Review - - The Heir of Whitestone

The Heir of Whitestone

by Catherine Coulter

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: February 24, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

When Alex Ivanov was 12, someone tried to kill him. Now, 11 years later, they still want him dead.

England, 1842. Queen Victoria reigns, Buckingham Palace is overrun with rats, and the streets of London are filled with intrigue.

Alex Ivanov is a brilliant young innovator, designing cutting-edge train engines. But Alex has a secret—he isn’t really Alex Ivanov. As a boy, he was pulled from the Thames, presumed drowned, with no memory of who he was. Rescued and raised by the formidable Ryder Sherbrooke, Alex has built a new life, but his past is catching up with him.

Lady Camilla Rohman has problems of her own. Trapped by a scheming stepmother and a family determined to see her married off, she is as clever as she is desperate. When fate throws her into Alex’s path, their connection is undeniable.

But as their whirlwind romance turns into marriage, danger follows. On their honeymoon, a series of deadly attacks make one thing clear—someone wants Alex dead. As they race to uncover the truth, old enemies and long-buried secrets come to light, leading them to a shocking revelation that will change everything…

PJ's Thoughts:

A new Catherine Coulter historical romance with a Sherbrooke tie-in? I couldn't get to this book fast enough. 

It's been many years since I read a Coulter historical and, admittedly, I had forgotten the ins and outs of her particular style of writing. It was disjointed at times, with sudden veers into secondary storylines that felt a bit superfluous, and slow sections that made it too easy to set the book aside, but the main couple - plus Ryder Sherbrooke (The Hellion Bride) - kept my interest engaged and the pages turning.

Alex and Cam were so easy to root for. I became emotionally invested in them from the very start and that attachment never wavered. I loved Cam's internal strength, cleverness, and determination to take matters into her own hands in the face of toxic family dynamics. Also, how she saved that same family when adversity came to call.

Alex was equally appealing. I adored him and loved how smitten he was with Cam, coming to love her because of her unique qualities not in spite of them. I also loved his relationship with Ryder. As a fan of the original Sherbrooke books, it made my heart so happy to watch Ryder as the voice of wisdom in a paternal role. I wish Sophie (his wife) had been part of the story as well but references in the book reassured readers that they continue to be happy, in love, and giving hope and home to abandoned and abused children. 

The mystery that threaded through the book was a mixed bag. While I figured out certain aspects of it early on, there were others that eluded me until the reveal. It all built to a final climax which felt a bit rushed and left questions that I had unanswered. Others may feel differently but I guess I just like all my loose threads tied. 

The romance, however, was a complete delight. I thoroughly enjoyed it and turned the final page confident that Cam and Alex had found their happily ever after, in more ways than one.      

Review - - Falling for the Rabbi

Falling for the Rabbi

by Jennifer Wilck

Matchmaker, Matchmaker - Book 1

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: February 24, 2026

Reviewed by Hellie 

 

 Josh Axelrod is incensed! His matchmaker date brought along her annoying best friend—Emma something-or-other. The same Emma who’s ruining the house filled with the young rabbi’s childhood memories and turning it into a bookstore. Sure, she captures his attention but—no. Just no. Emma is too impulsive. Too out there. And he’s a Rabbi, for God’s sake! Except now, it seems impossible to avoid her. And with every encounter, “no” feels more like “yes.” Perhaps the unwitting Josh and Emma were always the match meant to be… 

 

Hellie’s Heeds

 

I always marvel at Harlequin stories because the writing has to be so tight, but I feel Jennifer Wilck is even more exceptional because while I know the writing is tight, it also feels luxurious as I’m getting so much detail and setting and character development with just a few sentences or pages. I also adore opposites attract motifs and this one has it in spades. Josh feels like Mr. Type A. He has a plan–and if that plan derails (say by a beloved grandmother or a feisty bookstore owner), he handles everything poorly. Emma, on the other hand, can never do anything right. That’s been the story of her life from her parents who constantly compare her to her sister, and not favorably. It’s no surprise to the reader when Emma will do anything for her best friend, Samantha, who has been with her through it all, but what happens when her best friend is matched with someone that Emma is attracted to? And worse, that someone is the grandson of the woman who sold her the house where Emma is putting her bookstore–and he hates her? Oh, so much conflict–and we haven’t gotten to chapter 3 yet. 

