I was so excited to see that Fizzy, Felicia Chen, got her own book after first meeting her in The Soulmate Equation. She was such a fun, hilarious, and quick-witted character in that book, so I couldn’t wait to see what she would do in her own story. I devoured The True Love Experiment. Fizzy continued to be just as funny and smart in this one that I just couldn’t put it down.

Fizzy is a romance author who is currently experiencing her worst case of writer’s block, as well as a romance block. During a commencement speech, she has an epiphany that she is not living her best life. So when Connor Price approaches her to star in his new reality TV show, The True Love Experiment, she decides, why not? Maybe it will help her get her mojo back.

I loved the dynamic between Fizzy and Connor. I thought they had great banter, and their eventual love story felt very realistic, making me root for them the whole way through.

I have previously enjoyed Curtis Sittenfeld's work, so I was excited to pick up her newest book, Show Don't Tell, which is a collection of 12 short stories. While reading this collection, I realized that I don't particularly enjoy short stories because I prefer exploring characters in greater depth than what is typically offered in shorter formats. Sittenfeld's writing, however, is very engaging and well-crafted. Even though I didn’t love the shortness of the stories, I appreciated her writing style and can't wait to read her next novel.

I was so excited to read Unloved after meeting Ro and Freddy in Unsteady. Freddy really caught my attention in that book, and I couldn't wait to learn more about his story and see him find his happily ever after. Unloved did NOT disappoint! I savored every moment of this book and felt sad when it ended.

Ro Shariff is incredibly smart and loyal, but she has been unlucky in love. Her current "on-again, off-again" boyfriend Tyler is a complete jerk, and unfortunately, he is in the same cohort as her and is in charge. Freddy, a talented hockey player who has signed with Dallas, is trying to survive school and graduate, which is something his late mother wanted for him. He has gone through several tutors in Ro's cohort and is now assigned to her. They both have a lot of trauma to work through. Can they help each other heal?

I loved every aspect of this book. I thought the storyline was well-crafted and offered excellent representations. Freddy was such a sweet and loving soul, even with all the trauma he has faced. I also enjoyed seeing Sadie and Rhys throughout the story. I highly recommend this series!

I was really excited to read this book because of its reference to Audrey Hepburn. Unfortunately, there is very little about her and her movies. The mentions of Audrey feel like an afterthought, as if the author was trying to find a way to connect the story to her. It felt like, "Okay, how am I going to relate this to Audrey Hepburn? Let's call the estate that!"

The story itself was fine. I enjoy a good dual timeline, so that aspect helped keep my interest.

Emma Jansen grew up in a large, prominent estate where her mother worked as the house manager. The narrative alternates between "then" and "now," taking us back to her childhood alongside two boys: Henry, the grandson of the estate's owner, and Leo, the driver’s son. Now, the estate is set to be torn down by Leo, who works in construction, and Emma is determined to save it.

I really disliked Emma. I found her decisions to be foolish, which made it hard to connect with her. The love triangle felt forced, and the romance was underwhelming. While I appreciated the inclusion of the Nazi aspect in the story, I found the "twist" at the end to be completely unnecessary. Overall, it was an average read, but it just wasn’t for me.

Dysfunctional family drama meets mystery thriller in this captivating story. I love reading about dysfunctional families, and this one did not disappoint in that regard. However, I would say it leans more towards family drama than a mystery thriller.

The Aston family is filled with secrets. Stephen Ashton is getting married to a much younger woman after divorcing his wife, who has Alzheimer's. During the wedding, someone in the family gets hurt or killed while they are signing the wedding paperwork. As readers, we embark on a journey to uncover who these family members are and the secrets they have been hiding for years.

I really enjoyed this book; it kept me entertained throughout. While the mystery itself was somewhat lackluster, the family drama was top-tier. Tully brought a hilarious element that kept the story fun and engaging. Don’t approach this book expecting a major mystery with twists and surprises; it's primarily a family drama story, but it is very well done.

