Murder at Donwell Abbey (Emma Knightley Mysteries #2): Review

December 6, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Murder at Donwell Abbey

Author: Vanessa Kelly

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Pages: 416

Genre: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

In this latest Regency-era mystery, Jane Austen’s clever Emma Knightley navigates shocking changes in her family—while meeting her match in a deadly adversary . . .

Emma’s spirits are elevated after she and husband George Knightley host a joyful holiday celebration at the Hartfield estate. But it’s instantly a bitter January when her father makes an unexpected announcement—he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry. Not only must Emma relinquish her role as mistress of the household, but also accept the reality that the excitable Miss Bates will become her stepmother . . .

More unwanted news arrives during an extravagant betrothal ball at Donwell Abbey, the grand Knightley estate where Emma and George will soon permanently reside. Nearly every villager in Highbury revels in the dazzling affair—except Emma’s hardworking lady’s maid, Prudence Parr. To Emma’s horror, Prudence is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace . . .

The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled a terrible accident and whispers circulate around personal troubles leading up to her untimely demise. But Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more sinister is at play. Now, Highbury’s matchmaker-turned-sleuth vows to outwit a cunning criminal before an innocent man loses his freedom—or Donwell Abbey plunges into a darker mystery . . .

Review:

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

4.5 rounded up to 5

Murder at Donwell Abbey is book number two in the Emma Knightley Mystery Series. I was so excited for this book, and it did not disappoint! The story compelled me to read from beginning to end, and I had fun figuring out whodunnit. Perfect for Austen fans and fans of cozy mysteries!

Emma and George Knightley host a fun holiday celebration at the Hartfield Estate. January begins with Mr. Woodhouse making an unexpected announcement-he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry! Emma comes to grips with the fact that she’ll have to give up her role as mistress of the estate and that Miss Bates will become her stepmother.

During a betrothal ball for Mr. Woodhouse and Miss Bates at Donwell Abbey (where Emma soon will reside with George), something dreadful happens! Her lady’s maid Prudence Parr is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace!

The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled an accident, but rumors begin to circulate about her personal troubles leading up to her demise. Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more dire has occurred. Emma decides to investigate and outwit a cunning criminal to save an innocent man.

I absolutely loved the witty banter in this one! Emma is one of my favorite Austen characters, and it’s so fun reading a “continuation” of her life and seeing her as a sleuth. It was also so fun to see her teaming up with her future stepmother, Miss Bates! Her nephew Henry was also an absolute delight! I of course loved seeing more of Emma and George working together as well.

I highly recommend this one! I really hope that author Vanessa Kelly writes more in this world, as I’m definitely on board for more Emma on the case.

About the Author:

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. Vanessa also wrote USA Today bestselling contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.

After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

More Than Life: A YA Historical Fantasy: Review

August 25, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: More Than Life

Author: Bethanie Finger

Publisher: Wise Wolf Books

Release Date: February 13, 2024

Pages: 436

Genre: YA Fantasy, Historical Fantasy

Synopsis:

“Romance, loss, and self-discovery take the stage in this series opener, with lots of enticing hints for the epic adventure still to come. A page-turner for all romantasy fans!” –Marissa Meyer, New York Times Best Selling Author of The Lunar Chronicles

“A sweeping tale of grief, love, adventure, and finding one’s path in life. Full of secrets long kept and characters you can’t help but root for, readers will get lost in its rich world.” –Annie Sullivan, author of A Touch of Gold and Tiger Queen

A gripping story of overcoming grief, self-realization, and embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. As the daughter of a high-ranking sea captain, nineteen-year-old Cordelia Kimbal lives a life of luxury in the sea faring kingdom of Mikiria. But when her father dies unexpectedly, she is stripped of her title and home, and forced to join the working class in order to survive.

Determined to rise above her losses, Cordelia is eager to prove her worth and stand on her own. But four months after her father’s passing, a mysterious letter arrives, revealing the secret location of the mythical island of Qualaris. Known for concealing the secrets of magic and eternal life, Qualaris is often dismissed as mere legend, but Jaspar, Cordelia’s father’s enigmatic apprentice, is convinced of its existence and is harboring its secrets—secrets that the dark enchanter, Janus would stop at nothing to obtain.

