Review - - The Love Audit

The Love Audit

by Lucy Eden

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: December 2, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

  There are three things that PR strategist Jasmine Morgan knows for sure: One, she’s damn good at her job. Two, she’ll do whatever it takes to save her team from looming layoffs. And three, Derek Carter will always be her archnemesis—even if the man is ridiculously fine. Unfortunately, she and Derek end up on competing projects in Miller’s Cove, a small town highly suspicious of corporate outsiders. To gain the trust of the locals, she’ll have to ditch her blazer and pose as a “honeymooning couple” with her mortal enemy.

Derek isn’t about to let Jasmine best him on the venture that will seal their fate during this company audit. But wherever he goes, she’s there—in his hotel suite, digging for the same research, and even stealing the loyalty of his dog (traitor). Worse, her tempting performance as his fiancée has him torn between killing her career or kissing her senseless. But as the two get deeper into their charade, they discover little Miller’s Cove has a lot of big secrets. Secrets that could save their careers . . . but at what cost?

PJ's Thoughts:

This was my first book by Lucy Eden. It won't be my last. 

So many of my favorite tropes have center stage in this story. Derek and Jasmine were childhood friends who parted amidst bad feelings and haven't spoken in years until they are reunited only to discover they are workplace rivals for the same position at a newly merged company. Enemies to lovers: one of my favorites. But it doesn't stop there. We have fake newlyweds, forced proximity, small-town romance, spicy chemistry, one bed, and...oops...one gets sick and the other nurses them back to health. Not to mention a heart-stealing, matchmaking dog (you won't convince me otherwise). 

There's more to savor in this book than just Derek and Jasmine. Eden also dips into the multiple layers of the town of Miller's Cove, its citizens, and its origin story. Rising from the grief of an actual historic event in Tulsa, OK, this small Florida town is zealously guarded by the people who call it home, especially those descended from the founding families. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story and the hope rising from the ashes of an attack not enough people know about. 

Then there's the dynamics stemming from Derek's and Jasmine's families, once best friends and business partners, now bitter enemies. Their history has played a significant role in Derek's and Jasmine's feelings over the years as well as their currently deepening emotions for one another. I was surprised by the truths that were revealed. I also hope we'll get to see more of Derek's brother and a certain doctor. 

If you enjoy a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance with heart-tugging emotion, humor, multi-layered characters, spicy romance, a dog who steals not only scenes but also hearts, and a happy ending, not only for our main couple but the town as well, pick up a copy of The Love Audit. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Review - - Mistletoe in Park City

Mistletoe in Park City

by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Christmas in the Canyons - Book 3

Publisher: Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Release Date: December 5, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Gracie McBride is up to her elbows in Christmas cookie dough at her beloved bakery, Sugarfall, when a health-conscious rival opens a sleek new shop across the street—serving kale cupcakes and protein-packed pastries that threaten to steal her customers. But when a holiday project throws them together, Gracie discovers that sometimes the sweetest treats in life come from the most unexpected ingredients.

At Snowberry Lodge, the season sparkles with love as Cindy and Nicole prepare for a double Christmas wedding. But MJ can’t stop thinking about Matt Walker, the mysterious guest who came and went last year, leaving her to wonder...will he keep his promise to return?

With weddings, wishes, and a sprinkle of mistletoe—will this be the sweetest Snowberry Christmas yet?

PJ's Thoughts:

Scott and Holloway continue to bring the humor, heart, and holiday goodness in this third book of their Christmas in the Canyons quartet. 

By now, these characters feel like good friends and each new book, a much anticipated visit to their beautiful, snowy corner of the world. That speaks to the authors' ability to develop characters to the point that they feel like real people in whom my heart is invested. 

When we rejoin the family, one year has passed since the end of book two. A lot has happened but as I read I never felt as though I was missing anything. It felt like we picked right back up with everyone during an annual visit to the mountains. Romance is in the air for multiple couples with wedding planning in the works, matchmaking kids, and a surprise arrival. I loved every word. 

This heartwarming series has my enthusiastic recommendation. Because each book builds on the previous one, I strongly encourage readers to read them in order. The fourth and final book will be published later this month. 