3.75 Stars

Anthony Youn has a wonderful way of making complex scientific and medical information easy to understand, creating a supportive experience for the reader. I really enjoyed how thoughtfully organized his chapters were, starting with the importance of healing our insides before addressing the outside. I appreciated how he broke everything down into manageable parts, allowing us to put a plan in place instead of overwhelming us with information. This is definitely a book you'll want in physical form so you can easily tab important information for future reference.

The Seven-Step Homestead is a great resource for people that are just starting their homesteading journey. Leah Webb breaks down the chapters in such a easy to follow, succinct way that makes it very managable for a new homesteader. I particularly liked the section on raising chickens since that is the next step that my family is taking in our homesteading journey, so it was very good information to get us started.

The pictures in this book are also very beautiful and add something special to it.

Only in Your Dreams was absolute perfection! It was not only a quick and easy read but also heartfelt and swoon-worthy. It had a little bit of everything you could possibly want: a brother's best friend, a cinnamon roll mmc, sports drama, "who did this to you", along with many other great tropes. The spice level was just right—not too much and not too little.

Melody Woods returns to her hometown after avoiding it for the past ten years following her breakup with her boyfriend of six years, who left to go on a six-week boys' trip. She has been staying away since her high school crush, Zac Porter—her twin brother's best friend—broke her heart the night before she left for college in the big city. Zac has been pining for Melody all these years. Can they reunite and forgive each other to move forward in their lives?

I absolutely adored this book! After reading several lackluster books, I found myself in a reading slump, but this one pulled me right out of it. It was everything I had hoped it would be and more. I would highly recommend this book to any fan of steamy romance.

Breath of the Dragon is a fantastic start to the duology by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee. For me, the world-building in this story was the highlight. Although I don't know much about martial arts or have a great desire to learn more, I still found the storyline fascinating and can’t wait to read the second book.

Jun is exiled with his father after the Aspects come to recruit his twin brother, Sai, because he is breathmarked, which makes him special. During the Aspects' visit, Jun makes a terrible mistake, resulting in both him and his father being exiled from the country. At 16, he aspires to compete in the Guardian's Tournament to become the best martial artist in the country. Defying his father’s wishes, he sets out for the tournament with Mr. Chang and Ren. He soon discovers that this tournament is about more than just achieving martial arts excellence. Can he win it all and help avert the impending war?

I enjoyed the tournament aspect of the book, even though some matches felt rushed and were quite graphic. My favorite part of the story was definitely the theme of found family, and I can’t wait to read more about them.

This was my first time reading a book by Sarah Hope, and I really enjoyed her writing style. It was quick and easy to read, so I would love to try more of her books. However, this particular book just wasn’t for me. I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters, and the romance felt sudden and lacked chemistry.

The story follows Laura, who decides to buy an inn after divorcing her husband and moving back in with her parents. Despite knowing nothing about running or renovating an inn, she is determined to prove to her family that she can do it on her own. Upon moving in, she discovers that her brother's best friend lives next door, and it’s easy to predict what happens next.

My biggest problem with this book was how whiny Laura comes across. At 38 years old, her desperate need to prove herself to others feels unrealistic. The entire narrative revolves around her complaining about wanting to handle things herself. I might have been able to overlook this annoyance if the romance had been better, but to me, it just wasn't convincing. I believe many readers will enjoy this clean, closed-door romance, but it simply wasn’t for me.

I had heard amazing things about this book over the last few years and had it on my TBR list for quite a while. I’m so sad I didn’t pick it up sooner because it was incredible. It was beautifully written and thought-provoking; I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days after I finished reading. This story not only broke me but also put me back together through the deep love for the characters.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone. However, it does cover a lot of controversial topics, much like all of Jodi Picoult's other works, so be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading.

I really enjoy Freida McFadden's books. While there isn't anything groundbreaking in *One by One*, it's a good, quick read that serves its purpose well. It's an enjoyable story to listen to while doing other things, and it will keep you entertained.

