Becoming His Bluestocking Countess: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Becoming His Bluestocking Countess

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Harlequin Historical 

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Pages: 272

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance 

Synopsis:

Get lost in the lively world of The Scandalous Stringhams in this light-hearted Regency romance

How to woo a countess 

In fifty questions… 

Lady Rebecca Stringham is stunned when a beautiful man falls from his horse and practically into her lap! The notorious Earl’s reputation precedes him, so their instant bond must remain secret from her overprotective family.

Phineas has never danced to anyone else’s tune before, yet he’s entranced by Becca’s intelligence and wit—not to mention her curves! Could fifty courtship questions be enough to unravel her inner world? With each answer Becca gives, his feelings for her only deepen, but can he trust her with his secrets—and ask her the most important question of all?

From Harlequin  Your romantic escape to the past.

The Scandalous Stringhams

Book 1: Becoming His Bluestocking Countess

Review:

*I received an arc from the author and publisher for review. Thanks for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own*

I just loved this one! I have very much enjoyed following the Stringham family along on all their adventures. Becoming His Bluestocking Countess is about the youngest Stringham, Becca, and she’s an absolute delight! She’s been there since the beginning of the series, and I’ve loved her journey. I’m really hoping the series continues and that the oldest Stringham, Mantheria, may have her own story perhaps? I’m just not ready to say goodbye to the Stringhams yet.

Lady Rebecca Stringham is surprised at the park when an absolutely gorgeous man falls from his horse and almost into her lap! Lord Norwich’s reputation as a rake precedes him, and so their instant bond must be kept a secret from her very protective family.

Phineas has never met anyone like Rebecca before. He’s smitten with her intelligence and wit, and her beautiful curves. Could fifty courtship questions be enough to enter her inner world? With each answer that Becca gives, his feelings for her grow. Can Phineas trust her with his secrets and ask her the most important question of all?

I really loved seeing Becca’s relationships with her different family members explored. We were able to see the challenges she faced with her older sister, Mantheria. We also saw how deeply she cared for the Duke of Glastonbury and his partner even though they had caused her family pain. I loved that the rest of her siblings made appearances, as well as her parents. Becca has become an aunt to so many beautiful babies!

It was really cool to see Phineas’ journey throughout this story as well. We finally begin to understand him and his past.

Highly recommend to fans of this series, and to regency romance fans!

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

A Poetic Pox (A Lady Librarian Mystery #3): Review/Audiobook Review

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About the Book:

Title: A Poetic Pox 

Author: Samantha Larsen

Narrator: Marni Penning

Publisher: Dreamscape First 

Release Date: July 22, 2025

Pages: 8 hours and 47 minutes

Genre: Historical, Mystery, Cozy Mystery 

Synopsis:

1786, England

It is the twelve days of Christmas, and Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop is happily juggling her duties as a new mother and a librarian to Catharine, the Duchess of Beaufort. Her employer receives a mysterious letter from an old paramour, the Marquess of Harwood, who is the biological father of Catharine’s son. He promises to leave his estate and fortune to Beau if he can see the boy before he dies.

Her elder son, Thomas Montague, has a terrible cold, so Catharine asks Tiffany to accompany her and Beau. When they arrive at the dilapidated abbey, they discover a dead body—only it isn’t the marquess, but his valet! Lord Harwood is alive, but unconscious with suspicious-looking pox marks on his hands. Tiffany wonders if the marquess is really dying, or if it is all poetic revenge? Especially when she discovers the secrets that haunt Rosedean Abbey.

Between breastfeeding and dirty diapers, Tiffany must discover who killed the valet and attempted to murder the marquess before anyone else dies.

Review:

* I received an e-arc/audiobook via the author, Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

So excited to dive back into this series after loving the previous two books! This time around I was able to listen to the audiobook while reading along, and it enhanced my reading experience. The narrator was a great choice! A Poetic Pox is an entertaining mystery, filled with twists and turns. If you enjoyed the previous books, or you enjoy historical mysteries, I think you’ll love this one too!

Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop is balancing her responsibilities as a new mother and also as the librarian to Catherine, The Duchess of Beaufort. During the 12 Days of Christmas, Catherine receives a letter from her son Beau’s biological father, The Marquess of Harwood. In this mysterious letter, the Marquess requests that his son come to visit at once and he will bequeath him his estate before he dies.

Catherine’s older son, Thomas Montague, has a bad cold, so Catherine asks Tiffany and her daughter to accompany her and Beau to the estate. When they arrive at the abbey they are shocked to see the deplorable condition of the home, and not only that, they come across a dead body! The body is not that of the Marquess, but his valet. Lord Harwood is still alive, but barely and he is unconscious with strange pox marks on his hands.

While breast feeding and changing diapers, Tiffany races against time to discover who killed the valet and attempted to murder the Marquess before anything else happens.

It was wonderful seeing Tiffany as a mother in this one and I appreciated the nursing mother representation. As a mother who nursed my babies, this was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed getting to see Tiffany’s relationship with Catherine blossoming, as well as the sweet romance she shares with her husband. It was also interesting to learn more about small pox, and I always appreciate Samantha’s research.

Fans of historical mysteries don’t want to miss out on this wonderful series! I hope that the author will write more in this world.

About the Author:

Samantha writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen and historical romances under Samantha Hastings. She met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, University of North Texas, and University of Reading (UK). She’s the author of: The Last Word, The Invention of Sophie Carter, A Royal Christmas Quandary, The Girl with the Golden Eyes, Jane Austen Trivia, The Duchess Contract, Secret of the Sonnets, The Marquess and the Runaway Lady, and A Novel Disguise. Learn more at: http://www.SamanthaHastings.com

A Hopeful Proposal: Review

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About the Book:

Title: A Hopeful Proposal 

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Pages: 208

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency 

Synopsis:

Since her mother’s disappearance seven years ago, Lady Sarah Denham has remained resolutely at Manderfield Hall. She is certain her mother will someday return home, so when the estate is sold, Sarah can’t bear to let go of the house or the hope it symbolizes. There’s only one solution that will allow her to she must marry the new owner. But her impulsive proposal does not go as planned.

When Christopher Moulton takes over Manderfield Hall, the last thing he anticipates is an offer of marriage from the previous tenant. However, as a businessman, he can see one considerable benefit to the Sarah’s high rank in Society will secure advantageous marriages for the two younger sisters left in his care. A bargain is struck, and wedding bells soon chime for the virtual strangers, but for Christopher, the pain of the past is inescapable. How can a proper lady ever come to love a scarred and rough-mannered man like himself?

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the author and publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I adored A Hopeful Proposal! If you are a fan of Samantha Hastings, Regency romance, a slow-burn, found family and marriage of convenience, I think you will love it too! 

Lady Sarah Denham’s mother disappeared seven years ago, and she has been waiting for her to return home ever since. When the estate is sold due to her father’s neglect, Sarah can not bear to let it go and the hope that it symbolizes. She hatches up a plan to marry the new owner of the estate so that she doesn’t have to leave. Sarah herself proposes, and things don’t go according to plan. 

When Christopher Moulton takes over Manderfield Hall, he is not expecting a proposal of marriage from the previous tenant. As a business man, Christopher can see the benefit of marrying someone with a high rank in society that can help him secure marriages for the two younger sisters in his care. He agrees to the proposal and they are quickly wed. However, the pain of Christopher’s past comes to haunt him. How can a proper lady ever come to love him, scars and all? 

Lady Sarah and Christopher were such fun characters, and I enjoyed the banter between them. I am glad that they were able to help each other to heal from the past. There were also great supporting characters in the story, which really added to the charm. 

Highly recommend! I really hope that the author continues the story with Christopher’s sisters, Margaret and Deborah! 

 

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

Den of Liars (The Devious #1): Review

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About the Book:

Title: Den of Liars

Author: Jessica S. Olson

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Pages: 400

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

A young thief attempting a daring casino heist during a high-stakes tournament is torn between two warring brothers in Den of Liars, a thrilling YA fantasy romance by acclaimed author Jessica S. Olson.

