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. 

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 - - The Christmas Keepsake

The Christmas Keepsake

by Annie Rains

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t under the tree.

Everyone has a story to tell. And for Mallory Blue, her grandmother Nan’s community theater and annual Christmas play has been a beloved tradition for as long as she can remember. But this year is different. With Nan losing her memories to dementia, Mallory has taken on more than she can handle—including directing this year’s show.

Two things are keeping Mallory going: A journal that tells the story behind each handmade ornament on Nan’s tree. And Hollis, who volunteers to play Santa to spend time with Mallory and prove he’s no longer the rebellious boy she knew growing up.

As Mallory reads through Nan’s entries, she realizes there’s so much she never knew about her grandmother. And when Mallory has big decisions to make in both her personal and professional life, it’s Nan’s wise advice and Hollis’s steadfast support that will hold the key to this year’s holiday magic.

PJ's Thoughts:

Annie Rains has crafted another holiday novel that will surely tug at your heartstrings, as it did mine. 

Using threads of family, romance, and self-discovery, Rains gradually and thoughtfully rolls out two stories, one in present day (Mallory and Hollis) and the other told through entries in Nan's diary. Both are interwoven to give readers a poignant, at times heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful story that even though it contains some sadness, left me smiling at the end. 

Rains paints a realistic portrait of dementia and its effects on loved ones with both highs and lows along the way but the bond of love never wavering. I really enjoyed the nursing home scenes and the sweet friendship between Mallory's grandmother and Hollis's grandfather. And I loved the close bonds between Hollis and his grandfather and Mallory and her grandmother. 

While the romantic relationship journey for Mallory and Hollis is an important part of the book, each of them also has an individual growth arc. There's a substantial amount of emotional baggage to unpack for both. I was in their corners the entire way, cheering them on. 

If you're looking for a heart-tugging holiday story of family, romance, forgiveness, self-discovery, and hopeful new beginnings, I recommend The Christmas Keepsake by Annie Rains. 

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 - - A Little Holiday Fling

A Little Holiday Fling

by Farah Heron

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: October 21, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

There are two things that Ruby Dhanji loves with her whole entire heart: Christmas and anything to do with the UK. For Ruby the holiday season means joy, generosity, and warm memories with her late mother. And now she’s on the verge of realizing the dream she and her mom always had: moving to England and opening a cozy inn. The only problem, Ruby needs some hotel experience first. 
 
Rashid just doesn’t get all the holiday hype. But when he meets a woman dragging home a Christmas tree alone from the Winter Market, he has to offer to help—even if he soon finds Ruby adores all the things he dislikes. When Ruby discovers that Rashid’s family owns a luxury boutique hotel chain in Britain, she offers him a proposition: she’ll help him give his young nieces an amazing Christmas if he’ll facilitate an introduction to his family. 
 
As Ruby and Rashid get closer, she realizes that the great big grump loves his large, eccentric family fiercely. And when their friendship turns to something more, she’s afraid she’s falling for someone weeks before she moves across the Atlantic and she’ll soon have to decide which dream she wants to chase. 

PJ's Thoughts:

Need a little nudge to kick start your Christmas spirit? This grumpy-sunshine romance is sure to put you in a festive frame of mind...and maybe booking tickets to Toronto to indulge in a Ruby holiday tour. 

I adored Ruby from the start, with her upbeat, sunshiny spirit and love of the holidays. Rashid, on the other hand, was a bit of an acquired taste. For the first quarter or so of the book, I found myself hoping he wasn't really the hero (such a jerk) but I stuck with it and wow, did he surprise me. By the end of the book, I was firmly in his corner, cheering him on. 

These two took me on a lovely, heart-tugging journey from a rocky start to a blossoming friendship to much, much more. There was substantial growth on both their parts, evolving organically throughout a series of friendship dates with Rashid's twin nieces as Ruby guided them through some of her favorite Toronto holiday experiences. It was so much fun to watch the girls blossom under Ruby's enthusiasm and even more fun to watch Rashid begin to open both his mind and heart to the joy of Ruby and her wellspring of positive energy. 

There was plenty of humor sprinkled liberally throughout this book but Heron tempered it beautifully with heart-tugging emotion, especially as it related to Ruby's evolution. My heart hurt for all she had been through and was still going through as she struggled to find her "place." I wanted to do unspeakably unkind things to Ruby's father (who so deserved them) but, conversely, wanted to smother Ruby's friends and Rashid's family with all the hugs. I also wanted to party with them because...so. much. fun. 

