'Practically Magic' by Jen Calonita

5 magical stars!

Book Blurb:

"On the eve of Halloween, a sister’s well-intentioned love spell turns into a curse in this witchy, flirty rom-com perfect for fans of The Ex Hex, Gilmore Girls, and Practical Magic.

The Hadley sisters of Mystic Hollow are magic. Literally.

But for all the generations of witches behind her, Kat Hadley could swear that she’s utterly invisible to boys.

Then she learns that her perfect older sister, Harriet, cast a curse to protect her from heartbreak. Kat is so furious, she loses control—and it’s not just their sisterhood that shatters. It’s magic itself.

Suddenly, every spell a Hadley witch has ever cast starts reversing. Spells to do good start bringing evil. Curses to repel suddenly attract. And the veil between worlds begins to thin. If Kat and Harriet don’t do something fast, this Halloween might be Mystic Hollow’s last.

As they race to repair the balance of magic—and their relationship—Kat notices that every crush who’s ever rejected her is suddenly magically lovesick. Even her annoying class rival seems to have fallen under her spell. For the first time in her life, she feels practically magic. Who cares if it’s all just a spell?"


My Review:

This is a really fun YA Contemporary read following a 16 year old witch as she accidently breaks magic a few days before Halloween, and years of spells begin unraveling all around her and her town.  Big 'kids save the town, but don't tell the parents' vibes here.  Perfect for fans of 'Hocus Pocus' and 'Practical Magic' and great for any readers wanting to start enjoying the Fall season.  

Releasing August 25th, grab a copy here!

#PracticallyMagic #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Alchemy of Souls' by Adriana Mather

5 magical stars!

Book Blurb:

"From New York Times-bestselling author Adriana Mather, comes the next big YA dark academia Alchemy of Souls, following two magically bound teens as they race to solve the mystery of an ancient magical key before it’s too late.

Grayson Stone is no stranger to deception. Under the watchful eye of his uncle, the High Chancellor, he has been well-trained in all four types of magic, all while secretly working against his uncle’s corrupt rule. Years of plans depend on him being marked Gifted during his University entrance exam, proving that he is the perfect heir and gaining his uncle’s trust. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned, and he has only one person to Eloise Belrose.

Raised by a family of Laborers, Eloise is the most unlikely student to become a Mage, but through her hard work and long hours spent practicing she is finally admitted to the prestigious Mage University, guaranteeing safety and security for her whole family. Until things go very wrong, and she somehow becomes magically linked to Grayson Stone, the school’s arrogant, annoyingly attractive, golden boy, putting not only her University acceptance, but also her and her family’s lives at risk.

Eloise and Grayson are given less than two weeks to solve an impossible mystery–one that will give the High Chancellor even more power and control—or face the consequences. Forced to room together, with all the same classes, while pretending to date to hide their secret quest, sparks definitely fly. As their feelings grow more real it becomes harder to live the lies they’ve had to tell to survive. With time running out, will they be able to trust the bond between them or will their lies tear them apart forever?"


My Review:

This is a captivating fast-paced YA Fantasy / Dark Academia featuring enemies-to-lovers. Readers get to see inside the minds and motivations of both Grayson and Eloise, as they alternate narrating chapters. 'Alchemy of Souls' is a great book to get lost in, highly recommended!

Releases August 4th, grab a copy here!

Edelweiss - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Bodies of Magic' by Freya Marske

4 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Grey’s Anatomy meets A Deadly Education in this dark academia fantasy from USA Today bestselling author Freya Marske.

At the Academie of the Grand Duchy of Sieuxerr, every mage with the healer’s gift has five years to master their power and to prepare for the infamous Grand Exam—a five-day trial whose results will determine their entire future.

The list of exam rules includes:
• You will perform five practical cases.
• Your exam group is chosen at random.
• You pass together, or fail together.

It does not include:
• On the first day, your exam group will find a classmate's dead body in the exam hall.

And as they will soon discover, this particular group all have something to hide... and all have a connection with the dead girl, a brilliant scholar who would have been first in their class.

Five scholars. Five secrets. Five days in which to solve a murder, pass the most important exam of their lives, and uncover a secret larger than all of their own combined. One with the potential to change the world.

Are you ready?"


