DNF Review: Cards on the Table by Lana Harper and Jilly Gagnon

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

Cards on the Table by Lana Harper and Jilly Gagnon 

Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: September 1, 2026  

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:
DNF

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Two witchy sisters find themselves framed for the disappearance of their elderly client’s substantial trust after her sudden death—from the New York Times bestselling author of Payback's a Witch and the critically-acclaimed author of All Dressed Up.

As descendants of one of the original Salem Witch Trial victims, Tori and Cassie Bishop’s occult credentials are strong . . . but a trickle of tarot readings won’t pay the bills, and now they're facing eviction. When they’re offered a massive sum to play “witches in residence” to an elderly widow at her secluded Berkshires mansion, it feels like fate.

But from the minute they arrive at the opulent country estate it’s they’ve been dropped into a far more dangerous game than their smoke and mirrors can save them from.

The widow, Rose, is in her final days and desperate for the sisters to help with her unresolved spiritual needs before she passes. Her skeptical family and staff, however, are less enthusiastic about the sisters’ presence—with the exception of Rose’s nurse and her beloved great-nephew, who find themselves inexplicably drawn to Cassie and Tori.

Thrown into a viper’s nest of competing motives and impenetrable intrigues, the sisters do their best to help Rose. But after Rose’s sudden death, millions of dollars disappear from the estate overnight, and Tori and Cassie quickly become the prime suspects. Someone in the house has framed the Bishop sisters, and in order to clear their names, the two must rely on their powers—magical or otherwise—to unravel the toxic family's tangled web of greed, resentment, and deceit. If they don’t, Rose won’t be the only victim at Berwyn House. . . .

Review: 

I made it 50% of the way through this one before deciding to set it aside. 

The premise had so much potential: two witch sisters invited to a mansion to help a dying woman confront her guilt, with a horrible wealthy family, occult elements, and so many secrets. The synopsis even compared it to Knives Out, which definitely caught my attention, but unfortunately, I never quite got that same feeling of mystery or intrigue.

My biggest struggle was connecting with the characters. The sisters had interesting qualities, but they felt too similar to one another, and their strained relationship made it difficult to get invested in either of them. There was so much tension and miscommunication between them that I found myself wanting more depth and from that relationship. 

The family they are forced to live with didn't fare much better for me. They came across as a collection of rude, wealthy people, but I never found them particularly interesting or worth caring about. And while there were potential love interests for both sisters,  neither really gave me a reason to root for them. It is possible that the reasons why I didn't like anyone come out by the end of the book, but I just couldn't make it that far.

The story had a few moments that were supposed to be surprising revelations or "ah ha!' moments, but they didn't quite land for me. By the halfway point, I realized I wasn't invested in uncovering the secrets or finding out what would happen next. Didn't even flip to the end.

Ultimately, this just wasn't the book for me. I can appreciate the potential in the premise, but I struggled to connect with the characters or feel drawn into the mystery. I decided to DNF at 50%, as I wasn't finding enough to keep me engaged. 

Recent Reads: Pole Position by Rebecca Caffery

Pole Position by Rebecca Caffery 

Series: Pole Position #1
Publisher: One More Chapter, Harper Collins
Publication Date:  June 6, 2024

 

Format: Paperback
Source: Bought/Own

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Red, White and Royal Blue meets Formula 1!

Kian Walker has always been the golden boy of motor sport. The four-time Championship winner has racing in his DNA – his father was a legend on the track, just don’t let him catch you comparing the two. As reckless and unreliable at home as he was behind the wheel, there’s nothing Kian wants less than to be just like his dad.

Enter Harper James. This year’s rookie called up to compete with the big boys – and Kian’s new teammate. Cocky, hot-headed and with a reputation for breaking as many hearts as he does new track records, Harper’s the opposite of Kian in every way. But when the season starts, there’s no getting away from him.

This might be one of the most dangerous sports in the world, so why then does Kian’s heart feel safer flying around the track at 220mph than when he's anywhere near his teammate?

Review: 

I will start this review off by saying this review is for overall vibes, this was an enjoyable read and I sat down and practically read it in one sitting... but the editing was rough. There were a few plot points that I was very confused about, but I really enjoyed the ride. 

