When The Tides Held The Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley is a spellbinding masterpiece that seamlessly weaves historical fantasy, queer romance, and the vivid charm of early 20th-century New York City into an unforgettable tale. With lush, intricate illustrations complementing its buoyant prose, this book is as much a visual feast as it is an emotional journey.

At its heart is Benigno "Benny" Caldera, a Boricua blacksmith whose artistry is as striking as his struggles to find belonging in a city that often marginalizes him. Benny’s ironwork for Luna Park becomes the anchor for a narrative that dances between gritty realism and ethereal fantasy, centering on Río, a mesmerizing merman who is as complex as he is mythical. Their bond, born of necessity but blossoming into a profound and forbidden love, feels both tender and electric—a poignant exploration of identity, freedom, and the cost of love.

Kelley captures the vibrancy and contradictions of 1910s New York with astounding detail, infusing the novel with a lived-in sense of place. The sideshow performers who welcome Benny into their family are just as vividly drawn as the central romance, creating a tapestry of found family that feels warm and authentic. Yet, the story doesn’t shy away from tackling heavier themes—captivity, exploitation, and the courage it takes to fight for liberation, both personal and collective.

The stakes are high, and Benny’s inner conflict is palpable as he must choose between loyalty to his newfound community and his love for Río. The result is a story as turbulent as the tides themselves, delivering an emotional punch that lingers long after the final page.

Kelley’s signature illustrations elevate the reading experience to something truly extraordinary. From the striking chapter headers to the detailed depictions of key moments in the story, the artwork adds depth and dimension, immersing the reader further into Benny and Río’s world. The use of aqua blue and black inks creates an enchanting visual aesthetic, perfectly echoing the story’s maritime themes.

Fans of TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea will appreciate Kelley's unique blend of whimsy and poignancy, but make no mistake—this novel stands wholly on its own as a luminous tale of resilience, love, and the power of liberation.

When The Tides Held The Moon is a triumph, destined to be a cherished favorite among readers of queer fantasy and romance. Kelley has crafted a breathtaking ode to finding your voice, your family, and the courage to be free—no matter the cost.

Thank you to NetGalley, Venessa Vida Kelley, and Erewhon Books for the eARC of this book. 

OMG, this book is EVERYTHING. Howl You Doin? is the perfect mix of spicy paranormal rom com and cozy chaos, and I couldn’t put it down!

First of all, Whitley Whitt? ICONIC. She’s an introverted chef who just wants to bake cupcakes, read romance, and reclaim her grandma’s bakery, but instead, she ends up working in the creepiest castle ever. Enter Connor O’Doyle, the biggest bosshole on the planet (or so she thinks). But plot twist: he’s also a lycan shifter trying to prove humans and monsters can coexist while managing Dracula’s castle turned hotel.

The banter between Whitley and Connor? CHEF’S KISS. Enemies to lovers vibes, sexual tension hotter than the kitchen, and let’s just say the cupcakes aren’t the only thing he’s drooling over. 🐺🔥

Also, let’s talk about the setting. Castle Tepesh is creepy, hilarious, and totally chaotic—with humans and monsters living together, you just KNOW shenanigans are going down. Oh, and Connor’s vampire bestie who steals yachts? PERFECTION.

But the ROMANCE. Y’all. It’s sweet, spicy, and SO satisfying. Whitley and Connor’s chemistry is off the charts, and there’s just enough vulnerability to make you swoon while still keeping things fun. Bonus points for all the mouthwatering cupcake scenes—this book will leave you hungry in more ways than one.

If you love paranormal rom coms with grumpy/sunshine dynamics, found families, and just the right mix of spice and humor, you NEED Howl You Doin? on your shelf. It’s got that perfect balance of chaos and heart that makes you laugh one second and fan yourself the next.

I cannot wait for Frank Stein’s book! 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5 stars)
Only complaint? I wanted more! Highly recommend if you’re into fangs, fur, and flirting. 🧁🐺❤️

If you’re a sucker for a best friends to lovers romance with fake dating and lessons, Wyatt by Jessica Peterson is an absolute must read! From start to finish, this book was a wild, emotional, and steamy ride.

Wyatt Rivers is everything you could want in a cowboy—hot, charming, and a bit untamed. Oh, and that MOUTH. But what makes this story unforgettable is the dynamic between Wyatt and his best friend, Sally. Their chemistry is off the charts, and you can feel every moment of their growing tension and affection. The fake dating trope is executed to perfection, with plenty of swoony, heart racing moments as they cross the line between friendship and something much deeper. What Sally and Wyatt have is so special and seeing them finally discover what is meant to be is just everything.

Jessica Peterson nails the pacing, making every scene feel like a natural evolution of their relationship. There’s just the right amount of spice, heart, and humor to keep you hooked. The premise—Wyatt teaching his best friend to find a hookup—was the perfect setup for a slow burn that explodes into a passionate, emotional love story.

And the small-town charm of Harstville, Texas, just adds to the magic. From rope swinging horses to riding into love, every moment of Wyatt is beautifully written, making it impossible to put down.