If you're looking for an enjoyable grumpy-sunshine romance with cultural representation, holiday joy, humor, ride-or-die friends, complicated family dynamics, emotional depth, drool-worthy food (it's the holidays, right?), and a satisfying HEA, add A Little Holiday Fling to your holiday reading list. 

Review - - Date Night in December

Date Night in December

by Jaqueline Snowe

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

He has one month to make a Christmas miracle happen.
 
Laney Reynolds knows there’s only one place that can help her heal a broken heart: Cherrywood Creek. The small town where she grew up, with its holiday festivals and snow-covered streets, is exactly where she needs to be this December. It feels good to leave the bustling city, where her husband was too busy climbing the corporate ladder to notice the growing distance between them. But she’s got his attention now . . .

          Connor received his wake-up call loud and clear when Laney left, and there’s no way he’s giving up on his marriage. If that means dropping everything and trading high-rises for gingerbread houses to sweep his wife off her feet in her hometown, then so be it. This time, he’s listening; but it’ll take more than hot chocolate dates and even hotter nights to win Laney back. Can he prove that being a CEO is nowhere near as important as being her husband?

PJ's Thoughts:

Two years ago the lovely PR ladies at Forever sent me a copy of Snowed in for Christmas, a forced proximity, grumpy-sunshine, holiday romance that introduced me to the writing of Jaqueline Snowe (click for review). I was thoroughly charmed and an annual reading tradition was born. Last year, it was Snowe's Christmas Sweater Weather, with over-the-top Christmas shenanigans, single dad heroes, heroines you'd like to be besties with, and steamy, heartfelt romance that helped me usher in my holiday reading (click for review). But it's this year's Date Night in December that is my favorite so far.  

Is there anything more heartrending than a marriage ending, especially when the couple is still very much in love? That's the case with Laney and Connor but Christmas is the season of miracles and Connor, who has finally realized he may have lost the one person he loves more than anything else, isn't going down without a fight. 

These two. I couldn't have been more invested in their story, more emotionally engaged with them and their second chance. No one person was totally at fault here, though it may seem that way in the beginning. I appreciated the layers of both lead characters, the way they each grew over the course of the book, and how they finally voiced their thoughts, fears, hopes, and opinions. How they each began to own their individual contributions to the unraveling of their marriage. Laney, especially. And how hard they worked (I'm looking at you, Connor) to start over and build a new future together...the right way. I could feel their emotions every step of the journey. I cried with them, laughed with them, cheered for them. 

Snowe surrounded Laney and Connor with a well-developed supporting cast of characters who added conflict, humor, and support while never overshadowing the lead couple. Then there's the small town of Cherrywood, a character in itself, wrapped up in colorful decorations, ice skating rinks, scavenger hunts, community dinners, cookies galore, and can't miss holiday festivals. I want to visit. I want to hang out with Connor, Laney, Petra, Matt, Laney's parents, and the rest of the warm, welcoming people who call Cherrywood home. 

If you're looking for a second-chance, heartwarming, marriage-in-crisis romance with steam, humor, substantial character growth, emotional depth, unexpected twists, and hard-won happy endings, kick off your 2025 holiday reading with Date Night in December by Jaqueline Snow. It's a heart-tugging, second-chance, hot chocolate - with sprinkles - warm hug of a book. 

Review - - To Heist and to Hold

To Heist and to Hold

by Christina Britton

Wimpole Street Widows Society - Book 1

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Reviewed by PJ
 

A vigilante widow and a casino owner are both trying to bluff their way to a winning hand.

Heloise Marlowe has always forged her own path. As a former blacksmith and fencing instructor, she wasn’t just going to sit around knitting after her husband died. The Wimpole Street Widows Society, a secret group dedicated to balancing the scales of justice, was a much better fit for her skills. Her newest mission: seduce the owner of the club Dionysus and gain access to the den’s inner workings. She didn’t mind putting her body on the line, but she wasn’t prepared to gamble her heart.

Ethan Sinclaire has worked hard to clean up his club after the betrayal of his brother. But now, rumors are swirling that his club is just as crooked as before. He won’t let anyone destroy what he’s built, so when Heloise starts poking around, he decides to go all in, in hopes that she’ll show her hand. Enjoying her company is the easy part. Keeping himself from falling—that’s a whole different card game.