We follow Kian and Harper, F1 drivers and now teammates. Kian is serious, determined, older, and he has been the golden boy of racing for years. Harper is new, messy, the party boy and he is also a pretty good driver, but Kian is not convinced they will make a good team. 

I liked the slow build romance between these two, with their trust issues, and finding ways to come together to become semi-friends before anything more. I liked the will they, won't they, back and forth for a bit, and I liked that both were dealing with seemingly bigger internal/external issues than just being gay in motorsport. 

The F1 parts of this were ok. There were nods to gear, qualifying, locations, and some races. but generally this is a book about racecar drivers that is mostly about their time outside of the cars. The plot overall was really just - they hate each other, or do they? 

I really liked this book. 

Now about the editing and plot points that were odd:

• Harper was a foster kid, never seemingly adopted, and they put him in karting? I am not sure the author fully understood what that time and cost commitment are. I highly doubt foster parents would be able to do that knowing that he could be adopted and leave at any point. 
• Was there any resolution to the Kian dad situation or any more explanation to Harper about the fan-boying? Maybe I missed it in there somewhere.
• Also some general typos, editing oddness throughout as well.

However, if you are reading for the MM romance with some vroom vroom, this works.

Recent Reads: Hellbound by Stephanie Binx

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

Hellbound by Stephanie Binx

Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  August 25, 2026

 

Format: Physical ARC

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Dying is all in a day’s work for a Hell-diver like Marian—until a routine round-trip to the afterlife goes wrong—for fans of The Wren in the Holly Library and TV’s Lucifer.

Hell is empty, and all the devils are here, but nobody knows why—not even the devils themselves. Now, sadistic demons roam the earth, offering small fortunes to any mortal sucker dumb or desperate enough to die on their behalf as they retrieve artifacts from a Hell they can’t recall. Washed-up journalist Marian Meyer is one of those mortal suckers dying for a living as she fetches clues for a demonic puzzle that she doesn’t care to solve.

Riddled with debt she'll never be able to pay off and guilt over her mother's death, Marian made her first lucrative deal with a demon and never looked back. Never mind that being a Hell-diver means that she must voluntarily drown herself—or that the human body wasn’t meant to die more than once—and she’s definitely feeling it.

Unfortunately, the last time Marian went to Hell, she came back wrong. Memories of that night are missing, and she'll do anything she can to find them, including teaming up with one of her mysterious (and oddly alluring) demonic patrons, Mr. Vale. But when their tenuous alliance thrusts Marian even deeper into a world of betrayal, humans with strange powers, and demonic politics, she’ll have to decide if allying with Mr. Vale is her ticket to freedom or damnation in disguise.

One part slow-burn romance and one part acerbic wit, Hellbound is a dark, romantic contemporary fantasy perfect for readers who prefer their casts morally grey and the stakes sky-high.

Review: 
Such a fun spooky-season read. 

Marian is a Hell diver, she can die and go to Hell, retrieve items then be brought back to life in the moral realm.  Interestingly,  Hell is empty and all the Demons live in the mortal world. They are the ones that are paying her to retrieve various things that might in some way help them return. When Mr. Vale asks her to dive for a key, Marian is cautious but needs the money, so she takes the chance, coming home with something far more weird than a key she is thrust into this world more that she ever imagines she would be. 

When Mr. Vale asks Marian to dive for a key, she’s understandably cautious, but she needs the money, so she takes the chance. Of course, things don’t go quite as planned. Marian comes home with something far stranger than a key, and suddenly she finds herself pulled into a world of secrets, demons, and chaos far beyond anything she could have imagined.

Marian was a really solid FMC. I liked that she was just as confused by everything happening around her as the reader was at times, because it made the whole experience feel even more eerie and unpredictable. There were definitely moments where I was right there with her trying to figure out what the hell was going on. I think that uncertainty worked really well with the spooky, horror, and paranormal elements of the story.

One thing I especially appreciated was how the author portrayed depression and anxiety. It felt very real and, at times, painfully relatable. Even something as simple as Marian struggling to shower was included, and while some readers might find that detail a little gross, I actually appreciated it. When you're dealing with mental health struggles, getting in the shower really can feel like A TASK. Sometimes the smallest, most basic things require an enormous amount of energy, and I thought the author captured that reality really well without making it feel overly dramatic or romanticized.