In the book, Claire Matchett is going on a weeklong trip with her estranged husband and some friends. When their minivan breaks down on a deserted road, they decide they're close enough to their destination to walk the rest of the way. For some reason, they never seem to reach their destination, and over the course of several days, various events unfold.

Overall, this book is fast-paced and entertaining, but nothing was particularly shocking. The twist at the end was quite underwhelming. So, if you're looking for a book that will blow your mind, this isn't it. However, if you want something quick and entertaining, this book will do the trick.

Rating: 3.25 Stars.

Wow! This was such a powerful and beautifully written story about the Holocaust. There were many moments in this book that completely broke me. Kristin Hannah does an excellent job of describing the scenes, making you feel as if you are right there with the characters, seeing everything through their eyes.

The Nightingale follows the lives of two sisters living during the German invasion of France in 1939 and the subsequent years. Vianne is a mother who endures a great deal after her husband, Antoine, goes off to fight in the war and becomes a prisoner. With her husband away, two different German captains occupy her home, and she must find a way to survive the unimaginable while protecting her daughter. On the other hand, her sister Isabelle is a stubborn and rebellious young woman who desperately wants to help France win the war. Both sisters find themselves on different paths to contribute to the war effort and navigate the horrors of this time.

I loved the storytelling in this book; it felt incredibly real, knowing that these atrocities were happening to thousands of people at that time. The only aspect I wish had been stronger was either the romantic elements or the bond between the sisters. You can sense their love for one another, but the circumstances of their lives put them on different paths. It would have been nice to see them together more often to truly convey their love for each other. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

4.75 Stars

I'm unsure how I feel about "She's Not Sorry." On one hand, I was engaged in the story because I kept wondering when something significant would happen and who the person was that wasn't sorry. On the other hand, the pacing was slow, and much of the story didn't seem to focus on the main plotline.

We spend a lot of time in the hospital discussing a woman who is in a coma after jumping off a bridge. While the plot twist regarding her situation blew my mind, we reached the "conclusion" of that storyline halfway through the book. After that, I couldn't help but think about where the next twist was, but it never came; that was it.

Interestingly, another plotline, which I initially thought was a minor side story, ended up being the main focus that wrapped up fairly quickly at the end. However, it wasn't particularly shocking. So, while the story was engaging because I kept wanting more, I was ultimately left feeling confused.

3.5 Stars

I had high hopes for Love at First Skate, and while it was cute, the story ultimately fell flat for me. Harlow and Teddy have been friends since grade school, even attending college together, but they have been living in different places for the past few years. Harlow works as a lawyer for her recently deceased father, even though being a lawyer isn't her true passion. Teddy is a professional hockey player trying to make a comeback after a knee injury. Harlow wins a romantic getaway for two, which coincidentally takes place in the same location where Teddy will be playing for a charity hockey team.

There were so many elements in this story that it almost felt unbelievable. For instance, how could Harlow win a romantic getaway to a small town in Washington while living in Oklahoma, at the same time her best friend is joining a charity hockey team there? It seemed a bit far-fetched. Additionally, the hockey aspects of the book didn’t make much sense, and it felt like the author had looked up every hockey-related term to include in the story without having a genuine understanding of the game.

I did enjoy the sweet moments between Harlow and Teddy, but these moments were few and often overshadowed by external circumstances. Overall, I liked the story, but I wished it had been more developed and less rushed. I would like to read the other stories in the Love on Thin Ice series, as Maple Falls seems like such a charming small town.

The Sound of Sleighbells is the sixth story in the Christmas Tree Ranch series, but you don’t need to read the previous books to fully enjoy this one. While it is marketed as a Christmas book and takes place during the holiday season, its themes do not heavily emphasize Christmas, and there is a fair amount of dark context throughout.

Ruth is a single mother of three young children after her abusive husband goes to jail. She carries a lot of trauma from her past relationships: her first love was incarcerated for five years for murder, her second husband was shot and killed, and her third husband was abusive. Consequently, Ruth is not looking for love. However, she harbors a secret: her oldest son is not the biological child of her first husband but is actually the son of her first love. Judd, her first love, has recently returned to Branding Iron after serving time in jail and spending a year in Australia, where he became a renowned saddlemaker. The question arises: can Ruth keep her secret, or will the truth eventually come out?