For generations, Jaspar and his ancestors have pursued the discovery and rescue of Qualaris while battling a curse of nonexistence, and he believes that Cordelia is the island’s true protector, the one who can save it and its people from Janus’s impending threat.

Faced with the daunting task of defending Qualaris and its people, Cordelia embarks on a quest to locate the island, embrace her birthright, and take on the darkest enchanter in history. If she doesn’t, the island and its people won’t be the only casualties of Janus’s war.

Join Cordelia on her journey as she navigates a world of magic, mystery, and danger, discovering her true self and the strength within her.

*Content More Than Life is the first book in the More Than Life trilogy, and ends on a cliffhanger.

Review:

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

More Than Life was such a pleasant surprise, and a compelling read! This story was one of grief and loss, a journey of self-discovery and growth, found family, romance, mystery, adventure, magic, and even some time on the sea! I loved the world building and the magic system that is being set up, and I look forward to learning more in the next book.

Nineteen-year-old Lady Cordelia Kimbal lives a life of luxury in the sea faring kingdom of Mikiria, as the daughter of a high-ranking sea captain. When her father dies unexpectedly, she is forced to give up her home, her servants, and her title and join the working class.

She begins working as a bar maid in a tavern, determined to rise above her losses and prove her worth. She chooses to go by the name Delia. She begins to make friends with her coworkers and patrons in the tavern. She meets an intriguing patron named Jaz, who winds up staying at the inn and helping out at the bar. They begin to develop feelings for one another. Their connection is more than they both realize. Four months after her father’s passing, a mysterious letter arrives at the tavern for Delia. The letter inspires her to embark on a quest to discover a lost island and find out who she truly is.

I absolutely adored Delia and Jaz and thought they were such likeable characters. Delia has gone through so much, but she is so resilient and doesn’t give up. Jaz has also gone through a lot, and I liked how he and Delia help each other through their grief.

I definitely recommend for fans of fantasy and sweet romance! I am eager to read book as soon as I can.

About the Author:

Bethanie Finger is a writer, reader, and a librarian. In 2021 she graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences. She has worked in public libraries and local bookshops and currently works as a school librarian.

When she’s not writing she enjoys hiking, podcasting, and exploring the world.

She happily lives in Nevada with her husband, their two dogs, Scamp and Beowulf, and an ever-growing TBR collection.

Between the Veil: Review

August 25, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Between the Veil

Author: Zoe Zeman

Publisher: Book Bridge Publishing Company

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Pages: 365

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy

Synopsis:

One ancient prophecy. Two wicked kingdoms. Three lives woven together by fate.

Night after night, Auden is tormented by creatures that haunt her nightmares and leave physical scars in the waking world. Day after day, she trains with determination, driven to avenge the loss of her parents to these malevolent beings.

When the kingdom is besieged by an ancient evil, Auden loses the only solace she has ever known. Grief ignites an unknown power within her, a force that teeters between good and evil. In this moment of anguish, truths long concealed are laid bare–the immortal rulers have sinister intentions to exploit Auden’s abilities and expand their realm.

Caught in the maelstrom of the immortals’ schemes and the emergence of her own uncontrollable powers, Auden must confront the realization that she may be the greatest threat of all.

Will she accept the destiny laid out for her, risking everything to fulfill a prophecy, or will she defy the spirits’ will and choose a life of freedom at the cost of unimaginable chaos? As darkness stirs and evil prevails, Auden decides the path that will shape the very fabric of fate.

Review:

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

Solid fantasy debut for Zoe Zeman! I was hooked from the beginning of this spellbinding story, which compelled me to keep turning the page and wanting to know more. The world and characters are vividly imagined, and there are lot of twists and turns along the way. If you like immortals, the chosen one, ancient prophesies, court intrigue, battle scenes, love triangles, forced proximity, and a good slow burn, I think you will enjoy this one!

Every night, Auden is tormented by creatures in her nightmares that leave physical scars on her when she wakes. She spends her days training hard to someday avenge her parents who were killed by these horrible creatures.