My Review:

An enjoyable stand-alone Fantasy novel, 'Bodies of Magic' goes deep into the ways a body can malfunction and fail, and gets rather dark with its themes and imagery. This is a great novel for mature readers who heed the content warnings.

Told over the 5 days of Final Exams in magical school for Healing mages, we get to spend time inside the minds of all 5 main characters, with 5 POV's. Author Freya Marske does a great job of weaving together a complex tale of magical healing, politics in academia, a murder mystery, and coming-of-age for each of the narrating characters.

Releasing September 15th - grab your copy here!

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'The Summer of Second Chances' by K.L. Walther

4.5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Olivia Lupo feels stuck. All her friends have gone on to their first year of college while she's still at home with her family. There's a good reason though, her beloved grandmother, Annie, has dementia, and Olivia can't bear the thought of being so far from home when Annie needs her the most.
So when her stepmother asks the family to spend three weeks of the summer on Martha's Vineyard, Olivia plans to say no...until she discovers an old box Annie filled with photos and memories from her own time there. Olivia decides to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and spend some time on the island that Annie describes as magical.

When she arrives, she meets Connor, a boy from her past who really wants to be a part of her present... and future. Olivia's never thought about forever with someone until meeting Connor...and it scares her. How can she make plans when all she wants to do is keep close to her grandmother before she's gone forever? As she recreates the memories Annie made a lifetime ago, she has to decide if she's finally willing to give someone her heart, just when she needs it the most."


My Review:

Another great YA Contemporary read from author K.L. Walther!  It's a perfect beach read, and it's full of summer vibes to get readers through the months until it's beach season.  'The Summer of Second Chances' is narrated by Olivia Lupo, first love of Connor from 'A First Time for Everything.'  Readers follow Olivia for a summer as she reluctantly joins her family on Martha's Vineyard for a few weeks for her stepmother's parents' wedding anniversary.  Feeling like an outsider in her own family, her focus for the trip is to re-trace her grandmother's steps, in hopes to learn more about her grandmother's time spent on the island. 

Since this book is in the K.L. Walther-verse, we know there is so much in store for Olivia once she gets there - kayaking and boat rides, cliff diving and exploring.  And of course, an all-star cast of familiar faces.  Readers *do not* need to read the 3 companion YA novels prior to this one, but it's truly lovely to see the main characters from the early Walther books here, a bit more grown up and hanging out together.  (Especially for Nana and Grandad Carmichael's wedding anniversary.) 

Releases on May 5th, grab a copy here!

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights' by Celeste Dador

4 stars!

Book Blurb:

"A swoony, patriotic romance with Gilmore Girls charm—follow First Daughter Abby as she dives into a summer of surprises, small-town magic, and sparks with the boy who shakes up her world.

What if the person who turns your world upside down is exactly who you're meant to find?

All First Daughter Abby Alzona wanted was one normal night. But one impulsive pizza order later, she’s front-page news—and officially exiled to a Wi-Fi-free country inn for the summer, along with her little sister Elle.

The inn belongs to Gabriel Calabrese’s he’s sarcastic, camera-obsessed, and definitely not dazzled by presidential perks (also, kind of the reason for the whole pizza fiasco). But Abby’s determined to make the most of her time away from the White House—with a summer bucket list full of things real teens get to do. Pool parties. Picnics. Maybe even a first kiss.

As she and Elle dive into small-town life, Abby starts to see what makes Gabriel tick. And maybe, just maybe, she’s falling for him. . . ."


My Review:

This is a great YA Contemporary debut, packed with small town charm, a clean YA romance, and a sheltered teenager's first summer adventures. We follow First Daughter, Abby, as she navigates her younger sister's shenanigans, her first taste of freedom, and her growing feelings for a guy who seems all wrong for her, at first. 

Highly recommended reading!  Pre-order a copy here to begin reading on release day, May 12th!

#StarsStripesSummerNights #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. 

'Big Stick Energy' by Sarina Bowen - New York Legends #2

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"A hockey team captain and a bubbly staffer mix business with pleasure when they start fake dating through the wedding season in this hot sports romance perfect for fans of Mariana Zapata​ and Elle Kennedy.

Darcy Kendrick is used to putting out fires. As an overworked admin to a hockey team, she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for accidentally DMing her very private, very NSFW fantasy to the subject of this fantasy: team captain Eric Tremaine. Nobody actually dies of embarrassment. Right?