I enjoyed the story, but I felt there were significant gaps that made certain aspects confusing. The timeline of events and the circumstances that brought them both back to the same place didn't quite add up. It seemed like a lot of negative events unfolded within the span of just a month, culminating in an ending that felt rushed and somewhat unbelievable. Overall, I liked the story, but I probably won't ever think about it again.

Sally Hepworth has a remarkable ability to captivate readers from the very first page and keeps them engaged until the last word. I appreciate a thriller that allows you to delve into the minds of the characters rather than relying solely on fast-paced action, which often leaves me feeling disconnected. Darling Girls is told from multiple points of view, allowing readers to understand the thoughts and emotions of the main characters, making it much easier to connect with them.

Jessica, Norah, and Alicia share a strong sisterly bond after spending time in foster care under Miss Fairchild at Wild Meadows, a house that looks beautiful from the outside. However, the inside of the house held many horrors that the girls endured over several years, including physical and mental abuse. Twenty-five years later, they are summoned back to Port Agatha to assist with a police investigation into bones that were discovered beneath the house when it was demolished. The story's dual timeline lets readers witness the traumas the girls faced and how they have coped with them over the past quarter-century.

I loved the ending of the story, especially discovering what happened to the girls after the investigation. I was completely taken by surprise at the very end with Miss Fairchild's revelation and now find myself wishing for more, even though the story wrapped up nicely. I can't wait to read more by Sally Hepworth in the future.

4.25 Stars

This is the perfect read for the Christmas season! It captures all the festive vibes in a charming, spicier Hallmark style. The story offers a fun twist on the grumpy/sunshine trope, with our female main character, Kira, taking on the grumpy role.

Kira moves to Dream Harbor after her twin sister relocates across the world with her husband, leaving Kira feeling lost and lonely. After binge-watching a plethora of homesteading content online (who can blame her?), she decides to purchase a farmhouse sight unseen. Little did she know, she had just bought the town's beloved Christmas tree farm. The only downside? She absolutely hates Christmas.

Bennett comes to town to visit his sister in December after she convinces him to stay with her. Known for his fixing tendencies, Bennett can't resist stepping in to help Kira when he discovers she needs it. But is he only helping her out of a sense of obligation, or does he genuinely have feelings for her?

I think this novel is my favorite of all the Dream Harbor books so far. I admire Kira's bravery in changing her circumstances when she could have easily continued her comfortable life. She knew what she wanted and went for it. Bennett was a dream come true, and I’m so glad he was able to overcome his insecurities in the end. I can't wait for the next in the series to be released!

4.25 Stars

I'm unsure how I feel about this book. While I found the storyline fun and interesting, it was challenging to get into overall. One of the main reasons for this was my dislike for the main character, Bel. I found her rude and arrogant, and I believe that if her personality had been different, the story would have been more compelling. I wish we had seen more interaction between her and Ash, or that Ash could have balanced out Bel's poor attitude, but that didn't happen. A good portion of the beginning and middle felt like filler, making some parts difficult to get through. Despite this, I really enjoyed the end of the book; some twists caught me off guard. I will definitely continue reading Holly Jackson, as I have loved all her other works so far.

3.75 Stars

This was my first Liv Constantine thriller, and it definitely won’t be my last! The Senator’s Wife kept me engaged the entire time, as I wondered what would happen next and hoped someone would save Sloane in the end. I found the storyline fascinating, especially since I love reading about the drama among the wealthy; the fact that the characters were politicians made it even more intriguing. I was shocked by the twists and turns at the end that I did not see coming at all. Granted, I don't read many thrillers, so it might not have been revolutionary to someone who does, but it truly caught me off guard. I can’t wait to read more novels by the Constantine sisters and highly recommend The Senator's Wife to anyone who loves thrillers.