When her kingdom is besieged by an ancient evil, Auden loses the only solace she has ever known. Grief ignites an unknown power within her, that is a fine balance between good and evil. In this moment of anguish, truths come to light that have been kept hidden. The immortal rulers of the kingdom plan to use Auden and her powers to expand their realm and influence.

Auden finds herself trapped between the immortals plans for her and her own uncontrollable powers. She must come to terms with the fact that she herself may be the greatest threat of them all.

Will Auden accept the path laid out before her, risking all to fulfil an ancient prophecy? Or will Auden defy the will of the spirits and choose a life of freedom which could cause complete chaos? As darkness stirs and evil triumphs, Auden chooses the path that could shape the very fabric of fate.

I really enjoyed the main character, Auden and I felt as though I could feel all the feelings she had. She is a character that has gone through unimaginable grief and loss, all while dealing with anxiety and depression. I really appreciated how the author touched on those subjects in the story and made her and other characters so relatable. As someone that has anxiety, I always appreciate positive representation in books. Auden is so much braver than she gives herself credit for, and she grows so much throughout the story. She also has a good sense of humor which brought some lighthearted feeling to the story. I also enjoyed reading from the POVs of the two MMC, Everett and Azrael. I love the banter between them all! There’s a love triangle and I feel as though it could go either way at this point, and I’m really interested to see what happens in the next book. I know who my favorite is, I tend to go for the morally grey bad boys. 😉

I definitely recommend and I look forward to book two!

About the Author:

Zoe Zeman is a devoted wife, loving mother, and child of God with an insatiable love for reading, writing, and the world of imagination. When she’s not lost amidst the pages of a gripping fantasy novel, you’ll likely find her weaving together the next chapter of her own story.

While her heart lies in the world of words, Zoe also wears the hats of a nurse and educator. With a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing education, she works part-time teaching clinical for her alma mater, nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

An overachiever and an ambitious dreamer, Zoe fills her days with a mix of creative pursuits and hands-on family life. Whether she’s chasing after her little one, cuddling up with her husband and their dog, or balancing her professional responsibilities, Zoe finds joy in every moment, all while creating stories that transport readers to new worlds.

For Zoe, there’s never a dull moment, and that’s just the way she likes it.

Steel & Spellfire: Review

August 21, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Steel & Spellfire

Author: Laura E. Weymouth

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Release Date: July 22, 2025

Pages: 368

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

A devastatingly gifted mage with clandestine romantic connections to a Royal Guard joins the court social season in an attempt to undo past wrongs, only to fall under suspicion when a creature with powers shockingly like her own begins slaughtering her fellow debutantes.

Pandora Small has two ruling objectives: first, to keep the prodigious extent of her power secret, in a world where mages are feared and governed by suffocating laws. Second, to find her wealthy and noble-born patron, a shadowy figure bound to Pandora by magic, who stole her childhood and grew her power until she became a weapon rather than a girl. To that end, she’s posing as an Ingenue, a privileged and petted young woman of strictly limited abilities, who is allowed access to the royal court’s social season in order to find a husband and patron to control her magic.

But on Pandora’s arrival at court, Kit Beacon, one of the most promising members of the Royal Guard, inadvertently learns the true scope of her power. Privately sympathetic towards mages and the difficulties they face, Beacon decides to keep Pandora’s secret. But when someone or something with powers terribly like Pandora’s own begins slaughtering her fellow Ingenues, Beacon’s resolve to keep what he knows about her private is put to the test.

Tasked with protecting all the girls in the palace, not just one, Beacon will have to decide whether Pandora is a suspect or an ally, while to win his trust, Pandora will have to let him know more of her still—the worst of who she is and what she’s done. Because only unity between them during the social whirlwind to come will enable Pan to find her patron and Beacon the killer and ensure they both see justice meted out.

Review:

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

I have been reading Laura E. Weymouth’s books since her debut The Light Between Worlds, and she has not disappointed me yet! She has become an auto buy author for me, and I will continue to read whatever she writes. Steel & Spellfire has a unique magic system, murder, mystery, court intrigue and romance all in a Regency Esque setting. It totally gave off Bridgerton vibes and I was here for it!