 

Review - - Murder at Donwell Abbey

Murder at Donwell Abbey

by Vanessa Kelly

Emma Knightley Mysteries - Book 2

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Emma’s spirits are elevated after she and husband George Knightley host a joyful holiday celebration at the Hartfield estate. But it’s instantly a bitter January when her father makes an unexpected announcement—he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry. Not only must Emma relinquish her role as mistress of the household, but also accept the reality that the excitable Miss Bates will become her stepmother . . .

More unwanted news arrives during an extravagant betrothal ball at Donwell Abbey, the grand Knightley estate where Emma and George will soon permanently reside. Nearly every villager in Highbury revels in the dazzling affair—except Emma’s hardworking lady’s maid, Prudence Parr. To Emma’s horror, Prudence is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace . . .

The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled a terrible accident and whispers circulate around personal troubles leading up to her untimely demise. But Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more sinister is at play. Now, Highbury’s matchmaker-turned-sleuth vows to outwit a cunning criminal before an innocent man loses his freedom—or Donwell Abbey plunges into a darker mystery . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Have you discovered Vanessa Kelly's Emma Knightley Mysteries yet? I have to say, I'm thoroughly enjoying this new direction in which Kelly has taken her writing. 

In this second book in the series, we return to Highbury with another murder mystery that captures our amateur sleuth Emma's attention. Not only is Emma's personal life turned upside down with her father's surprising engagement announcement to Miss Hetty Bates but it's thrown into total chaos with a death (is it an unfortunate accident or something more sinister?) at the betrothal ball hosted by Emma and her husband. Will Emma figure things out before she finds herself in the villain's sights? Will the local constable muck it up? And what about the spinster, soon to be Emma's stepmother, Miss Bates? Will she turn out to be a complication or a delightfully unexpected ally?

There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. Set in a cozy, English village with intriguing characters, a tightly crafted mystery, charm, humor, witty dialogue, an indulgent, protective husband, and twists and turns that kept me guessing right up until the action-packed reveal, it kept me happily turning pages from beginning to end. And bonus, I didn't figure out the final twist! 

If any of these are your reading jam, I recommend picking up a copy of Murder at Donwell Abbey as well as book one in the series, Murder in Highbury. I'm already excited to discover what sort of tangle Emma will get herself in the middle of next. 

Review & Giveaway - - Sleigh Bells in Park City

Sleigh Bells in Park City

by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Christmas in the Canyons - Book 1

Publisher: Holloway and Scott

Release Date: October 24, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

It’s never too late to come home for the holidays. At the cozy, family-run Snowberry Lodge, the Christmas season stirs up more than just festive cheer. For Cindy Kessler, it brings the shocking arrival of her ex-husband Jack—along with the return of his world-famous sleigh rides and the spark they never quite lost. Could this be the second chance at love or just one more goodbye?

Cindy’s daughter Nicole is facing a different kind of challenge. After a childhood ski accident shattered her confidence, she swore off the slopes for good. But when someone she loves needs her, Nicole may have to confront the fear she’s kept buried for years.

Meanwhile, ten-year-old Benny and his great-grandpa Red are cooking up some merry mischief—a secret holiday scheme that just might pull off a Christmas miracle and save the lodge.

PJ's Thoughts:

Co-written by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott, Sleigh Bells in Park City takes readers to the mountains of Utah with the first book in what looks to be another heart-tugging holiday quartet by two of my favorite authors.

Holloway and Scott always bring the feels and there are plenty of them in this heartwarming story. I laughed, shed a few tears, laughed some more, and fell in love with each member of this close-knit family...all four generations...and the horse. How could I not fall in love with Copper? 

If this book doesn't have you wanting to hit the slopes (it's the bunny hill for me), take a ride through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh (preferably under a starlit sky), cheer on a long overdue second chance romance, indulge in the baked delights at Sugarfall Bakery, sip hot cocoa by a roaring fire, and watch an endless loop of hilarious Grumpy Santa videos courtesy of the youngest and oldest members of the Snowberry Lodge family, then are you even paying attention? I'm ready for all that and more. Luckily, I don't have to wait long for more Snowberry Lodge stories. The four books in this series will all be published over the next two months with the final book dropping just after Christmas. 