PJ's Thoughts:

Christina Britton launches her new historical romance series with an intriguing story of mystery, adventure, sensual romance, and unexpected feelings. 

It took me a while to get into the story or feel invested in the characters, not unusual with book one of a series. There's a fair amount of set-up and introductions to dispense with before we really get into the meat of the journey. By the end of the first third of the book, however, I had developed an emotional attachment to both Ethan and Heloise. These two are the heartbeat of the romance in this book, both carrying some deep emotional baggage. Their physical connection is steamy and fast but Britton takes her time developing their emotional connection in a realistic and wholly satisfying way. 

The mystery portion of the book is well crafted with more than a few red herrings and surprise twists along the way. It kept me guessing, settling upon then discarding various theories right up until the big reveal. I love when an author keeps me from figuring things out too soon.

There's a sizeable ensemble supporting cast in this book, with characters from both the Widow's Society and Ethan's gaming club, Dionysus that I'm hopeful we'll see more of in future books. The relationships that are explored in both establishments, both new ones among the widows and lifelong bonds among Ethan and his family/friends/business partners, are instrumental in the individual growth of Ethan and Heloise as well as their romantic relationship as a couple. 

All in all, this was a solid first book in what has the potential to be another romantic, adventure-filled, highly satisfying series by Christina Britton. I'm already eager to discover what she has in store for readers next and who will step into the spotlight in book two. 

Review - - Is This Real or Just Pretend?

Is This Real or Just Pretend?

by Emily Sullivan

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Alexandra Atkinson prides herself on being in control. It’s why she’s such an asset to her father’s investment firm—along with her utter lack of a social life and her talent for spotting successful ventures for investors. But with her father nearing retirement and the board unwilling to have a female head, Alex could lose everything . . .

After his business partner burned him, Lucien Taylor is determined to start over. But he doesn’t know how until his childhood friend’s sister, Alexandra Atkinson, comes to him with a most unusual proposal: She’ll help Lucien find the funding he needs if he pretends to court her long enough to secure her claim to her father’s company.

But Alex and Lucien soon realize they didn’t quite account for all the details in their arrangement—like how they can undo each other with just a look. And the more time they spend together, the more the intensity shimmering between them can’t be controlled. Not even by Alex. And if they give in? Well, she’s not sure which of them will be in more trouble . . . but she’s willing to find out.

PJ's Thoughts:

Emily Sullivan's historical romances are fast becoming auto-buy books for me. Her newest is book two in a series featuring the Atkinson sisters. It can be read as a standalone though I enjoyed it more for having read Duchess Material first as the Atkinson sisters and parents are key characters in both books. 

I was immediately intrigued by Alex in book one and wondered if there might not be hidden layers to this financial wizard who keeps the family business afloat without any credit from the outside world. Turns out there are. She guards her emotions tightly but there are deep feelings rumbling within. Who knew it would be the coachman's son who would bring them to life?

I enjoyed this gender-flipped, Victorian romance inspired by the movie, Sabrina. It was fun to watch the newly-returned Lucien sort through his feelings while attempting to overcome the disaster his former business partner had created. He goes through quite the evolution from beginning to end, which he needed to in order to be the right partner for Alexandra. Of course, there needs to be growth for Alex too and I was pleased with how her personal evolution played out. 

Alex's family have key roles in this story with youngest sister, Freddie, the most prominent. I can't quite decide how I feel about her (you'll understand once you read this book) but I'm looking forward to discovering where her book's journey takes her. As with Alex, and Phoebe in book one, I have a feeling there may also be hidden layers within Freddie that are waiting for the right moment to be revealed. 

If you enjoy fake courtship, cross-class romance, age gap (she's five years older), virgin heroes, buttoned-up heroines, and complex family dynamics, you might want to give Is This Real or Just Pretend? a try. 

 

Review - - A Waltz on the Wild Side

A Waltz on the Wild Side

by Erica Ridley

The Wild Wynchesters - Book 6

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Advice columnist Miss Vivian Henry hates how the Wild Wynchesters flaunt so many privileges ordinary people could never emulate. But when her beloved cousin goes missing and the authorities shrug, Viv has no choice but to beg for help from the vigilantes she despises. 
 
