Jul 30, 2025

Early Reader Review: Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party by Katie Risor

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

Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party by Katie Risor  

Series: Welcome to the Forest
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date:  August 5, 2025



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Synopsis: 
A group of quirky forest creatures embark on heartwarming adventures in this graphic novel series opener featuring original gouache art. Perfect for beginning readers and graphic novel fans, especially those who love the Studio Ghibli films and Tove Jansson's Moomin. Includes nonfiction information at the back of the book​ about the autumnal season.

Deep in the heart of the Forest lives a handful of monsters. The Forest is home to many creatures, big and small, like:
boisterous Mossman, who is much kinder than he looks;
cautious but cheerful Wallace; 
carefree, kind Grumpkin;
and a sweet, mysterious entity named Shadow. 
The creatures prove that every day is an adventure as new discoveries draw them closer together.

In this book, readers will get a glimpse at the woodland creatures' lives and discover three bite-sized stories, perfect for the autumnal harvest season. In Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party, Mossman and Wallace decorate pumpkins, Grumpkin meets a new friend, and the creatures celebrate fall with a lively Harvest Party.
Review: 
This was such a cute and cozy graphic novel about a group of forest friends: Mossman, Wallace, Grumpkin, and Shadow who are planning a harvest party. Each short story within the graphic novel focuses on themes of friendship, with the tales building toward the big celebration. The bite-sized chapters make it easy for younger readers to take breaks if needed, which I felt was a thoughtful touch.

One feature I really appreciated was the use of a dyslexia-friendly font. It was easy to read and makes the book more accessible to a wider audience. The illustrations were absolutely lovely—full of rich, warm color and charming fall vibes that perfectly captured the spirit of the season.

The storytelling is well-balanced between the visuals and the text, and I especially liked that it wasn’t overly text-heavy, which works well for a graphic novel format. This is a heartwarming and visually engaging read that both kids and adults will enjoy—and there’s a good chance every reader will see a bit of themselves in at least one of these delightful characters. 

Overall, I think this will be a great fall/ autumn read for all ages.

Jul 28, 2025

Recent DNFs


Sometimes a book just doesn't hit right and I am trying to take back my time and power over these ones...I don't want to struggle through them, I just want to put them down  - for now or for good. 

The below notes are just my current feelings around these books - that does NOT mean that they were bad, I just wasn't feeling them. Feel free to pick them up!



In the Did Not Finish... vibe is off, might pick back up category...

Fateless by Julie Kagawa 
Series: Fateless #1
Publisher: HarperCollins 
Publication Date:  July 15, 2025


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Deep in the forgotten city of the Deathless Kings, an ancient relic of untold power waits—for one bold enough to steal it.

When seventeen-year-old Sparrow joined the Thieves Guild she made a vow of binding loyalty to their cause. So when a mission comes along from The Circle, a group of mysterious, dangerous beings who control the Thieves Guild from the shadows, Sparrow is determined to cement her place in the guild.

What ensues is a death-defying adventure that has Sparrow and her band of thieves venturing into the heart of the forgotten city of the Deathless King. The fate of Sparrow, her companions, and Raithe, the enigmatic yet alluring assassin Sparrow is forced to join forces with during their quest, all hang in the balance as they find themselves battling ancient forces within the tombs and facing the unwavering hold of fate.

Perfect for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Sabaa Tahir, this new fantasy trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Julie Kagawa will sweep readers into a bold and exciting new world, where a twisted game of destiny has far-reaching consequences.

Why I DNFed...
I am a bit sad about this one, I wanted to love it and finish it, but I got through Part 1 ~50% done and just had no push to pick it up. At about the 15% mark I even bought the Audible edition (with my own $/credit) to see if that helped, and it did for a bit. 

I think that this has a good story in it, I am just not fully invested. Sparrow the FMC is a thief/ rogue who is young but accomplished. However, these types of characters even when young generally have the trust no one attitude and she consistently says 'every man for themselves' but she doesn't quite get it and it gets her into trouble. So the character class lost me a bit. I also felt like there was more telling than showing, and I would have loved more showing because it seems like this world could be a really cool one. 

