Early Reader Review: I'm Looking for a Man in Finance by Sabrina Waldorf

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

I'm Looking for a Man in Finance by Sabrina Waldorf 
Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date: February 10, 2026  

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

THE ROMCOM OF THE YEAR HAS ARRIVED

He ticks every box…but is she ready to invest?

Enemies to lovers? Check!

Forced proximity? Check!

Men in finance? Check!

--

Journalist Hallie Woods has a new date the hottest guy on Wall Street and document every moment for the magazine she works for.

The only problem? Finance bros couldn’t be further from Hallie’s type.

But as Hallie reluctantly flirts her way through the Financial District, there's one annoyingly handsome 6’5, blue-eyed man who keeps getting in her way. . .

James Rossi is a typical finance bro on paper, but a hopeless romantic at heart. So, when he realizes the new regular at his favourite bar is flirting with his colleagues as fodder for an article, he decides to sabotage her plans.

Hallie and James clash at happy hour every week. But soon their dislike for each other turns into something unexpected, and Hallie questions whether she wants her personal life spread across the pages of a magazine.

Hallie might have found her man in finance, but she also has a choice to make. Will she publish the article, or risk her career and invest in true love?

Review: 

This was a super cute romance. Hallie is a journalist trying to take over the food-reviewer position at the publication she works with. Up to this point she has been writing a 'heard in NY'-esq column where she writes about convos from around the city. On the side, she does what she loves - reviews food and cool places to find it. When the food review position opens up, she applies and is tasked with a trial run piece documenting her experience dating the men of NY in finance. 

James is a man in finance, but he has been scorned by a money-hungry girl in the past and won't let that happen again. He and Hallie meet at a dinner and then just keep running into each other. 

The plot follows Hallie as she attempts to date the Finance bros and James' attempts to help his bros out and thwart her attempts. Inevitably they make a deal to help each other. 

This book features some of my favorite romance tropes - enemies to lovers, forced proximity, opposites attract, and he falls first. The banter was spot-on and the connections were tense in all the best ways. So much good tension between these two. I appreciated the dual POV, going back and forth between James and Hallie. I think this is always a good choice in the loathe to love situation. 

The plot overall was great. It was appreciated that there wasn't a miscommunication trope regarding her writing the article at the beginning. James knew what he was getting into and embraced it with all his heart, being the swoon-worthy guy she needed to write about. 

I thought this book was just so fun. If you are looking for a rom-com and keep singing the "looking for a man in finance" song... will certainly be up your alley.

Early Reader Review: Out of the Loop by Katie Siegel

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Out of the Loop by Katie Siegel 

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Publication Date:  February 10, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

She spent two years in a time loop. Now she’s ready to solve a murder. And maybe grab a bagel.

The Seven-Year Slip meets Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers in this wholly original time loop mystery.

For the past two years, Amie Teller has been stuck in a time loop. Each day, she wakes up and it’s September 17th. Same day, same weather, same people, same conversations. Until, one day, it’s September 18th, and Amie is free.

Before she can celebrate, Amie learns her neighbor was murdered the day before—the day Amie has lived hundreds of times. Amie knows she has to help; nobody knows yesterday like she does. But acclimating to her new non-repeating life proves to be more difficult than expected. How does one resume their life after a time loop, anyway?

Assisted by an ex-girlfriend who wants to make their friendship work, and a grumpy neighbor who spends his days building Rube Goldberg machines, Amie sets out to track down who killed (and killed and killed and killed) Savannah Harlow.

Readers who love time loop novels, amateur sleuth mysteries, and original takes on classic tropes will love Out of the Loop.

Review: 

Out of the Loop follows Amie, who has been stuck in a time loop reliving the same day on repeat for almost two years. She isn't sure why she is in a loop or how she is now out, but it might have to do with the murder of a woman from her building.

The story takes the reader back and forth in Amie's POV both in the loop and now her experiences out of the loop. We aren't ever really told why there was a loop and the in-loop chapters were pretty short or brought in to show some details that are necessary to solve the murder. The plot isn't about the time loop though. We follow Amie as she is trying to help solve the murder of Savannah. With the knowledge she has gained both in and out of the loop, her ex-girlfriend, and her odd neighbor, she works to piece all the details together.