4.75 Stars

I usually enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers story, especially in an academic setting, but this one didn't resonate with me. I found Sasha to be a hard character to like; she came across as self-centered and acted superior to everyone, including her "friends." The story felt incomplete to me, as there was a focus on the bets with Ezra, yet they were either glossed over or completely ignored, despite being central to the plot. Overall, I think this could be a good book for teenagers since there's no spice, but it ultimately fell flat for me.

The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas is a fun and captivating rom-com. Fake dating combined with a slow burn? Count me in! I really enjoyed the relationship between Matthew and Josie. Josie is quirky and makes questionable decisions, but Matthew is simply everything. It took me a little time to get into the story because the reason behind the fake fiancé situation didn’t make much sense at first. However, since Josie is a people pleaser, it's understandable why she would make such a bold choice. I'm glad I persevered, though, because the second half of the book really shines—especially when Josie starts to trust herself more and her relationship with Matthew deepens. You definitely don’t need to read The Long Game first, but it’s helpful to know some of the backstory, and it's always fun to see what previous couples are up to now.

3.75 Stars

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware was an enjoyable read, but I wouldn't classify it as a thriller or a mystery. I found several plot holes that didn’t quite make sense, and at times, I wished for more detail to make the story feel more realistic. Lyla feels stuck in a rut in various areas of her life, especially at work. When her boyfriend, Nico, tries to persuade her to join him on a reality TV show, she reluctantly agrees, even though she isn't particularly excited about the idea. “Shockingly,” a big storm hits the private island where they are staying, leaving them stranded. We follow Lyla and the other cast members as they attempt to survive, but some of them get injured or even killed in the process. Overall, while it was a fun read, it didn’t stand out as particularly special. I wish there had been more depth, especially since the ending felt rushed with numerous unanswered questions. I enjoyed the book, but I probably won’t think about it again.

3.75 Stars

Wow! I absolutely loved Better Than the Movies and could read it over and over again. When I heard there was going to be a sequel, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Most of the time, sequels come off as cash grabs, where the author tries to capitalize on the success of the first book. But Lynn Painter truly defies this trend. This sequel was phenomenal! It had heartbreak, sweetness, and moments that made me giggle and kick my feet in delight. I particularly appreciated how realistic the storyline was. In many romances, once the characters achieve their happily ever after, readers are left to believe that's how things will be for the rest of their lives. In reality, that’s rarely the case. Everyone experiences ups and downs, and Nothing Like the Movies beautifully illustrates this. It shows that with hard work and love, getting your HEA is possible. This book is perfect for both teens and adults, and I highly recommend the entire series.

The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery is a beautiful story about forgiveness and family. Finley McGowan finds herself living with her mother and acting as the guardian for her 8-year-old niece, Aubrey, after her sister, Sloane, abandons them due to her alcoholism. Sloane is fighting her addiction and ultimately wishes to spend more time with her daughter, but the question remains: is she strong enough to confront her demons and earn her sister's forgiveness?

While I found the storyline engaging, I struggled to root for either of the main characters. They both exhibited whiny attitudes and a "poor me" mentality, which made it hard to root for them. However, the small hints of romance added an enjoyable layer to the narrative, and I found myself hoping for more of that aspect. I particularly loved the relationship between Sloane and Gil; it was evident how deeply they cared for each other and wanted the best for one another, even if that meant they couldn't be together.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women's fiction.

Grumpy professor meets hot mess express sunshine in a tropical location? YES PLEASE! What could go wrong when you have a grumpy soon-to-be a super wealthy man and a starving artist chaotic woman and they just happen to be married?

Anna Green thought she married Liam Weston to get cheap housing at UCLA and signed the divorce papers as soon as they graduated. When several years later, Liam shows back up at her door, not surprisingly the same day that she got fired from her gas station job, she is shocked to find out that she didn't read the contract that she signed too closely and she is still married. Now, Liam needs Anna's help to convince his family at his little sister's wedding that the marriage is real so that he can inherit one hundred million dollars from his deceased grandfather. That doesn't sound too bad to get an all-expense paid trip to a remote tropical island for two weeks until you meet Liam's super wealthy and obnoxious family. Can they pull off the impossible? Can they do it without ruining each other's lives?