 

The author does an impeccable job of building the relationship between the two, despite the fact they have so many reasons not to be together–in the end, it feels inevitable. And the conflict, which seems to come from many different and legitimate angles (her parents, her best friend, Emma’s guilt that she’s “stolen” love interests of Sam before) does keep the story moving swiftly. However Sam’s definition of “man stealing” is a bit much considering both incidents occurred prior to adulthood and that Sam doesn’t give any blame to the men in the situation (since Emma was not actively seeking their attention.) It felt immature, but it also became clear this is a character growth issue for Sam, due to her childhood and issues she still needs to wrestle with. It will be interesting to see how this is handled in future books. 

 

The conflict that was the black moment of sorts for Emma and Josh seemed abrupt; and frankly I was on Emma’s side about it. But I will respect that the issue was real for Josh. For me that probably felt the weakest part of the story, but I admit that is probably a “me-issue.” Other readers may totally be with Josh here. I’ll let the reader decide. 

 

If you love the idea of a smaller town near the bustle of New York City where you can attend a Winter Festival and ride around in a sleigh and drink hot cocoa and a community where the local senior assisted living is made up by a group of octogenarians who could give partying tips to the local fraternities, you will likely enjoy this small town and its community. I know I did. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

 

Review - - The Summer of Lost and Found

The Summer of Lost and Found

by Toni Blake

Publisher: Montlake

Release Date: February 17, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

Recovering from cancer, Cincinnati news anchor Jessica Fox has no choice but to take a summer leave. Her boss’s proposal: for Jessica to take it easy and recharge at his late grandmother Mabel’s cottage in the Kentucky mountains.

The town of Lost and Found lives up to its name. Resistant at first, Jessica grows to appreciate the slower pace, the spectacular sunsets, the affable locals, and even Matt Cordray, the laid-back, too-friendly police chief next door. Most engaging of all is Mabel, who left behind a treasure map that leads Jessica to a collection of lost items―mementos and love letters―people have mailed to the town over the years. Jessica needs something to help pass the time, and she finds it in reuniting these precious things with the distant strangers who lost them.

Lost and in flux herself, Jessica has no idea just how connected to life this town will make her feel again or, by summer’s end, how transformative a season it will be.

PJ's Thoughts:

Transformative is a good word to describe this book. Written with the perspective of someone who lived her own cancer journey, Blake's complex, heart-tugging, and, ultimately, hopeful story gives readers an intimate view into the life of someone who has emerged from  treatment with a good health prognosis but, unbeknownst to her, has yet to begin the process of emotional healing. 

Not only did I get to tag along with Jessica during her transformative, life-changing summer, reading this book was a visceral experience in itself, one that reminded me of the importance of slowing down, taking a breath, and giving myself grace when a life-altering obstacle appears in my path. 

I'm a fast reader who typically finishes a book in one day. This book encouraged me to take my time and savor each small step of Jessica's journey along the way, whether that's the blooming of a long-awaited flower, the majesty of a painted sky at sunset, the joy of human connection, the burst of flavor on the tongue from fresh-picked, summer-warmed fruit, the fear of being vulnerable, the artistry of life's lines in an aging face, or the opening of one's heart to love. Each felt like a small celebration in the evolving trajectory of Jessica's life. 

Jessica's journey showcased the complexity of her gradual emotional healing over one unexpected summer. On a personal note, while I don't purport to understand the emotions of one who has received a cancer diagnosis, and each of those people surely lives a unique experience, Blake, through her own personal experience, has given us a main character, and surrounded her with characters, who through their feelings, insights, and shared experiences, have taught me how to better understand, support and lift up someone who has. That, in itself, is a gift to be treasured. 

The Summer of Lost and Found is an engaging, thought-provoking, hopeful, emotional celebration of life in all its messy, complex, painful, and joyful moments. It reminds us that, as Matt says in the book, "Sometimes life has to force on us the gifts we wouldn't have gotten any other way." For Jessica, that gift is a forced summer in a small mountain town that brings life-changing discoveries about herself, her surroundings, and her future path in life. For me, it's what, in my opinion, is Toni Blake's best book - a beautifully written story with realistically, and lovingly, depicted characters who will continue to live in my heart long after the final page. Don't miss this one. It's a keeper. 