I think I may grab this one again, just not at the moment - putting it on pause for the time being. 

If you like video games like Assassins Creed and fantasy books  - this could be for you.


In the Did Not Finish … and unlikely to pick back up category...

A Sky So Hollow by 
Craig Montgomery 
Series: The Stardust Duology #2
Publisher: Craig Montgomery
Publication Date:  
July 7, 2025
  
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true

Goodreads Synopsis: 
Some wounds never heal…

It’s been a few months since Casper Bell saved Novilem from crumbling under the pressure of revolution. The dust hasn’t settled, and neither has his nerves. A strange sickness is spreading in the city, and Casper is having visions about the tower Jacob sent to the Surface. Helix convinces him to bring his concerns to the Estellar council, but Helix’s trust in the system backfires. They send the pair to the last place Casper wants to be: Earth.

Casper’s past is right where he left it and corrupted aether still creeps on the streets of Chicago. When they find someone who is aether sick, it is clear they haven’t finished uncovering the council’s secrets.

With their friends and family falling sick, the fragile peace in Novilem collapsing, and the council ready to abandon the home they have fought so hard to protect, Casper and Helix must confront their inner darkness before Novilem is lost forever.
Why I DNFed 
No real fault of the author - but my ARC would not stay downloaded on my Kindle and it was driving me insane. Any time I wanted to read it would act like it never downloaded and queue up to download... then after multiple clicks finally let me into the book.

...That compounded with the fact that I was not really that invested in the characters or story, put this in the DNF pile. I enjoyed the first one and think that this one just fell at the wrong time for me.

I made it 23% in. At that point in the plot - we had covered most of the things noted in the synopsis - Casper a hero but having visions, no one taking them seriously, Helix loooooves him, and they go to Chicago for a bit and have to bring someone back because they have aether sickness. While it was flowing, I wasn't fully committed - sorry.

If you like a good sci-fi and are looking for some LGBTQ+ rep, this could be for you.

Jul 24, 2025

Blog Blast w/ Giveaway!: Seven Hundred Beachfront by Ligia de Wit



Seven Hundred Beachfront by
Ligia de Wit
Publication date: July 22nd 2025
Genres: Adult, Magical Realism, Romance, Women’s Fiction

About the Book:

Some places hold memories. Others have opinions.

I didn’t mean to run again.
But when life gets tangled, I untangle it by leaving. And this time, my escape came with strings attached: a five-year-old brother I never signed up to care for, a seaside town I barely remember, and a tattered house on stilts that belongs in Renter’s Hell.

I told myself it was just for the summer. A break. A pause. A way to escape the people I care about but can’t seem to fit with anymore, and the choices I don’t know how to fix.

But the sea doesn’t let you stay distant for long.

Then there’s him. Quiet. Grumpy. Mysterious. The kind of man who doesn’t ask questions, but somehow sees more than he should. I don’t even like talking to him, and yet… here we are. Sharing long silences. Unexpected moments. Maybe even something more.

And as for the house? Let’s just say it has opinions—and it’s not afraid to share them.

Seven Hundred Beachfront is a heartfelt, magical story about learning to stay, letting people in, and discovering that healing doesn’t always come the way you expect it. But when it does, you’ll feel it down to your bones.

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20


Carole hadn’t sent a thing to keep him busy, damn woman, and I’d only used the TV for movies. Wait a sec—Jessie left a Star Wars movie at my place, the first one, so I should have it here.

“No Scooby, kiddo,” I said while looking in the boxes, “but you’re gonna like this one. It’s the real thing, not a single goofy character one mile near it.”

“ ’Kay.” He sat on the old, flowery couch and gazed at me, expectant.

“How do you want your fish?” I asked while putting the movie on, realizing I had no idea what Bobby liked.

“Dead.”

I gave a small smile. “But how do you like it prepared? Pan fried?”

“No. Like Mom does it.” He lifted his little arms and mimed putting something in a pan. “Like this.”

“You’re not much help, kiddo. I’ll cook it pan fried.”

