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

Winner - - Catch Her if You Can

 

The randomly chosen winner

of a print copy of

Catch Her if You Can by Tessa Bailey is:

Shelbie

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Winner - - The Magic of Untamed Hearts

 

The randomly chosen winner

of a print copy of 

The Magic of Untamed Hearts is:

Susanne Lercher

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - Remember That Day

Remember That Day

by Mary Balogh

A Ravenswood Novel - Book 5

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Reviewed by Hellie

 

Winifred Cunningham, the adopted daughter of a portrait painter, hopes that her new close friend, Owen Ware, will soon ask for her hand in marriage. But when Owen introduces Winifred to his elder brother Nicholas, the late Earl of Stratton’s second son, the slow burn between them begins.

Nicholas is a cavalry colonel—a hardened soldier whom Winifred at first despises. She finds him intimidating and cruel-looking, while he finds her strange and startlingly forthright. During a summer at Ravenswood, however, Nicholas and Winifred are unwillingly thrown together on several occasions, until they realize the passion that drives their disagreements is not due to dislike—it is because of attraction.

Winifred still awaits Owen’s proposal, and Nicholas has made his intention to marry his commanding officer’s daughter quite clear. With allegiances to other marriage prospects and brotherly bonds at risk, not to mention the age difference between them, Nicholas and Winifred know it would be wholly improper to pursue a romance...

And yet, romance is irresistible. Perhaps even inevitable.

Hellie’s Heeds

Remember That Day is a wondrous slow burn where chemistry is as important as mutual respect and friendship. Mary Balogh has been doing this for a while, and as she always does, she proves why she is the queen of sly wit, flawed but loveable characters, and the kind of romance that would make Jane Austen give her quill of approval. This is also the fifth book in the Ravenswood series, but it has the delightful surprise of combining the beloved characters from The Wescott series. 

The hero, Nicholas, is a military man (I kept thinking of Colonel Brandon when I read him–the cruel mouth, the wounded leg, the sensitivity and intense longing!)--and he is paired with the beloved adopted daughter of the Cunninghams, Winifred, who upon meeting him, professes she doesn’t like killers. Or war. Winifred is a beguiling blend of Marianne (hey, I love Sense & Sensibility) and her whimsy and longing for her own love, but more of Eleanor’s pragmatic attitude, especially when it comes to her looks and how good her prospects really are. Unfortunately, both of them are rather attached to other people when they meet: him to the General’s daughter, who has already lost two military fiancees in war, and her to Nicholas’s brother, Owen, who is passionate about making a difference in the world and is Winifred’s best friend, but he doesn’t seem to see her in the way she wishes he would. 

Balogh gives us the best of all possible settings: a country house party, complete with an annual summer fete with trinkets, contests, and the like. All the proximity between Nicholas and Winifred soon makes each of them realize: maybe they have chosen wrong. But they are both honorable, good people; and it’s only through honest communication that the ending we all hope for comes to be. Throw in scenes and vignettes with some characters we have been wondering about since we’ve seen them last, marveling at Balogh’s way of phrasing and creating emotion, and I turned the last page, smiling in pure happiness. 

The only warning I give is that reading this book will likely make you want to reread all the rest of the series…including the Westcotts. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

Review & Giveaway - - Anne of a Different Island

Anne of a Different Island

by Virginia Kantra

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: January 20, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

She believed life could follow a plotline—until the story she was living unraveled.

Anne Gallagher has always lived by the book. Anne of Green Gables, that is. Growing up on Mackinac Island, she saw herself as her namesake: the same impulsive charm, the same wild imagination, even the same red hair (dyed, but still). She followed in Anne Shirley’s fictional footsteps, chasing dreams of teaching and writing, and falling for her very own storybook hero.

But when a string of real-life plot twists—a failing romance, a fight with the administration, and the sudden death of her beloved father—pulls her back to the island she once couldn’t wait to leave, Anne is forced to face a truth no story ever prepared her for. Sometimes, life doesn’t follow a script.

Back in the house she grew up in, Anne must confront her past and the people she left behind, including Joe Miller, the boy who once called her “The Pest.” It’s time to figure out what she wants and rewrite her story to create her own happy ending. Not the book version. The real one.

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm one of those unicorn readers who has never read Anne of Green Gables. That takes nothing away from my love of Virginia Kantra's Anne of a Different Island. Inspired by the L.M. Montgomery novel, Kantra's version sets its own course with a present-day story that while it may evoke echoes of the original characters, stands well on its own for those readers, like me, who are new to the "Anne" universe.

Although Anne Gallagher is twenty-four, teaching, in a relationship, and living off the island when this book begins, it is still very much a coming-of-age story. She may be an adult but she has much yet to discover about life and about herself. I enjoyed the flashbacks to her childhood that give context to who she is today and who she ultimately becomes by the end of the book. I found her growth to be organic, authentic to her character, and very relatable. Kantra excels at bringing me into the minds of her characters and Anne is no exception. 

Another facet of writing at which Kantra excels is her ability to build a community of characters contributing context, support, conflict, humor, lessons, growth, and, in some cases, love. Each is vital to Anne's journey. I fell hard for Joe, Anne's childhood adversary turned friend turned potential soulmate (?), who has a significant growth arc of his own. Using flashbacks along with present-day scenes gave me a full picture not only of his evolving relationship with Anne but also the complications of his business and personal relationships with Anne's father. It also deepened the layers of who Joe is now and how his romantic past has affected his ability to trust both himself and others. 

Mackinac Island is a character in its own right and just as important to the overall story as any of the characters. Kantra nailed its unique vibe beautifully. I don't know if she's ever visited the island in person but she captured it's heart and left me eager to revisit this magical island in my native Michigan. 