Pandora Small has two objectives. First, she wants to keep the extent of her power secret, where mages are both feared and persecuted. Second, she wants to find her patron who stole her childhood from her and turned her power into a weapon. To meet her objectives, she is posing as an Ingenue to gain access to the royal court’s social season, where the girls are groomed to find a husband and patron to control their magic.

When Pandora arrives at court, Kit Beacon, a member of the royal guard, quickly discovers the magnitude of her powers. Beacon has sympathy for mages and the difficulties they face, so he decides to keep her power a secret. However, as someone begins murdering Ingenues, with a power that’s quite similar to Pandora’s, his trust is put to the test.

Beacon’s duty as a royal guard is to protect all the girls at the palace, so he will have to decide if Pandora is a suspect or an ally. To gain Beacon’s trust, Pandora must share more about herself, who she truly is and what she has done. The pair soon discover that they must work together to find Pan’s patron and Beacon’s murder suspect to ensure justice.

Pandora and Beacon were both very likable characters that I enjoyed getting to know. I found myself rooting for them as they raced to solve the mystery and find justice in a society that was oppressive to people with magic. I really enjoyed the magic system and the world in which these characters lived. The story was fast paced, and it wrapped up well for a standalone.

I definitely recommend to fans of Laura’s and to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy!

About the Author:

Laura Weymouth is a Canadian living in America, and the sixth consecutive generation of her family to immigrate from one country to another. Born and raised in the Niagara region of Ontario, she now lives at the edge of the woods in western New York, along with her husband, two wild-hearted daughters, and an ever-expanding menagerie of animal friends.

Dream by the Shadows (The Shadow Weavers Duology #1): Review

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Dream by the Shadows

Author: Logan Karlie

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Pages: 352

Genre: YA Fantasy, Romantasy, Gothic

Synopsis:

Beauty and the Beast meets Labyrinth in this YA romantic fantasy about a deadly dream world and the shadow-cursed girl who must venture its depths to save her family, all while she falls in love with the prince of darkness.

The Kingdom of Noctis is plagued by Corruption: a curse that spreads through dreaming. The Shadow Bringer rules from his castle in the Dream Realm, stealing souls one dreamer at a time. Only an elixir, taken every night before sleeping, can ward off the dreams and halt Corruption. But for some, the allure of the Dream Realm proves too strong.

Esmer Havenfall desperately wants to escape her dreadful village. When her sister, Eden, succumbs to Corruption and their elixir-dealing parents are accused of a horrific crime, Esmer’s life unravels into a nightmare. Then she dreams of the Shadow Bringer and learns that his sinister magic might be a part of her, too.

Enticed by the prospect of ending her kingdom’s curse and avenging her family, Esmer follows him deeper within the Dream Realm. But the prince of darkness has a haunted past, one that might change the fate of Esmer’s kingdom–and her heart–forever.

Lush and vividly imagined, this seductive gothic fantasy is filled with magic, secrets, and dreamy shadow-haunted romance.

Review:

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

Dream by the Shadows is an absolutely exhilarating gothic romantasy, in a haunting dream world, with compelling world building and characters. This vividly imagined and atmospheric story was a dream that I didn’t want to wake from! Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast, Labyrinth, or Once Upon a Time.

The Kingdom of Noctis has been plagued by Corruption, a curse which is spread through dreaming. The Shadow Bringer rules from his castle in the Dream Realm and has been stealing people’s souls. The people of Noctis take an elixir every night before bed to prevent themselves from dreaming, while they slumber. For some however, the pull of the Dream Realm is too enticing.

Esmer Havenfall wants nothing more than to escape her small village. Her sister was sadly lost to Corruption, and she is haunted by the memories. When her parents, who supply her village with elixir are accused of a horrible crime, her life begins to fall apart. She knows she must persevere and protect her little brother Elliot. Esmer then dreams of the Shadow Bringer and learns that his magic may be a part of her as well.

Esmer feels compelled to end her kingdom’s curse and avenge her family, so she follows the Shadow Bringer deeper into the Dream Realm. She soon learns that the prince of darkness has a haunted past, that could change the fate of both her kingdom and her heart.