But when a wedding invite puts them on a collision course with her chaotic family and his emotionally fraught past, Eric suggests a plan: they fake-date their way through the “Wedding Experience.” It’s mutually beneficial. Totally strategic. And definitely not real. Except between mini tacos, slow dances and lingering glances, Eric starts to wonder if the sharp-tongued assistant with a bottomless to-do list might be the one person who truly sees him. And for Darcy? The fire in her heart might be the only one she can’t put out.

It’s supposed to be fake. It’s supposed to be temporary. So why is it so hard to walk away?"


My Review:

'Big Stick Energy' works great as a stand-alone, with a smart, independent, and self sufficient leading lady in Darcy, and a gold retriever hockey Captain love interest, Eric.

That being said, it's been so much fun to be back in Sarina Bowen's world of the New York Legends hockey team with a hilarious cast of nosey teammates and their potty mouth GM. I really enjoyed following Darcy and Eric. From trauma-bonding their way through ridiculous 'Wedding Experience' weekends and dealing with their families, to finally giving in and acting on their mutual crushes on each other, 'Big Stick Energy' is wild ride, and a must-read for sports romance fans.

'Big Stick Energy' releases on June 30th, pre-order a copy here!

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Rolls and Rivalry’ by Kristy Boyce – Gaming and Romance #3

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Roll the dice, strike up the band, and get ready for a swoon-worthy summer! A charming gaming romance that blends the magic of D&D with the camaraderie of band camp--from the bestselling author of Dating and Dragons!

Hazel’s senior year at band camp is set to be epic—until Max, her childhood crush turned drum-playing troublemaker, waltzes back into town. Their sections have always been rivals, but a shared love for Dungeons & Dragons pulls them together, sparking a romance Hazel never saw coming.

Just when things feel perfect, rumors Did Max ask her out because of a lost bet? With band drama mounting and her first D&D game spiraling, Hazel must prove their love—and her leadership—are the real deal. A swoony, nerdy romance full of rivalry, redemption, and roll-the-dice chemistry from the bestselling author of Dating and Dragons!"

My Review:

This sweet, swoony YA rom-com was a delight to get lost in. Full of Dungeons & Dragons campaigns and clean band camp shenanigans, our childhood friends-to-YA-lovers in forced proximity are so much fun to follow.

Full of witty banter, flirting, and some lovely tender moments, ‘Rolls and Rivalry’ is a must-read!

Releases on May 5, 2026 - pre-order a copy here!

#RollsandRivalry #NetGalley – I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Tidespeaker' by Sadie Turner

4 magical stars!

Book Blurb:

"A girl with the power to command the tides has her life changed when she secures a job serving a wealthy noble family—only to learn upon arrival that the last person to fill her post mysteriously died, and her new employers are hiding dark secrets—in this haunting and lush debut fantasy.

Corith Fraine is a Floodmouth—her words can control water. Yet for those born with her rare elemental ability, paths forward are few, and Corith is one of the lucky ones. She has spent most of her life in a prestigious magic institution, training to one day achieve the highest possible honor for a member of her kind: the chance to serve one of the hundred noble houses.

When Corith learns she’s secured a post working for House Shearwater, a reclusive noble family living on a wave-battered island, she thinks her hard work has paid off. Until she discovers that their previous Floodmouth—Corith’s closest friend—mysteriously died in their service. And Corith is her replacement.

To learn the truth of her best friend’s accident, Corith must unravel the dark conspiracies at the heart of Bower Island. Yet doing so will require contending with the island’s deadly tides and her enigmatic new employers—including the family’s brooding youngest son, Llir, who she finds herself equally drawn to and repelled by. With her loyalties pushed to breaking point, these treacherous waters may well pull Corith under…"


My Review:

This was a great duology opener, full of elemental magic and political posturing. Perfect for Fantasy readers of all ages! Looking forward to finding out what happens next!

'Tidespeaker' releases on January 6th, grab a copy here!

#Tidespeaker #NetGalley – I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'The Roommate Arrangement' by Samantha Markum

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"When Blair accidentally becomes college roommates with her brother’s best friend, sparks fly in this hilarious rom-com from bestselling author Samantha Markum, perfect for fans of Lynn Painter and Emma Lord.