The cast of characters also kept things interesting. There was a good variety of personalities, motivations, and general weirdness, and I enjoyed seeing how everyone fit into the larger story. Between the characters, the twists and turns, and the general chaos of the plot, this ended up being a pretty quick and entertaining read.

Overall, this was a fun, creepy, chaotic paranormal read with an interesting premise, a likable FMC, and plenty of twists to keep things moving. It wasn't a perfect read for me, but I had a good time with it, and I think it would be a great pick for anyone looking for something weird, spooky, and a little unhinged this time of year.

Early Reader Review: Fire Power by Mir Benitz

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

Fire Power by Mir Benitz 
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Publication Date:  September 1, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Fourth Wing meets Formula One in this enemies-to-lovers sports romantasy about a stubbornly ambitious dragon rider who goes up against her childhood friend turned racing rival in the ultimate dragon race.

The Silverscale Grand Prix is the national championship of dragon racing—a high-speed, often deadly, elite sport with an unimaginably big cash prize. 

Asta and her dragon Carmine are unlikely competitors. No sponsors, no high-tech gear, no fans out in the stands. Not to mention that a female rider hasn't won the Prix for nearly sixty years. The odds are stacked against them—but Asta is determined to prove everyone the training school that kicked her out for fighting a classmate, her family who wished she'd never left the farm, and, most of all, her infuriatingly arrogant childhood-best-friend-turned-rival Felix, the poster-boy heir to the Seraphin racing dynasty and reigning tournament champion.

Raw talent alone won't be enough to get Asta and Carmine through these races—and it soon becomes clear that the risks Asta has taken to get to Silverscale could have devastating consequences. Time to think fast, or die trying.

Review: 

I was so excited to get this book for review, I have been loving F1 and the description pulled me in. Sadly, I found the book just ok, which is a bummer. 

The story follows Asta, a dragon rider headed for Silverscale. She’s worked her way up from farm life to racing and is determined to win. While there, she reconnects with her former neighbor and rival, Felix, while also getting pulled into some shady dealings with people who want her help during the race.

Asta is our FMC, determined and stubborn, which are usually traits I enjoy in a character, but she often acts like she is much younger than she is with her dialogue and behavior. Felix, the MMC and golden-boy rival, felt somewhat oblivious, which I think was partly because of his privilege. Nat, a side character and love interest, was easily my favorite. She was mouthy and rude, but her attitude added a lot of fun to the story.

I enjoyed the race descriptions, but the racing itself felt like an odd mix of horse racing and Formula 1 without fully committing to either. I couldn’t quite grasp the mechanics of dragon racing, and the world surrounding the races was barely described beyond the track itself.

The character relationships were another weak point for me. This was marketed as a romantasy, so I expected more development in the romantic relationships, but they felt fairly shallow. Asta and Felix especially read like they were having a high school breakup every time they interacted. Asta’s constant insistence that she had done everything completely on her own also started to get annoying. Yes, she worked hard to make it to the championship, but Felix’s family gave her a dragon and allowed her to start riding in the first place...on their dragons. Her success is absolutely her own accomplishment, but I wish the story acknowledged the privilege and help she had along the way that was less whiney. 

Overall, I think the book had an interesting premise, but the execution didn’t quite work for me. I liked Nat, Asta was okay but sometimes whiny, and Felix was a fairly forgettable MMC. While there were some spicy scenes, the rest of the book read more like a Young Adult romantasy than an adult one. 

Recent Reads: Vows of Betrayal by Jessa York

Vows of Betrayal by Jessa York  

Series: The Sovrano Mafia Empire Book 1
Publication Date:  June 12, 2025

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Freebie during Stuff Your Kindle day

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Stefan

I promised myself.

I’d never touch her again.

A woman like her will never fit into my world.

No.

A woman like her will never—want—to fit into my world.

And something deep inside of me wants that for her.

Normal.

Nice.

Ordinary.

Because there is nothing normal, nice, or ordinary about my world.

Letting her go is the only thing I can do.

It may just be the one and only selfless thing I’ve ever done in my life.

