Category: New Releases

Book Review: A Short History of Ancient Rome by Pascal Hughes

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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If you’re a fan of the Short History Of… podcast from Noiser, you’re probably going to enjoy this book quite a bit. Full disclosure right up front: there is a fair amount of crossover between the podcast and the book, particularly in tone and some of the stories. If you’re a longtime listener, some moments will feel familiar, but it never felt repetitive in a way that bothered me. Instead, it felt like a more complete, more polished version of something I already enjoyed.

What Hughes manages to do here is no small thing. While Edward Gibbon’s The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire famously stretches into the thousands of pages depending on the edition, Hughes distills roughly 1,000 years of Roman history — from its legendary beginnings to the fall of the Western Empire — into about 350 pages across 18 chapters. That kind of compression could easily feel rushed or shallow, but this book never does.

The writing is clear, confident, and very readable. Hughes blends solid historical research with anecdotal, narrative storytelling that keeps things moving without sacrificing substance. I’m a big fan of narrative history, and this book strikes a nice balance: it’s informative without being dense, and engaging without feeling like it’s oversimplifying the material. You can tell it’s written for curious readers, not academics, but it still respects the history.

Readers get the full sweep of Rome’s story, starting with the mythical founding of the city through Romulus and Remus, moving through the Republic, and into the drama, ambition, and excess of the Imperial period. Along the way, Hughes highlights familiar figures and moments — Hannibal crossing the Alps, Julius Caesar’s rise and fall, and all the intrigue surrounding Cleopatra — grounding big historical shifts in human stories. Even if Roman history isn’t something you’ve studied deeply, you’ll recognize plenty here and never feel lost.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is that it avoids feeling like a textbook. This isn’t one of those history books you were forced to read in school and promptly forgot. The pacing is strong, the chapters are manageable, and the storytelling keeps you engaged even when covering complex political or social changes. It’s the kind of history book that makes you want to keep reading rather than checking how many pages are left in the chapter.

I also listened to the audiobook version, which I highly recommend. The narration leans into the storytelling aspect, making it feel less like a lecture and more like someone walking you through the story of Rome. For a book like this — broad in scope but focused on narrative — the audio format works especially well.

Overall, A Short History of Ancient Rome is an accessible, engaging introduction to one of the most influential civilizations in history. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy history told as a story, and especially for fans of the Short History Of… podcast who want a deeper, more sustained dive into ancient Rome.

Thank you so much to the author, Pascal Hughes, Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for the ARC copy of this book.

A Short History of Ancient Rome by Pascal Hughes is out now! You can grab your copy here.

Book Review: Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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If you love morally complex characters, smart heist plots, and high-stakes action, Malibu Burning is your next must-read. The first installment in Lee Goldberg’s new Sharpe & Walker series blends crime fiction, firefighting drama, and an undercurrent of redemption into a tightly woven, page-turning thriller.

Told through dual timelines and perspectives, Malibu Burning introduces two compelling leads: Danny Cole, a former convict and skilled con artist with a surprising moral code, and Andrew Walker, a former U.S. Marshal turned arson investigator. At first, their stories seem disconnected — one plotting a heist in the chaos of a wildfire, the other chasing suspicious fires across California. But as the flames spread, their paths collide in a way that’s both explosive and unexpectedly emotional.

This was my first solo Lee Goldberg novel (though I’ve read and enjoyed his collaborations with Janet Evanovich), and fans of the Fox and O’Hare series will definitely feel at home here. There’s the same slick pacing, clever plotting, and banter-driven dialogue, but Malibu Burning adds a darker, more grounded edge that really works in its favor.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is its focus on California’s inmate firefighter program — a system that feels ripe for both praise and critique, and Goldberg handles it with a mix of realism and empathy. It gives the story an extra layer of tension and makes Danny’s motivations feel all the more believable. He’s a morally gray antihero you can’t help but root for, especially as his plans veer from revenge into something far more complicated.

The stakes are high — wildfires rage, a cartel closes in, and the line between right and wrong blurs as the story builds to a cinematic climax. But what elevates this book beyond a typical thriller is its heart. Amid the crime and chaos, there are genuine moments of sacrifice, redemption, and even a spark of hope.