“ ’Kay,” Bobby whispered, gaze down.

After leaving him with the movie, I got ready to cook. The stove burners were a little rusty but worked. I prepared pan-fried fish, along with steamed vegetables and wild rice. Maybe I didn’t have many accomplishments in my life, but, damn, I could cook. It had been either that or be resigned to eating frozen dinners.

When other kids watched cartoons, I watched cooking shows. At ten, I prepared chicken cordon-bleu. Even Aunt Marie was impressed. Carole just grimaced. It’s overcooked, she’d said.

The aroma of spices and well-cooked fish filled the space, and any knot in my body vanished.

My cell rang, and I picked it up, frowning at the caller ID. “Hey,” I answered flatly.

“Honey!” Carole’s voice came clear. “Darling, you have no idea what a marvelous flight we had.” She laughed, evidently delighted. “First class. The only way to fly. Don’t you ever dare fly coach again, Beverly.”

“Sure. Will do that next time I fly overseas in, I don’t know, my next life, I guess.”

“Oh, don’t be such a bore! Don’t you want me to spill the tea, girlfriend?”

She giggled. Giggled.

“Are you drunk, Mother?”

She sobered up. Nothing like reminding Carole of the maternity role she’d never wanted.

“Sweetheart, you are such a bore.”

I put her on speaker and placed one of my unopened boxes on the counter while Carole talked nonstop about her marvelous, fantastic flight and the wonderful five-star hotel in Madrid.

My Lladró figurine lay wrapped in newspaper. Carefully, I unwrapped it and placed it on the counter. Crap, one of the fruits had broken off.

“Bobby and I are okay,” I managed to say when she took a small pause. “The house’s too old, though. I don’t know if this is a good place for me.”

The wind moaned, and the noisy branch thumped above.

“You haven’t asked me a thing about Madrid,” Carole complained. “Make sure to check the pictures I posted because they are a-ma-zing. I already have more than one-hundred likes!”

“Thank heavens for the social media gods.”

“Don’t give me that snarky tone of yours. You need more good energy in your life, girlfriend. You need a man.”

“Ugh, please.”

“You do. And not that silly cowboy—”

“Gary’s a friend. One of my best friends, actually. Since you’re my girlfriend, then you certainly remember I’ve known him since the seventh grade.”


About the Author

Ligia de Wit writes fantasy romance adventures with heart, humor, and just the right dose of magic. A lifelong romantic with a soft spot for fairy tales and found family tropes, Ligia writes characters who are strong in more than just a physical sense. Her characters face fears, fight for themselves, and find love in the most unexpected places.

When she’s not writing (or rewriting) her imaginary worlds, she works for a global distribution company and dreams up stories during lunch breaks. You’ll often find her with her nose in a book, exploring a new city, hiking through forests, or acting like a total goof at theme parks. She’s a proud kid at heart—and owns it.

Find the Author

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram


GIVEAWAY!


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Jul 22, 2025

Early Reader Review: All Are Welcome by Gwen Tarpley

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

All Are Welcome by Gwen Tarpley 
Series: Cat Cafe #3
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: July 29, 2025  



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Join Cat, Rabbit, Penguin, and the rest of the team in this delightful new comic collection for middle grade readers! All are Welcome offers young readers delightful comics full of friendship and fun. 

According to the School Library Journal, Cat Cafe "makes you feel good because it’s a place where you are accepted, no matter who you are or how you feel."

The comic book equivalent of a cozy blanket, Cat’s Café takes you by the hand and carefully guides you away from all the darkness in life. Freeing the warm and floofies within, Cat’s Café offers a world that understands you. In this new comic collection for middle grade readers, fans will find new levels cuteness, heartwarming moments, and learn more about their favorite characters. Along with the familiar stories of mental health and friendship that Cat’s Café is known for, author Gwen Tarpley also uses characters like Rabbit to share her most authentic self with the world. So, grab your favorite mug and brew, and sip, laugh, and cheer as you curl up with the newest installment of Cat’s Café. 
Review: 
This graphic novel is an absolute gem. It is bursting with heart, humor, and brightly colored, animal-filled comics that explore so many important themes in short, impactful moments. From emotional support and mental health to friendship, anxiety, small wins, asking for help, and the underrated joys of everyday life, All Are Welcome covers it all with tenderness and charm.

