Early Reader Review: What's for Dinner? by Larysa Maliush

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

What's for Dinner? by Larysa Maliush 
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 17, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Precious bunny Bunkins meets a ferocious new friend in this laugh-out-loud tale that proves not all Big Wolves are bad!

Wolves eat bunnies. Or do they?

One night, Big Gray Wolf finds a bunny in the forest. According to Wolf Rules, he has to eat it. But it’s so tiny, and so fluffy! What’s more, the rabbit family has promised a scrumptious feast to anyone who brings Bunkins home safe. What’s a wolf to do?

Review: 

Short review for a short book.

What's for Dinner? Is about a wolf that is supposed to eat anything/ anyone that is found in the forest after dark... and he comes across a bunny. The bunny, named Bunkins, has a note on him that mentions a big meal if he is returned home.

This was a cute picture book with fun and detailed images. It was great to see a nice wolf in a story. This one decides to help Bunkins. They go on a little adventure to get him back home and the wolf is happy to find a great meal waiting for him. 

Overall, this was a fun illustrated children's book about doing the right thing and both the wolf and Bunkins are fun characters to follow. I think young kids and parents will enjoy the book.

Early Reader Review: Witch of the Shadow Wood by Tori Anne Martin

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in now way alters my opinion or review. 

Witch of the Shadow Wood by Tori Anne Martin 

Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  March 10, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A feminist cozy romantasy retelling of the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, complete with a sapphic love story and a revenge tale, from USA Today bestselling author Tori Anne Martin, perfect for fans of The Spellshop.

Fifteen years ago, a little girl’s father bartered her away to the old witch in the woods for some magic. Abandoned by her brother, Hans, who promised to keep her safe, Greta learns to embrace her new life as an apprentice to the witch, and starts a new life as Miria.

Two years ago, she rescued a young woman who was lost in those woods, and she fell in love.

Just now, she learned that woman was engaged--against her will--to a man who once was complicit in trading his little sister, who'd used the magic her life had bought to give her former family wealth and power beyond measure, and then forgot all about her.

Soon, the young witch will leave the woods. Stop the wedding. Save the woman she loves. Get revenge.

But beyond the woods, nothing is ever that simple.

Review: 

Witch of the Shadow Wood is a loose Hansel and Gretel retelling focusing on the siblings getting separated and instead of an evil witch, Greta is bought by a witch that then trains her to also become a witch. The plot centers on Greta as she learns more and also falls in love with a girl she finds lost in the woods.  Greta takes on her new life as Miria and becomes a witch in the woods herself, and now she is set on helping Adaline get out of an arranged marriage. 

I was really curious how this book was going to balance being both a cozy cottage vibe and a revenge story. The cozy atmosphere comes through well in the beginning, especially in the quiet moments in the woods and Miria’s new life learning magic. But once the plot starts moving toward revenge and confrontation, the tone feels a little less cozy. There isn’t a lot of violence, but the shift in stakes makes the vibe change a bit.

One of the strongest parts of the book for me was the slow-burn romance between Miria and Adaline. Their relationship develops in a sweet, gentle way that fits the cozy fantasy elements. I also thought the characters were well developed, particularly Greta/Miria. I enjoyed the flashbacks showing her learning magic and growing into her role as a witch. Her relationship with her Nana/Yali added a lot of warmth to the story.

That said, the timeline was sometimes confusing. The story moves between past and present quite a bit, and at times the shifts felt jumbled. Because of that, some of the emotional moments didn’t land as strongly as they might have if the narrative had been more linear.

The revenge plot and the mystery surrounding the sick children were interesting ideas, but they really only start to take shape in the second half of the book. Because of that, the pacing felt quite slow, and some readers might struggle to stay engaged until the story fully picks up or give up on it entirely. If you are able to hold on, the ending is very sweet and the twists more the plot along swiftly. 

Overall, this was an interesting feminist retelling with strong character development and a sweet romance, but the uneven pacing and timeline jumps kept it from fully landing for me.

DNF Review: Spellbound by Murder by Stacie Ramey

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in now way alters my feedback or review. 