Review - - Hollywood Hookup

Hollywood Hookup

by Christy Swift

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

A former movie star is thrust back into the celebrity life where she finds herself competing for a date with her longtime crush in this funny and heartwarming rom-com about second chances and rediscovering your true self.

Once a teenage TV star, she’s reinvented her life. Now her very public celebrity crush has put her back in the spotlight.

Josie Days has worked hard to forget who she used to be. Once upon a time, she was one of Mexico’s favorite bilingual teen stars—until one disastrous decision ruined her budding career. These days, Josie’s happy to keep things very off-camera as a makeup artist. That is until her best friend ropes her into a charity game show where the prize is a date with her forever celebrity crush: impossibly charming Irish “It” boy Sean O’Sullivan.

Josie has no interest in winning. In fact, she’s trying to lose—and fast. But Sean is interested in more than a game. The problem? Josie isn’t who he thinks she is. And when the cameras start rolling and her past is exposed, she’ll have to decide if she’s ready for the spotlight again—or if her second act never should have started.

PJ's Thoughts:

Oh, this was a fun one. Josie and Sean kept me grinning pretty much from start to finish. Though it's not all fun and games. Fraught family relationships and self-questioning along the way give the story satisfying emotional heft but, overall, this one keeps the endorphins popping. 

Swift returns to Hollywood for the follow-up to last year's Celebrity Crush. This time it's Emmy's best friend, Josie who is reluctantly shoved into the spotlight and her celebrity crush, Sean O'Sullivan who is right there with her. It was fun watching Emmy navigate her new-found fame but readers new to Swift can easily step into this universe with Hollywood Hookup without missing a beat. 

In a way, this is a delayed coming of age story. Sean is grappling with accepting his hobby as a natural, vital part of his being while dealing with the fear that he may be as obsessive as his older brother. Josie lives with the shame of her teenage antics while keeping her true self a secret from those closest to her...and the world at large. The journey to each of them accepting all parts of themselves is brimming with humor, endearing charm, unexpected twists, and a well-earned happy ending. I enjoyed every bit of it. 

Winner - - This Book Made Me Think of You

 

The randomly chosen winner

of a hard cover copy of

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page is:

Kathleen Bylsma

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Giveaway - - This Book Made Me Think of You

 **********ATTENTION**********

The February 2nd review of This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page has been updated to include a giveaway of a hard cover copy of the book. All comments previously posted will be included in the random drawing. New comments through 11:00 PM, February 8 will also be included.

Apologies for the error in not including the giveaway in the original post. I'm blaming anesthesia brain. ;-)  

Click here for original post.

Review - - Free Falling

Free Falling

by Jill Shalvis

Colburn Brothers - Book 2

Publisher: That's What She Said Publishing, Inc.

Release Date: February 3, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

 

These rivals are stuck with each other…

Retired hockey player Caleb Colburn needs this new construction project to go smoothly to prove he’s earned his place in the family business. There’s only one problem. The architect liaison assigned to the project is Emma Sumner. As in, the woman who made his life a living hell in college. Now, she’s back in town and already breathing down his neck on the job. Worse? She’s only gotten more beautiful.

Emma’s in love with the beautiful historic building they’re renovating. But her feelings toward project manager Caleb definitely lean more toward hate. Not only is the man making her job harder than it needs to be, he’s the one who took everything from her when she was at her most desperate. Not that she’d ever admit it out loud, but she’s never recovered.

Neither is willing to forgive and forget. But forced proximity and surprising common ground have these enemies starting to wonder just how fine the line between love and hate is. A burning mutual attraction adds complications for them both. Will anything be left standing when their secrets are finally revealed?

PJ's Thoughts:

Free Falling is the second book in the Colburn Brothers series by Jill Shalvis. That's all the time it's taken for me to become fully invested in this family. And not only the three brothers but their sister too. Shalvis tells their stories with an abundance of charm and humor but also adds layers of emotional depth, evolution, forgiveness, and healing. It all creates an emotionally moving experience for the reader that brings joy, love, and satisfying happy endings, broaching difficult topics but never losing hope.

