Tag: Romance

Book Review: The Man Next Door by Sheila Roberts

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🫑 /5

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Part mystery, part romance, part women’s fiction The Man Next Door was such a fun read! The story follows three generations of women: grandmother, mother, and daughter.

Zona is freshly divorced (husband #2, thank you very much), broke, and forced to move back in with her mother, Louise. She thinks she’ll at least have a little breathing room while Louise heads off on her long-awaited singles cruise. But a hilarious accident leads to not-so-hilarious consequences, and Louise ends up back home with a broken leg and a bruised spirit.

Zona’s daughter, Bree, is juggling nursing school and a full plate of emotional baggage, thanks in part to her mom’s messy love life. She’s got an adorable guy trying hard to win her over, but she’s so jaded she can’t let him in. Eventually, he gives up and walks away. Bree is left miserable, confused, and furious at the world especially at her mom.

Then there’s Alec James, the new hottie who moves into the long-empty house next door. Louise and Zona immediately start spying on him, sometimes intentionally, sometimes because Louise’s dog, Darling, keeps choosing Alec’s yard as his personal bathroom. There’s also a mystery woman coming and going, shouting matches over the fence, and a lot of speculation. Louise is eating it up for her next novel, with plenty of encouragement from her tough-as-nails nurse, Gilda.

Oh, and Martin. A sweet, solid guy right under Louise’s nose. But she’s too busy chasing the idea of someone… shinier.

This book was fast-paced, witty, and full of heart. I loved the growth arc of all three women, but I was especially cheering for Louise. Her storyline was surprisingly tender and empowering.

PS, don’t think I missed that Susan and Carol reference at the end. I love a good F.R.I.E.N.D.S. easter egg!

If you’re a fan of the Stephanie Plum books or the Finlay Donovan series, this will be right up your alley. Equal parts fun, heartfelt, and sneakily emotional — I didn’t want to put it down! Thank you to the author Sheila Roberts, Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA and netgalley for the ARC copy of this book.

On sale 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.

Book Review: By Time You Read This by Brianna Labuskes

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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I usually try to keep my book reviews spoiler-free, but that’s going to be difficult with this one—especially if you haven’t read the first two books in the Raisa Susanto series. So if you’re new to the series, pause here, go read The Lies You Wrote and The Truth You Told, and then come back. I’ll wait.

You’ve been warned: this review contains info from earlier books, and this is not a series where each book stands alone.

This is book three in the series, which follows Raisa Susanto, an FBI forensic linguist who also happens to be the sister of one of the most infamous serial killers. FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto thinks she’s through with the past now that her psychopathic serial killer sister, Isabel, is locked away forever. Then Raisa receives a letter from Isabel. It isn’t much, but it pushes Raisa back into what she thought she had already finished. Now, Isabel is dead, and their other sister, Delaney, is has vanished. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes disturbingly clear that Isabel had a protĂŠgĂŠ, even while behind bars.

Raisa is manipulated into solving Isabel’s murder, and the deeper she digs, the more evident it becomes that Isabel’s influence hasn’t died with her. She also worries that Delaney is somehow involved. From beyond the grave, Isabel still manages to pull strings—controlling and warping the lives of both of her sisters.

Told through multiple points of view—including Raisa and Delaney’s perspectives, as well as blog transcripts and diary entries—this book is packed with twists and tension that absolutely deliver, just like the previous two installments.

By the end, it feels like Raisa has completed a compelling character arc: she’s come to terms with who she is, who Delaney has become, and who Isabel truly was. Still, I really hope the series continues. The unique blend of police procedural and thriller, told through the lens of forensic linguistics, keeps the narrative fresh, intellectually engaging, and emotionally layered.

📌 Final Thoughts:

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with complex sibling dynamics, forensic detail, and emotional depth, this series is a must-read. Just be sure to start at the beginning to truly appreciate the journey. As always, I recommend reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here! Bonus, the whole series in available in KU for both ebook AND audio!