I’ve always loved Cat’s Café—it truly feels like a warm hug in book form. Whether it’s Rabbit doing a rain dance just to stay snuggled up at home, or the painfully relatable quote “I sleep. I happy. I wake. I sad.” (because mornings are SO hard!)...these comics strike a perfect balance between comfort and emotional honesty.

The fall-themed pages were my personal favorite with the cozy vibes that I love to see in illustrations. There was also a really cute full-page of a DnD scene, and the LOTR references? Absolutely adorable. Frododo and Lambwise stole my heart. (SO fricken cute!)

This is a beautifully affirming read that reminds you it’s okay to feel things deeply, to ask for support, and to find joy in the little things. Highly recommended for readers of all ages who need a little light and love in their day. Cat and his friends are here for you. 

Jul 16, 2025

Blog Blitz: How to Date a Prince by Hayden Stone


How to Date a Prince by Hayden Stone
Publication date: July 15th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20 

About the Book: 

What happens when the British Crown Prince falls in love with an American man who opposes the monarchy?

Prince Auggie swears he’s no kind of dashing prince: daydreamer, private—and also secretly very gay. He’s instantly horrified when his father, reality TV addict King James, signs Auggie up for a reality TV show to promote the monarchy, where the man with the most talents wins—and to help find Auggie a bride, the very last thing Auggie wants. But duty calls.

When Auggie finds out his co-star is irritatingly gorgeous Thomas Golden, the charismatic dual American-English heir to the Golden hotel fortune, it’s another step too far. There’s at least one problem: Prince Auggie’s already recently crossed paths with Thomas Golden one disastrous night in a London club. Plus, there’s that whole second not-so-small, not-so-secret problem—the Golden family wants to get rid of the monarchy.

Once Auggie and Thomas arrive on set in the English countryside, it’s already unapologetically hate at first sight. It’s going to be a very long summer of filming…until sparks fly behind the scenes, leading them to make a searing heatwave all their own. But soon, real reality strikes, and Auggie must choose between the life he’s destined for as the future king—or dare risk everything for love.

An enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, feel-good gay royal rom-com.

For fans of Red, White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and The Unlikely Heir.

 



In my next life, I’ll be reborn as Harry Styles. Or maybe as the reincarnation of Taylor Swift. I’ll still be famous if I must, but I’ll be famous due to my talent instead of my chance birth as a royal. I’m quite sure I’m a negative ten on the talent-o-meter.

Everything else is just genetics. And training.

It’s Friday night in London, and Mayfair glitters. When I step out of the black SUV, straightening to my full height, I pause in the drizzle for the cameras on the red carpet at the charity ball. Snapping shutters echo, and a familiar blinding flash dazzles my eyes.

I give my best public smile and stop in a flattering pose, then strike another pose for my best angles like the Danish prince once taught me during a secret fling. Work it, babe, Prince Theodor coached me then as we drank spicy margaritas, which incidentally led to more spice.

More confidence, more sultry. Hand on my hip and a three-quarter turn to the cameras.

The crowd cheers their approval as I’m blinded by the lights. I wave, smile broadly, and carry on, mindful of not tripping over my own feet.

“Prince Auggie! Over here!”

“Prince Auggie—where’s Katie? I’ll be your date!”

“Prince Auggie, come back!”

Tonight, I’m shamelessly selling the image of charming Prince Auggie, future British monarch. I’d like to meet him too, to be honest, because he’s great in the press. Cool guy. From the outside, he has it together. The media and public are fascinated, so somehow, I must be doing something right. Or quite possibly, I’m doing something wrong enough that the media sticks to me waiting for my next mistake.

I’m all kitted up in an edgy mohair tux that an up-and-coming London designer sent over to me. I’m at least looking the part of the dashing prince, even if I can’t get over the idea that the dashing prince is supposed to be me.