Blair might be a little type-A, but she never thought of herself as completely overbearing…that is, until her two best friends drop her from their housing arrangement a week before her pre-college summer coding program is about to start.

Blair knows if she switches to an on-campus dorm, her parents will make her give up her expensive sculpture class with her dream mentor in order to pay for it. Desperate, she agrees to be the fifth roommate to four off-campus sophomores who are also in a last-minute bind. But things get complicated when one of her new roommates turns out to be her brother’s best friend, Jamie Atwater.

Blair begs Jamie not to tell her brother about the new living arrangement. Her brother would go straight to their parents, who would definitely not approve, and all her plans would fall apart. So they strike a deal: she’ll help him finish coding the app he’s building if he promises to keep her secret.

Spending more time together shouldn’t be a problem. Sure, Jamie has a new haircut, a mysterious tattoo, and a year’s worth of earned muscle, but it’s not like Blair is noticing. After all, they’re only roommates, right?"


My Review:

I really enjoyed this YA coming-of-age read! It tackles some important and relatable issues while also delivering witty banter between love interests and an amazing found-family. 'The Roommate Arrangement' has a great inclusive cast of LGBTQIA+ characters and fantastic anxiety rep, and a very swoony book boyfriend.  

'The Roommate Arrangement' releases on January 27, 2026 - pre-order your copy here!

#NetGalley – I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Finding Her Edge' by Jennifer Iacopelli

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"For fans of Emma Lord and Abbi Glines, Jennifer Iacopelli’s swoony, romantic new novel follows elite ice dancer Adriana Russo as she finds herself drawn to both her old dance partner and her new one.
Adriana Russo is figure skating royalty.

With gold-medalist parents, and her older sister headed to the Olympics, all she wants is to live up to the family name and stand atop the ice dance podium at the Junior World Championships. But fame doesn’t always mean fortune, and their legendary skating rink is struggling under the weight of her dad’s lavish lifestyle. The only thing keeping it afloat is a deal to host the rest of the Junior Worlds team before they leave for France.

That means training on the same ice as her first crush, Freddie, the partner she left when her growth spurt outpaced his. For the past two years, he’s barely acknowledged her existence, and she can’t even blame him for it.

When the family’s finances take another unexpected hit, losing the rink seems inevitable until her partner, Brayden, suggests they let the world believe what many have suspected: that their intense chemistry isn’t contained to the ice. Fans and sponsors alike take the bait, but keeping up the charade is harder than she ever imagined. And training alongside Freddie makes it worse, especially when pretending with Brayden starts to feel very real.

As the biggest competition of her life draws closer and her family’s legacy hangs in the balance, Adriana is caught between her past and present, between the golden future she’s worked so hard for, and the one she gave up long ago."


My Review:

This was a really sweet and fun Contemporary YA read! We follow ice dancer and narrating character, Adriana, as her family gears up for an international competition in two months' time. She's the responsible middle sister and in charge of her family's ice rink and hotel-like property when her fellow Junior ice skaters visit to prepare for the upcoming competition. She finds herself face-to-face with her former ice dance partner, Freddie, whom she has feelings for, while the media throws her into a fake-dating scheme with her current ice dance partner, Brayden, whom her older sister has a crush on. Teenage hormones and skating shenanigans ensue and it's a lot of fun to read.

'Finding Her Edge' is soon to be a Netflix series. Grab a copy here!

#FindingHerEdge #NetGalley – I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Deathbringer' (Deathbringer, #1) by Sonia Tagliareni

5 magical stars!

Book Blurb:

"For fans of Naomi Novik and Kerri Maniscalco, a dark academia romantasy steeped in necromancy, forbidden love, and a twisty murder mystery set within the perilous halls of a magical institute, as a death mage who hates her magic and a poison mage who hates her are forced to work together to stop a killer before one of them is next.Born with the ability to speak with the dead, Viola hates her magic. It killed her sister, Olivia, and if she doesn’t learn why, it will kill her too. Her only hope lies within the perilous walls of Gorhail Institute of Magic, where Olivia spent her final days.

There, Viola clashes with Sylas, a poison mage whose magic stems from three magical snakes. Immortal, tormented, and reckless, Sylas is tethered to a life he never asked for and haunted by guilt for his father’s death. His hatred for death mages runs deep, and he’s determined to keep Viola at a distance. But when an attack forces him to heal her, their fates become intertwined by a magical bond that threatens to upend his loyalties—and his common sense.