Lola St. James is the world’s best kept secret. When her father’s loss in the Liar’s Dice Tournament–a high-stakes competition where players are forced to gamble with their deepest secrets–made her a target, she was rescued by the Thief, the notorious leader of the Tentacles. But the Thief’s kindness came with a Lola’s heart. In the years that followed, she and the Thief formed a bond like no other, able to feel each other’s emotions because of their shared heart.

Now, living under the pseudonym Astra, she is determined to prove herself and become a full-fledged Tentacle. But when a critical heist goes sideways, the only way forward is for Lola to compete in the Liar’s Dice Tournament herself. Lola is confident in her ability to pull off any heist, but the Thief’s mysterious brother, the Liar, runs the game and he turns out to be more than she bargained for. As her attraction for him grows and illusions run wild, she will be forced to confront the secrets of her past, the truth of the brothers’ shared history, and the lies she tells herself.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own.*

I have loved Jessica S. Olson since I read her debut Sing Me Forgotten, and her sophomore novel, A Forgery of Roses. I was ecstatic to read Den of Liars! I’m happy to say it did not disappoint, and I absolutely loved it. If you like unique magic systems, slow-burn romance, morally grey characters and high stakes competitions, I think you will love this one too!

Lola St. James has a target on her back since her father lost the Liar’s Dice Tournament. She is rescued by the Thief, the head of The Tentacles gang and has been living in secret. The price she paid for her rescue, is to share her heart with the Thief. Lola and the Thief forge a bond and are able to feel each other’s emotions through their shared heart.

Now living under the alias Astra, Lola wants to officially become one of The Tentacles. When a heist goes wrong, she finds herself having to enter the Liar’s tournament herself. The Thief warns her that the Liar is not to be trusted. She is confident in her abilities to pull off heists, but the Liar, the Thief’s own brother, turns out to be more than she could have imagined. Despite the Thief’s warnings, Lola finds herself attracted to the Liar. She will soon be forced to confront her past and the truth of the brothers history.

I really enjoyed Lola’s journey throughout this story. She started out as very naive and trusting of everyone, and grew into a character that started asking questions and trying to find out things on her own.

I can’t wait for book two, and will be eagerly awaiting it’s release. Highly recommend!

About the Author:

Jessica S. Olson claims New Hampshire as her home, but has somehow found herself in Texas, where she spends most of her time singing praises to the inventor of the air conditioner. When she’s not hiding from the heat, she’s corralling her four wild—but adorable—children, dreaming up stories about kissing and murder and magic, and eating peanut butter by the spoonful straight from the jar. She earned a bachelor’s in English with minors in editing and French. She is the author of Sing Me Forgotten and A Forgery of Roses.

Jessica is represented by Christa Heschke of McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency, and can be found @jessicaolson123 on Twitter and Instagram.

Beyond Pemberley (Timeless Regency Collection): Review

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About the Book:

Title: Beyond Pemberley

Authors: Rebecca Anderson, Samantha Hastings, & Sarah L. McConkie

Publisher: Mirror Press

Release Date: June 9, 2025

Pages: 300

Genre: Regency Romance

Synopsis:

Dear Reader, have you ever wondered what happened after Pemberley?

Playing Miss Bennet by Rebecca Anderson
Twenty-year-old Kitty Bennet, visiting London for a season as a companion to Mrs. Gordon, is simultaneously attracted and repelled by a flirty rake. How would a girl like Kitty respond to his roughish behavior? Impossible to tell when she doesn’t even understand herself. She must use their time together to practice being someone else. She’s sure when she decides which of her sisters’ personalities is the best fit, she’ll know both who she is and what she wants. Of course, what she wants couldn’t possibly be Augustus Haverford. Not with that wicked smile and that tendency to say scandalous things. Can Kitty convince herself he’s all wrong for her? Or does fate have something altogether more romantic in mind?

Sisters and Second Chances by Samantha Hastings
Sixteen years since her own elopement, widow Lydia Wickham saves a young woman from running away with a scoundrel. In gratitude the father, Viscount Kingston, offers Lydia a position as chaperone. Childless and estranged from her sisters, Lydia eagerly accepts. Little did Lord Kingston or his daughter the honorable Chloe know how Lydia would shake up their dull, scholarly existence and turn their trio into a family.