Aspiring poet Jacob Wynchester prefers animals to people. He’d rather stay behind the safety of a quill than interact with prickly clients. But when he's appointed lead investigator, Jacob finds he admires Vivian's resourcefulness and intelligence—including the sharp wit he must parry. As they team up to rescue her kidnapped cousin, they discover just how compatible they are.
 
Together, they must not only save the day, but also decide how far they’re willing to go to be who they really are. And determine whether their partnership is a mistake… or the missing piece that completes them.

PJ's Thoughts:

A Waltz on the Wild Side is a solid conclusion to what has been an excellent series. All of the Wynchesters - and their partners - return for this farewell story but it's quiet, gentle Jacob who takes the lead when a young man goes missing and the authorities don't seem to care.

I always enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers story and this one is most definitely that. The Wynchester family is Vivian's absolute last resort when her cousin goes missing. To say she holds them in low regard would be a gross understatement. While her young cousin idolizes these crime-fighting adopted siblings, Vivian is convinced they are too rich, too entitled, and too full of themselves. She has a sharp quill, sharp tongue, and two pets of her own that are enough to scare off every adversary. She will not be easily won over. 

Jacob is a kind soul who is more at home with animals than people, his family being the exception. It was fun to watch him take the lead on a case, especially with the sparks that fly between him and Vivian. These two have more in common than they think. Working together to try to find Vivian's cousin not only deepens feelings but also helps each of them evolve in unexpected ways as they journey toward personal fulfillment and, as a couple, their own happy ending.

As with the earlier books in this series, Ridley brings plenty of adventure, fun, and humor to this one. I enjoy the dynamics among the Wynchester siblings and their chosen partners. There's plenty of teasing but an equal amount of respect and support. And, as always, a few surprises. There are also important social issues addressed in this book, in particular those relating to wealth, race, and gender. I appreciate how Ridley balances the entertainment value of her books with issues important to the time, keeping the characters and their challenges authentic. I'm excited to discover what she plans to bring readers next. 

Review - - A Promise of Forever

A Promise of Forever

by Sheryl Lister

Firefly Lake - Book 3

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 19, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Terri Rhodes loves her husband—when he’s actually present. Their whirlwind marriage was a steamy fairy tale for about a year. They moved to Firefly Lake, made amazing friends . . . but over time, Jon’s legal practice and Terri’s work as an ER nurse have turned them into ships passing in the night. What she wouldn’t give to connect with Jon the way they used to before the long hours and unexpected tragedy broke both their hearts.

Jon can’t stand to see his beautiful wife in pain—or talk about his own. He couldn’t admit there was a problem until Terri got his attention in the worst way: by walking out. Jon will do anything to get her back, like leaning on their new friends in the Supper Club and taking her on dates that prove their chemistry is as hot as ever. He has to believe it’s not too late to prove to the woman he loves that his heart and ears are open. And that no matter what, he’s not giving up.

PJ's Thoughts:

I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy. Book three, A Promise of Forever wraps things up with a story that was both charming and deeply emotional. Expect to laugh, cry, and sigh with heartfelt delight.

The four women at the heart of Serenity's Supper Club are friendship goals. I love how they rally for one another, offering support when needed and straight talk when appropriate. They are one another's biggest cheerleaders and Terri needs all of them when her marriage hits the rocks. 

I've also enjoyed how the new husbands from books one and two have formed their own bonds, pulling Jon into their circle in this book. As much as Terri needs her girls, Jon needs the brothers even more. The life-long toxic influence of Jon's father has Jon's marriage teetering on the brink. I love that the author uses strong, confident, happily married Black men to show Jon that being vulnerable,  sharing your feelings, and asking for help doesn't make you weak but, in fact, makes you stronger. 

The progression of Jon's and Terri's marriage from tension to separation to reunion unfolds in a thoughtful, organic, and authentic manner that kept me engaged and involved from beginning to end. The stakes of their actions are realistic and relatable, their love for one another palpable, but the issues between them not easily mended. The hard work they put in - especially Jon - had me celebrating their HEA with smiles and tears. 

If you enjoy charming, heartfelt, small-town romance with relatable, fully-dimensional characters, strong friendships, supportive community, drool-worthy food, emotional heft, and swoon-worthy happy endings, give A Promise of Forever a try. It has my enthusiastic recommendation, as do books one and two, A Table for Two and A Perfect Pairing.