Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver, Samantha Brentmoor, Robert Hatchet

Harper Starling is just trying to live her life. Sure, she's trying to cover up the crimes her elderly landlord committed. And she's trying to stop him from committing any more as he is battling dementia and forgetting which secrets he needs to keep. But she can help him keep them just fine. She just adds them onto her own. Like what she does to ensure her picturesque seaside town stays safe, even from tourists. 

Nolan Rhodes has been searching for Harper Starling, saving her for last. But what is a serial killer to do when he realizes he might be in love with his intended victim? Because she sure isn't acting how he would think she should when he leaves a dead body in her back yard. Well, part of a dead body anyway. 

I hadn't read this author before and didn't realize that the spice level on this one was pretty high. If I had read this as an ebook or hard copy, it probably woulnd't have hit as hard, but listening to it was a little too much for me. Not sure why the gore didn't hit the same way, but an overall fun read. 

Four stars

Seasons of Carnage #1

This book came out September 23, 2025

Followed by Harvest Season

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own

The Grumpiest Billionaire by Pippa Grant

Oliver is trying to run away from his life. He's a billionaire so it should all be sunshine and roses, but he's tired of the responsibility, of the weight of bringing his family's company back from the brink of disaster. He wants to live like a normal person. Unfortunately, he has a stowaway in the back of his car. 

Daphne knows how Olivere feels. She rejected her own family's wealth and has figured out a way to live her life without being under their thumb. But it took her a long time to figure out how to do that. So she's been exactly where Oliver was, not really understanding how the real world works (he gets confused every time someone tests the hundred dollar bills he's throwing around.) Daphne was just trying to make sure he wasn't getting back with her sister, but now she's got a new mission; help Oliver learn how to make it through life on on his own. 

Three and a half stars

Small Town Sisterhood #1

This book came out January 8, 2026

Follows The Spite Date

Followed by Faking Cinderella

Borrowed as ebook from Kindle

Opinions are my own

The Spite Date by Pippa Grant

After their parents died in a fire, Bea raised her three brothers. It wasn't easy since teenage boys are  going to teenage boy. But she's gotten the last one launched and would be focusing on her own dream (well, her father's) if her ex-boyfriend hadn't stolen it from her. And to make things worse, his brother has just arrested her because of a prank. And not even a prank she pulled! One that was pulled on her. Someone ordered a LOT of fish from her food truck (which is usually hamburgers), and then invited her to Simon Lockwood's house. Yes, the super-famous Simon Lockwood who wrote and acted on the television series about weed.

Simon is despairing. He's not sure what to do with his twin teen boys. He grew up with absent, disapproving parents and doesn't want to do the same with his kids. Their mother and he never got married but they are great co-parents. 

It's a convoluted and over-the-top story which is what Grant does best. 

Four stars

Small Town Sisterhood #1

This book came out September 4, 2025

Followed by The Grumpiest Billionaire

Borrowed as ebook from Kindle

Opinions are my own

Vision in White by Nora Roberts

Mac has known she wanted to be a photographer since she was a little girl playing Wedding Day with her three best friends. One day, while changing her shirt, she runs into Carter Maguire, or, he sees her and then runs into a wall. Though he's clutzy, Mac is immediately attracted to this man who was a Yale professor but gave it up to come back and teach at his high school academy. Carter was just at Mac's studio because his sister is getting married at Vows, the wedding service that Mac opened up with her friends.
He's able to get past her defenses, past her distrust of men and relationships in general. Her mother is a complete bitch and a thorn in Mac's side which Carter is able to help her deal with.

Four stars

Bride Quartet #1

This book came out April 28, 2009

Followed by Bed of Roses

Borrowed as hard copy from library

Opinions are my own

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Alice Scott was sent an intriguing email. Margaret Ives, the heiress whose family was known for tragic deaths and over the top scandals, is supposedly living on a small island and selling artwork. When Alice tracks her down, she asks to write Margaret's biography. But it turns out that she's not the only writer in the running. As she's leaving, Pulitzer prize winning Hayden Anderson is walking in. It turns out the two will be in town for a month long audition. 

The town is small and super-sunshine Alice keeps running into grumpy Hayden and the two start spending time together. While we see the two of them getting to know each other, we also get a history of the Ives family. The story with Alice and Hayden was lovely.  The Ives instersitials were... fine but broke up the main story more than I would have liked. Overall a very nice story, though. 