The Colonel’s Conviction by Sarah L. McConkie
Shrouded by his military facade and careful in love as the younger son of an Earl, Colonel Fitzwilliam has yet to find his soulmate. When he’s tasked to watch over Georgiana Darcy and her new companion—a striking young widow named Clara—he’s instantly drawn in, even if he did make a muck of their first meeting. But Clara has a difficult past and a complicated future, and it will be up to the Colonel to show her that no matter how insurmountable the obstacles, hearts can open…if she’s willing to take a chance on him.

Timeless Regency
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A HOLIDAY IN BATH
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN
WEDDING WAGERS
AN EVENING AT ALMACK’S
A WEEK IN BRIGHTON
TO LOVE A GOVERNESS
WIDOWS OF SOMERSET
A CHRISTMAS PROMISE
A SEASIDE SUMMER
THE INNS OF DEVONSHIRE
TO KISS A WALLFLOWER
BEYOND PEMBERLEY

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Beyond Pemberley is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book

Timeless Romance Anthology® is a registered trademark of Mirror Press, LLC

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

As a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice, this Timeless Collection was perfect for me! This anthology included novellas about Kitty Bennet, Lydia Bennet-Wickham, and Colonel Fitzwilliam. I loved all three stories and enjoyed seeing these characters further explored. Two of the three authors in this collection are new to me, so I was excited to be introduced to them.

Playing Miss Bennet–

Kitty Bennet is in London for a season with her companion Mrs. Gordon. She finds herself both attracted and repelled by a flirty rake. She barely understands herself, so she doesn’t know how to behave around him. She decides to try all of her sisters’ personalities to see which one is the best fit. What she doesn’t anticipate is falling for Augustus with his winning smile and his tendency to say scandalous things.

This story was so cute and had lots of humor! I found myself laughing out loud.

Sisters and Second Chances–

Widow Lydia Bennet Wickham has been estranged from her sisters and childless since her own elopement sixteen years ago. Lydia saves a young woman from running away with a scoundrel. The girl’s father, Viscount Kingston, asks her to be a chaperone for his daughter in his household. Lydia eagerly accepts the position. Little did the Viscount, and his daughter realize how much she would come to mean to them.

I loved seeing Lydia get a second chance in this one! I also enjoyed seeing her vibrant personality shine through.

The Colonel’s Conviction –

Colonel Fitzwilliam has yet to find his soulmate. When he’s given the responsibility of watching over Georgiana Darcy and her new companion, a beautiful young widow named Clara, he is drawn in immediately. He did mess up their first meeting, but he’s determined to make a fresh start. Clara has had a difficult past and a complicated future is ahead, and it will be up to the Colonel to show her that hearts can open. Will she give him a chance?

I enjoyed this one and the banter between the Colonel and Clara was fantastic!

I highly recommend this collection for regency romance and Pride & Prejudice fans!

About the Authors:

Rebecca Anderson is the nom de plume of contemporary romance novelist Becca Wilhite. She is a high school English teacher and loves hiking, Broadway shows, food, books, and movies. She is happily married and a mom to four above-average kids.

Sarah L. McConkie started her writing career in the second grade witha thirteen-page magnum opus about dinosaurs. Although the plotline and
penmanship lacked polish, Sarah learned she loved retiring to bed thinking of stories. On a good night, she still does the same thing. She took up the pen several years later after tucking her own little dreamer into bed and now combines modern-life experiences, a robust knowledge of historical hallmarks, and a passion for all things old-fashioned and proper to craft
her historical romances. She co-stars with her own Mr. Right in the real-life romantic comedy she calls life as they raise their five darling children. Sarah believes creating thought-provoking and moral stories promotes literacy in a world that needs more readers. Sarah is a best-selling author and her work has earned both the Swoony Award and the LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award.

Learn more about Sarah at sarahlmcconkie.com, and follow her on social
media.