I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance. Caleb and Emma may have been adversaries in college but their memories of those days are skewed by what they thought to be true at the time. As we all know, what we perceive to be truth isn't always the actual truth. I love how actual facts are slowly revealed in present day as Caleb and Emma slowly begin to know and understand one another as they are forced to work together. It feels very organic and realistic, with growth on both of their parts. I was cheering them on the entire way.

The dynamic among the Colburn siblings is spot on. The push and pull, teasing, and bossiness, all underpinned by love, loyalty, and support are realistic and relatable. They are survivors of traumatic childhoods who are now in a difficult situation where previously unimaginable choices must be made. I appreciate that Shalvis chose to include this situation in this series. It's handled with humor, grace, and forgiveness, but without minimizing the pain once inflicted. 

Shalvis' trademark dialog and banter shine in this book, among the siblings, between Emma and Caleb, and even with the construction crew. There's a scene with Emma and the crew that tells the reader everything we need to know about the hearts of these characters. I loved it. 

And then there are Caleb's two rescue dogs. These goofballs steal every single scene they're in. I couldn't love them more. 

If you're looking for humor, charm, second chances, complicated family dynamics, a touch of mystery, loveable dogs, and hard won happy endings, pick up a copy of Free Falling by Jill Shalvis. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Blog Tour Review - - This Book Made Me Think of You

***********UPDATED 5 February 2026***********

This Book Made Me Think of You

by Libby Page

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: February 3, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Twelve books. Twelve months. One chance to heal her heart…

When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her husband waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. But mainly because Joe died five months ago....

When she goes to pick up the present, Alfie, the bookshop owner with kind eyes, explains the gift—twelve carefully chosen books with handwritten letters from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.

At first Tilly can’t imagine sinking into a fictional world, but Joe’s tender words convince her to try, and something remarkable happens—Tilly becomes immersed in the pages, and a new chapter begins to unfold in her own life. Monthly trips to the bookstore—and heartfelt conversations with Alfie—give Tilly the comfort she craves and the courage to set out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to share her journey with others, her story—like a book—becomes more than her own.

PJ's Thoughts:

What a lovely, tender, transformative story. As one who knows first hand how difficult the first year following the death of a loved one can be, I started this book with mixed feelings. Would it be weighted down by unimaginable grief? Would it be a total sob fest? Or, would it be a gradual awakening, a reminder of love that never leaves the heart but the realization that the living heart goes on beating. 

With the help of her late husband's gift, the thoughtful bookseller who is waging his own battle with grief, twelve carefully curated books, and twelve beautifully and lovingly written letters from her late husband, Tilly slowly begins to reimagine her future. Her emotional journey resonated deeply with me. Page does a superb job of laying it out, with realistic stops and starts along the way. I wanted to wrap her in a warm hug while also encouraging her to venture out of her small, but understandable, comfort zone. I loved the part books play in her transformation, how each month's selection, and each visit to Alfie's bookshop, seem to bring her exactly what she needs to move one more step forward. 

Alfie is a true beta hero: thoughtful, caring, dealing with his own loss, and unaware of the lasting impact he has on his customers, family, friends...and Tilly. I wanted to hug him too. He puts himself last - always - and I so wanted someone to put him first. He deserves healing. He deserves love. And, he deserves to live life - the life he chooses - to the fullest. Page skillfully guides him through the various stages of his journey and I couldn't help but cheer him on the entire way. 

If you enjoy tender, transformative stories about starting over, reclaiming joy, and moving forward with the healing help of loving letters, thoughtfully selected books, new friends, family, and an endearing bookseller and grieving widow who may not be perfect but could be perfect for one another, give This Book Made Me Think of You a try. I highly recommend it. 

Have books ever helped you through a difficult time in your life? 

Do you have a favorite bookshop that lifts your spirits each time you visit?

What are you currently reading?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, February 8 will receive a hard cover copy of This Book Made Me Think of You. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Coming Attractions - - February

 

It's February, the month of love! Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Galantine's Day? None of the above? Personally, I celebrate this month by losing myself in a variety of immersive stories all guaranteeing a happy ending. I do love happy endings. We'll be sharing some of those stories with you here at The Romance Dish. 

