A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna book review

Sera Swan was once one of Britain's most powerful witches until she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the dead, lost most of her magic, and was exiled from her Guild. Now, fifteen years later, she reluctantly runs an enchanted inn in Lancashire with Jasmine. The inn exists only for those who need it most, and over time, a quirky found family has gathered there: Clemmie, a witch trapped in a fox's body; Matilda, a mushroom enthusiast; young Theo; and Roo-Roo, a zombie rooster Sera accidentally resurrected. When Sera learns of an ancient spell that could restore her lost powers, she discovers it's written in a language she cannot read. Enter Luke Larsen, a handsome but reserved magical historian who arrives at the inn and reluctantly agrees to help. As Luke and Sera work together to unlock the spell's secrets, Luke begins to thaw, and Sera discovers that reclaiming her power means confronting the Guild's corruption and learning that the found family she's built might be the greatest magic of all.

🧙‍♀️✨ I Loved It! I bought this book on vacation and it's the Hodderscape edition with a beautiful cover! 💚 The Lancashire inn feels like a living, breathing character itself; cozy and magical in equal measure. Sera is wonderfully complex: grumpy, determined, and fiercely protective of those she loves, while Luke's gradual transformation from icy to tender is genuinely swoon-worthy. The found family trope is executed beautifully here; every character feels essential and deeply loved. 🏡 I also appreciated that this isn't just a cute cozy fantasy, it tackles real themes like racism, colonialism, mental health, and systemic oppression woven seamlessly into the warmth. The romance develops gradually and naturally, which felt earned rather than rushed. The grumpy-x-grumpy dynamic between Sera and Luke, combined with the external conflict requiring them to work together, made for incredibly satisfying tension. 🌟 This book did a great job blending comfort with substance, and I found myself emotionally invested in every character, especially the delightful Roo-Roo and Nicholas. A definite must-read! 📚✨

Heart of a Devil by Sadie Kincaid book review

Lauren, a lawyer escaping a traumatic past, relocates to London seeking a fresh start away from her family's shadow. Working alongside her best friend, she attends a party where she encounters Sebastian Donovan, her best friend's father, a charming, commanding man who notices her right away. Despite knowing the relationship is forbidden, Lauren and Sebastian share one night together, which evolves into a friends-with-benefits arrangement as undeniable feelings develop between them. Both are determined to ignore their growing connection, but Sebastian falls first, unable to resist what Lauren awakens in him. As their relationship deepens, Lauren's dangerous past catches up with her, forcing the couple into unexpected danger. Sebastian, a morally gray anti-hero with his own scars, becomes her protector and safe place. Lauren, fiercely independent and guarded, refuses to be anyone's damsel in distress. Together, they navigate suspense, dark secrets, sexual kinks and emotional healing

💕 Sadie Kincaid delivered everything I crave in dark romance: spice, suspense, and emotional depth. 🔥 The chemistry between Sebastian and Lauren is absolutely explosive from their first encounter, and I loved watching their dynamic shift from a one-night stand to a friends-with-benefits arrangement to something neither of them expected...real love. The "he falls first" trope always wins me over, and Sebastian's transformation from serial playboy to a man completely undone by Lauren was the best. 😍 Both characters carry deep wounds from their pasts, and watching them become each other's safe place felt earned and meaningful. Sebastian doesn't try to fix Lauren and Lauren reminds him that he's worthy of something real. Their emotional vulnerability balanced beautifully with the intense, steamy scenes. 🖤 The suspense kept me completely hooked. Just when I thought the danger was resolved, another twist appeared, keeping me turning pages late into the night. The mafia backdrop adds genuine stakes without overshadowing the relationship, which remains the heart of the story. The supporting cast and character overlap added wonderful layers to the narrative. This is dark, addictive, and absolutely captivating. If you love morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, age gap romance, forbidden attraction, and the "touch her and die" possessive energy, this is a definite must-read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Tropes: Best friend's dad | Age gap | Forbidden romance | Trauma & healing | Suspense | Dark secrets | Possessive MMC | Primal play

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.  The special edition will be released on December 29, 2026.