But—when I see her about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder—I’m suddenly left with only one choice.

Whether she likes it or not.

Review: 

I grabbed this as a freebie and decided to give it a try since it was on the shorter side at novella length (140 pages). I knew going in that it was the start of a series, but given the length, I was expecting more of a prequel-style introduction.

Instead, the book jumps right into the deep end, with Stefan encountering Francesca at an auction before flashing back in time. I kept expecting the story to circle back to that opening scene by the end and give us some resolution, but instead it ends on a cliffhanger.

Overall, I thought the story was fine, and there was a fair amount of spice pretty quickly. I enjoyed Stefan and Francesca's banter and playful interactions, and I liked getting to meet some of the family members. There’s actually a lot packed into the 140 pages, but I found myself wanting more time with the characters and the story. Everything moved pretty quickly, and I think a little more development would have made it more satisfying.

I know it’s book one and there are more in the series but I’m not sure this one hooked me enough to pick up the next books.

Early Reader Review: For the Love of the Quest by Alexandra Ammon Parthun

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

For the Love of the Quest: A Novel by Alexandra Ammon Parthun 

Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  August 11, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC/ Ebook


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

The search for King Arthur’s Excalibur invites danger…and potentially love in this sapphic historical romance perfect for fans of Cat Sebastian and Freya Marske.

Lady Edith Darling is supposed to live a quiet life in her family’s manor. She is not supposed to go unchaperoned on a quest to find Excalibur. But Edith won’t let that stand in her way, especially not when she's on this mission to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish. Determined to prove her grandmother right, Edith packs her satchel with Arthurian legends, pastries, and her grandmother’s ashes, and runs off to hire a mercenary. 

Thomasin Shaw leads the most feared gang in London. For years, she had the constabulary safely in her pocket, until a scandal involving the chief inspector’s wife was brought to light. Now he’s demanding an enormous sum of money–without which Thomassin will lose the protection of the police along with her criminal empire. But when the rich Lady Edith waltzes into her life seeking an escort for a treasure hunt, Thomasin sees a willing kidnapping victim and a massive ransom.

As Edith’s clues lead them to underground chambers booby-trapped with arrows, doors locked with arcane puzzles, and even Arthur’s fabled round table, Thomasin finds herself swept up in the quest, and in Edith herself. Edith is also drawn to Thomasin, despite the ruthless mask she wears. But the chief inspector won’t let Thomasin forget her crimes, and Edith’s father is intent on bringing her home. Every legendary quest has an ending, but finding Excalibur might not be enough to make this a happy one.

Review: 

If you’re looking for a cozy romance with a fun-filled adventure, this is a great read. We follow Edith, who is determined to have an adventure, even though that’s not exactly the norm for a lady. Thomasin, a gang leader, agrees to help Edith on her quest for Excalibur in exchange for a share of the treasure. Along the way, Thomasin finds herself falling for Edith, and their relationship slowly blooms as they navigate the quest together.

There is some violence and death along the way, but together, these two can tackle anything. Edith brings her knowledge and understanding of the lore, while Thomasin relies on her brute strength, cunning, and impressive survival instincts.

I really liked this book. It felt like a warm hug. Edith and Thomasin have alternating POV chapters, which gives us a chance to see into both of their minds and watch their feelings develop from both perspectives. The quest itself was a lot of fun, and the ancient riddles and traps added just enough chaos to keep the story moving at a steady pace.

The romance is a slow burn, and I thought it built beautifully. I liked both of the main characters, and I enjoyed the balance between the cozy atmosphere and the adventure. There was just enough drama, danger, and violence to make the quest exciting without taking away from the warm, comforting feel of the story.

Overall, this was a really fun read, and I think readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, slow-burn romance, and a good adventure will really enjoy it.

Recent Reads: Wretched Mage by Juliana Pinheiro

Wretched Mage by Juliana Pinheiro 
Series: Wretched Mage #1
Publication Date: May 28, 2025

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From Booktrovert

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Wretched Mage is the first book in a complete romantic fantasy duology where Beauty and the Beast meets The Witcher, featuring magical courts, dangerous curses, a forbidden mage kingdom, and a slow-burn romance. With forced proximity, forbidden love, a morally gray hero, and open-door romance, it's perfect for readers who love immersive worlds and books such as Kingdom of the Wicked, Servant of Earth and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Jane Darling thought taking over her family’s trade and attending a merchant fair would be her greatest challenge, until she stepped off at the wrong train station and was seized by a monstrous creature. When she realised she had unknowingly trespassed into the land of the mageborn, where magic and its people live in secrecy, it was already too late.