If you love cowboy romances with a delicious mix of tension, heart, and heat, this is the book for you. Wyatt and Sally’s story will rope you in and never let go. 🐎❤️

Thank you to Valentine PR and Jessica Peterson for the eARC of this book. 

🚨ATTENTION ROMANCE LOVERS🚨 If you’re a sucker for:
💋 Best friend’s big brother
👶 Surprise pregnancy
🖤 Widowed single dad learning to love again
...then stop what you’re doing and grab Worth The Test RIGHT NOW.

Natalie and Alex’s story had me absolutely hooked. Imagine accidentally kissing your best friend’s morally perfect big brother (oops 😅) and then having one night together that leaves you with more than memories… hello, plot twist!

The emotional tension in this book? 🔥🔥🔥 Alex is trying to navigate his grief and guilt after losing his wife while being drawn to Natalie’s fiery, unapologetic personality. Meanwhile, Natalie is fiercely independent, grappling with her feelings for a man who’s still haunted by his past. The angst, the heartbreak, the yearning—ugh, my heart couldn’t handle it. 🥺

Also, can we talk about the chemistry? Because WOW. That one night was definitely worth it 😏. And watching Alex slowly realize he can have two great loves in one lifetime? SO BEAUTIFUL. Alex will set your heart on fire. 🔥

Jennifer J. Williams absolutely crushed it with this emotional, swoony, and steamy romance. If you’re looking for a book to make you laugh, cry, and fall in love all at once, Worth The Test will be your next obsession.

Thank you to Jennifer J. Williams for the eARC of this book. 

Catherine Cowles has completely outdone herself with All The Missing Pieces! This book is an absolute masterpiece and, in my opinion, her best work yet. From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked by the perfect blend of heart pounding suspense, swoon worthy romance, and deeply emotional storytelling.

The premise is irresistible: a true crime podcaster, Ridley Sawyer, teaming up with a broody small town sheriff, Colter Brooks, to solve a murder mystery. Their relationship starts off on the wrong foot, with tension and mutual distrust crackling between them, but watching their connection grow was nothing short of magical. The chemistry between Ridley and Colt is off the charts, and their banter is pure gold.

Ridley’s fierce determination and heartbreaking vulnerability made her a heroine I couldn’t help but root for. Her journey, shaped by the disappearance of her twin sister, adds layers of depth to the story. And Colt? Oh, Colt. The broody, gruff sheriff with a soft side melted my heart. His protectiveness, especially as the danger amps up, made him the ultimate romantic hero.

Catherine Cowles proves yet again that she is the queen of romantic suspense. The plot is perfectly paced, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The emotional stakes are high, the romance is beautifully written, and the small-town setting adds a cozy yet suspenseful vibe that’s impossible to resist.

The supporting characters, from Colt’s loyal dog, to Tater the three legged cat, to the quirky townspeople, added so much charm to the story. And the resolution of not one, but TWO cold cases? Absolutely satisfying and Catherine always executes the reveal so well and I can never guess who did it!

All The Missing Pieces isn’t just a book—it’s an experience. It’s about healing, hope, and finding the courage to trust again. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, or if you love stories with characters who feel like real people, this one is an absolute must read. Catherine Cowles, take a bow—you’ve delivered a true gem!

Thank you to NetGalley, Catherine Cowles, and Dreamscape Media for the ALC of this book! 

📖💍 If the Ring Fits by Camilla Isley 💍📖

You guys… STOP what you're doing and read If the Ring Fits! 😍 This book is EVERYTHING you didn’t know you needed—chaotic meet cute? ✅ Fake engagement gone hilariously wrong? ✅ Only one bed AND forced proximity? ✅ Adrian and Rowena are the definition of a hot mess express, and I loved every single second of it.

Adrian? Ultimate grumpy millionaire who makes bad decisions (like lying about a fiancée). Rowena? A STEM queen who's down on her luck and isn't afraid to roll with the punches. Together? Sparks fly. Chaos ensues. Feelings are definitely caught.

It’s laugh out loud funny, sweet enough to melt your heart, and has just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked. Plus, the age gap dynamic gives it that extra spice we all love! 🌶️

If you’re obsessed with Lynn Painter, Sarah Adams, or Fallon Ballard, this is your next binge worthy read. Get ready for giggles, swoons, and a romance that’s equal parts messy and magical. 💕

✨Rating: 4/5 stars
✨Tropes: Fake relationship, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, STEM FMC, multi-millionaire MMC
✨Vibe: Rom com chaos meets heartfelt feels

Thank you to NetGalley, Camilla Isley, and Boldwood Books for the eARC of this book. 

Dream Count, the long-awaited novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is nothing short of breathtaking. Set against the backdrop of a pandemic-weary world, Adichie delivers a poignant exploration of love, longing, and self-discovery through the eyes of four compelling women.

At the center of the story is Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer reflecting on her life and loves in a time of isolation. Her journey of self-reckoning, paired with the intricate narratives of Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou, creates a rich tapestry of interconnected lives. Each woman’s perspective is beautifully distinct, yet their struggles and triumphs echo universal truths about identity, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness.