Maple Hollow #2: Wild Wicked Mate by Laurie Gilmore book review

Wild Wicked Mate is the second book in Laurie Gilmore's Maple Hollow trilogy. The story follows Theo, a werewolf, and Phoebe (Fee), a dryad nymph, who have been best friends for ten years. When Lena goes missing the whole town launches a major effort to find her.  Theo and Fee are assigned to a road trip to a location where Lena could be. This forced proximity becomes the catalyst they need to finally confront the romantic feelings they've been denying for years.  There are some underlying mysteries throughout this story and not all things are what they seem. Throughout the journey, the found family dynamic of their friend group strengthens, creating a cozy yet complex world where werewolves, dryads, witches, and humans navigate small-town life together. 📚✨ 

💕 I absolutely loved Wild Wicked Mate because it nails the friends-to-lovers trope. 🌙 Theo and Fee's ten-year history makes their romance feel earned rather than forced—their friendship was genuinely important, and watching that foundation shift into something deeper was incredibly satisfying. What really got me was discovering Theo's softer side beneath all his confident, flirty swagger. He carries real hurt from his past, and seeing Fee gradually reach the vulnerable parts of him he normally keeps hidden was my favorite part of their story. 💫 The forced proximity and slow burn had me wanting to scream at them to just communicate already, but that frustration was exactly what made the emotional payoff so rewarding. 🔥 Beyond the romance, I was equally invested in the found family element—watching this quirky group of supernatural characters slowly solidify into an unconventional support system felt genuinely comforting and cozy. The mystery surrounding Lena and the larger conflicts brewing in the background also kept me turning pages, making Maple Hollow feel like an expanding world with real stakes. Such a great book!. I mean, who doesn't want to meet a hot and sexy werewolf?🐺🌳 I'm already eagerly waiting for book three! Definitely recommend. ⭐️

Thanks to Harper360, HarperCollins and NetGalley for a ARC of this book.  It will be on sale October, 20, 2026.

Maple Hollow #1: Big Bad Wolf by Laurie Gilmore book review

Big Bad Wolf is the first book in the Maple Hollow trilogy, a paranormal small-town romance that reimagines Little Red Riding Hood for adult readers. Set in the quirky town of Maple Hollow, the story follows Ruby, a bartender who lives on the edge of the woods with her twin sister Lena. Ruby has always felt like an outsider in her tight-knit community, keeping to herself and away from local gossip. Her life changes when she meets Rafe, a mysterious and brooding woodsman who lives deep within the forest. As their connection deepens, Ruby discovers that Rafe harbors a dangerous secret—he's a werewolf. The town's legends about the woods and the creatures within them prove to be more than just folklore. While Ruby and Rafe navigate their undeniable attraction and bond as fated mates, they must also confront personal trauma and mysterious threats lurking in the shadowy forest. The book concludes with a cliffhanger that sets up the next installment in the series, leaving readers eager for answers about what comes next for this paranormal world. 🐺✨ 

I absolutely devoured this book and couldn't put it down! 🖤 As a longtime fan of Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor series, I wasn't sure what to expect from her venture into paranormal romance, but she absolutely nailed it. What impressed me most was how she maintained her signature cozy, small-town charm while introducing darker, moodier elements with werewolves, witches, nymphs, and other magical beings. The atmosphere is unreal, not sunshine-and-rainbows cozy, but rather that wrapped-in-a-blanket-while-it's-raining-and-slightly-magical kind of cozy that had me completely immersed. 🍂 Ruby is everything—strong, unapologetically herself, and learning she's not as alone as she thought. I loved her fierce personality and her unwavering loyalty to her sister. And Rafe? The grumpy-x-sunshine dynamic between them was electric. 💕 The chemistry between them felt inevitable, and watching them work through their individual baggage to be together was satisfying. The Little Red Riding Hood parallels were outstanding, especially the recurring detail of Ruby reapplying her red lipstick. The found family and paranormal elements combined with Gilmore's talent for world-building created a story I couldn't resist. I finished it in record time and immediately wanted to start over! 📖✨ Definite recommendation! 🌟 If you love fated mates, small-town vibes, paranormal romance, or Laurie Gilmore's work, grab this one immediately. Fair warning: you will be dying to jump straight into book two! 🐺🍂

Ghost Me, Maybe by Manda Collins book review

Callie Jameson, a librarian from Ohio, unexpectedly inherits a historic library on a coastal Louisiana island from a beloved patron. The catch: she must live there for a year to claim the full inheritance and substantial cash prize. When she arrives at her new home, she discovers Trey LeBlanc, the patron's great-nephew, already living there while renovating the building. Trey believed he would inherit the library and initially resents Callie's arrival. However, they quickly move past their conflict when strange occurrences—mysterious sounds, phantom scents, and property damage—begin happening around the library. Forced to work together, Callie and Trey team up to uncover who is behind the "haunting." As they investigate, they develop a romantic connection while solving the mystery. The story blends cozy romance with paranormal elements and small-town Southern charm, featuring Callie's adventurous cat, Stella, as a beloved companion throughout their adventure. 