Whether you’re here for the action, the character dynamics, or the Robin Hood-style justice, Malibu Burning delivers. It’s smart, fast, and fiery in all the best ways — and it sets up the Sharpe & Walker series with serious momentum.

The Malibu Burning is out now! You can grab your copy here. The whole series is available on KU for both ebook AND audio!

Click the links below for the rest of the Sharpe & Walker Series

Ashes Never Lie

Hidden in Smoke

Book Review: The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare by John Lisle

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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If you’ve ever wondered how the CIA came to be, John Lisle’s The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare is a must-read. Lisle takes readers deep into the world of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the wartime precursor to the CIA, and introduces us to Stanley Lovell — a brilliant scientist turned unlikely spymaster.

What makes this book so compelling is how it balances solid historical research with a fast-paced, engaging narrative. Lisle doesn’t just recount events; he pulls us right into the secret labs and field missions where some of the wildest ideas in warfare were dreamed up. From the infamous “bat bomb” project to experiments with glowing foxes designed to spook enemy soldiers, the inventions Lovell’s team produced range from ingenious to downright bizarre. And yet, Lisle weaves these stories so smoothly into the larger history of WWII intelligence that the book never feels like it’s bogging down in trivia — instead, it stays sharp, entertaining, and even a little shocking at times.

What stood out most to me was how the book traces the OSS’s influence on the birth of the CIA. By spotlighting Lovell’s work, Lisle shows not only the creativity behind these “dirty tricks,” but also the ethical questions that haunted those who created them. It’s a reminder that intelligence work has always existed in a gray zone between necessity and morality.

In short, The Dirty Tricks Department is both informative and wildly entertaining. It’s history written with the pace of a spy thriller — the kind of book that makes you keep turning pages (or in my case, keep listening) long past when you meant to stop. If you’re fascinated by espionage, World War II history, or the origins of modern intelligence, this is a five-star read that belongs on your list.

Thank you so much to the author, John Lisle, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC copy of this book. 

The The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare is out now! You can grab your copy here.

Book Review: Head Cases by John McMahon

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Head Cases took me completely by surprise—and I loved every page of it.

This is an intelligent, character-driven police procedural that stands out in the crowded world of FBI thrillers. At its core is Agent Gardner Camden, a brilliant puzzle-solver with sharp instincts, emotional blind spots, and a quietly devastating personal history. He’s not your typical G-Man—and that’s exactly what makes him such a compelling lead.

Gardner heads up the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) Unit, a fringe FBI task force in Jacksonville made up of brilliant misfits who were all sent there for making mistakes or stepping out of line. The team is unconventional, awkward, and endlessly compelling. They don’t play by Bureau rules, but they solve the cases no one else can.

When DNA from a new murder victim links back to a long-dead serial killer, the team is thrust into an active case—rare for them. As more bodies drop, it becomes clear that the killer is leaving behind riddles specifically designed for Gardner. And this time, the case isn’t just professional—it’s personal. The killer knows things they shouldn’t, and the PAR team must stay one step ahead before the trail turns toward them and their families.

What sets Head Cases apart is its deeply flawed, emotionally rich cast. Each member of the PAR Unit is working through some form of damage—professional, personal, or both—and yet their quirks and failings are also what make them exceptional at their jobs.

Gardner is socially awkward, possibly neurodivergent, and entirely devoted to solving puzzles and doing what’s right—even when it’s cost him everything: his marriage, custody of his daughter Camila, and his career trajectory. Still, he wouldn’t change a thing. Cassie, his new partner, transferred to Jacksonville under murky circumstances and shares Gardner’s analytical mind and eye for detail. Their dynamic is layered and full of potential. And hopefully some smoochin’ in the later books. Shooter (yes, that’s what they call her) is the wildcard—an eccentric, badass weapons expert who might just steal the show. Frank, the team’s leader, brings quiet authority and calm—but he also seems to be keeping secrets. Richie, the new recruit, is sharp and capable… but the fact that his personnel file is sealed adds an intriguing mystery to the mix.