As more students start turning up dead, Viola and Sylas are drawn into an uneasy alliance that pulls them deeper into Gorhail’s treacherous passageways, where secrets fester beneath the stone and the dead do not rest. And as enemy lines begin to blur and their undeniable attraction grows, Viola and Sylas uncover a chilling someone is hunting mages for their magical relics, and if they can’t uncover the killer in time, Viola will be next."


My Review:

I really enjoyed this New Adult Dark Academia! The story really came to life for me when our two narrating main characters meet. The chemistry between them sparked as they bickered and resisted each other, and turned tender once they got together.

The romance between Viola and Sylas was my favorite part, but there's something for everyone! Author Sonia Tagliareni gives readers a rich history of politics and magic classes, and there's a murder mystery afloat, as Viola, Sylas, and their friends try to solve a chain of murders before they become the next targets. Grief over lost loved ones is portrayed really well, and readers should note that before diving in.

'Deathbringer' ends in cliffhanger. I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of this series; wish it was available to dive into right now!

Releasing on May 12, 2026 - pre-order a copy here.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'The Swan's Daughter: A Possibly Doomed Love Story' by Roshani Chokshi

5 enchanting stars!

Book Blurb:

"In this lush and romantic novel from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi, a prince is only as good as his beating heart and a maiden is only as good as her honest word. But when love and the truth become impossibly tangled, the two must figure out how to survive together, or fall completely apart.

To find love is a curse ...

Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdom’s heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally.

Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris's parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Amidst glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream trees and pearl crocodiles, tea time on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him…or lust for power.

Until he meets Demelza.

As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.

While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life, but find the courage to chase a life worth living."


My Review:

An enchanting and original fairy tale, 'The Swan's Daughter' was a joy to read! Though Prince Arris has always known he is doomed to be murdered by the wife he must someday marry, he is a delightful dreamer and maintains so much hope and optimism. After several failed engagements, his family hosts a large selection of potential brides, to participate in balls and various tests, to give Arris his best chance at finding a wife who would let him live the longest.

On the run, veritas swan Demelza ends up at his castle to hide, pretending to be one of the potential brides. The two strike a bargain and help each other. As they grow close, they each realize the danger they might pose to each other.

Releasing on January 6th - grab a copy here!

#NetGalley – I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'The Prince of Mourning' by Jenn Bennett

5 magical stars!

Book Blurb:

"Belladonna by Adalyn Grace meets A Study in Drowning in this sizzling gothic romantasy that follows the forbidden romance between a young nurse and a mysterious young man imprisoned by a dangerous occultist.

After receiving a strange summons, eighteen-year-old nursing student Molly O’Rinn finds herself the private live-in nurse for a wealthy young man in his haunting Hudson Valley mansion. But after arriving at his secluded estate, Molly discovers that her handsome employer is not what he seems, and most surprising of all is what rests deep inside the mansion’s walls.

Perhaps not what, but who…

A young man about Molly’s age—at least in appearance—is a prisoner of the estate, locked behind magical barriers. Nin is royalty, the son of a legend. He is not human, not of this world…and not like anyone Molly has ever met.

Molly should stay away from him. But Nin is a terrifying yet strangely attractive being, and soon both Molly and Nin find themselves drawn to each other, sparked by a connection neither of them can deny. But as the two become entangled in a forbidden affair, outside forces start to press in.

Because Nin’s legendary father is looking for his son, and he’s not the only one.

To keep Molly safe, Nin must find a way back to his realm or suffer the consequences. Even if it means choosing his princely duty over love."


My Review:

I loved this gothic, atmospheric YA Romance! We follow nurse-in-training Molly O’Rinn as she navigates her way through an unexpected new assignment in upstate New York, surrounded by suspicious house staff, an eccentric wealthy patient, and a mysterious and handsome boy (Nin) whom the staff deny exists. Molly defies Nin's warnings for her safety and explores the sprawling estate, searching for all the truths that everyone keep hidden from her. The ghost of her friend and fellow nurse accompanies her and provides great comedic relief. As Molly and Nin's affection for each other grow, so do the suspicions of her eccentric patient, and in combination with outside forces from Nin's past, it becomes harder to spend time together and learn the truth.