👻💕 I enjoyed this book! 📚 It hits so many of my favorite tropes—enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and small-town romance—all wrapped in a charming paranormal mystery. The premise of inheriting a library and having to live there for a year is such a unique and creative setup that immediately drew me in. ( I want that in real life)  ✨ I like the cozy atmosphere and the Louisiana island setting. 🌊 I loved how the romance develops gradually between Callie and Trey—there's genuine chemistry and witty banter that made me root for them from early on. The mystery element keeps things interesting without overshadowing the emotional core of their relationship. 💫  The balance between paranormal intrigue, mystery-solving, and sweet romance is well done. The supernatural elements feel playful rather than scary, which is exactly what I wanted from a cozy mystery. Recommended! ⭐️ 

This book is set to be released on September 29, 2026 by Podium Publishing.  Thanks to Podium Publishing and NetGalley for an Advance Review Copy.

Halloween Town #1: Summerween by Joss Wood book review

Wren Dunlop returns to her quirky hometown of Solstice Springs, a year-round Halloween town celebration (locally known as "H-Town") seeking refuge after a viral breakup. Her godmother Luna, the town's mayor and part-time witch, immediately involves her in choreographing a youth dance for the the Summerween festival. There, Wren encounters Dane Trafford, a trauma surgeon taking a summer break to recover from burnout and PTSD. The two share an instant connection, though Dane is determined to avoid anything like personal connections. Life has other plans and they are forced to work together navigating the town's quirky traditions, complete with pink skeletons in beachwear and watermelon jack-o-lanterns, they begin to heal from their respective wounds. Meddling ghosts, bonfire wishes, and midnight confessions complicate their budding romance. Beneath the whimsical Halloween-in-summer setting lies a heartfelt exploration of trust, community, and the magic that emerges when two broken people find solace in each other and in a town that celebrates the unconventional year-round. 🎃✨ 

This book was unexpected and super fun! It delivered a cozy, feel-good escape with charm to spare.  💕 There were a lot of emotional layers woven beneath the lighthearted exterior. While the romance follows beloved tropes, friends to lovers, forced proximity, small-town warmth, and the grump/sunshine dynamic, Wood executes them with genuine heart. Wren and Dane feel real; their struggles with past trauma and self-doubt resonate beyond typical romance conventions. The paranormal element like the meddling ghosts served as comic relief and catalysts for genuine character growth and healing. 👻 The pacing is easy and accessible, making it perfect for a one-sitting read. The dialogue has Gilmore Girls vibes—witty, warm, and full of personality. I found myself genuinely invested in Wren's journey of self-discovery and Dane's path to recovery. The chemistry between them sizzles with sweetness rather than intensity, which somehow made their connection feel more authentic and earned. 

My Recommendation 💫 If you adore small-town romances, Halloween aesthetics, paranormal touches, and stories about healing through connection, this is absolutely for you! Summerween is a delightful escape that proves cozy romance with a spooky twist is the perfect comfort read. I'm already eager to dive into the next book in the series! 🎃💕

Annie Knows Everything by Rachel Wood book review

After being laid off from her dream job at a New York City tech company, Annie secures a position on the data strategy team—a role she is completely unqualified for, having never coded. But her best friend is HR and sort of slid her into that department. Determined to prove herself, she joins a department of technical experts and must navigate her new responsibilities while managing her personal life. Meanwhile, her sister announces an engagement to a man Annie disapproves of, reigniting family tension from a previous failed wedding that Annie herself sabotaged. As Annie settles into her new role, she clashes with her boss Connor, the interim department head, while also grappling with her tendency to meddle in others' affairs. The story follows Annie as she attempts to succeed in a job beyond her skill set, manage her complicated relationship with her sister, and navigate the growing tension with her boss—all while learning difficult lessons about boundaries and acceptance. 📚 

I loved this book!💕 It has witty banter, lovable nerdy characters, and a workplace romance that actually works. Annie is chaotic and overconfident in the best way possible, the kind of character who makes you roll your eyes and laugh out loud simultaneously. Her interactions with Connor are absolutely hilarious, full of flirty insults and genuine chemistry that made me not able to put the book down. 😍 What really resonated with me, though, was the deeper message woven throughout: the realization that loving someone means accepting their choices, even when you disagree. Annie's journey from knowing-it-all to accepting that she can't fix everyone felt authentic and relatable. The supporting cast, from the  nerdy data strategy team to Annie's sassy best friend, brought so much humor and heart to the story. The pacing is fast, the humor is sharp, and it just has a fun contemporary tech startup vibe. Definitely a must-read for anyone who loves workplace romance with substance (and Canadians)! 🌟 Highly recommend!