Facebook: Sarah L McConkie
Instagram: @sarahlmcconkie

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

Tenderly, I Am Devoured: Review

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About the Book/Audiobook:

Title: Tenderly, I Am Devoured

Author: Lyndall Clipstone

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co. (BYR)

Audiobook: Spotify Audiobooks narrated by Emily Lawrence

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Pages: 304

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Gothic

Synopsis:

Perfect for fans of Saltburn, For the Wolf, and House of Hollow, Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a moody, monstrously Gothic romantasy in which a young woman must bind herself to a dangerous chthonic demon with the help of the son of a rival family to save her family’s legacy―and herself―from ruin.

Expelled from her prestigious boarding school following a violent incident, eighteen-year-old Lacrimosa Arriscane returns home in disgrace to discover her family on the point of financial ruin. Desperate to save them, she accepts a marriage of convenience… to Therion, the chthonic god worshipped by Lark’s isolated coastal hometown.

But when her betrothal goes horribly wrong, Lark begins to vanish from the mortal realm. Her only hope is to seek help from Alastair Felimath: the brilliant, arrogant boy who was her first heartbreak, and his alluring older sister, Camille. As the trio delve into the folklore of gods, Lark falls under the spell of the Felimath siblings.

Ensnared by a fervent romance, they perform a bacchanalia with hopes the hedonistic ritual will repair the connection between Lark and her bridegroom. Instead, they draw the ire of something much darker, which seeks to destroy Therion―and Lark as well.

Review:

 

*I received an e-arc and an audiobook via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Lyndall Clipstone has a wonderous way with words, which I think is a beautiful gift. Tenderly, I Am Devoured is like a painting, with the vivid imagery that it evokes. I could picture Verse, the town in which the story takes place, and I could picture Lark’s cottage, the neighboring Saltswan manor, and the sounds of the sea with the breezes blowing on the wind. I could also feel all the feels with this story, the love, the loss, the heartache, and the pain. I was fortunate to be able to listen to the audiobook as I read the story, and the narrator does a fantastic job of bringing everything to life, including both the imagery and the intense emotions. A beautiful and atmospheric story that you don’t want to miss!

Lacrimosa “Lark” Arriscane returns home in disgrace from boarding school following a violent outburst. She discovers that her family is on the brink of bankruptcy. Desperate to save them, she pledges to marry Therion, the chthonic god worshipped by her isolated town on the coast.

When her betrothal goes awry, Lark begins to vanish from the mortal world. Her only hope is to seek help from Alastair Felimath, her first heartbreak, and his alluring older sister, Camille. As the trio spends more time together, their feelings for each other begin to bloom.

As they are in the depths of a fervent romance, they perform a ritual that they hope will repair the connection between Lark and her bridegroom. Instead, they draw the ire of something more sinister that seeks to destroy Therion and Lark as well. Will they be able to save them?

I highly recommend for fans of fantasy, romance, and beautiful prose.

About the Author:

Lyndall Clipstone writes dark tales of flower-threaded horror. She currently lives in Adelaide, Australia, in a hundred-year-old cottage with her partner, two children, and a shy black cat.

The Floating World (The Floating World, #1): Review

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About the Book:

Title: The Floating World 

Author: Axie Oh

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends 

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Pages: 368

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

From Axie Oh, the New York Times-bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone in this romantic fantasy reimagining the Korean legend of Celestial Maidens.

Sunho lives in the Under World, a land of perpetual darkness. An ex-soldier, he can remember little of his life from before two years ago, when he woke up alone with only his name and his sword. Now he does odd-jobs to scrape by, until he comes across the score of a lifetime—a chest of coins for any mercenary who can hunt down a girl who wields silver light.

Meanwhile, far to the east, Ren is a cheerful and spirited acrobat traveling with her adoptive family and performing at villages. But everything changes during one of their festival performances when the village is attacked by a horrific humanlike demon. In a moment of fear and rage, Ren releases a blast of silver light—a power she has kept hidden since childhood—and kills the monster. But her efforts are not in time to prevent her adoptive family from suffering a devastating loss, or to save her beloved uncle from being grievously wounded.