Many thanks to Brianna Labuskes, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Book Review: Don’t Say a Word by Allison Brennan

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Margo and the rest of the Angelhart family return in the second installment of what’s quickly becoming one of my favorite series. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this release ever since finishing You’ll Never Find Me, the first book in the series.

Now working full-time with the family’s private investigation business, Margo—alongside Jack and Tess—takes on the suspicious case of Elijah Martinez, a promising young man found dead from an apparent drug overdose. But no one who knew Elijah believes he ever used drugs. The deeper Margo digs, the more dangerous the case becomes. As key people she speaks with begin turning up dead, the stakes escalate rapidly.

Long-buried secrets resurface, and someone is clearly determined to keep them hidden. But Margo, relentless and sharp, refuses to let go. Like a dog with a bone, she keeps pulling at threads until the truth starts to unravel.

This novel is a solid police procedural and thriller, delivering all the trademark suspense and intricacy we’ve come to expect from Allison Brennan. The added family tension and emotional depth elevate the story even further. We also get more insight into Margo’s father—currently in prison for a murder no one believes he committed, yet he remains tight-lipped about the case. This overarching mystery seems poised to thread through the entire series.

On top of that, federal agents from various government agencies make appearances, adding layers of complexity to the plot. I truly hope this series continues for many more books. The characters are well-developed, and the pacing feels natural and unhurried. I’m fully invested and already looking forward to what’s next.

I also just discovered there are two novellas—Into the Fire and Out of the Shadows—so those are now at the top of my TBR list.

This book comes out on 09/16/2025, but you can preorder your copy here.

Many thanks to Allison Brennan, Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. As always, I recommend reading the book yourself and forming 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:

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. 

Book Review: One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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If you’re ready for some great Christmas vibes and family drama, look no further than One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery. Normally, this time of year, I’m all about cozy mysteries, witchy romances, and everything fall-themed. However, I love Susan Mallery’s books, and I needed a break from my usual reads, so I figured it was the perfect time to get into the Christmas spirit🎄plus I’m all about the family drama.  

Julie is a badass mom and business owner who’s looking forward to a quiet Christmas at her family’s cabin—aka mansion in the woods—with her younger boyfriend, Heath. Her kids all have their own plans, and his ex-wife has the kids for the holiday. But as we know, life doesn’t always go as planned. The cabin ends up packed with more people, secrets, and drama than anyone could’ve imagined.

I saw so much of myself in Julie that it was hard not to root for her. She cares deeply about everyone else and making them happy. It’s so evident in her detailed plans to ensure everyone has the most amazing Christmas ever. And while Julie might seem like the perfect mom and girlfriend, we also get to see her unravel and expose all her flaws as the story unfolds.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here!

Thank you to the author Susan Mallery, the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

🎧 Audio book Review: The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

It’s safe to say that I added this book to my TBR as soon as I saw it was published. I practically grew up with Gilmore Girls—Rory and I are only a year apart in the show, and as a fellow bookworm, I strongly identified with her. (Not so much watching the show as an adult, but that’s another story/rant.) Having already devoured Lauren Graham’s book a few years ago, I was excited to see a side of the show from the perspective of the iconic Emily Gilmore. To say I didn’t fully appreciate who Kelly Bishop was and what she meant to the world of theater and performing arts is an understatement. Also, how did I forget she was Baby’s mom?! I thought it was pretty cool that she was actually supposed to have a small role in Dirty Dancing, but when she got there, the actress they hired to play Marjorie Houseman was let go and she was offered the role.

When you’re attached to a character, especially one from a show or movie that has been so defining in your life, it’s hard to see them as anything else. I was particularly eager to get to the part of the book where Kelly discusses Gilmore Girls. However, I soon realized that she had lived an incredibly rich and fascinating life long before the show, which was just as compelling to read about. Kelly is upfront and brutally honest, admitting to mistakes and experiences that Emily would never have dreamed of.

When we finally reached the portion of the book dedicated to Gilmore Girls—what I consider to be the “meaty” part—it was heartwarming to hear how she talks about Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham. It’s clear that although they were a TV family, they remain a real family to her. Her description of the kindness shown to her by Ed Herman’s wife in his final days brought tears to my eyes. I was also delighted to find out that some of my favorite Emily Gilmore scenes, such as when she tears down Shira Huntsberger and has a meltdown over Trix’s funeral arrangements, are also Kelly’s favorites.