Nin the Sorrowful, Prince of Mourning, is not of this world and it shows. He is such a gentleman and is protective without crossing lines, and he is a delight to read! I hope to see more of him and his world, and this book does leave the option open for additional books in a series, but it also does have a satisfying conclusion and no cliffhanger.

'The Prince of Mourning' releases on October 28th, perfect for the spooky season! Grab a copy here.

#NetGalley – I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'We're a Bad Idea, Right?' by K.L. Walther

5 risky stars

Book Blurb:

"The business of love gets messy when two best friends decide to fake a romantic relationship in this uproarious and swoony novel by the bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules.

Audrey Barbour has had enough of following the rules. Eighteen years of being the perfect daughter—exceptional grades, enviable college acceptances, tame dating history—and still, her parents don’t trust her enough to let her study her passion, glassblowing, on a prestigious fellowship.

So when her best friend Henry proposes an outrageous fake-dating scheme to win back his ex-girlfriend, it feels like the first step to shaking up her perfect life. And the second? That comes when Audrey’s parents go out of town, sparking a high-risk, high-reward solution to pay for her fellowship—renting out her family’s Connecticut mansion online. With the help of her new fake-boyfriend, it shouldn’t be hard to pull off… right?

But when her best intentions start to unravel, Audrey will have to reckon with who she is, what she wants, and what it really means to play life by her rules—all with her heart on the line."

My Review:

I love how author K.L. Walther's characters are always so clever and witty with each other, and so creative when brainstorming to break the rules. 'We're a Bad Idea, Right?' is no exception. Here we we follow Grace and James' cousin Audrey through her last few weeks of high school, including fake dating to drum up interest from an ex and a would-be partner, a lucrative scheme of renting out her property while her parents are out of town, and a great group of friends who help along the way.  

This is a companion novel to 'While We're Young,' though readers need not have read that book to enjoy this one. As always, the cameos of older Walther characters were incredibly enjoyable.

'We're a Bad Idea, Right?' releases March 3, 2026, pre-order a copy here!

 #WereaBadIdeaRight #NetGalley – I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Thrown for a Loop' by Sarina Bowen

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Fans suspect that the bad boy of hockey has a few skeletons in his closet. They have no idea he also has a sparkly bodysuit… #toepick!

When they met at figure skating camp ten years ago, Chase Merritt was a scrappy hockey player from the wrong part of town, and Zoe Carson was the up-and-coming ice princess. They fell in love faster than you can say triple toe loop, until Zoe makes a fateful error that ends up costing Chase dearly.

Almost a decade later, their fortunes are reversed. Chase is the MVP of the New York Legends hockey team, while Zoe—their new skating coach—has years’ worth of personal and professional bruises. It’s hard to face him again—all six feet and two hundred pounds of muscle and swagger.

And anger. Chase is in hot water with management, and refusing to work with Coach Zoe no matter how badly he needs to shore up his stride—and his image. Until a journalist digs up an old video of Zoe and Chase performing a skating program, and the internet goes wild.

Management seizes on the opportunity for a P.R. redemption, ordering Zoe and Chase to reprise their flashy routine.

Skating with him again—to a love song, of course—is pure agony. But it’s also Zoe’s only chance to unpack the truth of what really happened that night ten years ago. And to at least find forgiveness, if she can’t win back his heart."


My Review:

Fantastic and swoon-worthy Adult Rom-Com for every fan of figure skating, ice hockey and 'The Cutting Edge' movie from 1992!

I really enjoyed both the dual POV and the dual timelines. We get to see Zoe and Chase in present day and their memories of their magical summer together, nearly 10 years prior. In both timelines, their witty banter and chemistry is off the charts and a joy to read.

'Thrown for a Loop' releases on November 4th, grab a copy here!

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'A Queen's Match' by Katharine McGee - A Queens Duet #2

5 royal stars!

Book Blurb:

"In the sequel to A Queen's Game, broken hearts and secret loves lead three princesses to their final marriage matches, and their rightful places in the history books--from the New York Times bestselling author of the American Royals series.

As Queen Victoria tries to match her grandchildren with powerful marriages across Europe, matters of the court and matters of the heart collide for three princesses as they close in on the end of their marriage seasons.

Exiled French princess Helene d'Orleans had no choice but to break it off with Prince Eddy--but that doesn't mean she doesn't have a broken heart. And now her parents have their sights on another prince for her...but his heart is already taken.