She is sentenced to remain there for a year under the watch of the loathsome lord of the estate, Reagan, only to discover he too is bound by a sentence from the same court that seeks to hold her captive. With her family’s livelihood at risk, Jane is determined to plot her escape, but leaving their territory can be a deadly task, especially for a human.

As she relies on Reagan to learn how to keep herself safe from monsters and violent mages, Jane realises his situation is far more dire than she believed. When a forbidden romance ignites between them, Jane begins to seek answers about Reagan’s fate. But he keeps secrets even from his own staff, and with his political enemies turning their attention to her, even the most tenacious and well-protected human might not survive long enough to see the end of her sentence.

Review: 

I absolutely loved this story. As someone who loves Beauty and the Beast retellings, I really enjoyed the way this one blended familiar elements with a rich magical world, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance.

The story follows Jane, she is trying to get to the city to help her father with his trade business while he is home and ill with her sister. On the way, Jane accidentally stumbles into a hidden magical realm and is forced to remain there for a year while the mageborn determine whether her arrival was truly an accident. During her sentence, she's bound to Reagan, a grumpy, beastly lord who is just as unhappy about the arrangement as she is. Their relationship starts off full of tension and hostility toward one another. 

Jane is stubborn, as many fantasy heroines are, but she's also curious, observant, and determined. I loved watching her attempts to escape and the way she constantly challenged Reagan. Reagan, meanwhile, is mysterious, broody, and the perfect grump for Jane to unravel. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic felt earned, and the forced proximity and banter were handled so well that I found myself looking forward to every interaction between them. Their slowly evolving relationships was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The supporting cast was just as fun though. There was such a strong sense of found family that added warmth to an otherwise dark and brooding story. The relationships between the characters felt genuine, and their loyalty and appreciation for one another made the world feel even more alive.

What I think was the real winner here was the world-building. While Reagan's curse is an important part of the story, the true focus is the kingdom itself: its politics, its history, and the looming threat hanging over it (which the curse ties into yes, but the mystery of it all is kept for a while). The cities, the people, and the political tensions felt just as important as the main characters, creating a setting that was immersive and incredibly compelling. The magic system took me a little while to fully understand, but as more pieces fell into place, I really enjoyed the revelations and twists toward the end.

There were a few moments where the writing read a little younger than I expected, but it never took away from the glee I had while reading. Overall, this was a richly imagined fantasy with memorable characters, fantastic romantic tension, and a world I can't wait to return to. If you enjoy Beauty and the Beast retellings, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, and fantasy with strong political intrigue, I would definitely recommend picking this one up.

Early Reader Review: (Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall

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

(Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall  

Series: Entity Case Files #1
Publisher: Alcove Press
Publication Date:  August 4, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Amongst mountains as old as time, the jackalopes and ghouls are the least of your worries.

Working in Human Resources was not what Alexys had in mind when she joined Entity, the company who categorise and manage the monsters and cryptids of the world. But after her dad was killed as a Warden in the Appalachian Mountains, she was filled with noble ideas of carrying on his legacy... from behind the safety of a desk.

But when one of her new Wardens, Elliot, goes missing, her chances of promotion go missing too. Determined to find him safe and sound, she marches off into the mountains to find him herself.

Because Elliot had been talking about sightings of a highly dangerous and never-recorded monster, The Hollow Walker, and she's promised herself that no Warden will ever die on her watch.

Meanwhile Nic, Director of Research and Cataloging, is not one to ignore the words 'never-recorded'. With Alexys, his work nemesis, leading the charge into the mountains, he's not going to let her have all the fun. If he can be the youngest Entity employee to discover a new monster, his name will go down in the annals of cryptozoology... and if it means spending some extra time with Alexys then he's not one to argue.

But Alexys and Nic are about to discover why the Appalachian Mountains are the last place you want to find yourself after dark.