To be fair, I do look good enough, taking after my mum—see genetics above—though I wish I loved crowds like she had. The looks balance out the panic, my friend Gav told me. He said it’s heaps of fun not knowing what I might blurt out next. For him, maybe. Meanwhile, I try to keep my mouth shut as a preventative measure in case something messy accidentally spills out.

“Prince Auggie, is it true you’re still single?”

“Prince Auggie, would you take a photo with me? It’s my birthday!”

I pause and go to the young woman at the barrier for a photo taken by her friend. The paparazzi goes wild. We both grin, and for a moment, I pretend I’m carefree. “Happy birthday,” I say, on my best behavior as she gives a small curtsy. “How do you do.”

She blushes, too tongue-tied to speak.

My father, the King, told me not to be too extra tonight, as if he can sniff out rising rebellion like the dawn breaks each day. I’m kind of horrified that he knows what being extra means. And that he’s applied being extra to me, specifically. Nothing good can come of that. Especially when I’ve been on my best behavior the last few months.

Which is why I asked the stylist at the earlier magazine shoot I’m coming from to give me a smoky-eye look for evening, after we bonded over our favorite makeup. She tousled my medium-length, light reddish-brown—blond if you’re generous during the summer—hair with product. Plus, a touch of contouring never hurt anyone. Use those cheekbones for the good of the kingdom, she told me, because it’s your royal duty to the people.



About the Author

More animal than mineral, Hayden Stone is a writer of fun queer fiction, especially with kissing. He currently lives in Victoria, Canada, and has previously lived in Vancouver, Canada and London, UK. He likes strong coffee and is owned by two cats. You can find out his latest news on Twitter or Instagram, or at his website: haydenstonebooks.com

Find the Author 

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok





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Jul 14, 2025

Recent Reads: Deep End by Ali Hazelwood


Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Publisher: Berkley 
Publication Date: February 4, 2025 



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Paperback
Source: Bought/ Own


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 
A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis.

Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A Junior at Stanford and a student-athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from the injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships—at least, that’s what she tells herself.

Swim captain, world champion, all-around aquatics golden boy, Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It’s how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus, with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes.

So they start an arrangement. And as the pressure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes that her heart might be treading into dangerous water...
Review: 
~~TBR Pile Pull~~

In Deep End, competitive diver Scarlett Vandermeer is laser-focused on recovering from an injury, getting into med school, and avoiding any romantic distractions. Lukas Blomqvist, a world-champion swimmer and Stanford’s swim captain, is equally committed to discipline and Olympic dreams. When a shared secret pulls them into each other’s orbit, they agree to a no-strings fling—one that quickly gets complicated as real feelings begin to surface.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Scarlett and Lukas—Ali Hazelwood knows how to build tension and chemistry, and the banter between these two was spot-on. One of the things I consistently appreciate in Hazelwood’s writing is her sharp, clever dialogue, and this book delivered on that front. While this story leans more into the world of student athletics than STEM, I liked that there were still nods to the academic side, keeping it in line with Hazelwood’s brand.

This book felt a little different from Hazelwood’s typical swoony romances—it had a solid pace, satisfying relationship build-up, and some nice character development. However, there were a few things that pulled me out of the story. Pen, the best friend, was overly involved in the relationship and mentioned far too often; it became distracting and a bit irritating. The kink element, while clearly central to the relationship, felt pretty tame and occasionally veered into cringey territory. I also found myself wanting more emotional depth from both leads. Still, the “he falls first” trope and engaging banter kept me hooked, and overall, I found it to be an enjoyable read.

Jul 13, 2025

Building the Book Pile #495

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday!

Back home and while I love the summer, we don't have central AC ...so it is too hot. 🥵🥵 I am constantly tired and wiped out from it, so finding the motivation to do anything has been hard. 

We had a nice few days away, exploring a new place, and I got a stamp at another National Park. We saw a beach but didn't really have a beach day - that is ok though. 