Spellbound by Murder by Stacie Ramey 

Series: A Mystic Hollow Bookshop Mystery #1
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Publication Date:  March 10, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating: DNF at 35%


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Gilmore Girls meets Charmed in this spellbinding cozy mystery featuring a magical bookshop run by three generations of women.

When her grandmother suffers a nasty fall and asks for help managing the family business, coffee-addicted single mother Veronica Blackthorne moves her sixteen-year-old romcom-obsessed daughter to Mystic Hollow, Connecticut. Veronica is ecstatic to return to New England but when she arrives, she quickly finds out that Mystic Hollow Books, her grandmother’s pride and joy, needs more than a little TLC.

Hoping to save the bookstore from a big box rival, Veronica enlists her sometimes-mentor and sometimes-crush Adam Whitford, a controversial but popular author, as the keynote speaker to kick off a literary festival that will hopefully bring in a new wave of customers. But when Adam turns up dead, all that romantic potential turns into a nightmare as Veronica becomes the prime suspect in his murder.

As the local sheriff investigates his murder, Veronica decides to take matters into her own hands to solve the case and clear her name. With the bookstore’s future on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Until her gran reveals the biggest secret of all–the bookstore is magical and it was a botched love spell that led to this entire mess.

Witty and heartfelt, this mystery explores the price of magic and how it might be more hefty than one can hope, perfect for fans of Amanda Flower and Nina Simon.

Review: 

I was initially drawn in by the note about Gilmore Girls and Charmed vibes, but unfortunately it felt like the book wanted to be those shows rather than simply be inspired by them.  The plot felt too in the weeds with those fandoms for me to fully immerse myself in the story that was meant to be here. 

The sarcastic (or what they thought was witty) vocabulary lessons came across as more pretentious than clever, which made it harder to connect with the characters.  The mother read much younger and more naïve than I expected, and I found myself wishing the daughter and especially the grandmother had been given more depth and focus or even the spotlight really, I think I could have connected with them better. 

In the end, the plot just didn’t carve out enough of its own identity for me to stay invested. I set it down and moved on. 

That said, I think that if you are looking for something that heavily relies on its inspirations and are a lover of Gilmore Girls or charmed, this could be for you. I stopped right as they mystery was starting to unfold, so there might be some fun that I missed out on.

Early Reader Review: Davy: A Garden for Everyone by Brigitte Weninger

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

Davy: A Garden for Everyone by Brigitte Weninger, Illustrated by Eve Tharlet 
Series: Davy
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:   March 10, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

This final title in the celebrated Davy series is a warm-hearted, intergenerational story about helping one's neighbors and gardening as a community.

In Davy’s neighborhood there’s a garden that was once beautiful, but is now all overgrown. The elderly owner can no longer take care of it, and she urgently needs help. Luckily, Davy and his family come to the rescue! A charming tale about cooperation and community spirit.

Review: 

I didn't realize this was a part of a series, but it was fine as a stand alone book as well. This was a cute introduction to Davy, a little rabbit. In this installment he helps his neighbor reclaim their garden from overgrowth and saves it from a sudden downpour that threatens to flood all their hard work.

The story gives off strong 'sharing is caring' vibes and has cute, soft, but detail illustrations. Children will like the family of rabbits and their little world. The story is sweet and heartwarming.

Parents will like the positive message of helping others and it is a quick read with lovely images. 

Overall this is a cute book coming just in time for Spring. Readers will enjoy the pastel tones and gardening themes right around the time that many places are experiencing them in the real world as well. 

Early Reader Review: The Twelve by Joey Graceffa

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

The Twelve by Joey Graceffa  

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  February 24, 2026 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

From New York Times bestselling author and renowned creator Joey Graceffa comes a pulse-pounding YA fantasy where witches hunt witches, magic has a price, and sisterhood is the only thing standing between light and darkness.

Welcome to the coven.

Each month, a Zodiac Witch is born, her magic written by the stars.

Ophelia and Serena—twin sisters born on the cusp of Pisces and Aries—are trapped in the cold confines of an orphanage until fate rips them from obscurity. Suddenly, they are invited into The Twelve, a powerful coven. To join, they must swear to hunt Dark Witches, creatures of spectral beauty and razor-sharp teeth who survive by siphoning magic from young witches.