Review: 

Alexys works a desk job coordinating Wardens, who are agents who investigate and, when necessary, eliminate the things that go bump in the night. When one of her Wardens goes missing just before a scheduled field meeting with her, she's determined to find him and bring him home. The creature he was tracking is incredibly dangerous and frustratingly elusive, prompting Nic, a researcher, to insert himself into the investigation. While his primary interest is the creature, he certainly doesn't mind spending more time with Alexys.

Together, they battle terrifying creatures, unravel the mystery of the missing Warden, and discover that the truth is far more dangerous than they expected.

This was such a fun and engaging read! The story is set in the Appalachian Mountains, which already have an eerie reputation, and the author does an excellent job capturing that unsettling atmosphere. The local folklore and the sense that something is always lurking in the woods added so much to the overall vibe and eeriness of the story.

I also really enjoyed the blend of horror/thriller and romance. There was a great variety of monsters and genuinely creepy moments that kept my heart racing, while the romance added some lighter, entertaining moments. The pacing was especially well done and the story gets moving quickly and never really slows down.

The ending was fantastic, although it's one of the downsides of reading ARCs because now I have such a long wait before I can find out what happens next!

The characters were enjoyable, though I wasn't completely invested in them. For me, the mysterious setting and creature-filled adventure were th highlights. That said, the banter between Alexys and Nic was fun, their growing relationship felt natural, and several of their interactions made me laugh out loud.

My one small criticism is that I wasn't entirely sure what the author intended with Alexys's personality. At times she seemed like a strict rule follower, while at others she was willing to throw the rules aside, and that inconsistency made it difficult for me to get a solid sense of who she was.

Overall, this was a fun Summerween read with plenty of creepy atmosphere, exciting monster encounters, and a satisfying blend of horror and romance. I'm definitely looking forward to picking up the next installment when it's released.

Recent Reads: Forty Love: A Novel by Jane Costello

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

Forty Love: A Novel by Jane Costello

Publisher: Zibby Publishing
Publication Date:  May 19, 2026

 

Format: Ebook/Audio - bought on Audible 

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A fun, sexy rom-com about learning to take big swings, discovering new passions, filling an empty nest, and maybe another shot at love.

Jules has lived next door to the local tennis club for years without picking up a racket. As a full-time buyer for a national chain of lifestyle stores and a single, widowed mother of a teenager, she doesn’t have time for a hobby. And then, there is the matter of that run-in with her old school crush, Sam, who recently joined the club.

In a surge of boldness, Jules decides to stop playing it safe and accepts an invitation to join the amateur tennis team. Soon enough, she has fully embraced the tennis life and finds herself loving the game and her teammates, but that’s not all. Her intense attraction to Sam is gaining an advantage over her. Now Jules is facing a whole new kind of match with her insecurities, her desires, and maybe—just maybe—a second shot at love. And boy, does it have some spin on it.

Review: 

Forty Love is a romance about a single mom in her forties navigating her daughter doing off to college, how to approach dating and love after the death of her husband, and tennis. Jules has had a great life, raised a daughter, love her husband and now she is in transition. 

I am forty now but whenever I read a book about a woman in her 40s, I just feel like we are so completely different. Jules is a mom and approaches her life with structure and hesitation. I, on the other hand, am not a parent and live like a grown child for the most part. I still have obligations, worries, and work, but sometimes I just cannot connect with these on-page women. I think that was the issue for me here. 

I enjoyed the book, it was a cute, slow, romance that was calm and safe. I think a lot of women will love reading about Jules and her transitions and trying to figure out life on her own again. Jules was realistic in a lot of ways and her worries and grief feel like their own character in the book as well. So there was a lot of emotional depth that I appreciated. 

I listened to this on Audible and think that if I was reading it would have set it down. It was slow, cozy, and a good romance but even at the climaxes I kind of jest felt meh. I think this book will be a fit for many, it just wasn’t me and that is ok. 

Recent Reads: Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood

Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood 

Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: February 10, 2026

 

Format: Paperback
Source: Bought/ Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

An enemies-to-lovers spicy novella set in the world of video gaming from the New York Times bestselling author of Problematic Summer Romance—now in print and ebook!