Have you read Virginia Kantra? Do you have a favorite book or series that she's written?

Have you read Anne of Green Gables? Do you enjoy new books inspired by treasured classics? 

Have you ever visited Mackinac Island?

One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM, January 25 will receive a signed print copy of Anne of a Different Island.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - Catch Her if You Can

Catch Her if You Can

by Tessa Bailey

Big Shots - Book 5

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: January 20, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

Madden Donahue, the newest catcher for the Yankees, has been in love with Eve Mitchell since high school, but for some mysterious reason, the burlesque club owner always turns him down. That never stopped him from being her self-appointed protector. Case in point, now that Eve’s sister has left Eve with her two children indefinitely, Madden steps in with a proposition—marry him for the much needed health benefits.

Eve has secretly harbored feelings for Madden all along, but there’s one problem—her best friend Skylar called dibs on him when they were fourteen. Eve has always put their friendship above all else, and she’s not willing to risk losing Skylar over a man. Raised by the local strip club owner, Eve is woefully short on friends and treasures the ones she has. But with Skylar happily paired off, Eve finds herself accepting Madden’s proposal—on the condition that their marriage remains strictly private. She’s not about to let her unique profession and maligned reputation destroy Madden’s shiny new career.

Madden won’t let Eve get away that easily, though. What starts as a marriage of convenience soon ignites into something much hotter, and now it’s up to Madden to convince Eve that their connection is far more than a business arrangement. As the passion builds, can their fake marriage become the real deal?

PJ's Thoughts:

I've been looking forward to this pairing since meeting Eve and Madden in last year's Pitcher Perfect. I was hoping for the same perfect blend of humor and emotion that landed Robbie and Skylar's story on my 2025 favorites list. What I got didn't quite reach that level but was still enjoyable. 

First, let's just put it out there: Madden is hero goals. There are so many layers to this guy that slowly reveal themselves during the course of this book - events that could have made him bitter and resentful. They don't, though they do add depth to his character. I loved his loyalty to his friends, his vulnerable heart, and his steadfast feelings for Eve that never changed...no matter how much she tried to drive him away.

So, let's talk about Eve. Growing up the town outcast (through no fault of her own), she values her friendship with Madden for the treasure it is. However, she's determined to keep the depth of her feelings hidden, both from Madden and from the people she's sure would hold it against him. She has always put his well being ahead of her own, even if he's unaware of it. She's a complex character. At times, I found myself cheering her on while at other times, I wanted to shake her out of frustration and tell her to stop sabotaging herself. But I also understood her actions considering her past. It was satisfying to see her finally accept all the parts of herself and, especially, accept that Madden loves her for everything she is.

Bailey has imbued Eve's and Madden's journey with humor, angst, a whole boatload of spice, growth, empowerment, yearning, emotional depth, and self-reckoning...on the way to a hard-earned happy ending. If that's your jam, give this one a try. 

Have you read Tessa Bailey's romcoms?

What's your favorite romance trope? 

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, January 24 will receive a print copy of Catch Her if You Can.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Winner - - The Shop on Hidden Lane

 

The randomly chosen winner

of a hard cover copy of

The Shop on Hidden Lane is:

Patricia B

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - Marked as a Lyon's Marchioness

Marked as a Lyon's Marchioness

by Wendy LaCapra

The Lyon's Den Connected World

Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Release Date: January 14, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

She sought marriage.
He sought pleasure.
Love had other plans.


When scandal threatens to force her sister into a disastrous marriage, Miss Eliza Wainwright makes a desperate, daring nighttime visit to the Black Widow, owner of London's most notorious gaming hall. All Eliza needs is a respectable husband to restore her family's standing—instead, she finds herself drawn to the arrogant yet enigmatic Marquess of Redver, who comes to know her only as The Blackbird.

Redver’s carefully crafted façade hides explosive family secrets. But during a masked encounter with The Blackbird, he discovers not only pleasure and passion, but unexpected solace. When she refuses to see him again, him being of the same ilk that ruined her sister, his walls begin to crumble.

As hidden truths emerge and disguises fall away, will Redver and Eliza be destroyed? Or can Redver convince his perfect match he is worthy of her heart?

PJ's Thoughts:

So, there are apparently 100+ books, written by multiple authors, in the Lyon's Den Connected World. This was my first. It is also Wendy LaCapra's first entry in this fictional world. Jumping in at this point did not diminish my enjoyment of Eliza's and Adrian's journey at all. Much of the credit for that is due to LaCapra's fully developed, multi-layered characters as well as her flowing, nuanced storytelling. She never disappoints.

At 249 pages, this is a quick read that still packs a punch. The spice - which also includes a bit of mystery and hidden identity - is in the opening pages of the book and sets the stage for everything that follows. I found the pace to be a bit slow in those early chapters but once the layers of Eliza and Adrian - especially Adrian - began to slowly peel away and I started to understand them more, I really got into their characters and their bumpy, sometimes humorous, sometimes mysterious, sometimes heart-tugging journey from adversaries to friends to lasting love. I became emotionally invested in their friendship, their deepening feelings, their individual growth and healing, and the slow realization (I do love it when the lead couple are the last to realize they're in love) that they have found the person they want to share their life with. The story picked up pace after those first few chapters and I was happily flipping pages, eager to discover what would happen next until the satisfying conclusion.

Secondary characters played pivotal roles in the book, including Eliza's four sisters, Adrian's friends and family, and a mysterious woman (at the center of this fictional world) who owns a gaming house and apparently meddles in the romantic lives of her clients. At least, she did in this romantic journey.

I hope LaCapra has plans to write stories for at least some of Eliza's sisters because I'm nowhere near ready to say goodbye to these characters.