On a secret island, protected by their new sisters, Ophelia and Serena train to use their powers. Serena commands Lightning, raw and untamed. Ophelia wields Water, quiet and waiting. Their paths shift—one chasing power, the other resisting—as the sisters find themselves caught between two destinies. Some choices can never be undone but they must decide, because magic does not wait, and the darkness is coming for them in ways they could never imagine. After all, the stars never shine without casting shadows.

Review: 

The Twelve follows a coven of teen witches that are born into powers based on the Zodiac. It's a YA fantasy that was a pretty good showing overall. 

I found myself genuinely connecting with the characters, their experiences were wrapped in some reality and that was a nice touch. Ophelia and Serena feel like two sides of the same coin. Ophelia is quiet, observant, and constantly analyzing everything around her. Serena, on the other hand, is impulsive, emotional, and driven by instinct. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of their POVs. Seeing the same world and events filtered through such different lenses added depth to the story and made their diverging paths feel natural rather than forced as they struggled through their new lives.

The magic system a fun one. The idea of Zodiac-based witches is such a strong concept, I would have liked a little more information around if the power is based on the sign (seems like this one) or the personality. I do wish there had been a clear list of the Zodiac witches and their corresponding powers either at the beginning or end of the book (maybe there will be in a final copy, I’m not sure). With so many signs and abilities in play, a reference guide would have been a nice thing to have. 

Pacing-wise, the story moves fast, almost too fast at times. There’s a lot of action packed into a short timeline, which makes it exciting and hard to put down. That said, there were a few small moments where the timeline felt slightly stretched by how much was happening (for example, it didn’t always feel like there was realistically enough time for certain events, ex. like digging graves and burying the deceased amid everything else going on). It didn’t ruin the story for me, but it was noticeable.

I also appreciated the exploration of light versus dark, not just in a simple good-versus-evil way, but in the grey spaces both sides occupy. The moral ambiguity added an extra layer of intrigue and made the conflict feel deeper as an adult reader.

Overall, this was an engaging YA fantasy with compelling sisters, an intriguing magic system, and strong momentum. Definitely worth the read.

Blog Tour: Review - Catch the Flame by Juliana Stone

Catch the Flame by Juliana Stone  

• Series: Fire Lake #1
• Publisher: Choc Lit
• Publication Date: February 12, 2026 
• 288 Pages
• Genres: Romance, Adult

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From Zoe Book Tours for review.

About the Book:

Get ready for your next small-town reading obsession! The brand-new, spicy romance, from bestselling author Juliana Stone, is perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Catherine Cowles.

🔥        Small-town

🔥        Grumpy x Sunshine

🔥        Sizzling heat

🔥        Mystery

🔥        Forced Proximity

🔥        Brooding hero

I came to Fire Lake to outrun my past.

A broken-down car, an empty wallet and one loyal dog — that’s all I had when I stumbled into this small town I didn’t plan to stay in.

Then I met Gus Lawson.

Ex–Navy SEAL. Carpenter. Six-foot-five of trouble wrapped in muscle and quiet control. He’s the kind of man who can fix anything — except whatever’s broken inside him.

I tell myself I don’t care. But every time his gaze finds mine, my resolve cracks a little more.

His touch scorches. His kiss tastes like danger. And when he says my name, I forget every reason I ever had to run.

He’s not the kind of man you fall for — he’s the kind you burn for.

And I’m already going up in flames.

This small-town romance, packed with sizzling heat and mystery is perfect for fans of Elsie Silver, Catherine Cowles, Paisley Hope, Samantha Christy, Lyla Sage and Elle Nicoll.

Rating: 

Catch the Flame is a romance about Faith and Gus, one running from their past, and another running toward it. They find themselves in Fire Lake dealing with their own personal issues, and both with a lot of family drama driving them. 

Faith has come to Fire Lake to get away from her life and start over. She has her dog Taco and she is apprehensive but determined to make it on her own. Her personality is guarded, but she tries to stay in good spirits.  Gus is a grump, he came to town possibly to confront his past, but he isn't really sure yet. He is a loner and although hot according to most of the town, not interested in anyone or anything really. 