Four stars

This book came out April 22, 2025

Borrowed as hard copy from the library

Opinions are my own

A Holiday of Love by Judith McNaught, Jude Deveraux, Arnette Lamb, Jill Barnett

This book is over 30 (!) years old at this point and the stories definitely feel a little dated. I still have some nostalgia for this book, but I'm not sure I would read all of these today if

Change of Heart by Jude Devereaux

Two very smart children, Eli and Chelsea, decide to set up Eli's mother with his mentor so that he can go to college. This ties into the Taggert/Montgomery series. Very nineties with Randy and Frank falling in love. 

Miracles by Judith McNaught

Nicholas "Nikki" DuVille was in previous books in the Judith McNaught series. In this short story, he is forced into marriage with Julianna Skeffington. The two have an unhappy marriage until the Christmas. Nikki wants to convince his family that he is happy. But he doesn't really believe it until letters Julianna wrote to her grandmother are relieved. 

Daniel and the Angel by Jill Barnett

An angel falls from heaven right into the lap of a very rich man. She softens his heart and returns to heaven, but is that what she wants anymore?

Hark! The Herald by Annette Lamb

A female herald? Who even thought of such a thing? But there is one man who will do everything to claim her as his own. But she'll have to save him first. 

A Christmas Delight by Lois Stewart, Tracy Grant, Elizabeth Morgan, Sara Blayne, Dawn Aldridge Poore, Anthea Malcolm, Jo Beverley

I've had this book for a long time and I've gone from loving these stories to having a certain nostalgia for them. They are rather twee and, because of the brevity, not really well-developed in plot or character. They are also very much romances of the nineties. Good for a visit back in time and for people who like a closed-door romance.  

Twelfth Night by Jo Beverly

Lady Alice Conyngham jilted a man six years ago. This year, her brother has just informed her that the same man, as well as the reason for the jilting, will be under their roof. 

The Lords of Misrule by Sara Blayne

Maggie's cousin is delighted that an eligible bacheor and his twin brother are going to be at their family Christmas. Maggie really couldn't care less until she sprains her ankle and gets to spend some more time with... one of the twins. But which one? And can she save his brother from her cousin's clutches

The Christmas Knight by Anthea Malcolm

Owen and Amanda are in a conundrum with two men claiming to be the rightful owner of a centuries old book. But which one is the true owner? And what is Owen doing spending so much time with Lady Pamela?

Eugenia's Miracle by Elizabeth Morgan

Eugenia Foxworth is popular despinte the fact that she's told people over and over that she is not going to marry anyone. The man she loved died in the war. Unless he didn't. Can she convince him that she loves him only?

The Yuletide Wish by Dawn Aldridge Poore

Anthea's engagement was broken off four years go and she is still somewhat salty about it. However, it seems like her former fiance might be looking to get back together... and have some reasons of his own for breaking off the engagement. Can they meet in the middle?

A Holiday Betrothal by Lois Stewart

Charlotte wasn't sure about her fiance but her father is dying and wants to make sure that she will be taken care of. Now that her father is dead, she is visiting her fiance's home... along with his dead wife's family. Discomfort cranked to level 11. Will she be able to connect with him or are they doomed to be strangers forever?

Three stars

This book came out in 1991

Hard copy of mine

Opinions are my own

Just Stab Me Now by Jill Bearup

This was an interesting premise and I think Bearup did a fine job at having a story within a story but having so many characters started to weigh down the actual progress of any of them DOING anything.

Caroline Lindley just wants to finish her book. If only her characters would do what they are supposed to. But her characters don't really understand their motivations and they tell her so. Especially Lady Rosamund Hawkhurst. 

As the widow of a prominent nobleman killed in war, Rosamund us used to holding her family together. A new threat has come to the kingdom and she is required to go back to her home country to try and broker peace. She's to travel with one knight who most definitely is not going to be a love interest. No matter what Caroline tries.

Three stars

This book came out February 5, 2024

Borrowed as ebook from Libby

Opinions are my own

The Witching Moon Manor by Stacy Sivinski

It's been a little over a year since the events of the first book. Anne, Violet, and Beatrix have missed their birthday together but the three are reuniting in their Chicago home. Violet is haunted by a mistake she made during her and her husband's acrobatic act. Beatrix no longer seems to have any words. And Anne has to prevent an apocalypse. 

I actually liked this one a bit better than the first because we are getting more character and world building. 