The plot moves at a gripping pace, with just enough twists to keep you guessing. The riddles and killer’s pattern are cleverly constructed without feeling gimmicky, and the final reveal genuinely surprised me. It’s amazing to be able to watch Gardner’s brain unravel the clues.

But what I loved most was how authentically human this story feels. Gardner’s neurodivergence isn’t romanticized or exaggerated, it’s simply part of him, and it shapes the way he processes the world, leads the team, and tries (imperfectly) to connect with his daughter. The emotional undercurrent between him and Camila is quiet, but it’s the heart of the book.

This is the kind of series opener that makes you want to binge-read sequels that haven’t even been written yet. If you’re a fan of Criminal Minds, Profiler, or simply love watching a team of outsiders crack impossible cases, this book is for you.

Sign me up for every future PAR Unit release. I’m hooked.

Thank you so much to the author, John McMahon, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC copy of this book. 

The Head Cases is out now! You can grab your copy here.

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.

A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks by David Gibbins

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Okay, I was not expecting to be this obsessed with a book about shipwrecks, but here we are. David Gibbins absolutely nailed it with A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks. It’s like National Treasure met Master and Commander and had a book baby—with Gibbins playing the role of the charming professor who also happens to scuba dive in his spare time. (Yes, he really dove to some of these wrecks himself. The man is basically Indiana Jones in a wetsuit.)

Each chapter takes a shipwreck and uses it as a portal into world history—Bronze Age trade, Viking raids, the freakin’ Industrial Revolution, and even Nazi U-boats. And it should be dry, right? Like, this book has no business being this good. It’s fact-dense, loaded with historical details, and somehow still manages to be unputdownable.

What I really loved is how personal it felt. Gibbins doesn’t just list dates and sunken hulls—he brings us along for the dive. You feel the chill of the water, the adrenaline of discovery, and the thrill of connecting a rusted sword or a hull full of brass pins back to the rise and fall of civilizations.

So if you’re into history, adventure, archaeology, or just want to read something that makes you smarter and cooler at dinner parties, this book is your new favorite.

On sale now, you can get your copy here.

Thank you to the author David Gibbins, the publisher St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion.

Good Game, No Rematch by Mike Drucker

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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As an older millennial, I vividly remember receiving my first Nintendo NES system. What I didn’t realize at the time was that my parents were secretly taking the console—and Super Mario Bros.—out every night to play, then hiding it back in the closet until Christmas morning.

My mother jokingly calls herself an vid-diot and loves games of all kinds. Card games, board games, video games, she’s down to play. She was the kind of mom who, if you said, “Hey Mom, I’m on level eight. I’m almost at Bowser’s castle. I have 99 lives and a full inventory—can you please leave the TV on for me?”—there was a 50/50 chance that you’d either wake up to find she’d beaten the game, or that the TV was still on, patiently waiting for you to finish.
If you asked my dad the same thing, he’d likely get confused and accidentally turn the TV off. It was never malicious—he just never really got video games the way my mom did.

Good Game, No Rematch is both a history of video games and a subtle, hilarious biography of every awkward millennial adult trying to navigate modern life. One of my favorite quotes from the book is: “Try being a people-pleaser who doesn’t understand how to people”—a line that perfectly encapsulates my life.
The book traces the evolution of video games from the perspective of the millennial generation, for whom the NES was a defining piece of childhood. Many books on video game history attempt to cram too much into one volume. While that can be ambitious, it often makes the narrative overwhelming or dry. This book smartly narrows its focus, making the material engaging and accessible throughout.

Before reading this, I didn’t know much about Mike Drucker. I’m not a huge TV person, so I hadn’t connected his name to the well-known shows he’s written for. But now, I’m off to explore his body of work. His writing is sharp, witty, and genuinely funny—it makes you feel like you want to hang out with him. (Well, sort of—I’m kind of agoraphobic and not particularly fond of leaving the house.)

In any case, if you grew up playing video games, love reading, and find comfort in shared nostalgia—or you’re just trying to survive adulthood as an elder millennial—this book is absolutely for you.

On sale now, you can get your copy here.