Viola Bowen has the chance of a lifetime: to design a video game based on her all-time favorite book series. The only problem? Her co-lead is Jesse F-ing Andrews, aka her archnemesis. Jesse has made it abundantly clear over the years that he wants nothing to do with her—and Viola has no idea why.

When their bosses insist a wintery retreat is the perfect team-building exercise, Viola can’t think of anything worse. Being freezing cold in a remote mountain lodge knowing Jesse is right next door? No, thank you.

But as the snow piles on, Viola discovers there’s more to Jesse than she knew, and heat builds in more ways than one.

Review: 

I really enjoy Ali Hazelwood's books and this one delivers exactly the kind of romance that I was looking to read. As someone who can never resist enemies-to-lovers, STEM romances, forced proximity, and communication breakdown tropes, this story felt like such a good fit. 

Despite its shorter length, the novella never felt rushed. The banter between Viola and Jesse was fantastic, and their dynamic kept me engaged. I enjoyed watching Viola gradually learn more about Jesse and uncover the reasons behind their complicated relationship. Their time together from reluctant co-leads to partners who genuinely support one another was so good. 

One of my favorite aspects of the story was that Viola and Jesse began coming together as teammates before their relationship turned romantic. Their shared passion for the project and commitment to their teams added depth to their relationship.

Viola was a good FMC. She is stubborn, emotionally honest, and unafraid to express how she feels, which made her easy to read and be frustrated alongside.  I appreciated that she was willing to confront difficult situations rather than avoid them.

I also loved how the novella added in some glimpses of Viola and Jesse's past interactions. Those moments added context to their connections and helped the story feel much larger than its page count. In many ways, it had the emotional depth and character development of a full-length novel packed into a novella.

Overall, this was such a great read, with perfectly balanced humor, romance, and heart. If you're a fan of Ali Hazelwood's STEM romances, enemies-to-lovers tension, and forced proximity stories with excellent banter, this novella is absolutely worth picking up.

Recent Reads: Wild Card by Elsie Silver

Wild Card by Elsie Silver  

Series: Rose Hill #4
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group 
Publication Date:  September 9, 2025

 

Format: Audiobook
Source:  Bought/ Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Sebastian Rousseau is a grumpy, hot as hell fire pilot who is too damn good with his hands.

It’s the perfect combination. But unfortunately for me, he’s also my ex-boyfriend’s dad.

A chance meeting brought us together and a missed connection has kept us apart.

One year later, a stroke of fate has us living under the same roof—which makes everything between us downright messy.

Because even after all this time, he’s still the man I think about when I fall asleep. The one I can’t get over no matter how hard I try.

He’s working on mending a fragile relationship with his son and we both know acting on these urges would be the ultimate betrayal.

But I see the heat in his eyes. That look of need that never fails to send a shiver down my spine.

The mutual longing is borderline unbearable and the simmering heat between us is downright palpable.

We both know there are rules when it comes to situations like this.

But then again…following the rules never has been my strong suit.

In this series (Click on Covers for Reviews): 

    

Review: 

I adore this series and these books, every one has been a highlight in my day to listen to. Elsie has this way of making you fall for all her characters as chaotic, frustrating, and emotional as they are. It is also so cool to see them all interconnect and characters re-appear. 

All the books follow a dad falling hard... in this case Bash finds out that he has an adult son and on his way to meet him for the first time gets caught in the airport overnight while a storm passes. He meets this quirky memorizing woman, Gwen, and they hit it off. At the end of their laughter filled evening he gets her number but nothing comes of it. Fast-forward, he visits his son for a party and Gwen is his girlfriend. Immediately feeling start flying and readers are swept up into this beautiful will -they/ won't they banter and miserable attempts to give each other space. 

This book had me laughing so much. Between Bash and Gwen figuring things out and the awkward flirting and Clyde... OH CLYDE... our scheming, cranky, father-figure I kept giggling. I loved the emotional turmoil between the characters, and the uncomfortable tension was absolutely perfect. The slow burn felt a bit more prolonged than I expected, while the resolution came together fairly quickly, but I still loved the book overall.

If you like grumpy/ sunshine, forced proximity, an age gap and the 'ex-boyfriend's dad' tropes - you will really enjoy this one.