At its core this was a murder mystery - the time loop and the romance/ relationship parts played second-fiddle to the mystery. When we leave the time loop the book moved very slowly and I found it hard to pick up since it was so slow to progress. The first few chapters in the loop were super compelling and the flow was good,  then we are out of the loop pretty quickly. As a reader you have to pay close attention to the chapter headings so that you know if you are in loop or out of it, it was kind of annoying honestly and often took me out of the groove of my read. All that said, the murder mystery pieces came together well and it was a very cool whodunit.

Amie is a fine main character but she is pretty bland.  She didn't take too many chances in the time loop and it seems like before it she was pretty stuck as well. Her ex, Ziya, is more of a non-ex and together they are an odd pair. Both seem stuck in their ways and I wasn't really rooting for them to get back together...it was also odd that a murder was what was bringing them back together. The best character was David - the quirky neighbor that builds Rube Goldberg machines in his retirement. He was interesting and didn't seem as flat as the others. He brought the vibe I wanted for this read. 

Overall, I thought this was an ok read. It was a bit on the slower side for my liking, but I think that some readers will really enjoy the mystery and all of the details coming together like puzzle pieces. Some will even like the relationship between Amie and Ziya. If you are looking for a lighter murder mystery vibe, this one is likely for you. 

DNF Review: Sibylline by Melissa de la Cruz

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Sibylline by Melissa de la Cruz 
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication Date:  February 3, 2026

  

Format: Ebook

Rating:
DNF @ 20%

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Three teens infiltrate the magical ivy league in this heart-stopping dark academia romantasy, the first in a young adult duology from #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.

Raven, Atticus, and Dorian have dreamed of attending Sibylline for as long as they can remember. But when the magical ivy league rejects them, the friends’ plans of a future together studying the arcane begin crashing down.

Until they decide to steal an education.

Getting jobs on campus, they sneak into lectures and swipe forbidden texts, dodging the administration’s watchful eye. In the quiet of night, in the thrill of secrecy, their magic awakens. And so do long-buried attractions that turn their friendship into something more.

But like magic, love can create, and it can destroy. As unrequited feelings and resentment threaten to fracture their bond, the trio discovers an insidious magic that has sunk its claws into Sibylline, killing students and corroding the very bones of the university. Now the three intruders may be the key to saving the institution from wreckage . . . if they don’t wreck one another first.

DNF Review: 

After reading the above synopsis, I was so excited to pick this book up. It sounds so much like something I would love. Magic/ School/ Drama/ a love triangle possibly... amazing, right!.. right?

Sadly, this book was not for me and I stopped reading at 20%, so the review here is based on my unfinished read of this book. If you have read it and enjoyed it, I am so happy for you. 

The beginning of the book sets the scene, three older teens who have magic are trying to get into an ivy-league magical school to study. They strike out and all three are rejected. They opt to steal an education and go anyway - they will work at the college and slip into classes etc to learn. 

If a book has a good world-build, I can handle some meh characters and if there are really well written characters, I can deal with a meh world-build. This story had trouble with both things and I was so disappointed about it.... here are some of my thoughts:

As a start, this initial world build was lacking for me. It is essentially the normal world with magic added, and up to the 20% mark it wasn't wholly clear if non-magics knew about magic or not, if it was accepted etc. So that was a bummer. I also really wanted more lead up into their decision to go to this particular school versus others that might have been available. If it is Ivy, there are liked other great schools they could have been accepted into. 

I also found it very hard to connect with how they all got really cool jobs at this school. I work for an Ivy (not a brag, just a fact) and have worked at other higher education institutions as well. It is hard to get jobs at some of these campuses with little to no experience, especially cool ones like they ended up with. They are competing against the locals that need jobs, students that need jobs, AND the work- study students...it just seems a bit too much for my brain to get in line with. 

The characters were Raven, Atticus, and Dorian. They were interesting, I wanted to learn more about them and their magic and how they got to this point, but as the chapters alternated through their POVs it was hard to tell them apart. Their personalities felt flat and too similar. It was hard to keep them straight and even in the 20% I had to pop back to chapter headings to figure out who I was reading. 