Note: This quartet has continuing characters with a different family member/couple taking center stage in each book. No cliffhangers!

When do you start reading holiday books? What's your ideal setting for a Christmas getaway, fictional or real life? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 3 will receive a print copy of The Summer We Met (book one, The Destin Diaries) by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - Forever in Alaska

Forever in Alaska

by Belle Calhoune

Moose Falls, Alaska - Book 3

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: October 28, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

The youngest of three brothers, Landon Stone would do anything for his grandmother, Hattie—even return to his hometown of Moose Falls. Hattie’s heart is set on her grandsons taking over the family business—and finding their happily-ever-afters in Alaska. When Hattie gets the idea that Landon is romantically entangled with his gorgeous colleague, Bailey Daniels, Landon doesn’t just go along with it—he asks Bailey to join the ruse.

Bailey isn’t sure if she agrees because she adores Hattie for helping her family through their darkest times . . . or because she finds the charmingly nerdy Landon completely irresistible. Either way, it’s extremely easy to appear totally into him. But as they collaborate at work—and after hours—to make Hattie’s Christmas extra special, Bailey and Landon’s relationship starts to feel all too real. What if the only people Landon and Bailey are fooling this season . . . are themselves?

PJ's Thoughts:

Belle Calhoune brings her Moose Falls, Alaska trilogy to a conclusion with another heartwarming story of family, friendship, and love. 

Landon is charming, nerdy, and an absolute sweetheart. My heart hurt for the betrayal he suffered before returning to Alaska. I understood why he, a scientist at heart, was so conflicted about staying to run the family business with his brothers versus returning to California to clear his name. With his huge heart, it was also understandable that he would enter into a fake relationship with Bailey to make his ailing grandmother happy. What fun watching that relationship blossom into something real.

Bailey has her own share of emotional baggage along with complicated dynamics within her own family. I enjoyed her journey, with Landon, with her mother and sisters, and with Hattie. It was fun to watch those relationships evolve over time as characters opened up and confronted painful memories in organic ways. Calhoune always brings me characters and events that feel realistic and relatable. 

Each of the books in this series tugged at my heartstrings but this third and final one really amps up the emotions. By this time, the Stone brothers and their grandmother, Hattie all feel like family which makes the emotional heft of the events in this book all the more powerful. Hattie is a larger than life character who I absolutely adored. I love her humor, her loving meddling, her strength, and her determination to live each day to the fullest in spite of the hand she's been dealt. We should all be fortunate enough to have a Hattie in our lives.  

If you're looking for a heartfelt journey with terrific sibling dynamics, reunited family, and endearing romance, I recommend all three books in this series: Falling for Alaska, Flirting with Alaska, and Forever in Alaska. The books can be read as standalones though, for me, they are much more enjoyable if read in order. 

CW: family death  

Review - - Operation Blackout

Operation Blackout

by Maria Lokken

Publisher: Harlequin Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 28, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Her identity is erased and replaced with a criminal record

A stranger is the only man she can turn to for help

When Jordan Logan infiltrates a company’s mainframe, the world-class hacker becomes the hunted—by the very people who hired her. Only by teaming up with Max Ramirez can she clear her name and restore her life. But convincing the cybersecurity expert that she’s the real Jordan Logan is as challenging as the attraction simmering between them. Max can’t trust Jordan…and Jordan doesn’t trust anyone. They’ll create a plan to bring down the culprit. But will their intimate, conflicted dynamic prevent justice from being served?

PJ's Thoughts:

One of the facets that makes this book so compelling is the frighteningly realistic premise. The advancement of cyber technology has brought with it many life improvements but with those improvements have also come a dark underbelly of criminal opportunity. It's that dark element that takes center stage in Operation Blackout, creating an intensely suspenseful story that reeled me in and held me in its grasp right up until the final page. 