The novel skillfully balances humor and romance, drawing parallels to the classic "Pretty Woman" while delivering a believable progression of the central romance. The slow development of the relationship adds depth to the characters and their interactions, making the storyline more engaging despite its seemingly improbable premise. "The Paradise Problem" is a delightful read that would appeal to any fan of the romance genre.

4.25 Stars

A Risk Worth Taking is a cute, funny, quick read. Holly Carrington worked hard all her life to be the best at interior design. After 10 years of hard work, it was finally paying off, and she was on the verge of getting the major promotion she had been looking forward to for years. Then tragedy strikes and she finds herself the sole guardian of her infant niece, Ella. She decides to go back to her hometown for a few months to adjust to her new life and put her grandparents' house up for sale, which she inherited when they passed away. She finds that she needs some help with the renovations and hires Manning and Son Construction. Quinn Manning is the project manager for the renovation, and Holly finds herself back in the same world as her long-ago crush. Before she left for college, she laid all her feelings out for Quinn, and he turned her down because he felt he was too old for her. Will these old feelings reignite when they are in the same space all the time now? Can they get past old heartaches? Is giving up everything she worked for worth it?

I loved the banter between Holly and Quinn and found myself laughing out loud several times. Ella brought such a sweet element to the story that really warmed my heart, seeing how much both Holly and Quinn grew to love her. This was a short read but definitely packed a punch of emotions.

Upon relocating to her late mother's former residence on Mallow Island, South Carolina, nineteen-year-old Zoey is met with an overwhelming sense of loss and solitude that has been a constant presence in her life since her mother's passing during her childhood. The apartment, called Dellawisp after the enigmatic turquoise birds that inhabit the area, becomes the setting for Zoey's unexpected connection with her fellow tenants, each carrying their own burdens of sorrow and heartache.

The enchanting element of magic woven into the narrative of this tale introduces a captivating layer of complexity that captivates the reader from the very first page to the last. As a fervent admirer of stories centered around the concept of found family, I found "Other Birds" to be an incredibly fulfilling and satisfying exploration of this theme.

Heartbreaking story that takes us on a journey to discover if love is really enough to change all your life plans. Willa hates Texas due to a difficult family life growing up. When her dreams of moving to the Big Apple to pursue her art are within reach, she doesn't want anything to get in her way. However, her life and dreams are disrupted when the parents of the boy she nannies for die in a car accident. She is then forced to return to Texas to bring her charge, Bobby, to his single uncle who is now his legal guardian. Life gets complicated when Bobby only wants to be with Willa and his Uncle Daniel desperately needs her help. Will Willa be able to make her dreams come true and move to the Big Apple? Is that even what she wants anymore?

I loved this story. The dynamic between Willa and Daniel is spectacular. They have such great banter between them, and it helped the story progress really well. I did find some of the decisions Willa made really annoying, but overall, it helped to create a really well-written story.

Heartless Hunter by Kristin Ciccarelli is an enthralling tale set in a world where witches have lost their power and are now being hunted down and purged. The main protagonist, Rune, finds herself entangled in a dangerous mission to rescue arrested witches before they meet their fate. As she navigates this perilous task, she must also grapple with the looming threat posed by Gideon Sharpe, an unyielding witch hunter who also happens to be the brother of her best friend.

The book is a riveting journey through a fast-paced drama that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Gideon, despite his role as a formidable witch hunter, exudes a swoon-worthy charm that added depth to the story. His character is a delightful blend of sweetness and complexity, making him a compelling MMC that had me both giggling and blushing along the way.

What amazed me the most was the unexpected twist in the ending that left me eagerly anticipating the sequel, Rebel Witch. For anyone who loves a captivating blend of romance and fantasy, I highly recommend delving into the enchanting world of Heartless Hunter.