The queen finally understands that her beloved granddaughter Alix of Hesse isn't interested in a match with Prince Eddy...but the Queen does not approve of Alix's true love. So where does that leave her?

And May of Teck? She's just looking for a crown. So with Eddy back on the marriage market, she's biding her time, letting his heartbreak settle, before she makes her move.

Set in the last glittering decade of the monarchies, A Queen's Match is the thrilling conclusion to the story that began in A Queen's Game."


My Review:

This clever Historical Fiction duet, based on real people and events, was so very well done! Even if you don't know what actually happened in real life, this series is an amazing YA read! It's about three princesses and several princes and has all the humor, romance, cunning, and schemes that Katharine McGee readers have long enjoyed.

In this 'Queen's Duet,' Queen Victoria of England tries to play matchmaker for her many grandchildren, spread throughout the thrones of Europe. Her favorite granddaughter, Alix of Hesse, rejects the proposed match to the future king of England, Prince Eddy. Prince Eddy, meanwhile, has fallen in love with a French princess, whose family is banished from France. And May of Teck schemes in the background, determine to secure a crown for herself at any cost.

I love how the author tied everything up, to align with real-life events, while also granting readers a satisfying conclusion to the spin she put on all the characters.

Highly recommended YA reading!  Grab your copies:

A Queens Duet #1 -  'A Queen's Game' by Katharine McGee 

A Queens Duet #2 - 'A Queen's Match' by Katharine McGee

#AQueensMatch #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

The Mirror Chronicles by Rachel Huffmire

The Mirror Chronicles by Rachel Huffmire is a compelling trilogy, with a novella, that cleverly re-imagines several fairy tales into one cohesive and thrilling time travel adventure.  Start with 'Snow White's' tale, dive right into 'Sleeping Beauty' reimagined, conclude the trilogy with a fabulous take on 'The Snow Queen,' and finish with a 'Cinderella' novella.

Highly recommended reading for fairy tale fans and all YA readers!

The entire Mirror Chronicles series is available on Amazon and is part of the Kindle Unlimited program. Grab a copy here!

Snow White's tale - 'Shattered Snow' by Rachel Huffmire - Mirror Chronicles #1

"Time travel is illegal… But only if you get caught.

Keltson Grammar is a vigilante hacker who doesn’t mind breaking a few laws. Hiding behind mirrors, he rescues unfortunate souls in the past and leads them to happier endings. However, a single misstep could send a time-traveling huntsman on his trail. If he finds Keltson, history will be reset to its original dismal fate and Keltson’s future will be permanently behind bars.

Lilia Vaschenko is a Russian Mechanic surrounded by cinderblock towers, ladders she cannot climb, and a glass ceiling that holds her down like a casket. She'll do anything to escape—even work for the world's most wanted renegade.

Margaretha is a young German countess who wants nothing more than to forge her own path in life. But when she discovers a mysterious mirror in the woods that transforms her world into shadows and ice, her future shatters. Will she ever find who she was truly meant to be?"

'Sleeping Beauty' reimagined - 'Spinning Briar' by Rachel Huffmire - Mirror Chronicles #2

'The Snow Queen' - 'Saving Winter' by Rachel Huffmire - Mirror Chronicles #3

'Cinderella' re-telling - ' Sculpting Fables' by Rachel Huffmire - Mirror Chronicles novella

'Fake Skating' by Lynn Painter

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the Movies Lynn Painter comes a heartfelt and banter-filled rom-com about childhood sweethearts whose icy reunion in their hockey-loving hometown unexpectedly thaws when they fake a romantic relationship.

Growing up, Dani couldn’t help but follow around the adorable son of her mom’s best friend. Funny, kind of nerdy, and a little soft, Alec was always down to hang with Dani when they were little. From play dates on the playground to sneaking into movie theaters, Dani and Alec were inseparable. Until Dani moved away. Alec promised they’d stay in touch—except, they didn’t.

Flash forward and Dani is back in Minnesota for her senior year, she and her mom living with her grandfather. Dealing with the fallout of her parents’ devastating divorce, Dani wouldn’t mind a nerd-out with the cozy and comforting Alec (and maybe a chance to confront him on his MIA status for all these years). But teenage Alec is nothing like the kid Dani remembers. He’s a hockey star in a town where hockey players are worshiped as gods. Dani’s place as his shadow has been taken up by drooling female fans…and he loves it.