Imagine waking one morning to discover your entire life (identity, money, possessions...all of it) has been given to someone else and you are now not only penniless but also have a criminal record and, even worse, are suspected of murder. Scary, right? And that's only the beginning. Maria Lokken grabbed me by the throat with that opening. There was no way I was putting this book down until every one of my questions had been answered. 

I really enjoyed the blend of suspense and romance in this book. The pace never lags and the intensity continues to build throughout. The characters are well drawn, with intriguing back stories and layers. I became emotionally invested in both Jordan and Max. Nothing brings two people together like running for your lives while attempting to save the world from a deviously brilliant villain. I was right there with them, cheering them on from the edge of my seat, enjoying their ever-growing closeness while trying to figure out how in the world they would ever defeat the villain and regain their lives. This well-crafted story kept me guessing right up until the end. 

Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed the warm, loving Ramirez family and the roles they played in this story. I'm hoping the author has more stories planned for them. 

Review - - The Man Next Door

The Man Next Door

by Sheila Roberts

Publisher: MIRA

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

  

Zona never thought her life was headed this way, but here she is, newly divorced and moving back in with her mom, Louise. After her gambling addicted ex-husband lost all of their savings, including their daughter's college fund, she doesn't really have a choice. She's cutting every coupon she can and she's going to help put her daughter through nursing school, even if it kills her.

This wasn't Louise's plan, either, laid up at home with a broken leg after one unfortunate tumble on the senior singles cruise she'd been looking forward to for months. But if she's going to spend all her time at home, at least she's got her daughter there with her. And there's some hot new eye candy next door to distract them both from their troubles. He appears to be single and just around Zona's age. Could his arrival be the universe making amends for everything it's put her through?

Maybe the universe isn't feeling as generous as Louise hoped. There’s something lurking under that mans surface charm, something…dangerous? And who's the woman they can hear him in all-out shouting matches with on the other side of the fence? When the woman seems to disappear without a trace, imaginations run wild. Or at least, Zona hopes it's just her mother's imagination...

PJ's Thoughts:

In the mood for humor, three-generations of women, witty dialog, flawed (but relatable) characters, a splash of romance, and a bit of suspense? Have I got a book for you. Sheila Roberts' The Man Next Door is filled with all that and more.

One of the things I most enjoy about Roberts' writing is her ability to craft characters who elicit a range of emotions from snort-laughter to heartfelt tears. They are fully dimensional, relatable, and could easily be your own woman - or man - next door. I found myself fully invested in each of the main characters as well as a few of the side ones. When I find myself yelling at a character for what she does or is about to do, cheering another for regaining her confidence, telling yet another to just "grow up," or wanting to pull yet another into a great big hug, the author is to be commended for an outstanding job of pulling me not only into the story but into those characters' lives. Their authenticity, as well as the situations they get themselves into, give this book an immersive quality that keeps me eagerly turning pages to discover what is planned for them around the next corner. And, in this book, there are more than a few unexpected corners! 

If you enjoy stories bubbling over with humor, heart, and multi-generation family, pick up a copy of this book. If too many true crime shows or podcasts have you giving your neighbors a second look and wondering, "what if," get this book. If you enjoy watching women gather their strength and start over after betrayal or loss, with plenty of laughter, tears, and honest conversation, read this book. And finally, if you enjoy characters finding love the last place they expect it, grab a copy of The Man Next Door. It's a gem. 

Review - - Snow Kissed

Snow Kissed

by RaeAnne Thayne

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

'Tis the season for a little white lie…

Christmas has always been single mom Holly Goodwin Moore’s favorite time of year. The twinkly lights on the tree, the cookies in the oven, the snow on the ground. But she’s just not feeling it this year. The wedding in her ex’s family is almost here, her daughter, Lydia, is bursting at the seams to be a flower girl…and Holly couldn’t be dreading it more. She told a little white lie about having a new boyfriend as her plus-one, hoping to save face. She needs a date for the wedding…and she needs it now.

Ryan Caldwell wants to be free this holiday season. So even he isn’t sure how he landed in Shelter Springs, looking after his niece, Audrey, with his estranged father down the road. But when he meets Holly, she makes him want to belong for the very first time. So they make a deal: he’ll be her date if she’ll help him give Audrey a true Christmas to remember while her mom is away.