Determined to save him from succumbing to the poisoned wound, Ren sets off over the mountains, where the creature came from—and from where Ren herself fled ten years ago. Her path sets her on a collision course with Sunho, but he doesn’t realize she’s the girl that he—and a hundred other swords-for-hire—is looking for. As the two grow closer through their travels, they come to realize that their pasts—and destinies—are far more entwined than either of them could have imagined…

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I have been a fan of Axie Oh since her debut Rebel Seoul, and she has not disappointed me yet! The Floating World is her triumphant return to fantasy! I really enjoyed this one, and I love how it’s a reimagining of the Korean legend of the Woodcutter and the Celestial Maiden. The world building is amazing with The Floating World and the Underworld, and I am excited to explore that more in the sequel. The writing was whimsical, the romance was sweet, and the cast of characters were unforgettable.

This has been comped to Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone. I think if you’re a fan of either of those, or fantasy in general, you will find this up your alley.

I definitely recommend and I can’t wait for the sequel coming this fall!

About the Author:

Axie Oh is the New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, XOXO and ASAP, and the Rebel Seoul series. Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, she studied Korean history and creative writing as an undergrad at the University of California San Diego and holds an MFA in Writing for Young People from Lesley University. Her passions include K-pop, anime, stationery supplies, and milk tea, and she currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her dogs, Toro and Leila.

What Happens in Amsterdam: Review

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About the Book:

Title: What Happens in Amsterdam

Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Falling in love with your husband is anything but convenient in this steamy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Business or Pleasure.

Dani Dorfman has somehow made it to her thirties without knowing what she wants to do with her life. So when an office romance ends poorly and gets her fired, she applies for a job in Amsterdam, idly dreaming of escaping the mess she’s created, but never imagining she’ll actually get it.

Except she does. By the end of her first week in Amsterdam, she’s never felt more adrift or alone. Then she crashes her bike into her high school ex-boyfriend—and suddenly life is blooming with new opportunities.

Wouter van Leeuwen was a Dutch exchange student Dani’s family hosted, a forbidden love that ended in a painful breakup. Years later, there’s still sizzling chemistry between them, and okay, maybe a little animosity. More importantly, Wouter needs to be married to inherit a gorgeous family home on a canal—and when Dani’s job falls apart, she needs a visa. As the marriage of convenience pushes them together in unexpected ways, Dani must decide whether her new life is yet another mistake—or if it’s worth taking a risk on a second chance.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

What Happens in Amsterdam has so many tropes I love all in one adorable book: second chance romance, forced proximity and a marriage of convenience! This story was so fun, and just what I needed when I read it. The characters are very likable, and I appreciated their vulnerability with each other. I absolutely delighted in the setting of Amsterdam, and it totally made me want to visit!

If you enjoy romance, sizzling chemistry and beautiful settings, then pick up this book now! I highly recommend. Also, if you’ve read and loved Rachel’s previous works, I hope you love this as much as I did!

About the Author:

Rachel Lynn Solomon is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk, Today Tonight Tomorrow, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. Her books have been translated into more than fifteen languages and optioned for film. Originally from Seattle, she’s currently navigating expat life with her husband in Amsterdam, where she can often be found exploring the city, collecting stationery, and working up the courage to knit her first sweater. Connect with her on Instagram @rlynn_solomon.

The Beautiful Maddening: Review

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About the Book:

Title: The Beautiful Maddening 

Author: Shea Ernshaw 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Pages: 304

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Contemporary 

Synopsis:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Shea Ernshaw comes a haunting romantic contemporary fantasy about a teen navigating her family’s love curse that blooms with their enchanted tulips every year.

Seventeen-year-old Lark Goode wants only one to escape her small town of Cutwater and the history of her family name. It’s a history that began during the Dutch tulip mania of 1636, when Lark’s ancestor stole the last remaining tulip bulbs and fled to America. But when the tulips bloomed on American soil, madness sprouted from their snowy white petals.

The madness was love.

Now, generations later, the Goodes remain cursed—the unnatural flowers outside their home causing locals to fall helplessly in love with anyone carrying Goode blood in their veins. While her brother embraces the strange power, Lark wants nothing more than to be free from it.

But when she meets a boy who seems unaffected by the family curse, Lark finds herself falling headlong into a feeling she’s spent her whole life trying to avoid. Yet, all curses and magic come with a price, and the town of Cutwater soon sinks into a dangerous sickness tied to Lark and the ill-fated tulips.