Adichie’s prose is as luminous as ever—her signature blend of elegance and raw honesty permeates every page. She tackles heavy themes like betrayal, cultural identity, motherhood, and systemic inequality with sensitivity and depth. The novel also grapples with existential questions: Is true happiness attainable, or is it an elusive ideal? How do we reconcile our past with our present to find peace?

What sets Dream Count apart is its unflinching honesty and the emotional urgency that courses through its pages. Adichie does not shy away from the complexities of her characters or the world they inhabit. Each of the women’s stories feels achingly real, their choices and regrets resonating long after the final page.

For fans of Adichie’s previous works, this novel reaffirms her brilliance as a storyteller who blends the personal with the political, the intimate with the universal. For new readers, it serves as an exquisite introduction to one of the most powerful voices in contemporary literature.

Dream Count is not just a novel—it’s an experience, one that invites readers to reflect deeply on their own lives and relationships. A triumph of storytelling, it is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Knopf for the eARC of this book. 

Mismatch of the Season by Michelle Kenney aimed to captivate fans of Bridgerton and Jane Austen with a Regency romance full of adventure and societal rebellion. While the premise of Miss Phoebe Fairfax fighting for freedom and escaping an undesirable match had potential, the execution fell short for me.

The story felt predictable, and the chemistry between Phoebe and Viscount Damerel lacked the spark needed to make their dynamic engaging. The characters leaned heavily on tropes without adding much depth, and the writing, while charming in places, didn’t fully deliver the immersive Regency experience I was hoping for.

Despite its nods to classics like Austen, the book didn’t quite live up to the high bar set by other Regency romances in this genre. It might appeal to readers looking for a light, surface-level historical romance, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle Kenney, and HarperCollins One More Chapter for the eARC of this book. 

The Ozempic Revolution by Dr. Alexandra Sowa is a must-read for anyone curious about GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, particularly if you're seriously considering these medications for health and weight loss, as I am. The book is a comprehensive and reassuring guide, offering not only scientific insights but also practical strategies to make the most of these medications while addressing concerns about potential side effects.

Dr. Sowa’s expertise as an obesity medicine specialist shines through in her clear, well-researched explanations. She demystifies how these drugs work, helping readers understand their profound potential to combat obesity and its related conditions. One of the standout aspects is how she addresses the psychological aspects of weight loss—tackling the stigma, emotional challenges, and mental hurdles often associated with taking GLP-1s.

For someone like me, who loves having a guide that answers questions and calms anxieties, this book delivers. Dr. Sowa not only explains how to determine if you’re a good candidate and navigate insurance coverage but also provides actionable advice on managing side effects, like nausea, which can be a source of apprehension. Her guidance feels empowering, removing much of the fear or confusion that can come with starting these medications.

The practical components of the book—like unique food plans, easy-to-follow recipes for days when appetite dips, and exercise recommendations—help bridge the gap between taking the medication and maintaining long-term health. These are invaluable tools for ensuring that the lifestyle changes necessary for sustaining weight loss become ingrained habits.

Dr. Sowa also dismantles myths and misinformation, cutting through the noise surrounding GLP-1s in traditional and social media. Her balanced approach to the "good, bad, and ugly" makes this book not only educational but also comforting for readers who may feel overwhelmed by conflicting narratives.

Overall, The Ozempic Revolution is a game-changing resource. If you're considering these medications, like I am, this book offers both the knowledge and the confidence to take the first steps. It’s a detailed, compassionate, and empowering guide to a healthier life.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alexandra Sowa, and William Morrow for the eARC of this book. 

If you're a sucker for fake dating, reality show chaos (think Survivor meets Fear Factor meets The Amazing Race), and charming, swoony moments, Winging It With You by Chip Pons is a must read! This heartwarming gay rom com takes off with a hilarious and unconventional meet cute at an airport, setting the stage for an adventure packed with laughs, love, and self discovery.

Asher Bennet and Theo Fernandez are delightful leads, each bringing their own baggage (both literal and emotional) into a travel competition that forces them into proximity—and ultimately into each other's hearts. Asher's sarcastic charm and Theo's earnest vulnerability create a dynamic that feels both natural and electric, making their chemistry jump off the page.

The reality show premise is a refreshing backdrop, perfectly blending high stakes competition with moments of quiet intimacy. Watching Asher and Theo navigate their fake dating ploy while trying to win challenges (and each other's trust) is immensely satisfying. Chip Pons writes with humor and tenderness, balancing lighthearted fun with meaningful exploration of love, career pressures, and what it means to take risks for happiness.

The book's pacing is as smooth as a first class flight, and the dialogue sparkles with wit. By the end, you'll be rooting for these two to claim both the prize and the relationship they've been running toward all along.

Perfect for fans of Red, White & Royal Blue or The Charm Offensive, Winging It With You is a heart melting journey full of charm, heart, and unforgettable moments.

Rating: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ (5/5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley, Chip Pons, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC of this book.