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!

England's Sweethearts #2: The Duke's Got Mail by Samara Parish book review

Eleanor Wright is London's most talented compositor, setting type for printing presses with unmatched speed and precision. When whispers of a new machine threaten her livelihood, she finds solace in anonymous letters exchanged with a mysterious pen pal who understands her deepest fears. Peter Montgomery, Duke of Strafford, has invested in the revolutionary Linotype machine to save his estate and secure his sisters' futures. Unbeknownst to both, Peter is also Eleanor's cherished correspondent—the only person who knows his intimate secrets without knowing his name. When Peter's invention makes them bitter rivals in the real world, their bond forged on paper faces its greatest test. As they navigate conflicting values and wounded pride, Eleanor and Peter must discover whether the connection they've built through letters can survive the collision of their opposing worlds. Samara Parish masterfully adapts the classic "You've Got Mail" premise into a richly layered Victorian romance that explores progress, identity, and the transformative power of being truly known. 

Historical romance enthusiasts will enjoy this fun reimagining of a beloved rom-com set against the backdrop of industrial revolution England. I thought it was charming, witty, and deeply romantic. The intimate connection between Eleanor and Peter felt real. Readers will relish the enemies-to-lovers arc grounded in genuine conflict: Eleanor's identity is wrapped in her mastery of traditional typesetting, while Peter champions technological progress. The secondary characters add warmth and humor, while the Victorian setting provides atmospheric richness. This is a slow burn story, with nothing more than a kiss between the main characters.  The focus is on the conflict and story telling.  I loved the personality of both characters.  I love that the author created a smart, educated, hard working female character and paired her with a duke. If you like books, libraries, anything to do with the printing industry; this book is for you!

Wimpole Street Widows Society #2: You Had Me at Heist by Christina Britton book review

This is the second book in the Wimpole Street Widows Society series and it delivers a charming historical romance centered on Iris Rumford, a widow and botanist determined to recover her late mother's stolen research before a rival claims credit for the groundbreaking discovery. When Oliver Beckett, a disgraced former Bow Street Runner hired to guard the collection, crosses paths with Iris, their initial antagonism transforms into an undeniable connection. As Iris and her circle of widows devise a daring plan to reclaim what was stolen, Oliver finds himself torn between duty and doing what's right. The novel balances witty banter, emotional depth, and a found-family dynamic that resonates throughout. While the heist elements take a backseat to the romance, the genuine chemistry between Iris and Oliver, coupled with her refreshing neurodivergent representation and the widows' loyal sisterhood, makes this an engaging and heartwarming read that stands well on its own. 

Historical romance enthusiasts will find lots to love in this book. It has a slow-burn romance with genuine emotional stakes, featuring a heroine who defies conventional expectations and a hero whose patience and respect for Iris's authenticity create deeply satisfying moments. The Regency-era setting provides the perfect backdrop for witty banter and yearning glances, while the found-family elements, from Iris's loyal widows to Oliver's devoted mother and sister, add layers of warmth and humor. I loved this book because it has a character-driven story with heart, meaningful representation, and the delicious tension of opposites attracting. I did read the first book in the series and enjoyed seeing Ethan and Heloise happy, but it can be read as a standalone.

Three BFFs and a Wedding: #1The Worst Wedding Date by Pippa Grant book review

Delaney, a bridesmaid at her best friend's destination wedding in Hawaii, is tasked with babysitting Theo, the bride's troublemaking brother, a man she's clashed with since third grade. When they're forced to share a hotel room, tensions rise as Delaney tries to keep Theo away from the groom while managing her own feelings. Theo appears to be a carefree bad boy who never wears clothes, hides kittens in his room, and mysteriously produces fresh-baked cookies. However, as Delaney spends time with him, she discovers he's harboring secrets that could change everything between them. The story unfolds with wedding chaos, family drama, and the gradual revelation of who Theo really is beneath his troublemaker persona. By the end, Delaney must confront whether her years of frustration with him have actually been suppressed attraction all along. 

I liked this book because 💕 it's a fictional, over the top destination wedding romance: chaos, humor, heart, and nonstop entertainment! ✨ Pippa Grant has a gift for creating witty banter and memorable characters, and Theo and Delaney's chemistry is totally hot. 🔥 The story balanced laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine emotional depth. The absurd moments like hidden kittens, a feral pig, ridiculous wedding mishaps, and a semi-porn site job, never overshadowed the real growth happening between the characters. I loved watching Delaney slowly break free from her need to be perfect and live for herself, while Theo revealed the thoughtful, caring person beneath his bad-boy reputation. 🩷 The book masterfully uses classic romance tropes; best friend's brother, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, bad boy x good girl, and opposites attract. Whether it was the kittens stealing scenes or the witty one-liners that had me laughing out loud, this book was fun from start to finish. There are lots of secrets revealed at the end that threw me for a loop 😂✨but they wrapped up the story with a satisfying ending.  If you are looking for a wacky, contemporary, rom-com...this book is for you.