I loved Esmer and the Shadow Bringer! Esmer is strong, brave, and compassionate. The Shadow Bringer is broody, witty, and dreamy (pun intended). The Dream Realm is also such a fantastic setting that I loved exploring.

Dream by the Shadows releases on August 26, 2025. Be sure to preorder or request from your local library. I can’t wait for book two!

Bottom line: Obsessed!

About the Author:

Logan Karlie writes books brimming with gothic themes, atmospheric worlds, and characters who fight to overcome the shadows that haunt them.

Logan holds a MA in English Literature from the University of Arkansas. She currently lives in Illinois, with her family, where she also taught high school English.

Connect with Logan Karlie on social media!

• Instagram: @authorlogankarlie
• TikTok: @authorlogankarlie

While The Dark Remains (The Winter Dark #1): Review

August 19, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: While The Dark Remains

Author: Joanna Ruth Meyer

Publisher: 47 North

Release Date: August 1, 2025

Pages: 459

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adult

Synopsis:

In an icebound palace of magic and menace, a young woman plots to outwit a cruel king in a bracing fantasy about love, found family, and immeasurable revenge.

Brynja spent her childhood as a captive performer in Tenebris, the imposing mountain palace of King Kallias. Every night she risked death for the king’s entertainment until his rebellious son, Prince Ballast, helped her escape. Now twenty, Brynja has never forgotten the brutal king. Or forgiven him. Under the cloak of a three-month-long Winter Dark, Brynja is returning to Tenebris for revenge.

Accompanied by a rival court, including the alluring Prince Vil, Brynja poses as diplomatic royalty to barter peace between nations. No one is better equipped to infiltrate the palace than Brynja―she remembers every hidden passage like a bad dream. But her quest to destroy Kallias is complicated by her feelings for Prince Ballast, whom she isn’t sure she can still trust. And Kallias’s own quest to mine a catastrophic weapon of war buried in the mountain’s heart will threaten them all, and force Brynja to face the darkest parts of herself.

The lives of everyone she loves depend on the choices she must make. So, too, does the fate of the world.

Review:

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

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I adore Joanna Ruth Meyer and have been a fan since her debut Beneath the Haunting Sea. Where the Dark Remains is her adult fantasy debut, and it was fantastic! It’s a bit of a departure from her previous works, but no less mesmerizing. There’s amazing world building, political intrigue and beloved characters.

Brynja has spent most of her childhood as a captive performer in the collection of the evil King Kallias. Every night she risked death for the King’s entertainment, until his rebellious son, Prince Ballast, aided in her escape. Now at twenty years old, Brynja has never forgotten or forgiven the cruel King. Under the cover of a three-month long winter dark, Brynja is returning to the palace for revenge.

Brynja, accompanied by a rival court, including Prince Vil, poses as royalty to barter peace. She is the best choice for infiltrating the castle as she knows every nook and cranny and every hidden passage. Her quest for revenge becomes complicated by her feelings for Prince Ballast, whom she doesn’t know if she can trust. King Kallias is also searching for a weapon of war that could destroy them all. Bryna must face the darkest parts of herself as her choices will impact those she loves and the world itself.

There is a lot of beauty in this story, but there is a lot of pain and suffering as well. I felt SO many emotions reading this one, and that is one of the things that I loved most about it. I actually was screaming in the last third of the book and almost threw it across the room. It was THAT good!

Highly recommend! I can’t wait for book two!

About the Author:

Joanna Ruth Meyer is the author of five YA fantasies, including the critically acclaimed ECHO NORTH. She lives in Mesa, AZ, with her husband, son, two orange cats, and a giant grand piano named Prince Imrahil. She loves forests and rainstorms and stories that make her feel things, and in all likelihood, she’s drinking tea right now.

Becoming His Bluestocking Countess: Review

August 18, 2025Leave a comment

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 Hopeful Proposal: Review

August 14, 2025Leave a comment

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:

Den of Liars (The Devious #1): Review

August 14, 2025Leave a comment

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.

What Happens in Amsterdam: Review

July 1, 20251 Comment

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.