They are forced together by the town, Faith needs a ride and they are living in the same location, and from there they find themselves drawn to each other more regularly. Both unwilling to give up anything about themselves or why they are in Fire Lake. 

This was a cute romance, slow to get going with lots of secrets, the tension between the MCs was well done. At about the half way point we start to see the forced-proximity take effect and from there Gus and Faith are fireworks for each other. 

The story is told in alternating POVs and there are a bunch of interesting side characters  (making this a great location for lots of romance opportunities for the author?). The pacing is steady, it did take a few chapters for me to feel 'in it.' The chemistry between the characters was good and I always appreciate a broody man. I am not sure I would go as far as to calling Faith "sunshine" to his grump, but together they are adorable.

While the family drama was a main piece of both characters, I feel like the ending was a bit rushed. Especially for Faith. Her resolution seemed too quickly concluded, while Gus' seemed to take more priority.

Overall, the story was a good one. I liked that there was mystery between them and they were still able to find each other and fall for each other. Super cute romance with a bit of spice. If you like a small-town romance with a bit of mystery/ false identity and a dog that really steals the show, this one might be for you.

Meet the Author

USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between golf, pickle ball, books, and music. She writes both YA and adult contemporary romance novels that have been called ‘achingly beautiful’ and have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist. With her sweet dog Pinot at her side, she writes these novels in a quaint town on a lake in Canada. 

Find the Author

Instagram | Website

 

Early Reader Review: Goodbye, French Fry by Rin-rin Yu

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

Goodbye, French Fry by Rin-rin Yu  

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Date:  February 17, 2026 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

A sparkling debut novel featuring a Chinese American girl doing her best to stay true to herself in a world that often judges

Some days Ping-Ping feels like she just can’t win. She was born in the US, so it’s frustrating when people are surprised by how American she is, but her Chinese relatives feel she’s not Chinese enough. But the things bugging her the most lately are her classmate Lee Beaumont, who has taken to calling her “French Fry” because of the tofu sticks she eats at lunch, and the possibility that her family will have to relocate to Kenya for her father’s UN job. Of all the things Ping-Ping loves, her home and best friend are at the top of the list, and she’d hate to have to leave them. What’s a girl to do when she can’t be in as much control as she’d like to be? Well, good thing Ping-Ping is a wiz at taekwondo—she’s learning how to kick her frustrations away, and there’s almost nothing she can’t master if she puts her mind to it. Rin-rin Yu has written a warm and funny family story that will have kids rooting for Ping-Ping—a girl who is ready to kick all the assumptions made about her aside! 

Review: 

This book was a warm, engaging slice-of-life middle grade story. The plot has a strong focus on identity, belonging, and growing up. We follow Ping-Ping, a Chinese American girl born in the US who constantly feels caught between two worlds. Strangers might be surprised by how American she is, while her Chinese relatives often note that she isn't Chinese enough. On top of her struggles with identity, she is also being bullied at school and has a lot of anxiety around a possible move out of the US for her dad's job.

The book captures Ping-Ping's anxiety and emotional uncertainty well. Her fears of losing things she has known and giving up more control, all feel very authentic and relatable to this age group. I thought that her taekwondo lessons were a nice parallel to her emotional growth, and gave her some confidence in herself. 

All that said, I felt that the chapters tended to jump from one problem to the next versus flowing naturally though Ping-Ping's life, this made it feel choppy and disjointed at times. While this is probably a norm in Middle Grade books to ensure they stay on the shorter side, it pulled me out of the story a bit. 

Despite that, the book and story were a thoughtful one. I liked Ping-Ping and I think that she deals with some important themes and young readers will like this book and relate to it well. It was realistic and I think parents and young readers will have a fun time reading about Ping-Ping and her life.

Early Reader Review: Postscript by Cory McCarthy

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

Postscript by Cory McCarthy 

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Publication Date:  February 17, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

From Stonewall Honoree Cory McCarthy, a heartbreaking, joyful, read-it-in-one-sitting YA novel about the last of us.

“I’m not sure the how-pocalypse changes anything. I don’t think about it; this is hard enough.”