To save the town, Lark will need to sacrifice everything—even true love—to break the spell. Because in the Goode family, love has a way of destroying everything.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

Shea Ernshaw is one of my favorite authors, and she continues to amaze me with her writing. I literally will read anything that she writes!  The Beautiful Maddening was magical, bewitching, and ethereal. I really enjoyed it! 

This story was inspired by the tulip madness and the main characters are a set of twins, Archer and Lark Goode. They are cursed to be loved by everyone. Archer seems to like the attention the tulips bring, while Lark resents it and tries to keep everyone at a distance. 

Lark meets someone who seems unaffected by the family curse and finds herself falling headstrong into a feeling she’s been spending her life trying to avoid. Like all magic, the magic of the tulips comes with a price. The town of Cutwater falls into a sickness that’s tied to Lark and the tulips. 

To save the town, Lark needs to sacrifice everything, even true love. Will she be able to do it?

I took off one star as the ending wasn’t quite as satisfying as I had hoped. Other than that, it was a great read!

I definitely recommend for fans of YA and fantasy! 

 

About the Author:

Shea Ernshaw is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Indie Bestselling author of THE WICKED DEEP, WINTERWOOD, A WILDERNESS OF STARS, LONG LIVE THE PUMPKIN QUEEN, and A HISTORY OF WILD PLACES. Her novels have repeatedly been chosen as Indie Next Picks and A HISTORY OF WILD PLACES was a Book of the Month selection. She is also the winner of the Oregon Book Award.
She often writes late, late, late into the night, enjoys dark woods, scary stories and moonlight on lakes.

 

The Deathly Grimm (The Forest Grimm, #2): Review

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About the Book:

Title: The Deathly Grimm

Author: Kathryn Purdie 

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Pages: 400

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Retelling 

Synopsis:

The spellbinding sequel to Kathryn Purdie’s bestselling dark fairytale, where our main characters must return to the forest—and its monsters.

The story hasn’t ended yet.

After surviving the Forest Grimm and defeating the Wolf, Clara and Axel have made it back to their village, the one place they can be safe behind the forest’s borders. But when the forest itself begins luring in more villagers, it’s clear that Clara and Axel have only treated the symptoms of the forest’s curse, not the cause—and it’s getting worse.

Burdened with visions of the past and learning to navigate her fragile new relationship with Axel, Clara finds herself entering the forest with Axel yet again to discover the truth once and for all: the identity of the murderer who caused the curse. As they fight murderous woodsmen with incomprehensible riddles, ladies who will drag you into an eternal dance, and ghosts with the power to wield the forest against them, Clara and Axel realize the stakes are higher than ever. If they don’t survive the dark, deadly twists of the forest once more, not only will they never escape, they may also no longer have a home to escape to.

Romantic, eerie, and beautiful, The Deathly Grimm is the triumphant conclusion to Kathryn Purdie’s bestselling Forest Grimm duology.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I thought this was a great conclusion to The Forest Grimm duology! With a murder mystery, fairytale magic and heart pounding twists and turns, it kept me turning the pages. The story begins where The Forest Grimm ended. Clara and Axel have made it back to their village, where they are safe behind the forest’s borders. To their dismay, the forest begins luring in more villagers and they realize that they have only treated the symptoms and not the cause of the forest’s curse.

Clara and Axel find themselves in the forest again after Clara keeps having visions of the past. They need to find who the murderer was that caused the curse. Much is at stake as Clara and Axel are on their journey. Will they be able to make it out of the forest a second time?

I definitely recommend!

About the Author:

Kathryn is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the BURNING GLASS series, the BONE CRIER’S MOON duology, and the THE FOREST GRIMM duology. Her love of storytelling began as a young girl when her dad told her about someone named Boo Radley while they listened to the film score of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Kathryn is a trained classical actress who studied at the Oxford School of Drama. She also writes songs on her guitar for each of her stories and shares them on her website. Kathryn lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three children.

Instagram: @kathrynpurdie
TikTok: @kathrynpurdie