Overall this just wasn't it for me. I stopped reading and think that was the best for me in that moment. If you loved this book, enjoyed it I am SO happy for you. 

Building the Book Pile #511 - Late Edition

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Wednesday

I have been super MIA - apologies... life is just life-ing a bit too hard lately. 2026 needs to calm down. I have missed the blog and readers thought so I hope you are well and reading some wonderful books! Please let me know what is hitting the spot right now... I need more escapes. 

I am in NH and we got hit with ~2ft of snow in this big storm that has been all the rage lately. It is normal to get a big storm here though, so it wasn't too bad overall. My lovely husband does the snow removal 💖🙃 I was cozy inside with a book or working.

Overall, just taking things day by day and trying to be as productive with reading as I can be... Not sure when the next pile will be up, but I am around and lurking. Hope you have a great week!

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Frontloading for the next few weeks...just in case:

DNF Review: Sibylline by Melissa de la Cruz (YA)

Early Reader Review: Out of the Loop by Katie Siegel (Adult)

Early Reader Review: I'm Looking for a Man in Finance by Sabrina Waldorf (Adult)

Early Reader Review: Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor

Books Received Recently...  

 

From Publishers for review consideration:

  

We Become Darkness by Grace Morrow

Witch of the Shadow Wood by Tori Anne Martin

House of Spells and Secrets by Ivy Cassidy

 

The Last Page by Katie Holt

The Summer I Found You by Jennifer O'Brien

Davy: A Garden For Everyone by Brigitte Weninger

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: Alice with a Why by Anna James (MG) - ⭐⭐⭐

Recent Reads: Books and Broadswords by Jessie Mihalik (Adult) -⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recent Reads: Good Spirits by BK Borison (Adult) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Early Reader Review: A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez (Adult) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1st of 2026!)

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Early Reader Review: A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez  

Series: Immortal Desires #1
Publisher: Slowburn
Publication Date:  January 13, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Deadly tarot, wicked schemes, dangerous alliances . . . can you survive the Forge?

Sexy, action-packed, and brimming with magic, A Vow in Vengeance is an unputdownable romantasy debut.

Rune Ryker has nothing left to lose. Everything’s been stolen by the Immortals—her family, her home, her freedom. But she’s done playing by their rules.

Each year, humans are forced to journey into the Immortal Realms, but twenty-year-old Rune orchestrates her own selection, determined to find her family and destroy anyone who stands in her way. Rune is used to doing whatever it takes to survive, and now she must endure the Forge, a cutthroat college for the Immortal druids’ elusive tarot magic. When Rune’s magic reveals itself to be the rarest and most powerful, she must live with its only other wielder—Prince Draven. As arrogant as he is ruthlessly ambitious, he’s the last person she can trust.

Rune’s abilities also draw the eyes of the most dangerous druids in the realms. Some want to use her. More want her dead. Draven offers to train her . . . for a price. As Rune becomes ensnared in Draven’s dangerous games, she learns there are secrets at the heart of the kingdom that some will kill to protect.

And Rune and Draven’s growing attraction may be the spark to ignite a brewing war.

Tropes

Enemies to Lovers

Fake dating/ fake fated mates

Coming of rage

There’s only one bed

Review: 

This book... was... so... good. I read most of this book in 2 sittings and it was only because I had to force myself to put it down to go to bed. I learned about this book during a virtual author panel and have been thinking about it non-stop since August. I received a review copy and had to force myself not to read it immediately... because I knew that it was going to give me a book hangover and it wasn't out until now (January 2026)

I am so happy that it lived up to my expectations and I am thrilled to have read it. 

The book follows Rune, a mortal who is part of the Selection, a ceremony by the magical realms to claim mortals for their use. She is taken by the Druids and now has been transformed into an immortal being. Part of this race is their magic, a tarot card based system where you are attuned to a power/ Arcane Major and not surprisingly, Rune gets a very good one. She comes with a lot of hatred and rage for the immortals and now especially for the Prince that is always around her. 

