Piper out of jail in defiance of her pursestrings holding stepdad. Refurbishing a bar with the money your dad put into a debit account for you after he cancelled your credit cards isn’t really “making it on your own”.

Piper ditches her sister to start boning the hot Capitan of Crab, he helps her fix up her father’s bar, and then in order to win her heart Brandon splurges on a fancy hotel and then says “Baby, I’m taking you shopping,” after which Piper exclaims that she’s learned the value of money because she just tried on a pair of $100 jeans. After getting it on in the dressing room, of course. It really just feels like Piper goes from her stepdad indulging her to Brandon taking over. And that coming from a woman who had earlier in the book considered a $4000 dress a steal. That’s a lot of progress to make in 5 weeks.

Piper does eventually get to a more self aware state. She does really sweet things like bonding with Opal, doing makeup tutorials for the local ladies, and walking a elderly man to his reading spot. And she figures out what she wants out of life, and that’s really nice. But getting there was kind of cringy at times.

Overall a good read if you’re looking for something quick, sexy and funny. I’m about 1/2 way through Hook, Line and Sinker and I already like it a lot more than It Happened One Summer.

The Wedding Crasher By: Mia Sosa

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

The Wedding Crasher is the follow up book to The Worst Best Man (love love loves), and Dean, Max’s best friend, is getting married. Or so he thinks.

Dean was one of my favorite characters from the previous book so I was super excited that he was getting his own story line. Enter Solange, one of Lina’s cousins. She’s roped into helping out on Ethan’s big day, and inadvertently ends up interfering. So much so that she stops the wedding.

But, as fate would have it, Solange and Ethan both find themselves in need of a significant other. Ethan to woo a new partner at his work, Solange to cover for a fib her mom told to a snooty relative.

They’re contending with way too many people who can screw everything up. There’s Peter, a snarky sneaky brown noser from Ethan’s job, who is determined to catch them in a lie. I have to admit, without any spoilers that I was pleasantly surprised how that loop was closed. But if I’m keeping a list of book characters I want to throat punch, he’s on it. Then there’s all the various aunts and cousins who can’t lie to save a life.

(*side note, I just started a list of fictional characters I hate. I have a feeling it’s going to be large)

This book hits some of my favorite romance tropes- fake lovers, enemies to lovers, family interference, food and cultural influence.

This book is delightfully funny, steamy hot, and left me a little hungry and looking for a place that sells some Brazilian food. And not just the meat. I’m going to need some of that stuffed breakfast bread and Pao de Queijo ASAP.

And don’t be fooled by the tame cover, be still my heart this book was smokin. But the heat didn’t interfere with the overall story, and this was a slow burn for sure. A rom-com done really really well.

A special thank you to the author @miasosaromance @netgalley and the publishers @avonbooks and @harpervoyagerus for the advanced copy of this ebook!

The Recovery Agent: By Janet Evanovich

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

JE is one of my all time favorite authors, and Stephanie Plum is one of my favorite characters. Her other series, also phenomenal. So when I got the chance to read an early copy of the first book of her new series, I will admit, I did a fan girl dance around my living room.

This series reacquaints us with Gabriella Rose, who we met in another book already. It also introduces her ex husband Rafer, assistant Marcella, and a wonderful supporting cast of characters. It takes us on a river rapid ride through jungles and cities alike. A quick, funny and satisfying read, I cannot wait to read more from this series.

I will note, it’s hard not to make comparisons. Maybe because we first met Gabs in a Stephanie Plum book, but she’s the exact opposite of Steph. Literally, on every sense of the word. The same can be said for Rafer (still bad ass) but so much more laid back than Ranger, and for Marcella, who seems to be everything Lula is not (competent, organized, dependable). Both women manage to step in 💩 frequently, but luckily Gabs has bullets in her gun and knows how to use it!

Thank you to the author @janetevanovich @netgalley and @atriabooks for the advanced copy of this book!

Darynda Jones: A Bad Day For Sunshine

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links, which are no cost to you but do give me a small payout if you choose to purchase via the link on the page.

The Rundown: Sunshine Vicram is duped by her meddling parents into becoming the sheriff of her small hometown. Her first day on the job is a doozy and leads to revelations about her abduction 15 years ago.

Written by Darynda Jones, Published April 2020

Oh my gawd, stop what you’re reading right this minute, and go order this book. I’m not kidding. So Oh my gawd, stop what you’re reading right this minute, and go order this book. I’m not kidding. So I’ve had Darynda Jones’ other series on my tbr list for, well, forever. Then I got an ARC copy of the 2nd book in her new series, so of course, I had to go back and read the first one before I read that one. Did that make sense? I hope so.

Anyway, if you’re a fan of Stephanie Plum, you’re going to poop your pants over Sunshine Blaze Vicram. Sunshine and her daughter Auri have just moved back to Sun’s hometown of Del Sol, New Mexico after her parent’s somehow managed to get her elected as the new town Sheriff. Even though she left Del Sol in the rearview mirror years ago. Lucky for her, her best friend Quincy is a Sheriff’s Deputy, so it’s old friends back together again.

Her first day on the job brings a missing teenager who has been predicting her death and abduction since she was six. Sybil St. Aubin had made friends with Sunshine’s daughter, Auri, that summer at the lake, and has left behind a series of clues that don’t seem to add up.
The day also brings Little Miss Sunshine straight back into the orbit of the only man she’s ever loved. The boy she fell in love with as a teen, and the man she could never forget, Levi Ravinder. Levi has taken his family’s “corn whiskey” aka, moonshine, business legit and is doing well for himself. But he seems to have no use for our heroine, although as long lost memories come back, he seems to be at the center of Sun’s abduction and the aftermath. Oh, and a stolen rooster named Puff Daddy, whose owner seems to be causing more problems than necessary. And there are magic muffins that predict a really bad day.

Things don’t get much better when Levi’s nephew Jimmy goes missing as well. Jimmy happens to be the son of Sunshine’s arch nemesis Hailey. Sun is hopeful that the kids are together and it’s all some sort of misunderstanding. With Levi’s tracking skills, it becomes apparent that Jimmy isn’t with Sybil, however, they do make a shocking discovery on the snowy mountain (did you know it snowed in New Mexico?) that brings Sun’s kidnapping back into the forefront.

This book has an amazing cast of characters from Sunshine’s conniving parents, to her crackerjack police team to the Ravinder clan (who may or may not be all that bad), and the various odd inhabitants of Del Sol.

So, that probably wasn’t the most concise summary of a book. The bottom line, I couldn’t put this book down. If you’re looking for a tough, funny, independent, kick-ass heroine, this book is for you. It’s full of wit and sarcasm and made me laugh out loud. Of note: I listened to the audio version, and it is hard not to compare it to the Stephanie Plum series, especially because it’s the same narrator. But I’ll refrain from doing so since I’m desperately holding out hope that by book 28 (I think?) my girl Steph will finally learn to put some bullets in her gun. But I digress.

I can only hope that this series continues because I can’t get enough Sunshine. Stay tuned for my review on A Good Day For Chardonnay, the 2nd book in the Sunshine Vicram series.

This audiobook was listened to on the Scribd app.