Thank you to the author Mike Drucker, the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!

P.S.- if you’re an audiobook girlie like me, this one is author narrated and excellent!!

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion.

Book Review: See How They Hide By Allison Brennan

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️/5

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While I do my best to make sure my reviews are spoiler-free, I may inadvertently reveal information that can help you connect plot points. So, here’s my TL;DR spoiler-free review: the newest book in Allison Brennan’s Quinn and Costa series delivers another thrilling police procedural as Kara Quinn, Matt Costa, and the MRT investigate a series of connected murders tied to a secretive cult called Havenwood. The book features Brennan’s signature twists, compelling characters, a chilling villain and a story you can get lost in. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed. But do yourself a huge favor and go read the first 5 books before you read this one. You don’t have to but it will make everything better, I promise. There’s a list at the bottom of the post. Of your can check out my review of book 5, The Missing Witness.

See How They Hide is the sixth book in the Quinn and Costa series, focusing on Kara Quinn, Matt Costa, and the Mobile Response Team (MRT).
OMG OMG I’ve been waiting for this book! My girl Kara Quinn is back! I fell in love with this series, mainly because of the incredible characters Allison has once again brought to life and I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book!.

The story begins with two murders occurring at opposite ends of the country. As bodies start piling up, there seems to be nothing connecting the victims—except that they were all killed in the same manner and found with red poppies. Before long, the team is fully immersed in investigating a previously unknown cult called Havenwood. At the heart of the mystery is Riley, a former cult member who escaped after being an unwilling participant in its inner circle.

Kara is in Oregon while Matt investigates in Virginia, meaning they don’t spend as much time together as I’d like. That said, there’s plenty of Ryder and Dean in this book, which more than compensates. AND Catherine finally stops being an insufferable PITA—but only by the end, after annoying Kara at least twice. Despite her attitude, Catherine proves useful in the investigation, though I still despise how she speaks to Kara.

Kara and Matt’s growth throughout this book was so satisfying, and Riley plays a huge role in that. The picture she draws of them makes Kara realize that people see her in ways she never expected. Riley was also an exceptional secondary character, and I absolutely loved her conclusion in the story.

As always, I’d read anything Allison Brennan writes—even her grocery list—but See How They Hide delivers all the hallmarks of a classic AB novel: a tight, twist-filled police procedural, deeply compelling characters, and a villain who is as cruel as they come.

Thank you so much to the author, Allison Brennan, Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC copy of this book. The Missing Witness is out now! You can grab your copy here.

Other title in the Quinn & Costa Series:

Book Review: The Verifiers by Jane Pek

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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I just finished The Verifiers by Jan Pek and thoroughly enjoyed it. The book has a quirky charm, which fits perfectly with its equally quirky main character, Claudia, set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. Claudia has recently left a proofreading job (courtesy of her successful brother) to work at a company that verifies the authenticity of online dating profiles.

Claudia’s very first client sets the stage for a mystery that unravels with unexpected twists and turns. Not everything is as it seems. I particularly enjoyed the clever puns Pek uses for naming the dating sites and the way the story feels modern and relevant, diving into the ongoing societal debates about technology and its moral implications.

One of my favorite aspects of Claudia’s character is that she’s a bona fide bookworm and mystery enthusiast. The book is peppered with delightful references to Jane Austen and Inspector Yuan (who might be a real figure from Chinese television or culture—or simply a figment of the author’s imagination I’m unsure and this will require more research on my part). Either way, he feels like the Chinese version of Sherlock Holmes, and I’d love to read some of his stories!

Beyond the mystery, the book also explores complex family dynamics, adding another layer of depth. Claudia is caught between two uber-successful siblings, and while she appears to be her mother’s favorite, their mother is relentlessly critical of all of them. This dynamic doesn’t just illuminate Claudia’s internal struggles but resonates with the universal complexities found in all families. Pek’s portrayal of these relationships is thoughtful and relatable, enriching the story as much as the central mystery itself.

Overall, I loved this book, especially the ending, which teases the possibility of Claudia not only finding a love interest but also carving her own unique role within the Verifiers. Highly recommended!

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