Review - - Hildy Dannaher Goes Off Script

Hildy Dannaher Goes Off Script

by Erin Knightley

Publisher: Hearthstone Reach Publishing

Release Date: February 11, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Hildy Dannaher has got to get it together. Between her high-profile divorce, the sale of her home, and the looming deadline for the most important script of her career, she doesn’t have time for a coffee break, let alone a nervous breakdown. But when she discovers her late mother’s memory box, Hildy’s long-suppressed need for answers quickly overshadows everything else in her life.

Realizing she must address the gaping holes in her own story before she can move on with writing another, she flies halfway around the world to the tiny sea-side village where her mother was raised. The L.A. to County Kerry culture shock is real, but she soon feels a connection to this, her ancestral home.

She’s charmed by the land, its people, and even her unexpected sheepdog roommate, but her focus remains on the questions that brought her here: Who is Hildy’s father, and what happened nearly forty years ago that caused her pregnant mother to flee Ireland, never to look back? The problem with going off script is she has no way of knowing if there will be a happy ending, or if she’ll end up more heartbroken than ever.

PJ's Thoughts:

 

Oh, how I have missed Erin Knightley! For me, Knightley's historical romances always guaranteed well developed characters, intriguing storylines, and an enjoyable reading experience. This new book, the first in several years, a contemporary women's fiction/romance blend, serves up the same.

I was drawn into Hildy's life from the start and happily followed along on her Irish quest for answers. Knightley brought the small seaside village in County Kerry to life, from the bucolic sheep farms amidst rolling emerald hills, to the lively camaraderie at the local pub. And then there are the vividly drawn citizens who bring a rich Irish texture to the overall story. I couldn't get enough of them. Okay, maybe not the snippy cashier at the local grocery but every town has one, right?

I enjoyed how Hildy's journey was interwoven with the lives of the locals she befriended and especially how those new relationships influenced her search for her roots. Knightley kept the suspense of those answers central to the story while keeping me guessing as to what the answers - if any - would be. It kept me eagerly flipping pages right up until the reveal.

The romance, while not the central focus of the book, is a lovely addition to Hildy's Irish experience. I was in this unexpected couple's corner the entire way, hoping for a happy ending.

SPOILER: I was not disappointed.

I hope Knightley has more books of this type in her writer's pocket. I was thoroughly charmed. I'm also ready to book a flight to Ireland!

Review - - Lonesome Ridge

Lonesome Ridge

by Maisey Yates

Rustler Mountain - Book 3

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: February 24, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

 

Good guys and bad guys . . . myth and legend . . . gold and ranching. That’s what historic Rustler Mountain, Oregon, is made of, complete with feuding families descended from outlaws and lawmen. A century later, their grudges still hold—but for a new generation, when opposites attract, it might be time to surrender . . .

From killers to courtesans, the Hancock family has what might be called an eclectic history. But they’ve managed to leverage it into something respectable, creating the popular Hancock Wild West Show. The event features reenactments and trick riding—the latter performed by clever, charismatic Jessie Jane Hancock.

Jessie is usually unflappable, but lately something’s needling her—and it’s not just her annoying attraction to exasperatingly sexy Flynn Wilder—whose great, great, great, great, great grandfather was betrayed by Jessie’s just-as-many-times-great grandfather. It’s the upcoming mayoral election. Specifically, the unopposed candidate: Danielle LeFevre, mean girl, all-around awful person, and Flynn’s not-so-beloved half-sister. Jessie wants to keep Danielle from winning . . . and the only person who bothers Flynn more than she does is Danielle.

“I want you to be my first man.” Jessie Jane is hot enough to make him hallucinate, but her request is very real. Jessie wants to run for mayor, and she wants him by her side, as her fake boyfriend. A Hancock dating a Wilder. An outsider against the status quo. A drama their town will devour. Flynn always knew Jessie was a wild card, but bringing down his corrupt stepfamily is a temptation he can’t resist. Just like the vexing spark between him and Jessie. And once that fire catches, the real showdown begins . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Rustler Mountain is turning out to be one of my favorite Maisey Yates settings. I love the outlaw vs lawmen vibe and the way it frequently gets turned on its head. These characters are much more than the label they've been given by the townspeople...and by history. 

I wouldn't say Jessie and Flynn are enemies, exactly, but they sure aren't besties either. Their families have done their best to maintain the status quo of the multi-generation feud between them. While Flynn and Jessie have never done anything to disrupt that or get to know one another - until now - the fact remains that these two have been aware of each other since high school. 

I love the complexity of the characters in this series and, in particular, this book. There are so many layers - something Yates does well - revealing more and more of the true nature of the main characters as the story progresses. I enjoy being surprised by characters and both Flynn and Jessie surprised me as their story unfolded. I felt my understanding of and empathy for each of them deepening as they learned more about each other and I learned more about both of them. 

The humor and chemistry in the book is well balanced by the emotional depth, especially as related to complicated family dynamics. I found myself laughing in places, tearing up in others, and fully rooting for Jessie and Flynn, both individually and as a couple. I appreciated the evolution each of them underwent, bringing them to a point where they were unapologetically their true selves and at peace with their places in their families, each other, and life.

This is the third book in the Rustler Mountain series. It certainly can be enjoyed as a standalone though I'm glad I read the books in order as there are several characters whose relationships, and personal growth, evolve throughout the series. Wherever you decide to jump in, all three books have my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Coming Attractions & Giveaway - - March

 

March has arrived! And, yes, I'm still trying to figure out how that happened. Are you all tired of winter yet? Ready for the reemergence of spring flowers and good books to read outside? Without bundling up like Nanook of the North? 