Saturday we worked on some projects - work stuff, home stuff, and some crafty things that have been in my to-do pile. We also popped into Tractor Supply to get Emma a new harness. She grew out of her little strawberry one 😢. She is probably full grown now, but we got her DNA back. She is Boston Terrier (we knew), Miniature American Shepard, and Australian Shepard. She has been herding the chickens so this tracks and she loooooves to run. Here she is in the hole she dug under the picnic table. 




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

xo steph


Coming up on the Blog


Recent Reads: Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (Adult, Spicy)

Blog Blitz: How to Date a Prince by Hayden Stone (Adult)


Books Received Recently...  

 
 

For Review:
Fateless by Julie Kagawa - from the publisher review review.

Leaving the Station by Jake Maia Arlow - from the publisher review review.


From Amazon First Reads:



Have you missed anything lately?
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! 

Jul 8, 2025

Blog Tour: Review - The Best Worst Mistake by Lily Parker




The Best Worst Mistake by Lily Parker 
Series: Off-Limits #2
Publisher: Choc Lit Contemporary Romance: A Joffe Books Company
Publication Date:  July 2, 2025



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true  https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook


About the Book: 
What if the one that got away came back . . . ?

Abby never thought she’d see Dax Harper again — let alone bump into him in a Manhattan coffee shop.

Dax was her law school fling. The one that got away. The almost-relationship she never could forget.

Now he’s older. Hotter. And in town for just one night.

Dax wants dinner. Abby wants one night of rekindled heat.

It won’t change anything. He’s in L.A. She’s in New York. No strings. No regrets.

Until Abby’s firm is called to L.A. in a deal that will make, or break, her career. She’s ready for anything — except finding Dax on the other side of the boardroom table. All confidence, charm, and those damn hazel eyes still looking at her like she’s the only one in the room.

For the sake of their careers, they must stay professional.

But when the tension sizzles hotter than their last night together, it’s clear some rules are made to be broken . . .

This sizzling second-chance, workplace romance full of sharp banter, heart-melting heat, and the kind of chemistry that doesn’t fade with time, is perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, Susie Tate, Carrie Elks, Emma Lucy, Laurie Gilmore, Emily Henry and Bal Khabra.


❤️ Spicy Romance 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Cinnamon roll hero
❤️ Forced proximity
❤️ Office romance
❤️ Found-family


Rating: 

Lily Parker delivers another heartfelt, heat-filled win in the Off-Limits series with this second-chance, workplace romance that’s as heartfelt and authentic as it is steamy. While a series, this book can be read as a standalone.

We follow Abby, the fiercely independent bestie from book one, who’s now front and center and all business. She is no nonsense and laser-focused on making partner at her high-powered law firm. She’s stubborn, smart, and burning the candle at both ends in ways that will resonate with a lot of readers, especially those who know what it’s like to chase success at the cost of rest, joy, or relationships.

And then there’s Dax Harper, her law school fling that she never forgot, now hotter, bolder, and clearly still carrying some feelings for her. Yes, he’s your classic “big hot guy” trope, but what makes him work is how unashamedly into Abby he is. He wants more. He shows up. He pushes gently but persistently against the walls she’s built around her heart.

Their chemistry is instant and the will-they/won’t-they tension is so great, especially once fate (and one massive M&A deal) throws them together in LA. Watching Abby wrestle with vulnerability while still fighting to keep her professional edge gave the story real stakes and emotional pull.

As always, Parker’s writing shines with snappy banter, layered characters, and just the right amount of spice (yes, it's open-door!). This story hits that sweet spot of being fun and flirty while also saying something meaningful about ambition, burnout, and the risk it takes to let someone in.

If you love second chances, strong heroines, and cinnamon-roll heroes in tailored suits, this one should be at the top of your TBR. Super cute! 



About the Author
Lily Parker is a full-time romance writer, former professional matchmaker, and an avid seeker of absurd adventures. After years of helping other authors bring their stories to life, she decided it was time to write the kinds of books she’s always wanted to read. With a knack for blending humor, heart, and unforgettable characters, Lily creates stories that pull readers in and leave them believing in love—no matter the odds. When she’s not writing, you can find her planning her next venture with her family or daydreaming about just one more happily-ever-after.

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