PJ's Thoughts:

I always look forward to RaeAnne Thayne's holiday novels. Filled with family, community, holiday hope, and endearing romance, this year's addition, Snow Kissed, wrapped me in a warm holiday hug that kept me eagerly turning pages from start to finish. 

Thayne takes readers back to Shelter Springs (site of her last two holiday novels) with this newest story. I enjoyed catching up with some characters from the past books but readers new to Thayne's Shelter Springs books will have no difficulty jumping in with Snow Kissed. Regardless if you're a new or returning reader, the citizens of Shelter Springs will pull you into their warm and welcoming town with open arms. The same as they do with Ryan Caldwell. 

There were times in this book when I felt like I was in the middle of a snow globe. That's how lovely and inviting this small, snow-covered town is during the Christmas holidays. It's hard to avoid the holiday happiness that exudes from every corner, as Ryan discovers when he arrives to take care of his niece while his sister (her mother) is in rehab. Then he meets Holly and her heart-stealing, special-needs daughter, Lydia. Between them, and his niece, Audrey, there's a good chance that Christmas spirit that's been missing from his life for years just might be waiting around the corner. Not to mention a package-deal love to last a lifetime. 

I loved Holly and Ryan together and how each of them slowly opened their hearts to love, forgiveness, and acceptance. Their romance made my heart so happy but this book isn't only about finding romantic love after heartbreak. It's also about mending broken family ties, forgiving the past, and learning to look to the future with hope, something at which RaeAnne Thayne excels. I appreciated that she didn't take any easy fixes but, instead, allowed the relationships in question to move forward realistically and organically. I especially liked how the relationship between Holly, her ex-husband, and his new wife evolved. 

If you're looking for a feel-good romance with heart, humor, and emotional depth, all wrapped up in snow-blanketed holiday joy, pick up a copy of Snow Kissed. It's sure to put you in the mood to browse Christmas markets, sip hot chocolate, and toast happy, holiday beginnings. 

Review - - The Second Story Bookshop

The Second Story Bookshop

by Denise Hunter

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she's helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Grandville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby's heart years ago.

Grandville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn't skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he'd fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he's back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend's will. Facing the town's animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.

As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram's beyond-the-grave scheme is working--Shelby's old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces--one that threatens Gram's beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?

PJ's Thoughts:

I enjoy when characters are given second chances to make different choices. That's the main premise of Denise Hunter's The Second Story Bookshop, a heart-tugging, small-town story that engaged my interest, my emotions, and kept me turning pages right up until the end. 

Shelby and Gray never stood a chance when they were teens. Gray never stood a chance, period. The people of Grandville were against him from the beginning. But now he's back, fulfilling the wishes of one of the only people who was in his corner: Shelby's late grandmother. He only wants to help Shelby save the bookshop that is her grandmother's legacy. She's dating someone else. The town is still against him. There's no future for the feelings for her that he never lost. Or is there? 

I so enjoyed this book. Hunter has crafted a complex, heartwarming story of growth, redemption, and finding one's purpose and person. The characters are beautifully developed with layers that are gradually revealed as the story progresses. The recaptured feelings between Gray and Shelby are organic and true, slowly evolving as they work together to save the bookshop. There's a bit of a love triangle - she's been dating someone for a few months - but I was okay with it as Shelby deals with the situation as soon as she realizes in which direction her feelings are taking her. 

The secondary cast of characters have significant roles in Shelby's and Gray's journeys with individual storylines that dovetail neatly into the main one. And underneath it all, there's the journey of the Grandville community, a collection of citizens who are forced to confront their own biases when their actions hurt one of their own. 

As a fun side note, I was only a couple chapters into the book when the town of Grandville and Shelby's bookshop began to feel familiar. It didn't take long to discover why. During a visit to North Carolina, the author visited an independent bookstore in a small college town that inspired the location - and bookshop - for this book. I know that town...and that bookstore! For ten years, that was my local bookstore, with a cozy vibe and welcoming staff that gives readers the same warm hug feelings as The Second Story Bookshop. Hunter captured it well.