   This is a depopulated archipelago off the coast of Massachusetts, home to a tiny handful of sapiens sifting the remnants of civilization for scraps of comfort and joy. 

    There’s no sense in trying to figure out exactly how humans got to this place of endless gray skies and so many mass graves—that’s a very long letter no one has the heart to read again. What matters is this fleeting postscript, a strangely joyous house of bones built by an unlikely quintet of survivors.

Review: 

Such a strange read - I wasn't really sure what I had read and it took a few reflection days for me to finally write a review for it. 

Postscript is about a post-apocalyptic world. West is on a boat and is sold to Emil. Emil introduces West to a compound that he knows about on an island of Cape Cod. Where he is further introduced to Ani and Kay.

During this dystopian mess, it is always warm and Cape Cod is now like a tropical island (or so it seems). West is child-like having been through the apocalypse at age 12. Now older, still curious about things, and very child-like still he realizes that he has feelings for Emil. 

The story was really strange in that there really isn't a fully fleshed out plot... it is just about being in the moment with these survivors. Emil paints a very anti-gun agenda, West revives your sense of wonder and curiosity, and Kay and Ani evoke feelings of strength but also grief. The book is haunting in that way, but the found family aspect is comforting. The book is very short, more novella than novel, and the ending is sad. It felt more like verse than full narrative at times, as the imagery is told through vignettes versus explanation and details.

While odd and confusing for its lack of detail, this was full of emotion. If you are looking for something on the shorter side and aren't afraid of the discomfort you might feel from this book - this could be for you.

Early Reader Review: Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor

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

Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor 
Series: Verran Isles #1
Publisher: Slowburn
Publication Date:  February 10, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

She is not the pet they tamed.

Blessed with the power of illusion, Iverson Pomeroy has many tricks up her sleeve. However, none of them are a match for the enchanted collar at her throat that keeps her bound as assassin and mistress to a ruthless king. Forced to play the role of his obedient pet, she plots in secret to destroy him and claim the freedom she has always been denied.

She is the beast they let inside.

When a mysterious reaper, Thorne, arrives in the city with his sights set on the same weapon Ivy needs—the only artifact that can remove her collar—s

With a tenuous alliance tying them together, Ivy learns there is more to her reluctant companion than meets the eye... He sparks her curiosity and ignites dangerous desires within her. But will the secrets they harbor destroy each other? And does it even matter, when anyone who so much as touches Thorne dies?

he must decide how far she’s willing to go.

And she will show no mercy.

Review: 

I have been finding some great romantasy lately and I am here for it.

Heir of Illusion follows Ivy, bound by the king with magic, she has to use her power of illusion to do his bidding. Mostly that means being his assassin but sadly she also fell into the trap of being his lover as well. Essentially a glorified slave, Ivy is not ok with her situation and is looking for a way to break free when Thorne enters her world. A dark and mysterious Reaper, who makes her feel things she doesn't want to explain and he is in her way.

The plot follows her and Thorne through learning that the magic they seek is the same, and there are so many twists. Some were predictable but others were so wonderfully jarring. I have so many questions, in a good way, and cannot wait until book two. 

Ivy, while strong, is also broken and her character was the perfect blend of 'I will kill you' and 'I am hopeless'. She is stubborn and won't ask for help but in comes Thorne with his 'who hurt you' mentality and shadow-daddy nature was swoon-worthy. Thorne was frustrating at times though with the mystery and evading, but in the end it all comes together so wonderfully. 

I really enjoyed the story overall but there are a fair number if triggers, so be aware. Here are a few: domestic abuse, physical abuse, torture, murder, violence. The villain here is really horrible in every way. 

The worldbuilding was good and immersive, and the characters absolutely drive the story forward. The emotional arcs and slow-burn relationship tension were perfection. While I gave this 5 stars, I did find myself wanting a bit more depth and clarity around the magic system itself but expect the series to further enlighten us along the way. The foundations were intriguing, but the rules and limitations could have been explained a bit more. 

Overall, the character dynamics, great tropes, and momentum more than carry the story, making it an addicting read! Be prepared for the triggers and some spice, but if you like a longer fantasy read with that touch her and die vibe, this is certainly for you.

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.