Three and a half stars

The Spellbound Sisters #2

This book came out October 1, 2024

Follows The Crescent Moon Tearoom

Borrowed as hard copy from library

Opinions are my own

The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski

This book is the equivalent of a warm cup of tea. Just nice. Maybe not super exciting, but an even read. 

Three sisters run a teahouse where they read the futures of the witches of Chicago. They have always been in lock step but that is starting to falter. Violet is entranced by an acrobat at a visiting circus. Beatrix's recent manuscript submission is about to take the literary world by storm, and Anne's powers are growing at a pace she is reluctant to reveal to her sisters. 

They are further thrown off balance when one of their regulars reveals that she sees a curse behind their eyes. Suddenly, their whole world is upside down. And it's not helped by the fact that the Council has decided that the three of them must help three witches complete their "Tasks" before the other three die. 

Three and a half stars

The Spellbound Sisters #1  

This book came out October 1, 2024

Followed by The Witching Moon Manor

Borrowed as hard copy from library

Opinions are my own

A Wedding in the Lowcountry by Preslaysa Williams

Trevor and Avila were childhood friends and could have been something more... but weren't. No they're both back in Myrtle Beach. Trevor as a professor at a nearby university, and Avila is there to get her recently deceased mother's house on the market. 

Also with Avila is her daughter, the one with whom she got pregnant after a one night stand and the reason her mother kicked her out of the house. 

I liked that Avila had room to grow but wish had started earlier in the book as she was somewhat annoying before she started to open up. 

Three stars

This book came out February 18, 2025

Hard copy I didn't keep

Opinions are my own

Lips Like Sugar by Jess K. Hardy with Stephen Borne (Narrator), Andi Arndt (Narrator)

Cole Sanderson is used to strange women kissing him, he used to be a rock star after all. But he's not expecting the baker who is making his best friend's wedding cake to lay one on him. Nor is he expecting her to ask him to be her pretend boyfriend. 

Mira Harlow is desperate. Her ex is back in town with his perfect wife and she's in town with her son and her mother. So she kisses the next guy who walks in the door. And, the two know that they won't work. Cole is big city, always on the move; Mira is a homebody raising her teenager and helping her mother who is slowly descening into Alzheimers. 

I was frustrated by these characters because I felt like they felt like they were so in a rut of who they thought they were that they took a long time to crawl out of it.

Four stars

This book came out March 28, 2024

Bluebird Basin #2

Follows Come as You Are

Followed by Wish You Were Here

Borrowed as audiobook from Hoopla

Opinions are my own

These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean, Julia Whelan (Narrator)

Alice Storm is the third child of a billionaire tech family. She is the only one who walked away. So when her father dies and she's summoned back to the family manse. Well, their private island (coincidentally called Storm Island.) 
On the way there, she meets an attractive man and has a one night stand. It's just too bad that Jack Dean ends up being the man who's going to make sure that Alice, her mom, and all three siblings fulfill the tasks that their father left behind. And they are some odd tasks. Her mom has to say one nice thing about her father every day. Her older sister has to break off the years long affair she's been having with her father's employee, her brother has to do manual labor and can't talk on odd hours, and Alice... Alice has to stay. 
Most of the story is third-person omniscient from Alice's point of view, but we do get some of the other characters as well. Because of that, it was easy to feel so frustrated for Alice that no one else seems to see her point of view. 

Four stars

This book came out July 8, 2025

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own

Face the Fire by Nora Roberts

Four stars

This book came out 

Three Sisters Island, #3

Follows by Heaven and Earth

Hard copy I own

Opinions are my own

Heaven and Earth by Nora Roberts

Ripley Todd has an okay life. Yeah, she's living with her brother and his new wife and, sure, she's having sort of a dry spell with her own sexual escapades and, well, she's a witch which she's not really enjoying but life is still okay. Then MacAllister Brooke comes to Three Sisters Island. Dr. Brooke is there to study the legend of the Three Sisters. He's very interested in mystical forces and UFOs and then becomes
very interested in Ripley Todd. 

She's not indifferent to him but they have two very different attitudes toward her powers. Of course, Ripley's going to have to learn to trust both Mac and her own powers in order to save her own life as well as those of her "sisters."

Four stars

This book came out 

Three Sisters Island, #2

Follows Dance Upon the Air

Followed by Face the Fire

Hard copy I own

Opinions are my own

Love At First Fright by Nadia El-Fassi

Rosemary Shaw is a horror author whose book has been optioned into a movie. Too bad the actor they've picked as the lead is a) not what she imagined for that character and b) a total jerk. She's not sure how she's going to make it through this shoot. 