I'm still working back up to my previous reading capacity following cataract surgeries so this month's schedule is a bit light in quantity. I should be back to full speed by April but, for now, here's what's happening at The Romance Dish in March. 

Stop by on Wednesday, March 4 for a review of Lonesome Ridge by Maisey Yates. This third book in the Rustler Mountain series features an enemies-to-lovers trope between two members of feuding families who prove to be much more than the person they project to the public. 

Thursday, March 5 takes us to Ireland for Hildy Dannaher Goes Off Script, a heart-tugging women's fiction/romance hybrid from Erin Knightley. This new (surprise) book, set in a small coastal village has me ready to pack my bags and catch a flight to the Emerald Isle. 

It's time for action and suspense on Tuesday, March 10 with a review of The Liar's Treasure. This second book in Connie Mann's Speranza Team series (I loved the first!), whisks readers away on a global adventure featuring "a mysterious diary and a thrilling, high-stakes treasure hunt."

Miranda Liasson is back with another installment in her The Amazing Doctors of Oak Bluff series. Join me on Thursday, March 12 for a review and giveaway of Take Me Home to You. This is a charming, heart-tugging story of healing, friendship, new beginnings, and fighting for what your heart knows is right. 

Stop by on Monday, March 16 for a review of How Simi Got Her Groom Back by Sonali Dev. I haven't read this one yet but the description - "Two sisters face the real consequences of a fake marriage scheme in an emotional yet hilarious novel about immigration, healing, and family" - plus the fact that it's written by Sonali Dev have me eager to dive in. 

We're turning our focus to Romantasy on Tuesday, March 24 with a review of Queen of the Night Sky by Amalie Howard. This epic adventure story concludes Howard's Starkeeper duology. 

On Tuesday, March 31 I'll be sharing my thoughts about The Bridge Back to You by Riss M. Neilson. I enjoyed Neilson's 2025 novel, A Love Like the Sun and am looking forward to exploring a new story of second chances in The Bridge Back to You. 

That's the schedule for March as it stands today. Any changes will be updated on this post. 

What are you looking forward to this month?

Are any of the above books on your reading list?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, March 4 will receive a print copy of The Dating Plan by Sara Desai. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - And Now, Back to You

And Now, Back to You

by B.K. Borison

Heartstrings - Book 2

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: February 24, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

Jackson Clark and Delilah Stewart have had their fair share of run-ins over the years, often ending in disaster. While Jackson thrives on routine and organization from the comfort of his radio booth, Delilah loves the spontaneity and adventure out in the field. When they’re partnered against their will to cover a historic snowstorm, they find themselves scrambling to figure out how to work together.

Eager to be taken seriously as a journalist, Delilah offers Jackson a deal: If he can help her ace this assignment, she’ll help him rediscover his long-lost fun side. With unexplored chemistry burning beneath their clashes, the unlikely partnership quickly tumbles into an easy and surprising friendship.

But when other feelings start to enter the equation, can Jackson and Delilah withstand the storm? Or does what happens in the mountains stay in the mountains?

PJ's Thoughts:

I pretty much grinned through this entire warm hug of a book. It's second in a series but can be enjoyed as a standalone (though Jackson does figure prominently in book one, his best friend's story). I must point out that the second I turned the final page of And Now, Back to You, I bought book one, First-Time Caller and began reading it immediately. It's another Top Dish selection (which has been optioned for a movie!). I highly recommend both books...in whatever order you choose to read them. 

And Now, Back to You is filled with a delicious mix of many of my favorite tropes. There's opposites attract, adversaries to lovers, forced proximity, snowed in, grumpy-sunshine, and workplace romance, to name a few and yet it never feels cluttered. Everything unfolds organically with sizzle, charm, humor, emotional depth, and top-notch banter. Borison has a flair for comedy centered by heart. And then there are the characters.

  

Jackson is tightly wound, a rule follower through and through - not surprising considering his upbringing - but also just so darn endearing. I love his relationship with his sisters, the love and support he pours into them while never quite believing he's enough. I want to hug him and tell him he is. 

Delilah is a force of nature - upbeat, slightly chaotic, never met a stranger - leaving sunshine and smiles in her wake and with much more depth than her personality would suggest. She's fiercely loyal, loves deeply, and leaves Jackson agitated and perplexed...at first. She's also up against a misogynistic boss who I'd like to toss off a cliff. I can't be alone in that thought. However, his machinations do end up with Jackson and Delilah snowed in at a mountain resort (Did I mention there's only one bed...and night sledding?) so maybe I'll skip the cliff and just send him off into retirement obscurity. Though honestly, he really does deserve the cliff. 

Jackson and Delilah together may seem like oil and water but once they start opening themselves (forced proximity reveals many misperceptions), it's fun to watch them reach the same conclusions readers already know: that they really are just right for one another.  

I'm late to the Borison bandwagon but after reading Good Spirits (one of my favorite 2025 books), And Now, Back to You, and First-Time Caller (both likely to land on my list of 2026 favorites), you can bet that if B.K. Borison writes it, I'll be buying it. 

  

Have you read B.K. Borison?

What are your favorite romance tropes?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, March 2 will receive a print copy of And Now, Back to You.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

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.