This book packs a punch, it is action and adventure, and romance and swooning and the magic system is my new favorite thing for a book. 

Characters - 

Rune is determined, super stubborn, and consistently aggressive. She has had to pave her own way making her independent and high-strung. As she progresses through this story, she learns that she is able to find joy and love in things that she was scared to before. She seems like a force and I can only imagine the rage that will progress through this series. I am so excited for it. 

Draven, the princeling, is a World magic user and he is both feared and revered, but he is lonely and withdrawn until meeting Rune. Their banter and flirting is delicious and the lead up to their feelings is intense and so swoon-worthy. 

The side characters Ember, Wynter, Morgan, Kesper, etc were also SO well formed. Each had a distinct personality and something to add to the story. While there were a lot of them, I never found it hard to tell them apart or understand their motives. So very impressive. 

The magic system - this was the first sell. Magic based on the Tarot. Each Druid is attuned to one and each has a very interesting power. Immortals use the power for a variety of things that the book does a really good job of teaching Rune about the system, so as the reader you get that education as well. Between her classes and the practical uses of the magic in the plot, the build up here was wonderfully done. The other races - Seraphs and Elves also have magic but they operate differently. 

The world - this was such an interesting world-build. We start in the mortal realms and then head into the Druid lands of the immortal realms. I really appreciated having a map, but the author also did a fantastic job piecing it all together throughout the story. 

Overall, if you are looking to dive into a new romantasy series... this IS IT. 

Recent Reads: Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison  

Series: Ghosted #1
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date:  October 21, 2025

 

Format: Paperback
Source: Bought/own

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

He’s the Ghost of Christmas Past. She’s not exactly Scrooge.

Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other—get in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when he’s faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.

Harriet York has no idea why she’s being haunted. She’s a good person—or, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what’s expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together— and realize there might be more to moving on than expected.

With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?

Filled with magic, mayhem, and cozy holiday charm

Review: 

This was such a feel-good, fun, and charming holiday romance. Harriet is struggling through the Christmas season when she’s unexpectedly visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past - Nolan. She’s not convinced she qualifies as a Scrooge, and Nolan himself is unsure why Harriet has been assigned to him, making this holiday mission a mystery for them both. As they work through Harriet’s loneliness and Nolan’s uncertainty, a genuine connection begins to form, and feelings slowly bloom between them.

The story is so cozy, with a holiday atmosphere that feels warm and comforting from start to finish. The reimagining of the Ghost of Christmas Past was especially well done, adding a fresh, magical twist to a familiar concept. It’s impossible not to fall for both Harriet and Nolan; their chemistry is delightful, the banter is spot-on, and the magical whimsy adds the perfect finishing touch.

The vibes were immaculate, the romance was charming, and this was the perfect festive read to curl up with during the holidays.

Recent Reads: Books & Broadswords by Jessie Mihalik

Books & Broadswords by Jessie Mihalik 

Series: Books & Broadswords, Volume One
Publisher: NYLA
Publication Date:  Jun e11, 2024

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Borrowed from the Library/ Libby

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

This novella-length volume includes two romantic fantasy stories set in a shared world, each with a guaranteed happily ever after, plus a new bonus epilogue.

Books & Broadswords

The only thing Feora likes more than stealing the king’s gold is using it to buy books. But when a handsome, persistent knight interrupts her day, Feora must decide if saving his life is worth revealing her true nature.

Rocks & Rapiers

Zenira never wanted to sell her rock collection, but when the new landowner raises her rent, she’s out of options. Armed with a sketchy rumor about a collector who will pay for stones others might consider worthless, Zenira sets out, but she’s met with an icy scowl, a muddy manor, and the overwhelming urge to mend the mess—owner included.

Review: 

Books and Broadswords was recommended to me by a friend. She said it was very quick and it certainly was at ~150 pages. The book has 2 short stories about dragons. 

Story one follows Feora, a dragon that hoards books. The king is after her for stealing gold and so she meets a knight that is on the hunt for the dragon. They get into a battle, and he is hurt and comes home with her. The story is a very cute love story. It was a low-stakes fantasy and was so cozy. 