This book is a must-read for all Gilmore Girls fans. I’m truly blown away by the life this amazing woman has lived. I grappled with whether to get the audio book or a hard copy and ended up choosing the audio book. It felt like Emily Gilmore was reading to me the entire time, and it was incredibly relaxing to listen to. I will eventually get a physical copy as a shelf trophy—it’s just too good not to. Kelly Bishop is an incredible lady, and I’m so glad she decided to share her life with us. Some of the things Kelly did in her life are so un-Emily-like that I couldn’t help but laugh, imagining how Emily would react if she knew just how scandalous the actress playing her really was!

On sale now, you can grab your physical copy here or the digital copy here!

Book Review: The Temporary Wife by Catharina Maura

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

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Oh hey bookworms, are you back and ready for more of the craziness that is the Windsor Family? Because our favorite family is back with oh so much more drama. You thought marrying your fiance’s little sister was bad? Well, our friend Luca here is about to marry his secretary!

Luca runs the financial end of Windsor Enterprises and Val is his girl Friday, his secretary that was assigned to him by his grandma 8 years ago. Things get turned on end when Grandma Anne announces that it’s Luca’s turn to get married to someone who is completely wrong for him.

If you haven’t yet picked up the first book The Wrong Bride, I highly recommend doing so before diving into this one. You can read my review here. While each book in the series can stand alone, the story lines and character arcs make much more sense when read in order. Plus, if you’ve read any of the author’s other series, you’ll enjoy spotting the familiar faces that make cameos throughout the books.

The Temporary Wife picks up shortly after the events of the first book, with a bit of overlap to set the stage. Luca has had his secretary, Valentina, by his side for eight years, and their bond has only grown stronger over time. However, with his older brother Ares now married Luca’s own situation becomes more complicated. The Windsors’ formidable matriarch, Grandma Anne, traditionally arranges all the family marriages. After allowing Ares to get engaged for love and dealing with the consequences, she’s determined to take control again. Even though Luca and Valentina are clearly perfect for each other, Grandma Anne has already chosen someone else for him. The story unfolds as Luca and Valentina attempt to navigate the challenges of going against Grandma Anne’s iron will. Specifically by getting married. Luca appears to believe that if he’s already married Grandma Anne can’t marry him off to someone else.

I won’t give away too much because this story is best experienced without spoilers. But trust me when I say it’s absolutely phenomenal. The characters, especially Valentina, are compelling, and the chemistry between her and Luca is electric. Valentina’s strength and resilience make her a standout character, and the way the author brings their relationship to life is truly exceptional.

The author’s writing shines throughout the series, creating a world of powerful men—billionaires who run Windsor Enterprises, a conglomerate with vast interests across media, real estate, and tech development. Then there are the women who bring them to their knees. With five brothers and one sister, the series promises six books, each focusing on a different sibling. Luca and Valentina’s story was the one I was most eager to read because their dynamic just feels so right. We caught glimpses of them in The Wrong Bride, and it’s clear that Grandma Anne knew exactly what she was doing when she placed Valentina in Luca’s orbit eight years ago, despite her lack of experience and status as a college dropout. As the story develops, we discover that Valentina’s ties to the Windsors go far deeper than just her position as Luca’s secretary.

As always, read it for yourself and tell me what you think!

RED HOT READ ALERT: this book is sexy sexy. Don’t be fooled by the pretty cover this book is a scorcher.

BONUS: All the books are in Kindle Unlimited!

One sale now, you can grab your copy here.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of The Windsor Series, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Stay tuned for reviews!

Book One: The Wrong Bride: Ares and Raven’s Story

Book Three: The Unwanted Marriage: Dion and Faye’s Story

Book Four: The Broken Vows: Zane and Celeste’s Story

Book Five: The Secret FiancĂŠe: Lexington and Raya’s Story

Book Six: The Devious Husband: Sierra and Xavier’s Story