Ellis Finch is a certified Hollywood hunk. He normally does action movies but he's decided that this horror film would make for an exciting change. Too bad the writer thinks that he's all wrong for the part. 

Add in the fact that Rosemary can see ghosts and there's a love spat to figure out on locaiton and there's a lot going on in this book. I generally liked Rosemary and Ellis's story but I was not expecting the dom/sub portion of this book. Nor the age gap (not one of my favorite tropes though El-Fassi does more than most to balance the relationship.)

Three and a half stars

This book came out September 16, 2025

ARC kindly provided by Ballantine and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts

Nell Channing is on the run. She's come to Three Sisters Island hoping that she can stay hidden in this small community. What she finds is more than safety. While in Mia Devlin's cafe, Nell notices the cook quitting. She harnesses up all of her courage and offers to try out for the job. Soon, she's part of the community, even to the point of seeing one of the locals, Sheriff Todd. Luckily, Zack grew up on the island, so when it turns out Nell is a descendant of one of the sisters and has to help break the cycle started hundreds of years ago. She'll have to harness her destiny to defeat evil. Yep, I said it.

Four stars

This book came out June 5, 2001

Three Sisters Island, #1

Followed by Heaven and Earth

Hard copy I own

Opinions are my own

Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey

I picked up this novella because it looked cute. I finished this book because it was short. 

Britta is a server whose brother is on a minor league hockey team. For her, they're all off-limits. Mostly because she's not interested. Except Sumner. Dude's hot. But he's about to be deported, just as he's about to make it into the big leagues. At leas his teammates are convinced that it's about to happen. So they make a deal. A year of marriage for a green card while she gets money to buy into the bar. 

In alternating viewpoints, we watch the months turn over as Britta and Sumner fall more in love. 

The story was... fine. But it was hard to see how Britta would change her mind about marriage. 

Three stars

This book came out December 1, 2023

Same Time Next Year #1 

Borrowed as ebook from Kindle Unlimited

Opinons are my own

Deception Cove by Jayne Castle

I quite enjoyed this addition to the Castle canon. The story falls close on the heels of The Lost Night with Harry's brother Drake becoming the hero.
Three years ago, Drake was in an explosion that made him unable to see in the daylight. In fact, any strong light causes pain. But he can see quite well in the dark and even people who are trying to make themselves invisible.
Alice North is an unusual woman. In a society that focuses on family, she was raised an orphan. Also, she is a strong enough light talent that she can literally shift light enough to make it appear as though objects disappear.
Drake and Alice meet one night when (like many of the Castle books) Alice's latest place of employment has been shut down and she is now in the midst of being attacked by two street thugs. Alice handles it herself and Drake is duly impressed (and attracted, this is a romance after all). He then propositions her. A Marriage of Convenience that will help keep her ex-mother-in-law off her back and let Alice earn some money. In exchange, Alice has to travel with him to Rainshadow and help take down the paranormal storm that is raging out of control.

What does Alice have to lose? A chance at enough money to keep her going for awhile, even some fabulous riches, get her mother off her back and all she has to do is honeymoon at the same place her last new husband tried to kill her. Piece of cake. 

Three stars

This book came out August 27, 2013

Rain Shadow #2, Ghosthunters #10

Follows The Lost Night

Followed by The Hot Zone

Hard copy of mine

Opinions are my own

The Love Fix by Jill Shalvis

I really didn't like any of the people in this book. Heath was sort of blandly perfect, Lexi was passive, and Ashley was not much more than young and short. It's loosely part of a series but I don't remember any of the other characters from other books. 

Lexi has returned to a home she didn't really grow up in to a sister she didn't really grow up with. I've seen a lot about siblings in the same household having different childhood experiences and that is true for Lexi and her stepsister. While Ashley's childhood with Daisy was more idyllic, Lexie's experience was more of a mother who promised many thing but never came through. And I'm fairly annoyed that Ashley and Heath kept getting after Lexie to forgive her mother. I've experienced that in my life and it's really annoying. I know that your experience with that person was more positive than mine but that doesn't mean I HAVE to see them the same way. I think they both chilled out a bit by the end but I was already so annoyed it was hard to see it.

Two stars

Sunrise Cove #8

This book came out June 24, 2025

Follows Better Than Friends

Borrowed as ebook from Libby

Opinions are my own