Launching the month on Tuesday, February 3 will be a blog tour review and giveaway of This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page. This is a poignant, emotional, and hopeful story of starting over - and finding love again - after loss. 

Wednesday, February 4 brings a review of Free Falling, book two in the Colburn Brothers series by Jill Shalvis. Expect second chances, humor, complicated family dynamics, great banter, and undeniable chemistry when two former adversaries meet again years later. 

There's plenty of humor, endearing charm, and emotional depth in Christy Swift's new romcom, Hollywood Hookup. Join me for a review on Tuesday, February 10. 

Stop by on Tuesday, February 17 for a review of The Summer of Lost and Found by Toni Blake. This women's fiction story features a woman recovering from cancer, a summer of self discovery, and the possibility of a new romance. 

Hellie will be here on Friday, February 20 with a review of Falling for the Rabbi by Jennifer Wilck. This opposites-attract, contemporary romance launches Wilck's new Matchmaker, Matchmaker series. 

It's time for another compelling story on Rustler Mountain.  Join me on Tuesday, February 24 for a review of Lonesome Ridge by Maisey Yates. Feuding families, fake relationships, and sizzling attraction? Yes, please! 

We're taking a trip to the past on Wednesday, February 25 with a review of The Heir of Whitestone by Catherine Coulter, a twisty Victorian romantic mystery with a connection to Coulter's popular historical romance hero, Ryder Sherbrooke. I'm in!

Wrapping up the month on Friday, February 27 will be a review and giveaway of And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison. This contemporary romcom features competing meteorologists in an opposites-attract romance inspired by the movie, When Harry Met Sally. 

That's what's on tap for February here at The Romance Dish Blog.

What's on your schedule this month? 

One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM, February 5 will receive a print copy of The Dating Plan by Sara Desai. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - The Cowboy's Comeback

The Cowboy's Comeback

by Nan Reinhardt

Publisher: Tule

Release Date: January 29, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

It’s an enemies to lovers showdown between the cowboy who can’t trust and the cowgirl who won’t forgive.

Injured rodeo cowboy, Bo Kennedy, takes a job as a horse trainer at a Montana ranch. His skills training cutting horses are in high demand, but he’s holding out hope his days of competing aren’t over. Then his first client arrives, desperate for help with her mare. One problem, she’s his ex.

When World Champion barrel racer Cassie Franklin needs a new horse quickly, her last hope to rebuild her career is to switch to cutting competitions. She brings her new mare to Juniper Falls Ranch, hoping the highly hyped horse whisperer can help. She’s stunned to see Bo. They haven’t spoken in five years after he wrongly accused her of sabotaging his horse when he saw her flirting with his fiercest competitor.

Working together seems impossible, especially as the chemistry still sizzles. Will one of them finally lower their guard and admit they were wrong?

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm enjoying this new western location of Nan Reinhardt's. Set under the wide open sky of Montana, she brings to life the everyday ups and downs along with the characters who call Juniper Falls Ranch home, if only for a short time. 

In The Cowboy's Comeback, sparks are flying between Bo and Cassie. These two are a classic lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers pair. They walk a tenuous line of  "I'll never forgive you...but you still make my heart flutter...but how can I trust you...but you're my only hope of reaching my goals...but, whoa, pesky feelings" and I bought into it, hook, line, and sinker. Everything unfolds gradually, organically, with plenty of push and pull as both Bo and Cassie work through complicated feelings. I was glad to see them each grow during the process and especially happy when they each took ownership of their own parts in the misunderstanding that ended their earlier relationship. By the end of their book, I was fully on board with them as a couple. 

If you enjoy western settings with second chance romance, strong character growth, a terrific supporting cast, horses (I do love horses), emotional depth, and happy endings, check out The Cowboy's Comeback.  

The Juniper Falls Ranch is owned by Del and Beth (Forever Cowboy-Click for review) who have a strong presence in The Cowboy's Comeback. If you read their book, you'll no doubt enjoy seeing them post-HEA in this newest story but if you're new to Reinhardt's Montana books, know that The Cowboy's Comeback stands well on its own. 

 

Winner - - Anne of a Different Island

 

The randomly chosen winner

of a signed, print copy of

Anne of a Different Island by Virginia Kantra is:

Katie Chapman

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com