Story two follows Zenira, a girl that must sell of her rock collection to make rent. She is told that there is a mysterious man that will by them. When she sees the state of his home, she returns and offers to clean it for him for pay. Both are magical and again it was a quick romance with cozy vibes. 

The epilogue brings both couples together and introduces more dragons, so I am hoping there will be more of these stories to come. 

I liked both of these stories. They had good build up and the romance was quant and cute. I also really appreciated that their hoards were not gold and gems but books and rocks.

Early Reader Review: Alice with a Why by Anna James

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Alice with a Why by Anna James 
Publisher:  Flamingo Books
Publication Date:  January 6, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

England, 1919. Alyce – with a Y – lives with her grandmother, the original Alice, having lost her father during the Great War. When a mysterious invitation to a tea party hits her square in the face, Alyce realises her grandmother’s strange stories of a place called Wonderland might have some truth to them after all.

But the land Alyce finds herself in feels different from the Wonderland of her grandmother’s stories – for it is trapped in its own war. The Sun King and the Queen of the Moon are fighting over a stolen hour, and soon Alyce is tasked with setting it right. With the help of the Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and a Sailor Fox, Alyce will have to solve Wonderland’s problems and, eventually, find her way back home.

Enter an enchanting adventure through Wonderland. Starring new characters and old favourites, Alice With a Why is both a celebration of Lewis Carroll's beloved original story, and a modern masterpiece.

Review: 

Alice with a Why follows Alyce,  Alice’s granddaughter, who is staying with her for a bit after her father’s passing. While she is there, she receives an invitation to Wonderland.

This was a delightful reimagining of the wonderful world of Wonderland and its familiar characters. We are reunited with the Mad Hatter, the Door mouse, and March Hare as well as Cheshire cat. We are also introduced to some new characters as well, like Captain Fox, Queen Moon, and King Sun. The plot follows Alyce as she is brought to Wonderland to help the residents convince the King and Queen to stop fighting and end their war with each other. 

The story is still full of nonsense at times, which I loved, as it captures the Wonderland vibe. I thought that the characters were creative and fun but probably not as unique as the originals. 

The adventure was beautifully written and very much as charming as its original. That said, I think I wanted more whimsical though and a greater sense of danger… there is no feeling of urgency or peril to the adventure (which some might enjoy).  

Overall, it was a great story, charming and enjoyable that offers a fresh take on a classic.

Building the Book Pile #510

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you had a great holiday season! I am mentally preparing to go back to work tomorrow and my motivation is severely lacking... but break was so nice. I got to spend time with family, we had more progress on house projects, I read a bunch, and sadly also had a few sick days in there. 

Overall, except for being sick, it was productive and lovely. I am happy we got some time to relax. Did you get some time off? How was it?

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: Alice with a Why by Anna James (MG)

Recent Reads: Books and Broadswords by Jessie Mihalik (Adult)

Recent Reads: Good Spirits by BK Borison (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

 

From Publishers for review consideration:

Behind Closed Doors by Shain Rose - won

Gifts

Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher 

Strange Pictures by Uketsu

He Knows When You're Awake by Alta Hensley

Murdle Volume 2

Have you missed anything lately?

Recent Reads: Fall I Want by Lyra Parish (Adult) -5 stars

Recent Reads: Love & Other Killers by Brynne Weaver (Adult, Novella) -4 stars

Recent Reads: Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood (Adult, Novella) -4 stars

Early Reader Review: An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole -4 stars

Early Reader Review: Bed Chemistry by Elizabeth McKenzie -4 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Happy 2026!

🎉✨🎉Happy New Year Everyone.🎉✨ 🎉

As we step into a brand new year, I want to thank you for being here. Your presence, support, and conversations have brought so much light to this space. Whether this past year was a whirlwind, a turning point, or simply a mix of everything, I hope the year ahead brings you clarity, joy, and moments that feel genuinely yours.

Here’s to fresh starts, steady growth, and choosing what matters most. 

I’m grateful to be sharing another chapter with you, and I can’t wait to see what we create and discover together.

Wishing you a peaceful, hopeful, and beautifully bright New Year! 

XO - Steph