Dani is resolved to ice out her former best friend until an unlikely series of events brings them together—and forces them to fake being a couple. Once forced together, the former childhood sweethearts begin to reconnect, unearth complicated family secrets, and face their true feelings towards each other…including the real reason Alec has been pushing Dani away all these years."


My Review:

Another wonderful Young Adult book from author Lynn Painter, full of witty banter and a sweet clean romance between these childhood-best-friends to high school sweethearts. There's small town 'hockey is life' and there's the jealous boy next door, and there's family drama, and so very many curse words out of these athletes. I love the duel POV, with both Dani and Alec narrating and sharing their feelings with readers.

 Releasing on September 30th - grab a copy here!

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Right Where We Belong' by Farrah Penn

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

"Past and present collide in this swoony romance when a girl searching for a sense of belonging may have found it in an unexpected—and undeniably charming—visitor from the nineteenth century.

Delaney Carmichael's final year of boarding school at Ivernia is not off to a great start. Losing her father has left her feeling completely unmoored—both emotionally and in terms of what she wants to do with her future. So when Delaney discovers that Ivernia—the one stable place in her life—is on the brink of shuttering its doors, it feels like the last straw. If life is measured in what she has to lose, then does anything matter?

Desperate for a solution, Delaney makes a wish—for a way to save Ivernia. The universe's response? Enter Lord William Cromwell of Dunbry, a tall, handsome, and woefully out-of-place-boy from nineteenth-century London. At first, Delaney thinks this charming English heartthrob might somehow be the answer to her problems, but when disastrous consequences begin to unfold at an alarming rate, she realizes that if she can't return William to where and when he belongs, the present could unravel completely. Much to Delaney's dismay, the only person capable of helping her is her brother's infuriating best friend, Sumner, a boy who seems dead-set on getting under her skin. With time quickly running out, can the two set things straight before the past begins messing with the present in irreversible ways?"


My Review:

This is a beautiful Young Adult coming of age story with a delightful time travel element where our narrating main character finds her place. Tender, emotional scenes of grief are portrayed very well. There is a clean YA romance sub plot and it is very sweet, and it does not overpower the story. Highly recommended!

Releases October 28th - pre-order a copy!

#RightWhereWeBelong #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Red as Royal Blood' by Elizabeth Hart

5 royal stars!

Book Blurb:

"The Inheritance Games gets the royal treatment in this paperback original thriller that combines courtly intrigue, succession drama, and romance.

Ruby has never found a puzzle she couldn’t solve. Even though she’s destined to spend the rest of her life as a servant to the royal family, her mind itches for a true challenge. But no puzzle could prepare her for the king’s decision to name Ruby as the next heir to the throne just before his death.

Thrown into the viper’s nest of court, Ruby is forced to contend with a kingdom in crisis, the dead king’s angry wife, and the three entitled and annoyingly handsome princes. Then, as if being newly crowned queen wasn’t enough, she discovers a note left by the king that claims he was murdered . . . and that she might be next.

Unsure of who she can trust, Ruby makes uneasy alliances with each of the princes as she tries to solve the king’s murder. But with the clock winding down, she will face her most difficult challenge finding the truth before the killer comes for her."


My Review:

'Red as Royal Blood' was so well-written, and the mystery so full of twists, that it lived rent-free in my mind overnight after reading, and I dived back in for a re-read immediately the next day. The slow-burn sweet romance played out exceptionally well, and it was so much fun to read everything again while knowing the ending.

Ruby, our narrating main character, is so likeable and clever, and easy to root for. Everyone is shocked when the King suddenly dies and it's revealed that a kitchen maid with no family history was made heir. The eldest living Prince seems full of rage and suspects there is more to Ruby's identity or relationship with the late King. His charming younger brother has been her secret friend and chess partner, and is baffled by this turn of events. The youngest Prince seems out-of-sorts and in a daze. Their mother alternates between ignoring Ruby and throwing daggers at her with her eyes. And the court advisors throw one thing after another at her. And yet, Ruby unravels the mystery of the King's murder and manages to keep her head.

'Read as Royal Blood' releases on November 18th - pre-order your copy here!

#RedasRoyalBlood #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.